williams college supplemental essay 2022

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College Essays

Williams is among the most selective colleges in the country. In 2022 , its acceptance rate was only 8.5%. As part of your Williams application, you’ll need to respond to the Williams writing supplement.

In this article, we’ll cover the question that makes up the Williams writing supplement, offer suggestions for what to write about in your essay, and give you tips for crafting the best essay possible.

The Williams Writing Supplement

The Williams writing supplement includes one required “long answer” question (150-300 words). You’ll need to respond to it as part of your application!

Williams believes that in a residential learning community, some of the most important experiences happen while living and learning alongside those different from oneself. Please describe a time when you learned or grew through the process of interacting with someone whose background, identity, lived experience or perspective differs from your own.

As we mentioned, Williams instructs applicants to respond to this question in 150-300 words. Writing this essay is not optional , so you’ll need to make sure you write a thoughtful response before you submit your application!

What Should I Write About in My Williams College Supplement?

Let’s take a look at the Williams College supplement question and discuss what you could write about in it. To recap, here’s how the prompt reads on the application: 

Let’s take a look at the Williams College supplement question and discuss what you could write about in it. To recap, here’s how the prompt reads on the application : 

Williams believes that in a residential learning community, some of the most important experiences happen while living and learning alongside those different from oneself. Please describe a time when you learned or grew through the process of interacting with someone whose background, identity, lived experience or perspective differs from your own. 

The residential learning community program at Williams is designed to help students plug into the Williams community and give you the support you'll need to be successful during your first year. Knowing that, it makes sense that admissions counselors would want to know more about how you'll fit into both your residential community and the Williams student body! Especially since you’ll likely be living among people who are different from you. 

The first step to answering this prompt is choosing a person/community and experience to focus on in your essay. You should pick an experience that has both impacted your personal growth in a meaningful way and taught you how to have positive interactions with people who are different from you. 

Most of us have had multiple learning experiences with people who are different from us. For instance, you may have had experiences in school, church, clubs or extracurriculars, or even in your family or friend group that brought you in contact with people and perspectives that differed from yours. Try to pick out the experience where you learned something really important–and that taught you something that’s stuck with you over time. 

From there, it's time to tell a story . Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you have to help others understand your values and experiences. That's why we recommend that you tell a story that helps illustrate how the experience you've chosen impacted your life and perspective!

For example, let's say you immigrated to the U.S. as a kid and just recently became a U.S. citizen. Telling the story of what you learned by coming into contact with people who are different from you during that experience will help admissions counselors a) get to know you better, and b) understand your values. 

In telling that story, make sure you don't forget to explain how the experience changed your perspective or impacted who you are . This prompt is designed to help admissions counselors get to know you better, so don't be afraid to be authentic and honest! 

UPDATE for 2022-2023 Williams Applicants

For students applying to Williams during the 2022/2023 school year, there’s an additional optional writing supplement. This essay is separate from the required long answer question we mentioned above. It appears at the end of the Williams application, and you must submit all required parts of the Common App (including the required long answer response!) before you can upload an optional essay. 

On their website , Williams states:

Some students feel they do their best writing in an academic context rather than through narrative pieces like admission applications. If you are interested in submitting an example of your academic writing from the last year, you may share a 3-5 page paper. The paper may be creative or analytical, can cover any topic, and need not be graded. We ask that you include a description of the assignment or prompt. Please do not submit lab reports. Students can apply and submit this optional writing supplement using the Common Application or QuestBridge Application.

As this supplement is optional, you can choose whether or not you want to submit something for it. If you choose not to, it won't negatively affect your application. If you do decide to submit a paper, don't write something new just for this prompt. Choose a school paper you think is a great example of your writing skills, and submit that. You may want to choose a paper that relates to the subject you want to major in at Williams, but that isn't required. Remember to include a description of the assignment, as Williams requests.

Should I Write an Essay for the Optional Williams Writing Supplement?

When you’re working on your Williams College application, you’ll notice that the Williams Academic Writing Supplement is entirely optional. So should you write an essay? Or skip it altogether?

It would be a huge mistake to not write the Williams College supplement. While the instructions do say optional, the statement isn’t really optional. Choosing not to write an essay will make you look like you don’t care that much about being accepted to Williams.

Along the same lines, your Williams writing supplement is a great way to show the admissions committee aspects of your personality that aren’t highlighted in the rest of your application. Take that opportunity! Show the admissions committee why you belong on Williams’ campus.

What Should I Write About in the Optional Williams Writing Supplement?

If you do choose this prompt, there are a few things to consider. First, your paper needs to be A+ level excellent (though it doesn’t necessarily have to be a graded paper!). If there's a paper you have in mind, we recommend talking to your teacher about it before you decide it's the paper you want to submit. They will be able to give you honest feedback and encouragement about your paper and help you ensure it’s in tip top shape before you send it in.

Second, make sure you edit your paper before you send it to Williams. That doesn't mean you need to completely rewrite your paper, but you should make the revisions your teacher mentions on your essay. Also, make sure you proofread, proofread, proofread. Williams will expect your paper to be free of typos and grammatical errors! 

Tips for Writing a Strong Williams College Supplement Essay

To write a strong Williams College long answer and optional supplemental essay, you need to make sure your essays are the best possible example of your work. Follow these three tips for writing amazing Williams essays to wow the admissions committee!

#1: Be Authentic

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you’re presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don’t try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you’re not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Williams wants you to be.

#2: Play With Form

The Williams College supplement essays leave a lot of room open for creative expression - use that! You don’t need to stick to a five paragraph essay structure here. You can play with the length and style of your sentences — you could even dabble in poetry if that makes sense!

Whichever form you pick, make sure it fits with the story you’re trying to tell and how you want to express yourself.

#3: Proofread and Polish Your Essay

Your Williams essay should be the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It’s a good idea to have someone else read your Williams College supplement essay, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven’t missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it can possibly be.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re writing the required long answer response or the optional academic supplement, there are a few rules of thumb that apply if you want your responses to be the best they can be. 

When writing your Williams College supplement response,

• Be authentic and true to yourself.
• Tell stories that are meaningful to your identity and experience.
• Lie or exaggerate to seem more important.
• Forget to proofread or polish your essay.

What’s Next?

Wondering how to ace the Common Application? No problem! We’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to make your application stand out from the crowd .

Starting your essay is often the hardest part.  If you're unsure where to begin, check out this guide to starting a college essay perfectly , and don't be afraid to just dive right in!

