Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:45     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I don't get the Williams appeal. So many peer schools with better campuses, opportunities, and environments. Somehow DCUM attracts every williams alum too.


It’s more the opposite. There’s a consistent anti-Williams bias on this forum. As far as I can tell, it stems primarily from a need to take down the #1 rated SLAC.

I’m not an alum but strongly considered Williams. As far as SLACs go, it’s certainly not for everyone but it also comes about as close as a school can get to embodying the idea of an “academic village.” And while I turned Williams down for a more accessible and less remote Ivy, I certainly observed that Williams grads were extremely well prepared for law school.

I’m confused. Every lac is talked about on here and when Williams is presented, the overwhelming idea is it is some Mecca amongst lacs in its own league. This is the only thread where I’ve seen open and accurate criticism of Williams.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:20     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:I don't get the Williams appeal. So many peer schools with better campuses, opportunities, and environments. Somehow DCUM attracts every williams alum too.


It’s more the opposite. There’s a consistent anti-Williams bias on this forum. As far as I can tell, it stems primarily from a need to take down the #1 rated SLAC.

I’m not an alum but strongly considered Williams. As far as SLACs go, it’s certainly not for everyone but it also comes about as close as a school can get to embodying the idea of an “academic village.” And while I turned Williams down for a more accessible and less remote Ivy, I certainly observed that Williams grads were extremely well prepared for law school.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:20     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
we just visited Vassar for the admitted students day. It's clearly an amazing place where faculty and admin care deeply about their students. Your child will be lucky to be attending. Also, the campus is gorgeous and it's under 2h to NYC!
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:19     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I thought Vassar was a women's college?

Welcome back, Rip Van Winkle! Vassar has been coeducational since 1969, longer than Harvard has been co-ed!


(Also longer than Williams, Colgate, John’s Hopkins, Notre Dame, and U Penn!)



+1 How do people not know this?
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:18     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
I loved Vassar and its campus when we visited. Williams not so much
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:17     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
OP, you are an idiot. Sorry, it had to be said. The "obvious answer" is the one your very smart kid chose.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 18:12     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
If he is gay, Vassar is probably better, Williams is smaller, isolated and community and the dating pool will be tiny.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 16:42     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:is Vassar's yield rate is under 30%. williams is over 43%. so this isnt relevant here.

If you would be willing to elaborate, what's not relevant here?

Never mind. I see your point now.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 16:38     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:is Vassar's yield rate is under 30%. williams is over 43%. so this isnt relevant here.

If you would be willing to elaborate, what's not relevant here?
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 16:31     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
is Vassar's yield rate is under 30%. williams is over 43%. so this isnt relevant here.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 15:59     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I don't get the Williams appeal. So many peer schools with better campuses, opportunities, and environments. Somehow DCUM attracts every williams alum too.


Oh yeah? Name them?

Pretty much every single peer institution of Williams. You can do the google search to find the peer institution list or use your imagination for all I care. And, the students agree with me- Williams has a pitiful yield.

Now, what actual point are you gonna make that’s gonna waste my time?
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 15:55     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:I don't get the Williams appeal. So many peer schools with better campuses, opportunities, and environments. Somehow DCUM attracts every williams alum too.


Oh yeah? Name them?
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 15:50     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:After attending both admitted students days, DS is certain he wants to choose Vassar over Williams. This was a massive shock for our family, since he dreamed of Williams and almost ED’d. Conversation with faculty member in Cognitive Science apparently drew him, but we’re hoping he chooses the obvious answer.

Anyone else have a similar situation? DS is interested in art/art history and cognitive science.


I’ve seen both schools. Williams is gorgeous, but so is Vassar, and it’s great to be able to jump on a cheap commuter rail train and go to New York.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 15:24     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
I don't get the Williams appeal. So many peer schools with better campuses, opportunities, and environments. Somehow DCUM attracts every williams alum too.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 13:55     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:Williams has a shockingly abysmal yield for RD - meaning, many kids choose other schools who gain admittance - Vassar is definitely at the peer level so go with it!!


I know kids in the class few cycles who got into williams RD. it's not usually a x or williams decision. kids who get into williams also have other great options at various price points so if your choices are UVA, Rice, CMU, Brown, Pomona, Swat and Williams - and choose UVA (like a kid I know this year), it's hardly a knock on williams.