Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 22:08     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
Williams if you need to be slowly built up and want/need a small environment to thrive.

CMU if your kid can hit the ground running and wants as many opportunities to establish themselves.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 22:05     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I did math at Williams and can’t emphasis enough how involved the professors were. They are so approachable and involved and really got me to think about math in ways I never had. They also helped me with the decision I was struggling with as far as should I try finance or go straight to grad school. Ironically, with their encouragement, we all realized I would enjoy working in finance more and never ended up pursuing any further degrees in math, but I am not sure the faculty would be this approachable at a bigger school? I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them, but I found that aspect of Williams hard to beat.


OP: thank you for sharing. This is my feeling too. I know CMU is technically much stronger (from an academic perspective), but all the support and one-on-one relationship at Williams is really important too.

While you were there, do you know of any "hard-core" math kids who went onto MS/PhD? Do you feel these kids were challenged at Williams all four years? Were there a lot of research (or other) opportunities at Williams?


Dcum parents were there years ago. How is that relevant?

Williams is full of polished fin bro these days. Time has changed.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 22:05     Subject: Re:Williams vs CMU for Math
When you look at the top math reu, Duluth, very few spots across decades have gone to LAC students: https://sites.google.com/view/gallian-reu/additional-information/list-of-participants?authuser=0

SLACs are great, but the difference in talents and options between a medium elite university and Williams or Pomona (two gold standard LACs for math) is pretty vast.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 22:03     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
Anonymous wrote:I did math at Williams and can’t emphasis enough how involved the professors were. They are so approachable and involved and really got me to think about math in ways I never had. They also helped me with the decision I was struggling with as far as should I try finance or go straight to grad school. Ironically, with their encouragement, we all realized I would enjoy working in finance more and never ended up pursuing any further degrees in math, but I am not sure the faculty would be this approachable at a bigger school? I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them, but I found that aspect of Williams hard to beat.


If finance/wall street is desired, Williams.

Ph.D. or quant, CMU.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 22:03     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
Anonymous wrote:I did math at Williams and can’t emphasis enough how involved the professors were. They are so approachable and involved and really got me to think about math in ways I never had. They also helped me with the decision I was struggling with as far as should I try finance or go straight to grad school. Ironically, with their encouragement, we all realized I would enjoy working in finance more and never ended up pursuing any further degrees in math, but I am not sure the faculty would be this approachable at a bigger school? I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them, but I found that aspect of Williams hard to beat.


OP: thank you for sharing. This is my feeling too. I know CMU is technically much stronger (from an academic perspective), but all the support and one-on-one relationship at Williams is really important too.

While you were there, do you know of any "hard-core" math kids who went onto MS/PhD? Do you feel these kids were challenged at Williams all four years? Were there a lot of research (or other) opportunities at Williams?
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 22:00     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
Anonymous wrote:I would think for someone interested in pursuing a PhD, Williams would be best. Math is excellent at Williams. And the research/scholarship/publication opportunities are very good. Plus the small classes and mentors.

Not…exactly. For top graduate admission, having advanced coursework in mathematics is very important and you want access to top researchers in the field. Williams has great teachers but they’re not exactly impactful mathematicians around there. You’d get a lot further standing out at Carnegie Mellon.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:54     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
I would think for someone interested in pursuing a PhD, Williams would be best. Math is excellent at Williams. And the research/scholarship/publication opportunities are very good. Plus the small classes and mentors.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:46     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
I did math at Williams and can’t emphasis enough how involved the professors were. They are so approachable and involved and really got me to think about math in ways I never had. They also helped me with the decision I was struggling with as far as should I try finance or go straight to grad school. Ironically, with their encouragement, we all realized I would enjoy working in finance more and never ended up pursuing any further degrees in math, but I am not sure the faculty would be this approachable at a bigger school? I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them, but I found that aspect of Williams hard to beat.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:45     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
This one is easy. CMU any second, if he is truly interested in math, not pre-professional path.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:43     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
If actually talented in mathematics, easily CMU
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:42     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
Carnegie Mellon
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:35     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
CMU for sure, double major or minor in CS
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:34     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
I really don't think your DC can go wrong. He should look at the curriculum for each and should visit, speaking with some math professors, then decide.
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:33     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
^^ Actually, Williams, CMU vs WashU
Anonymous
Post 03/20/2026 21:32     Subject: Williams vs CMU for Math
The decision will be DC's, but want to hear some thoughts on Williams vs CMU for Math. Advanced student (already completed Multivar calc and Linear algebra, plus self-studied more), looking to study pure math, and likely MS/PhD in future.