If you're applying to Williams College, you're likely applying to other colleges on the East Coast, too. Check out our expert guides to the Duke essay , the Tufts essays , and the Harvard essay .

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Williams College Supplemental Essay Prompts

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Located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College is a private liberal arts college with a 9% acceptance rate . This means that it’s important to set your application apart and you can do that by completing the Williams supplements in a stellar way. Keep reading to learn more about the prompts and get tips on how to write your essay. 

The Williams prompt

Williams College offers students the opportunity to submit an optional “paper of choice.” For this option, we go over how to choose an essay that’s a reflection of your best self. For a small selective college like Williams, it is always in your best interest to submit any optional materials. It is just one more opportunity to share about who you are as a person. For a deeper dive into the Williams supplemental essay prompt, keep reading!

“ Optional: Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, some students feel they do their best writing in an academic context rather than through narrative pieces like admission applications. If you are interested in submitting an example of your academic writing, you may share a 3-5 page paper written in the last year. The paper may be creative or analytical, can cover any topic, and need not be graded. Please include a description of the assignment or prompt. Please do not submit lab reports.”

Williams advises their applicants to submit essays that are from the humanities or social sciences, which can include psychology, economics, history, English, and more. Ideally, you should choose an essay that you’re proud of that’s on an interesting topic or has a unique thesis. 

Students can work with a guidance counselor or teacher to fine tune their essays before submitting them, especially if they weren’t happy with the grade received.  Three to five pages double-spaced is about 1500-2500 words. Keep that in mind just in case you have to add or take off a paragraph or two.

Questions to consider:

• How is this paper a representation of you?
• Does this paper enhance your application?
• What makes this particular essay stand out?

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Next steps for applicants

Once you’re done writing your Williams supplement, you should complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile . These two applications can come in handy and play a major part in colleges deciding your financial aid package. Williams also offers their applicants a chance to connect with current students to talk about their experiences and answer any questions. Don’t forget to schedule a campus tour as well to get a feel of the campus before you decide to enroll.

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

Additional resources

Congratulations on finishing up your Williams College supplements! Since this might not be the only school you’re applying to, check out some of these Scholarships360 resources to help out as you prepare for college.

• Compare your financial aid award letters
• Learn more about writing supplemental essays
• Figure out your future major

Frequently asked questions about the Williams College supplemental essays

How many supplemental essays for williams college, should i submit the williams writing supplement, what kind of papers to submit for the williams' writing supplement, scholarships360 recommended.

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Williams Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Located around 3 hours west of Boston in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a small, private, liberal arts college. Williams College is known for its small campus and rigorous academics.  With the Williams acceptance rate currently at 9% , strong Williams supplemental essays can make a major difference in the admissions process.  The Williams supplemental essays work a little differently than those at many other colleges, providing a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their writing skills. 

The Williams essay is not based on a specific prompt. Instead, it invites students to submit an academic paper alongside their application. This Optional Writing Supplement gives students the opportunity to share an example of academic writing with the Williams admissions office . There are no formal Williams essay prompts; instead, the only personal statement Williams will receive is your Common App essay. In this way, the Williams College supplemental essay stands out. 

Understanding the Williams supplemental essays

Unlike other schools with defined prompts, the Williams College supplemental essays invite students to share any piece of academic writing 3-5 pages long. The paper can be creative or analytical, and it can cover any topic. Williams accepts both the Common App and the Coalition App , and you can submit the paper through either application. The Williams essay can be a great opportunity to highlight an academic interest or demonstrate your analytical skills. 

The Williams College supplemental essay can feel intimidating, especially if you aren’t sure what to submit. While the Williams supplemental essays are optional, we recommend taking advantage of the chance to demonstrate your writing skills. The Williams essay can help the admissions officers get to know you better. It can also let you showcase your passions and academic interests. If you’re feeling stuck on the Williams supplemental essays, this guide will detail the best ways to approach this unique prompt.

Williams Essay Quick Facts:

Williams Acceptance Rate: 9%

Essay Requirements for Williams: No essay required, though students have the option to submit an academic paper alongside application . Students should also submit the Common App essay .  

Williams College Application: According to the Williams admissions website , the following are required for first-year applicants before the application deadline :  

• School Report
• Counselor Recommendation
• Two Teacher Recommendations
• Mid-Year Report (Due February 8* or for schools on a trimester, when 2nd trimester grades are available)
• $65 Application Fee or Fee Waiver
• Early Decision Agreement Form (Early Decision applicants only)

Williams College is also test-optional, meaning students do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, Williams College is a Questbridge partner , so students may be able to match via their process. If you want to learn more about Questbridge, read our guide here .  Additionally, if you have questions about the application process, you can connect with the Williams College admissions office.

Williams Application Deadlines : 

• Early Decision: November 15 th  
• Regular Decision: January 8 th  
• Transfer: March 1 st  

Williams College Supplemental Essay Tip: Try to submit an academic paper in the area you plan to study. This can help the admissions officers understand your experience and interest in your intended major. The Williams supplemental essays allow you the unique opportunity to showcase your talents and academic passions. So, choose an academic paper that reflects your goals and interests. 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website. 

Does Williams College have supplemental essays?

The Williams essay is unique in that it is not a traditional supplemental essay. Unlike at other schools, the Williams College supplemental essay is optional and does not follow a prompt. Rather, the Williams supplemental essays are academic papers submitted by students for review. 

In the past, the Williams essay prompts followed the more traditional supplemental essay format, asking students to write a community essay. However, the Williams essay has changed in recent years. 

The Williams College supplemental essay requirement asks students to submit a 3-5-page academic paper on a topic of their choice. The paper does not need to be graded and can be creative or analytical. As part of the Williams essay prompts, students must also submit an explanation of the assignment or prompt. 

The Williams supplemental essays allow students to showcase their analytical and academic writing skills. While the Williams essay is optional, given the competitive Williams acceptance rate, you should plan to submit a Williams College supplemental essay. 

Williams Essay Requirements

There is no formal Williams essay requirement—students can submit their Williams application without submitting the Williams supplemental essays. Williams College will also receive your Common App essay, although it is not technically a formal requirement for your application. 

While there is no Williams essay requirement, we encourage students to submit a Williams College supplemental essay to help boost their admissions odds.

With the Williams admissions process as competitive as it is, students should think carefully about their Williams College application essay. The Williams supplemental essays allow admissions officers to understand your academic interests. Additionally, the Williams essay lets you showcase a piece of work that you’re proud of and demonstrate your academic writing skills. This means you should take the Williams supplemental essays seriously, even if they are not required for the Williams College application. 

