Summary
In this insightful conversation with Michael, a Williams College alumnus, readers will discover the unique benefits and challenges of attending a liberal arts college. Michael shares his journey from choosing Williams over other prestigious schools, like UPenn and Georgetown, to his transformative experiences on campus. Key takeaways include the value of a flexible education, the supportive yet competitive environment at Williams, and the importance of building personal connections with professors and peers. This article provides prospective students and parents with a realistic view of what it means to thrive in a liberal arts setting and how to leverage these experiences for long-term success.
The Decision-Making Process
Feiyang: I'd love to start with the application process. How did you end up going to Williams? What other options were on the table, and what ultimately led you to choose Williams?
Michael: My final considerations came down to three schools: UPenn, Williams, and Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. I was almost certain I wanted to be an ambassador for the UN, so Georgetown was my top choice due to its strong program in foreign service. However, after talking to my parents, they suggested a liberal arts education might offer more flexibility if I wanted to change careers later. I didn't fully understand what a liberal arts education entailed, but my parents convinced me to choose Williams, and looking back, I think it was the right decision.
The Value of a Liberal Arts Education
Feiyang: How would you describe a liberal arts education to someone who might be unsure?
Michael: A true liberal arts school focuses solely on undergraduate education and emphasizes learning for its own sake. It doesn't have a graduate division and offers majors like biology, English, and history, rather than professional or technical majors like finance or engineering. The idea is to develop analytical thinking and a love for learning, which can be applied to various careers. Studies show that liberal arts graduates perform better over time because they are trained to think critically and process information effectively. For instance, someone might graduate from Williams with an art history major but go into law, or an English major might go into medicine. The flexibility and analytical skills we gain allow us to succeed in many fields.
Thriving at Williams: The Ideal Student Profile
Ambition and Drive
Feiyang: What kind of student thrives at Williams?
Michael: You need someone with drive, passion, and independence. At Williams, you're surrounded by top-performing students from various backgrounds. The sense of competition is strong since all classes are graded on a curve. You have to stay on top of your classes and make good use of office hours. Unlike bigger schools, even our largest classes, like Econ 101 with 50 people, have lines for office hours. Everyone works hard, but it's a supportive environment without backstabbing. People help each other succeed.
Challenges and Support Systems
Feiyang: What types of students might struggle more at Williams?
Michael: I struggled in my first year at Williams. If you think you're there just to have fun and not to learn, you'll face problems. Easily distracted students might find it hard to keep up. You need to have a flexible end goal, not someone set on med or law school from the start. Williams is rigorous, and impostor syndrome is common. You go from being the best in high school to feeling like you don’t belong. That’s something I had to grapple with.
Support and Belonging
Feiyang: Did Williams have support for students dealing with these issues?
Michael: Yes, we had a Mental Health Club and campus mental health support. However, as an Asian American, it was challenging to find counselors who understood my experience. Things have improved with a growing Asian population.
Building Connections and Navigating College Life
Personal Connections with Professors
Feiyang: I read that Williams professors make an effort to form personal connections with students, which is unheard of at larger schools like UCLA.
Michael: Exactly. At UCLA, your first-year Econ class might have 300 people, making it hard to connect with professors. At Williams, the smaller class sizes allow for more personal connections. Professors even invite students to their homes for Thanksgiving or out for drinks. They genuinely care about their students. Williams also has the Oxford tutorial system, where two students meet with one professor. You read a book, write an essay, and debate it with the professor. This system really helps you get to know your professors.
Navigating Challenges
Feiyang: What support systems did you lean on during this time?
Michael: I found a lot of support through friends. We had a dorm system and a JA (Junior Advisor) system. Freshmen are assigned to dorms with third-year students who help guide them through the transition. I was fortunate to have supportive JAs. If you don’t mesh well with your JA, you can gravitate towards others who do. This system helps a lot during the difficult transition to college.
Preparing for Life After Graduation
Alumni Network and Career Preparation
Feiyang: How well does Williams prepare students for life after graduation?
Michael: Once you graduate from Williams, you find yourself in an interesting situation. For those familiar with the school, you have almost an instant entry into any job you want. But for those who don't know the school, they're like, "Williams and Mary? What school is that?" I landed my first job at Kirkland & Ellis as a paralegal because one of the senior paralegals was a Williams grad. That connection is incredibly helpful. The alumni network is strong, and there's a sense of instant bonding with fellow Williams graduates. It's not hard to spot us in the wild because we wear a lot of purple and gold apparel. Meeting alumni from different eras is a great experience as everyone shares fond memories of Williams.
Areas for Improvement
Michael: However, in certain industries like consulting, you have to put in extra effort. Williams doesn't have specific classes to prepare you for consulting interviews like Wharton might. You need to do a lot of the legwork yourself, but asking upperclassmen and professors for resources can help.
Conclusion
Michael's journey at Williams College showcases the unique benefits of a liberal arts education, emphasizing the development of analytical thinking, flexibility, and a passion for learning. His experiences highlight the importance of building personal connections, leveraging support systems, and embracing challenges to foster personal growth. For prospective students and parents, Michael's story offers valuable insights into navigating college life with resilience and authenticity, preparing for a fulfilling career and beyond. Williams College stands out as an institution that nurtures well-rounded individuals ready to succeed in diverse fields, making it an inspiring choice for those seeking a transformative educational experience.