Earlier this month, students and families were invited to participate in our annual College Exploration Day, one of many highlights of the college counseling experience at Williams. The event’s centerpiece was a college fair held in the gymnasium, featuring representatives from over forty universities across the United States and the United Kingdom. These institutions came to showcase their unique programs and offerings, providing students with valuable exposure to a diverse range of post-secondary opportunities.
Williams enhances the annual college fair experience by incorporating informational sessions, designed to further support families throughout the college application process. Led by college representatives, these sessions cover key topics that offer additional insights, helping to clarify the path to higher education before attendees explore the fair itself.
“Students and parents had the opportunity to attend three different sessions, learning about topics such as college essay writing, application tips and tricks, the benefits of public institutions, pursuing the arts in college, and even studying at international universities,” said Dana Clark, Director of College Counseling. “These mini-sessions serve as a beneficial way to introduce these topics to families before the fair, where students can move from table to table hearing directly from representatives from institutions across the country.”
“Having access to the college fair benefited me in ways I wouldn’t have expected, such as adding schools to my list or scheduling meetings for coffee when I visit the schools,” said Claire McGuinness ’26.
The day wasn’t just valuable for students; it also proved helpful for families navigating the early or middle stages of the college application journey. It offered clarity and insight into how Williams supports students throughout the process.
“The college fair struck the perfect balance between structured talks, offering practical tips on completing the college essay and application sections, and unstructured time for students and parents to meet with college representatives,” said Megan McGuinness, mother of Claire. “The colleges and universities represented were diverse in geography and size, and all had high regard for Williams students, which made the conversations and questions feel seamless!”
