Example: Admissions Update from a College for 2020-2021 Application Cycle

Here is just one example of the messages we are receiving from colleges across the country on a daily basis.  In the last week alone, we have heard that Tufts, BU, Northeastern and the entire University of California system will be test optional next year.  The Counseling Department is working on a presentation to bring students and parents/guardians up to date on the latest trends in college admissions.  Stay tuned!"

Excerpt from Williams College email: 

Test Optional for the 2020-2021 Application Cycle
Students applying to Williams as first-years or transfers during the 2020-2021 admission cycle have the option of applying under a test-optional policy. This change has been instituted for next year only, in response to the extraordinary challenges facing all of us during the COVID-19 pandemic. For students who choose to submit standardized test results, those results will be considered as part of our holistic admission process that strives to center students and their unique lived experiences.

Additional Flexibility in the Admission Process
We understand that the pandemic has led to school closings, shifts to remote learning and pass/fail grading policies, cancellations of co-curricular activities, and a host of other disruptions that dramatically impact students’ experiences. You can be certain that we’ll be flexible in working with students and families no matter what challenges or limitations they’ve faced. None of us know what the next few months will hold, but our commitment to getting to know students and their stories will remain at the core of everything we do.

Helping Families Navigate Changing Financial Circumstances
Moments of economic uncertainty are when Williams reasserts its longstanding commitment to access and affordability. We understand that families’ financial outlook may look very different today than it did a month ago or what it will look like six months from now. Our Quick Cost Estimator is a simple way for families to monitor how their financial aid might change in turn. Williams is one of more than 60 colleges to use this tool so it’s a great way for families to compare across institutions.

Exploring Campus
Campus will be closed to the public until at least May 4, but we’ve developed a number of ways to explore Williams from where you are, including virtual tours and information sessions, and opportunities to connect with current students and admission and financial aid staff. If you’re interested in arranging a virtual group session, we can do that, too. All of the details can be found here. Please know that demonstrated interest is not used in the admission process at Williams. So while we hope these virtual resources will help students learn about the college, the number of these options they pursue will have no impact on their admission decision.