Williams College SAT & ACT Scores
Williams College admitted about 8% of 15,411 applicants for the fall 2024 entering class, and it does not require the SAT or ACT from fall 2027 applicants. Enrolled students who sent scores had median SAT section scores of 760 in Reading and Writing and 780 in Math, within middle 50% ranges of 740–780 and 750–790. Their ACT middle 50% was 34–35.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Williams College's enrolled first-years, fall 2024 entering class.
Is Williams College test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Williams does not require SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for fall 2027 entry; applicants may send scores if they choose.
Checked October 29, 2026 against the Common App's 2026–27 first-year requirements grid . Confirm on Williams College's admissions site before you apply.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
First-year applicants seeking to enroll at Williams in fall 2027 can apply with or without SAT or ACT scores, and Williams accepts self-reported scores on the application. Williams was also test-optional when the fall 2024 class applied. If you plan to send scores, read the testing guidance on Williams's admission website before you apply.
Williams College SAT scores
Williams College reports SAT section scores but no total range.
| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 740 | 760 | 780 |
| Math | 750 | 780 | 790 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS). 35% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
Among students who enrolled at Williams in fall 2024 and sent the SAT, the middle 50% scored 740–780 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 750–790 on Math, with section medians of 760 and 780. A quarter scored at or below the low end of each range, and a quarter scored above the high end. Williams's federal report gives section scores only, so there is no combined SAT range here.
35% of that class sent SAT scores and 17% sent the ACT. Because sending scores was optional, these ranges describe only the students who chose to report one, not the whole class.
If your section scores are at or above 760 and 780, they fit the upper half of enrolled students who reported the SAT. If they fall below the low end of the ranges, you can leave them off the application for fall 2027.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Williams College ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 34–35 on the ACT, with a median of 34.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2024 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 34 | 35 |
| English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| Math | 32 | 34 | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS). 17% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent the ACT had a middle 50% composite of 34–35, with a median of 34. Their section ranges were 35–36 in English and 32–35 in Math. 17% of the class reported the ACT, so this is a small group.
A composite at or above 34 is in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the ACT. A composite below 34 is lower than most reported scores; with testing optional for fall 2027, you can decide whether it helps your application.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Williams College acceptance rate
Extremely competitive: 8% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2024 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants15,411
- Acceptance rate8%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Decision (binding) and Regular Decision; no Early Action.
Fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS).
Williams offers binding Early Decision and Regular Decision. It does not offer Early Action.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores to Williams College, a practical target is SAT section scores at or above 760 in Reading and Writing and 780 in Math, or an ACT composite at or above 34. Scores near the top of 740–780, 750–790 or 34–35 make the strongest case.
With scores optional, the rest of your application carries the weight either way. In its report to the U.S. Department of Education, Williams lists the high school record, completion of a college-preparatory program, recommendations and a personal statement or essay as required for admission review, and GPA, class rank and test scores as considered when available. Decide whether a score adds to that record before you send it.
How Williams College compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 7.5% | 1540 | 1520–1560 | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| Amherst College | 7.7% | 1510 | 1470–1540 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| Williams College | 8% | — | — | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| Rice University | 8% | 1540 | 1510–1560 | 34–36 | Test-optional |
| Colby College | 8% | — | 1430–1520 | 33–34 | Test-optional |
| Cornell University | 8.4% | 1530 | 1490–1550 | 33–35 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is Williams College test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Williams does not require SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for fall 2027 entry; applicants may send scores if they choose.
What is the average SAT score at Williams College?
Williams College reports SAT section scores rather than a total. For the fall 2024 entering class, enrolled first-years scored Reading and Writing 740–780 (median 760) and Math 750–790 (median 780).
What SAT score do you need for Williams College?
Williams College doesn't report a total SAT range. Section scores at or above 780 in Reading and Writing and 790 in Math put you in the top quarter of its enrolled first-years (fall 2024 entering class).
What ACT score do you need for Williams College?
Williams College's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 34–35, with a median of 34 (fall 2024 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Williams College's acceptance rate?
Williams College admitted 8% of first-year applicants for the fall 2024 entering class, which makes it extremely competitive.
How many Williams College students submit test scores?
In the fall 2024 entering class, 35% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 17% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Williams College?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.