Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:22     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
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.


+100


I'm beginning to think Jeff is Williams Mom
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:17     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.


The thread isn't anti-Williams; it's anti-parent-refusing-to-listen-to-a-young-adult-making-a-good-decision-about-their-own-education.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:13     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Does DS actually want to go work as an art historian? if yes, that would be a reason to pick Williams otherwise sounds like Vassar is a better fit. Williams seems like a tough school to be at if it is not a good fit - it is so small and remote.

Williams undergrad art history and Vassar art history are the same. It’s not till the masters program that Williams stands out.


I gather as a SLAC, Williams does not offer a PhD program in Art History. Just wondering why anyone would get a Masters at Williams, and then I guess you apply for a PhD after your Masters, or is there some commercial value to just a Masters degree?

Art history is a difficult field to get admission to a PhD and stand out in the crowded field. Williams masters program offers a lot of unique resources that you’d expect for a PhD program and has the prestige to get you into a shiny PHD program.

It used to be just go to Williams for your masters and get a job, but art history is more competitive than ever.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:10     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Does DS actually want to go work as an art historian? if yes, that would be a reason to pick Williams otherwise sounds like Vassar is a better fit. Williams seems like a tough school to be at if it is not a good fit - it is so small and remote.

Williams undergrad art history and Vassar art history are the same. It’s not till the masters program that Williams stands out.


I gather as a SLAC, Williams does not offer a PhD program in Art History. Just wondering why anyone would get a Masters at Williams, and then I guess you apply for a PhD after your Masters, or is there some commercial value to just a Masters degree?
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:05     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:Does DS actually want to go work as an art historian? if yes, that would be a reason to pick Williams otherwise sounds like Vassar is a better fit. Williams seems like a tough school to be at if it is not a good fit - it is so small and remote.

Williams undergrad art history and Vassar art history are the same. It’s not till the masters program that Williams stands out.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 10:16     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Does DS actually want to go work as an art historian? if yes, that would be a reason to pick Williams otherwise sounds like Vassar is a better fit. Williams seems like a tough school to be at if it is not a good fit - it is so small and remote.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 08:44     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
because it's a kid making a decision on their own, which should be supported. this is why there are revisit days.

if the question was more general, most people would say williams is better. but it's late April and this kid has made a decision and it's great! vassar is great!
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 23:38     Subject: Vassar Over Williams?!
Anonymous wrote:
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.


+100