Your Williams College supplemental essay can help you stand out in the application process. In many ways, the Williams supplemental essays can provide more insight into a student’s writing ability than traditional essay prompts. The more information you can give to admissions officers, the better. They want to know your academic interests and your writing abilities. You should take advantage of this great opportunity to share something you’re proud of.

Personal Statement vs. Academic Paper

Through the college application process, you will encounter different supplemental essay prompts. While the Williams College application essay is an academic paper, you’ll likely have to write a personal statement such as the Common App essay . Additionally, you’ll also complete supplemental essay prompts for many other colleges. We’ll detail the difference between the personal statement and academic paper and the best way to approach both. 

You’ll likely complete your personal statement by responding to one of the Common App essay prompts. Different schools may also require a separate personal statement in addition to the Common App essay. So, it’s important to be prepared to write both. The personal statement is meant as an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your academic goals to college admissions officers. A well-crafted personal statement should highlight who you are and how you’ll make the most of your college experience, often through the use of a compelling story or anecdote. 

Prior Williams essay prompts were structured more like a personal statement. Specifically, these essay prompts were a classic “community essay,” asking how students would enrich the Williams community. However, the current Williams essay portion comprises only the academic paper and personal statement.

Writing a personal statement

The personal statement can be hard to tackle, especially if you’re not familiar with writing about yourself. It’s important to think through why you’re applying to college and what you hope to achieve during your undergraduate career. Consider your high school experience – what clubs, classes, and experiences inform who you are today? Is there something that you’re really proud of that you want to make sure colleges know about?  What do you think has prepared you for college? Figuring out the best way to communicate who you are and what you want to accomplish can take some time. So, be sure to start brainstorming early.

Academic papers and college admissions

The academic paper, on the other hand, is not a straightforward introduction to colleges; in fact, it has little to do with the admissions process at all. Your academic paper, moreover, will likely not contain many personal details about you. 

In 2023, Williams supplemental essays are academic papers. While they may not provide as much outright information about you, they still play a major role in the admissions review process. 

The academic paper allows colleges to see what kind of academic writing skills you have. It also highlights what disciplines you’re interested in. Your paper can help showcase your analytical or creative writing skills, giving admissions officers the chance to see your intellectual curiosity in action. Additionally, the academic paper is a chance for you to show off—is there a paper that you’re super proud of? 

You can consult with your teachers on which paper to submit as well. This can provide you with some additional feedback on your Williams college application. 

Overall, both the personal statement and academic paper help admissions officers get to know you better, but in very different ways. As an academic paper, the Williams College supplemental essay provides an insight to your analytical skills that is hard to capture in a personal statement. 

The college’s switch from formal Williams essay prompts to an academic paper highlights Williams’ emphasis on academic writing. If you’re looking for more help with your personal statement, you can read our How to Write Better Essays guide here . But now, let’s take a closer look at how to tackle the Williams College application essay.

If you’re considering applying to Williams, don’t forget to register for our webinar on Building Your College Applications Timeline!

Williams Supplemental Essays

The Williams College supplemental essay prompt can be found below: 

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, some students feel they do their best writing in an academic context rather than through narrative pieces like admission applications. If you are interested in submitting an example of your academic writing, you may share a 3-5 page paper written in the last year. The paper may be creative or analytical, can cover any topic, and need not be graded. Please include a description of the assignment or prompt. Please do not submit lab reports.

Students can apply and submit this optional writing supplement using the common application, apply coalition with scoir or questbridge application..

Rather than the traditional supplemental essay prompt, the Williams essay asks you to submit an academic paper of your choosing, between 3-5 pages. The Williams essay is unique in that it is optional. It also provides students an opportunity to display their academic writing skills. 

Many other colleges have direct prompts for students to answer. However, the Williams supplemental essays require students to decide which of their academic papers represent them best. This can be really difficult, so we’ve compiled some tips on how to pick your Williams College supplemental essay. 

1. Align the Williams essay with your major 

As the Williams College supplemental essay seeks to showcase your academic writing skills, you should submit an essay that reflects your interests. The Williams supplemental essays help admissions officers decide who may be a good fit for their campus. If you’re able to demonstrate your skills within your intended major, it can help you through the application process. If you haven’t chosen a major, your Williams College application essay can be a paper that you’re particularly proud of.

2. Incorporate any feedback you received 

The Williams College supplemental essay does not need to be graded. However, it can be helpful to review any feedback you initially received on the assignment or prompt. If you’re submitting a paper you worked on outside of school, make sure you have someone edit and provide feedback. Don’t hesitate to ask a trusted teacher in the relevant subject to review your essay. Your Williams essay should appear as polished and complete as possible.

3. Pick an essay you’d like to expand on 

It’s important that your Williams College supplemental essay communicates your passion for learning and commitment to studying your chosen topic. If there was a school assignment or project you loved, this may be a good choice for your Williams essay. You can also choose to expand on a past assignment for the Williams essay—try to take full advantage of the 3-5-page limit.

4. Consult your teachers 

Teachers can provide more than just feedback on the content of your essay. If you’re not sure what to submit for your Williams College supplemental essay, asking your teachers may help. They may be able to provide some guidance on your best work and advise which paper showcases your academic writing the best. If you’re asking one of your teachers for a college recommendation, they may also be able to help you pick your Williams essay.

5. Make sure it’s cohesive 

If you choose to submit part of a larger assignment for your Williams College supplemental essay, make sure your section is cohesive. Your Williams essay should have a beginning, middle, and end. This means you may have to edit your paper to make it a standalone Williams College application essay.  Focus on your overarching thesis and try to condense any extraneous information.

Does Williams College care about essays?

It’s hard to determine exactly how the Williams supplemental essays factor into the admissions process. With Williams College ranking #1 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, the Williams supplemental essays can help your application stand out. Your Williams College supplemental essay can help admissions officers get to know you better. Given the high Williams College ranking, it’s important to take full advantage of the Williams supplemental essays. 

As the Williams College supplemental essay is optional, you may wonder when it would make sense to not submit one. The Williams supplemental essays are meant to help boost your application. So, if you’re not sure if your writing samples are strong, it may be smart to let other aspects of your application shine. 

For instance, if you have an art portfolio, it may be a good idea to include this on the Common App and skip the Williams College supplemental essay. If the bulk of your academic writing is the form of lab papers, it may make sense to communicate your accomplishments through your resume or Common App essay. Ultimately, every part of your application from essays to recommendations should shine a spotlight on some aspect of you.

