WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., Jan. 19, 2010 --Williams College announced acceptance of 216 of the 533 applicants for its Early Decision program. The 216 accepted applicants represent 39 percent of the total number of students projected for the Class of 2014.

"Williams is once again well on its way to enrolling one of the strongest entering classes in the country," Nesbitt said. "We have read and considered their files closely, and we're excited about the abilities, energy, and commitment they'll bring to all facets of life on campus.

Under the Early Decision program, students apply with the understanding that they will attend Williams if they are accepted. Early Decision candidates must apply by Nov. 10, and are notified by Dec. 15 of the results. Regular decision applicants, in contrast, apply by Jan. 1 and are notified by April 1.

This Early Decision pool represents a slightly smaller proportion of the class than in recent years, as between 40 and 42 percent of the past four classes have been made up of Early Decision applicants.

Accepted Early Decision students include 108 men and 108 women, with average verbal and math SAT scores of 706 and 705 respectively. Nineteen of the students identified themselves as African American, 16 as Asian American, 11 as Latino, two as Native American, and 11 as non-U.S. citizens.

"Although the total number of applications was down relative to last year," said Nesbitt, "the quality of the pool was exceptional, and the admitted group was as interesting and talented as any in recent memory."

Admission decisions are made regardless of a student's financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.

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Founded in 1793, Williams College is the second oldest institution of higher learning in Massachusetts. The college's 2,000 students are taught by a faculty noted for the quality of their teaching and research, and the achievement of academic goals includes active participation of students with faculty in their research. Students' educational experience is enriched by the residential campus environment in Williamstown, Mass., which provides a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom. Admission decisions are made regardless of a student's financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.

To visit the college on the Internet: www.williams.edu/ Williams College can also be found on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/williamscollege and Twitter:  http://twitter.com/williamscollege

News: Laura Corona