The dean of admission and financial aid at Williams College, a small (approximately 2,000 undergraduates) and selective (approximately 12.4% overall acceptance rate for fall 2019 first-year entry) private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts, wants to make sure students know about important opportunities and updates for students interested in applying for 2020.

Liz Creighton, Williams’ Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, has informed high school counselors that interested students should apply for the 2019 Windows on Williams (WOW) program by either the July 1 or August 1 deadline. The amazing WOW program gives more than 200 stellar rising high school seniors the opportunity to spend three all-expenses-paid days on the Williams campus. While diverse rising seniors are encouraged to applying, Creighton notes that, “preference will be given to students who couldn’t otherwise afford to visit.”

Those rising seniors who want to hear from Williams about their WOW decision by July 20 should apply by the July 1 deadline, and those who want to hear about their WOW decision by August 20 should apply by August 1. Rising seniors with questions should contact Williams with any questions.

Creighton also underscored Williams’ longstanding commitment to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated need and providing free textbooks and course materials to all financial aid recipients; yet, she also shared that moving forward there are additional opportunities to support students with financial need. Of particular note are the following four initiatives:

• Williams’ new “Free Summer” initiative gives students the opportunity to select up to two summers during their Williams career when their summer earnings contribution will be replaced by additional grant funding from the college. The powers that be at Williams hope this new policy will allow students to consider educationally valuable but unpaid or low-paid summer opportunities that they otherwise couldn’t.
• The Williams Health Insurance Grant now covers the full cost of health insurance for all aid recipients who don’t have insurance that meets the college’s requirements. Students also have access to an Emergency Medical Fund to cover the cost of unanticipated medical expenses like new eyeglasses and emergency dental care.
• All financial aid recipients now get free storage for their personal belongings during summers and study abroad.
• Through the First Yard Fund, incoming first-year students with the greatest financial need will receive a $300 startup grant in mid-July to help them buy personal items they need for college, like a winter coat and boots, dorm room supplies, etc.

MyinTuition gives prospects more of an idea of how affordable Williams can be for those accepted.

Williams also offers travel stipends to high schools and community-based organizations who serve low-income students. Counselors interested in learning about how they and their students can connect with Williams in their local areas, are invited by Creighton to contact their regional admission officer.