Making the most of the Williams supplemental essays

Be sure to think through your options—any additional information you can provide will help your application paint a more holistic picture of you. The Williams supplemental essays are meant to help provide some context to your academic goals and accomplishments. However, they are not the only way to do this. If you’re on the fence about submitting a Williams supplemental essay, it can be helpful to read through your past assignments. You may find some inspiration and guidance in unlikely places. 

Overall, while the Williams College supplemental essay is not required, it can be a great addition to your application. The Williams supplemental essays are a great opportunity for you to showcase your passions and academic writing skills. As long as you start your application well before the deadline , you may be able to write a paper from scratch. That’s right, you can submit an all-new essay for your application. This can help you give Williams a clear picture of your academic interests and intellectual curiosity. 

How can I make my Williams College essays stand out?

With the high Williams College ranking, it’s important that your Williams College supplemental essay helps you stand out in the admissions process. Choosing your Williams supplemental essays can be hard, but a well-written paper can make a huge difference in your admissions prospects. 

Submitting an academic paper is a unique supplemental essay prompt. So, it’s crucial that you choose your paper wisely. The Williams College supplemental essay can make a key difference in your admissions decision, especially given the school’s low acceptance rate.

It’s important that your supplemental essay communicates both your passion and academic understanding for a particular subject. This can be hard to do, but the clearer this comes across, the stronger the impact. The Williams supplemental essays help demonstrate a student’s academic abilities.  In other words, you should pick a paper that best shows your writing and analytical skills. A strong and clear academic paper that reflects your academic goals is the best way to stand out! 

If you are looking to learn more about Williams College and hear from the Williams Admissions team check out the video below:

Williams Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

There’s a lot to consider when selecting your Williams College supplemental essay. Here are 5 key takeaways to think about as you approach the Williams supplemental essays:  

5 Key Williams Supplemental Essays Takeaways

1. strategize on whether to submit a paper.

Keep in mind that the Williams supplemental essays are optional. However, we recommend that students take advantage of the opportunity that the Williams College supplemental essay offers. Before you decide to forego the supplemental essay, be sure to consult with teachers and advisors on your decision. There are instances where it may make sense to bypass the supplemental essay, but you should think carefully. 

2. Foreground your academic writing abilities

The purpose of the Williams supplemental essays is to highlight your academic writing skills. Make sure the paper you select showcases your analytical or creative writing abilities. This is the best way to show Williams College what you’re capable of and to explain why you belong on their campus. Make sure to pick a writing sample that you feel best demonstrates your writing style and critical thinking. 

3. Highlight your passions 

The Williams College supplemental essay is a great way to showcase your academic prowess. Your essay should convey your passion for a specific subject and emphasize your intellectual curiosity. It should also show admissions officers that you’d be a great addition to the academic body of their campus. The Williams supplemental essays help admissions officers understand your academic passions, so be sure to pick a paper that reflects your goals. 

4. Revise, revise, revise

While the Williams supplemental essays do not need to be graded, it’s important that they are edited, proofread, and as polished as they can be. As the supplemental essay reflects your academic writing, you want to make sure that it represents the height of your abilities. Make sure that you incorporate any feedback you received from your teacher if your essay is a school assignment. Share your essay with teachers, mentors, and advisors as well – the more feedback you get, the better! 

5. Connecting your essay to your intended major can help  

A strong Williams College supplemental essay will help admissions officers envision you on the Williams campus. If you have a strong academic paper in the field of study your major is in, this can help add dimension to your overall profile. A strong essay in your chosen field can make your application more cohesive. It can also highlight your level of understanding and analytical skills within a specific major. 

Looking for more support on the Williams supplemental essays? Schedule a meeting with our team for one-on-one guidance on every aspect of the college application process. 

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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3 Tips for Writing Your Williams College Supplement

Williams College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant campus community, and commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity. As part of the application process, prospective students are required to complete a supplement that allows them to showcase their unique qualities and interests. In this article, we will provide valuable tips and guidance to help you effectively navigate the Williams College supplement and craft a compelling and authentic application.

A. Understand the Prompt: 

Understanding the prompt is a crucial first step when tackling the Williams College supplement. The supplement typically consists of several short essay prompts, each designed to elicit specific information or insights about you as an applicant. It is essential to thoroughly comprehend the prompt to ensure that your response addresses the question asked and aligns with the college's expectations.

To understand the prompt effectively, follow these steps:

1. Read Carefully: Begin by reading the prompt slowly and attentively. Pay close attention to every word and phrase to grasp the prompt's nuances and requirements. This initial reading will give you a general understanding of what the college is seeking in your response.

2. Analyze Key Terms: Identify the key terms or phrases in the prompt. These terms will often guide your response and indicate the specific focus or angle the college wants you to explore. Consider the verbs, such as "reflect," "describe," "explain," or "analyze," as they provide instructions on how to approach the question.

3. Break It Down: Break the prompt down into smaller components or sub-questions, if applicable. Sometimes, prompts contain multiple parts or require you to address various aspects. Breaking it down will help you ensure that you address each component thoroughly.

4. Consider Context: Reflect on the context of the prompt within the larger application. Think about the other materials you have submitted, such as your personal statement or academic achievements, and how the prompt relates to them. This will help you provide a comprehensive and coherent response that complements your overall application.

5. Research the College: Familiarize yourself with Williams College's mission, values, and programs. Understanding the college's culture, academic offerings, and extracurricular opportunities will enable you to tailor your response to showcase your fit with the institution.

6. Ask Questions: If you have any uncertainties or need clarification, don't hesitate to seek clarification. Reach out to college representatives, such as admissions officers or current students, who may be able to provide additional insights or explanations regarding the prompt.

7. Brainstorm Ideas: Once you have a clear understanding of the prompt, start brainstorming ideas and potential approaches to your response. Consider personal anecdotes, experiences, or examples that align with the prompt's focus. This will help you develop a well-rounded and compelling essay.

Remember, each prompt is unique, and understanding it thoroughly is crucial to crafting a strong and relevant response. Avoid making assumptions or projecting your preconceived ideas onto the prompt. Instead, stay true to what the question is asking and use it as an opportunity to provide the admissions committee with meaningful insights into who you are as an individual.

By taking the time to understand the prompt, you lay the foundation for a focused and well-crafted essay that effectively showcases your strengths, experiences, and alignment with Williams College's values and goals.

B. Reflect on Your Experiences:

When writing your Williams College supplement, reflecting on your experiences is a crucial step in crafting compelling and authentic essays. Reflecting allows you to delve into significant moments, challenges, or achievements in your life that have shaped your values, character, and aspirations. Here are some key points to consider when reflecting on your experiences:

1. Self-Exploration: Take time for introspection and self-exploration. Consider your personal journey, growth, and the experiences that have had a profound impact on your life. Reflect on moments of self-discovery, times when you faced adversity, or instances where you achieved personal milestones.

2. Meaningful Experiences: Identify experiences that hold particular significance to you. These can include academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvements, community service, leadership roles, research projects, or creative endeavors. Choose experiences that demonstrate your passion, commitment, and personal development.

3. Lessons Learned: Reflect on the lessons and insights you gained from these experiences. What skills did you acquire? How did you grow as an individual? How did these experiences shape your perspective or influence your future goals? Be introspective and identify the transformative aspects of your journey.

4. Authenticity and Originality: Your reflection should be authentic and genuine. Avoid writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear and instead focus on your own unique experiences and perspectives. Embrace your individuality and share stories and insights that reflect your true self.

5. Impact on Others: Consider the impact of your experiences on others. Reflect on how you have contributed to your community, inspired others, or made a positive change. Discuss the ways in which your experiences have allowed you to develop empathy, leadership skills, or a sense of social responsibility.

6. Relevance to Williams College: Connect your experiences to what Williams College values and offers. Consider how your experiences align with the college's commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, diversity, or community engagement. Highlight how your experiences will enable you to contribute to and benefit from the vibrant campus community.

7. Reflective Writing: When writing about your experiences, focus on reflection rather than simply describing the events. Share your thoughts, emotions, and personal growth. Explain how these experiences have influenced your values, goals, or chosen academic path.

8. Specificity and Detail: Provide specific examples, anecdotes, or details to illustrate your experiences. This helps bring your reflection to life and allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of your journey.

9. Positive and Balanced Approach: While it is essential to reflect on challenges or setbacks, maintain a positive and balanced approach. Emphasize how you have overcome obstacles, grown from difficult experiences, or used adversity as a catalyst for personal growth.

10. Edit and Revise: After writing your reflection, review and revise your essay. Ensure clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or family members to gain valuable perspectives and make necessary improvements.

By reflecting on your experiences thoughtfully, you can share insightful and compelling narratives that showcase your personal growth, resilience, and alignment with Williams College's values. Use these reflections as an opportunity to highlight your unique qualities and contributions, demonstrating why you would be a valuable addition to the college community.

C. Be Authentic: 

Being authentic is a crucial aspect of writing your Williams College supplement. Admissions officers value genuine and sincere responses that reflect your true self and individuality. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to being authentic in your writing:

1. Embrace Your Voice: When writing your supplement, let your voice shine through. Use language and expressions that are true to who you are. Avoid trying to imitate someone else's style or using clichés. Your writing should reflect your personality, values, and unique perspective.

2. Stay True to Yourself: Be true to your own experiences, beliefs, and opinions. Avoid writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on sharing your authentic thoughts, feelings, and insights. Show your genuine enthusiasm, passion, and curiosity.

3. Share Personal Stories: Draw upon personal stories, anecdotes, or examples that are meaningful to you. These stories should reflect your experiences, challenges, triumphs, or moments of self-discovery. By sharing personal stories, you allow the admissions committee to connect with you on a deeper level.

4. Honesty and Transparency: Be honest in your writing. Avoid embellishing or exaggerating your experiences or achievements. Admissions officers can often discern when an essay lacks authenticity. Instead, focus on presenting a genuine and balanced perspective, even when discussing setbacks or failures.

5. Reflect Your Values: Highlight your values and what matters most to you. Showcase your passions, interests, and commitments. Discuss the causes or issues that inspire you and how they align with Williams College's values and mission. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to the college community.

6. Show Vulnerability: Authenticity often requires being vulnerable. Don't be afraid to share moments of doubt, uncertainty, or personal growth. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who can reflect on challenges and demonstrate resilience. Sharing vulnerable moments can make your writing more relatable and compelling.

7. Avoid Overediting: While it is essential to edit and polish your writing, be cautious not to overedit to the point where your voice becomes diluted or artificial. Maintain the natural flow of your writing and don't strive for perfection at the expense of authenticity. Your writing should feel genuine and conversational.

8. Seek Feedback from Trusted Individuals: It can be helpful to seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or family members who know you well. They can provide valuable insights and help ensure that your writing reflects your authentic self. However, remember that ultimately, the essay should be an expression of your own voice and ideas.

9. Be Reflective and Thoughtful: Authenticity goes beyond surface-level descriptions. Engage in introspection and thoughtful reflection. Consider the deeper meaning of your experiences and how they have shaped your character and aspirations. Provide insights into your growth, values, and motivations.

10. Trust Yourself: Finally, trust in your own unique perspective and abilities. Remember that being authentic means being true to yourself. Trust that your genuine thoughts and experiences will resonate with the admissions committee and showcase your potential as a valuable member of the Williams College community.

By being authentic in your writing, you create an essay that stands out and makes a lasting impression. Your genuine voice and perspective will help you connect with the admissions officers and demonstrate your fit with Williams College's community and values. Embrace your authenticity and let your true self shine through your writing.

In conclusion, writing your Williams College supplement requires careful thought and consideration. By understanding the prompts, reflecting on your experiences, being authentic, and showcasing your fit with the college, you can create a compelling and standout application. Remember to start early, seek feedback, and revise your essays to ensure they are polished and impactful. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of creating a compelling supplement that highlights your unique qualities and aspirations, ultimately impressing the admissions committee at Williams College.

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Williams College Essay Example

Williams College is a highly-selective school, so it’s important to write strong essays to help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll share an essay a real student has submitted to Williams College. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Williams College es say breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: The first-year Entry–a thoughtfully constructed residential microcosm of the student community that’s a defining part of the Williams experience–brings together students from around the world with different perspectives, interests and backgrounds. Imagine having a late-night conversation with your Entrymates about a community that you value. Describe that community and why it’s important to you (300 words).

I used to face two paths: one flocked with taxis, staccato shouts, the smell of pizza, and people blurring together. The other was a road of motorcycles rolling over wet cement, cicada symphonies, and the aroma of beef noodle soup. It always felt easier to walk the streets of Taiwan, where everyone looks like me, speaks meekly as I have been taught to, and steers away from confrontation. PBS created a documentary in 1988 titled Tug of War: The Story of Taiwan , and I grew to believe that I embodied the little potato island since I was raised in the thick of New York (where people argue, think, and exist fearlessly), resulting in a “Tug of War” within myself. Although I am proud to be Taiwanese, New York has cultivated an unbridled emotion and passion within me that I pour into my words. It encourages me, against my inherent modesty, to be a bold author, a shameless poet, and a strong-willed advocate for Asian-American youth. The similar passion and confidence of Williams students will challenge me to continue growing as a writer, reader, and human being. I am excited by the vibrant discussions and meshed ideas I might find at a place as diverse as Williams: perhaps with Professor Anthony Kim about the illustration of alienation in Asian American literature or an intimate conversation about identity with my professor and peer in a Williams Tutorial. I can integrate myself in a community that supports students struggling with their own “Tug of Wars” by telling my story through Asian American Students in Action, and learning the stories of my Entrymates by curating pieces for Williams College Literary Review . Williams provides the best of not both, but all worlds through their determined inclusion.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay does a great job of establishing this student’s background and the distinction between their two cultures. There is a great use of imagery, especially at the beginning, which displays this student’s strength as a writer and highlights the internal “Tug of War” they experience. It is evident how their past community has shaped their perspective and identity. Knowing how their background shaped these things makes it easy for admissions officers to see what type of student they would be adding to their campus.

Additionally, through this tug of war metaphor, the student was able to effectively answer the prompt in a creative way. The reader learns what this student’s two communities look like and the impact both of these communities had on the student’s personality and perspective. The most important part of the prompt is why the community is important to the student, so this essay did a good job focusing on the effects of being caught in the tug of war to fully flesh out the why .

The essay also goes above and beyond by mentioning resources at Williams that they hope to engage in. The prompt doesn’t specifically ask for students to discuss opportunities that excite them, but by including a professor this student wants to work with and extracurricular activities they want to join, this student shows that they have done their research about Williams and have a genuine interest in attending. Going the extra mile to show how this student’s community has shaped their college goals is sure to leave admissions officers with a positive view of this student.

What Could Be Improved

One thing that could improve this essay would be to split it into two paragraphs. Reading one large block of text gets tiring for admissions officers who spend all day reading. Dividing the essay into paragraphs would provide a clear delineation of where new information is being presented, thus helping admissions officers stay focused on the essay.

The most natural spot for a paragraph break would be right after the sentence where the student discusses being an advocate for Asian-American youth. If the essay was split up here, it would have one paragraph focused on the student’s background and one paragraph focused on opportunities at Williams that this student wants to take advantage of. In general, it’s normally better to have more smaller, more focused paragraphs in college essays, so if there is a natural change in direction there should probably be a new paragraph.

Where to Get Your Williams College Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Williams College  essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Get Into Williams College: Acceptance Rate & Data

June 21, 2023

Williams College is one of the most competitive liberal arts schools in the country, in the same league as the likes of Amherst, Pomona, and Swarthmore. While lesser known to the general public, these schools are every bit as competitive and prestigious as Ivy League universities and sport acceptance rates in the single-digits or extremely low double-digits. In 2023, the Williams College acceptance rate was under 10%. All colleges of this ilk, Williams included, reject a fair number of valedictorians each year as well as those with near-perfect scores on the SAT/ACT. None of this is meant to scare you—we just want to make sure that students and parents alike possess an accurate understanding of how competitive this admissions process truly is.

To accomplish this goal, we will touch on the following topics:

• Williams Early Decision Acceptance rate
• Williams acceptance rate
• SAT, GPA, and class rank of accepted Williams College applicants
• Admissions trends
• Williams College’s system for rating applicants
• A look at the demographics of current Williams College undergraduates
• The percentage of accepted students that attend Williams College (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to Williams College
• Williams College supplemental essay advice
• How to assess whether applying to Williams College is even worth the $65 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Williams College ED Acceptance Rate 2023

Williams accepted 255 applicants in the early decision round in the 2022-23 admissions cycle. This 27% acceptance rate far exceeds that of the regular round.

Williams College Acceptance Rate 2023

A look at the Class of 2027 shows that out of 11,200+, applicants, only 1,113 were accepted. This means that Williams College has an acceptance rate of just 9.8%. In previous years, the acceptance rates were as follows:

• Class of 2026: 8.5%

Williams College Admissions – SAT, GPA, and Class Rank

For Class of 2026 members, the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1490-1550; the ACT range was 35-36. The median scores were 1520 and 35. Among enrolled 2022-23 first-year students, an impressive 87% hailed from the top 10%, while 98% earned a place in the top 25%.

Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2027

• 14 students deferred from the ED round were later accepted.
• The number of applicants decreased from 15,321 to just over 11,000 for the Class of 2027.
• Williams has announced that it will continue to be test-optional for the next three years.
• Williams typically admits 35 students off of the waitlist but took just one last year.
• 44% of the Class of 2026 were admitted via early decision.

How Williams College Rates Applicants

Williams College labels five factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, class rank, GPA, recommendations, and character/personal qualities. Items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are: first-generation status, essays, talent/ability, extracurricular activities, legacy status, racial/ethnic status, work experience, and volunteer work. Factors that are “considered” are: geographical residence and religious affiliation.

Straight from the Williams admissions office: “Williams uses a holistic admission process that focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of an applicant’s academic achievements and personal character…While the academic record is the most important factor in the admission process, we seek students who will serve as leaders not only in the classroom but also in the community at large. To that end, we also consider all candidates’ non-academic involvements and achievements at school and in their communities. A strong co-curricular record might reflect a wide range of talents and achievements or distinguished accomplishments in just one or a few areas.”

Since Williams wants to see achievement and leadership outside of the classroom as well, it’s important to grasp what highly-competitive colleges are looking for when evaluating extracurricular activities. For more on that topic, visit our blog:  How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College?

Williams College Demographics

Let’s look at the demographics of the Williams College undergraduate student body. The states that send the highest number of students to the college are:

• Massachusetts

The greatest percentage of international students come from the following countries:

• South Korea

In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown is as follows:

• Hispanic: 12%
• African American: 5%
• Two or More Races: 7%
• International: 8%

A look at the gender split reveals that university enrolls a roughly even number of men and women.

Members of one recent incoming class attended the following types of high schools:

• Public: 55%
• Private: 32%
• Parochial: 11%

Williams College’s “Yield Rate”

Williams College’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 44%. For comparison, other top liberal arts schools have similar yields: Swarthmore College, Pomona College, and Amherst College.

Tips for Applying to Williams College

If you plan on joining the 11,000+ Williams College hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• If Williams is your top choice, you’ll want to strongly consider applying ED by November 15 . The Regular Decision deadline falls in the first week of January, but the acceptance rates are significantly lower in this round.
• This school does not use interviews as part of their evaluation process.
• Williams College does not consider “ demonstrated interest ” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
• Prospective Ephs can apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• You’ll need to submit a Mid-Year Report in late February so remember to keep those grades up throughout your senior year of high school.
• Lastly make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the Optional Writing Supplement offered by Williams College:

Williams Writing Supplement 2022-23

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, students who are interested in submitting an example of their written work have the option of sharing an academic paper completed within the last year, ideally 3-5 pages in length. The paper does not need to be graded and can be creative or analytical. Typed is preferable, but we will accept handwritten pieces. Please do not submit lab reports. If submitting this optional paper, please include a description of the assignment or prompt.

Williams Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts 

The vast majority of applicants to Williams have a 1500+ SAT and finished at or near the top of their high school class. If you check these boxes then you’ll certainly be a competitive applicant at Williams, but those with additional attributes and talents will fare best. As the school states, “We want creative thinkers, diverse opinions, and people who embrace intellectual challenges. People committed to bringing as much to the community as they’ll gain from it.” Any student applying to a school of Williams’ caliber also needs to also have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here .

• Application Strategies
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Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Command Education Guide

How to write the williams college essays, updated for 2023-2024, optional essay prompt:.

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, some students feel they do their best writing in an academic context rather than through narrative pieces like admission applications. If you are interested in submitting an example of your academic writing from the last year, you may share a 3-5 page paper here. The paper may be creative or analytical, can cover any topic, and need not be graded. We ask that you include a description of the assignment or prompt. Please do not submit lab reports.

Explanation:

Williams provides some guidelines for their optional writing supplement, it must be an academic paper completed in the last year, ideally 3-5 pages long, and cannot be a lab report. These guidelines are still very open ended, so how do you choose which paper is best?

Williams does not require that you submit a graded paper, but selecting an essay on which you received positive feedback can help assure you’re putting your best foot forward. While you should select a paper you did well on, small grade fluctuations shouldn’t be the final deciding factor for the paper you choose to send. Instead, consider whether paper best demonstrates your writing skills and showcases engaging, well-organized content. This content should also be highly original, so avoid papers that contain large quotations of other texts or rely heavily on outside sources, as these won’t be the most thorough examples of your writing abilities!

At Williams, emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary learning, taking control over one’s own education, and deeply exploring topics of interest. When selecting your academic paper, try to find essays that reflect at least one or more of these values. Did you write an English essay that also demonstrates a nuanced understanding of history or science? Did you design your own creative writing project that allowed you to engage with one of your passions? Or maybe you explored a niche subject in great detail, writing a paper that demonstrates your ability to dive into an unfamiliar topic. Take time to go through the papers you’ve written in the last year, and see which align best with Williams’ academic values.

In summary, your Williams essay should

• Be well-written and organized
• Demonstrate original thinking
• Address at least one of Williams key academic values such as interdisciplinary learning, taking control over one’s own education, or deeply exploring a topic of interest.

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Williams optional academic paper supplemental essay? Answered

I am applying to Williams College and they have an optional supplemental essay where I can submit a 3-5 page academic paper. I am debating on submitting the supplemental, because I do not think any of my school essays are super strong. However, would not submitting one look bad? Williams is a reach for me, so I want to make sure I do everything to look the best for this school.

Also, would it be okay if I submit an AP essay question (like a long essay question), is that considered an "academic paper"? Or I wrote an essay that has the same idea as my college essay that I like, but I feel like it's too similar to my college essay.

Any advice helps! Thank you.

It's for Williams College

Earn karma by helping others:

Regardless of whether you are applying to Williams or any other elite college (including Ivys and other LACs), if a requirement is optional, it's not really optional. One of the Harvard supplemental essays is optional but 99% of admits all fill it out. One of Princeton's requirements is a graded paper but 99% of admits submit it as well.

I don't not suggest you make the assumption that you can avoid it or can replace it with an AP question. That's not the point of this requirement.

The prompt reads:

Williams Writing Supplement

For Fall 2022 Applicants

Williams does not require a writing supplement. However, students who are interested in submitting an example of their written work have the option of sharing an academic paper completed within the last year, ideally 3-5 pages in length. The paper does not need to be graded, and can be creative or analytical. Please do not submit lab reports. If submitting this optional paper, please include a description of the assignment or prompt.

What this clearly states is that it needs to be 3-5 pages including a description of the assignment or prompt completed within the last 12 months. Therefore this has to be something you did as a school assignment not something from CollegeBoard like an AP Test prompt. Also it can be either expository writing or a creative piece. That means it can be something evidence based or poetry.

Williams wants to know if you how well you write given an assignment. This is slightly different from the prompts for the Common App because it's evidentiary of your past academic acumen and writing ability, not something that every Williams applicant has to submit in a standardized 650 words like the Common App essays.

I don't understand what you mean by stating you don't think any of your school essays are strong. Are you talking about your college essays or your previous body of work as a high school student?

If you are not a strong writer, then perhaps this is not the right school to apply to because Williams is extremely rigorous just like Amherst and Swarthmore and Pomona. You will have to be a excellent writer to succeed at that college.

Hi @lilye ,

I agree with other users here - you should definitely submit an academic paper! Ideally, it will be a submission that is a research or published paper. I'm not sure if you can submit an AP essay question you used for a test since that document is proprietary material that belongs to the College Board. But, if this was a practice test or response, you should submit it without the prompt, but with a title that helps give context to the essay.

Avoid submitting something similar to any other component of your application, like your personal statement or supplemental responses.

Hope this helps! Best of luck with your decision.

Hope this helps!

Considering that you are going for a reach college, I would submit a supplemental essay just to show the college that you are willing to go through the effort of doing something incredible. If you consider your essays to not be your best, it would be strongly suggested to work on this over time. This is so that you can have room to improve it and make sure that it is your best work. Regarding the question about AP being an academic paper, technically it would be considered an academic paper, but I would not suggest doing this because even though it shows your ability in AP exams, it does not show your range of creativity and intellectual ability to such things.

If you have never written an academic paper, then you will have to re-write the essay. Since an academic paper has to be different from what you wrote in college, you have to look for related or similar topics. I went straight to assignment help ( https://assignmentguru.com/) to get advice on how to properly format an essay. But I didn't choose the same topics so there would be no misunderstanding on the part of the committee. And I liked the material and technical base of the site so much that I found a bunch of materials and was offered help to write an essay.

Yes. I liked the material and technical base of the site so much that I found a bunch of materials and was offered help to write an essay. colorblind-test.io

I would think if you have a decent essay if allowed you could go and edit it and fix it up a little bit then I would submit it. Also if your essay question is 3-5 pages then yes I think you could submit it. In short, if you have a decent essay submit it because it shows you are trying your best to get in.

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The Williams Record

College removes supplemental essay from application, forms working group in wake of affirmative action ruling

The College has eliminated the supplemental essay from its application and formed the Working Group on Admissions Policies and Practices . These changes come in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to limit the consideration of race as a factor in higher education admissions in June.

Admissions readers at the College will no longer have the ability to view an applicant’s self-disclosed race or ethnicity while reading their application. Applicants may still discuss experiences related to race in personal essays — as long as “that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability,” according to the majority opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts.

According to Dean of Admission and Student Financial Services Liz Creighton ’01, the reason for removing the supplemental essay for the 2023–2024 admissions cycle was twofold: Personal statements provide admissions readers at the College with “the most texture and detail” about students’ identities, and the supplemental essay can restrict accessibility by deterring potential applicants.

“At a moment when, more than ever, we are redoubling our commitment to access, we wanted to think long and hard about any part of the process that created barriers for students,” she said. “Supplemental essays can be a real barrier to students who are thinking about applying — particularly for students who might not have the benefit of either a school counselor or family helping them with the 38 supplemental essays they have to write.”

Previously, the College has either mandated or made optional its supplemental essay. Applicants in recent years have written between 150 and 300 words about a variety of topics, ranging from descriptions of their ideal tutorials to their favorite methods of relieving stress. The College’s application will still present students with the option to submit a creative or analytical academic paper, Creighton added.

The Working Group on Admissions Policies and Practices — composed of Creighton, President Maud S. Mandel, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty representatives, and other College administrators — will meet approximately every three weeks to study the College’s past and present admissions policies and examine how they have shaped the composition of incoming classes, Mandel said.

Once the College admits students to the Class of 2028, the group will also compare data about the incoming class to that of years past. However, it will not use its insights to recommend or implement changes but rather to inform the Board of Trustees’ ongoing conversation about the College’s admissions policies over time, Mandel said.

“It’s a research and discussion group in that sense,” she told the Record .

“Not moving too quickly is really important in this landscape, because it presupposes that something is going to happen — and first, we need to see what is going to happen,” she continued. “You don’t want to just rush out and change everything.”

Creighton said the court’s ruling occurred amid “a really volatile moment in admissions,” as institutions of higher education are still contending with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2020–21 admissions cycle , many institutions of higher education, including the College, adopted and have since retained a test-optional policy.

“We’re really taking this longitudinal look at the data because admissions data from the past five years is quite different than it was 10 years ago for a whole host of reasons,” Creighton said. “We’re really trying to look at a long arc to understand where we’ve come from, where we are now, what decisions we’ve made, the impacts they’ve had, and then how that might guide us in the future.”

In August, the Department of Education and the Department of Justice released joint guidance that described legally viable practices that allow institutions of higher education to cultivate diverse student bodies.

Its emphasis on holistic admissions practices was promising, General Counsel Jamie Art ’93 said. “My initial thought when reading through [the guidance] was one of, I’d say, relief, and also some sense of happiness,” he said.

“Williams, like other institutions, began to review and revise its admissions practices well before the joint guidance was released,” Art continued. “When we were shifting gears over the summer — pretty quickly, as [was] necessary — to adjust the admissions process to reach our goals for access and inclusion, we did so in a way that mapped on rather well to what the guidance was.”

Still, Art added that compliance with the guidance does not insulate an institution from litigation brought by a private party to enforce the court’s ruling and that courts are not bound by the practices deemed lawful by the guidance.

Chief Communications Officer Jim Reische also emphasized the “ongoing uncertainty” of the legal landscape.

“It would be lovely if we could just rely on the guidance and say, ‘Okay, we’re safe. We’ve got our guardrails now. Let’s go,’” he said. “But that’s not the world that we’re going to be in for the next number of years.”

“There may be people right now trying to develop the next wave of litigation around this,” said Leticia S. E. Haynes ’99, vice president for institutional diversity, equity and inclusion. “Litigation regarding access to higher education doesn’t just happen overnight.” She emphasized that the ability to access education, especially for students from historically underrepresented groups, has been attacked repeatedly in the United States.

Mandel encouraged community members to share their thoughts and concerns through an online form that allows respond- ents to remain anonymous, even though students will not be able to serve on the group due to the sensitivity of the data it studies.

“Our doors are always open, and we’ll continue to create spaces for students to talk about this because we care about it,” Haynes added.

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College of William & Mary 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

You Have: 

College of William & Mary 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 500 words or less

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Topic of your choice

Why hello, you lucky devils. William & Mary only has one supplemental essay! And it’s optional! Actually, the second part is kind of a lie. William & Mary may refer to this essay as an “optional opportunity,” but take a closer look. The prompt is all about the things that make you stand out — and there is no way a bare minimum application is going to stand out to admissions. So, buckle up. You’ve got one more 500-worder to go.

Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful? What aren’t we seeing elsewhere in your application? We know nobody fits neatly into approximately 500 words, but you can provide us with some suggestion of the type of person you are.  Think of this optional opportunity as show and tell by proxy.

In short, this prompt is asking you to do what we would have told you to do anyway: reveal something that doesn’t appear anywhere else on your application. Although it may seem totally open-ended, this prompt includes a few keywords that should help guide your thinking. The College of William & Mary doesn’t want to know just any random fact about you. They have specifically asked about what makes you unique and colorful, and they have invited you to have fun. So, get personal! What are your favorite funny stories about your life? You can talk about chess games with your grandma, lake trips with your friends, or the time you thought you could time travel. Pick a fun story or anecdote that says something concrete about your spirit, strengths, resilience, or character. 

If something hasn’t already sprung to mind, you should set aside about an hour for a solid brainstorm sesh. Use whichever technique feels most natural to you and see where it leads. You’d be surprised by the gems you can uncover when you take some of the pressure off and give your mind a little space to play.

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