How should I approach the Williams College supplemental essays, especially with advice from College Essay Guy?

Williams' supplemental essays are known for encouraging applicants to showcase depth of thought, creativity, and that intangible "Williams fit," so it’s great you’re starting early. The main Williams supplement often gives you a choice: write about an academic interest, reflect on a meaningful community, or—sometimes—a quote to respond to.

Using College Essay Guy’s strategies is definitely helpful here. In particular, his 'Essence Objects' exercise can get you brainstorming tangible details from your life. For Williams, specifics matter: admissions readers want to see not only what excites you, but also why you think the intellectual community suits you. When brainstorming, jot down small, revealing moments—like a late-night philosophical debate with friends or a science project you kept tinkering with outside class—that illuminate your curiosity or values.

Emphasize self-awareness and authenticity. For example, if you choose to write about an academic interest, don’t simply state you love biology. Instead, focus on a precise memory: how identifying aquatic insects in a local stream for a field survey made you see the invisible worlds around us. Describe how you felt, what you learned, and why you keep chasing that wonder. Specific anecdotes are more memorable than general statements.

Many students who've written standout Williams essays used the 'Montage' approach (another College Essay Guy method), stringing together several small moments that revolve around a central theme. For example, a student interested in literature might reference a heated argument in English class, annotating their favorite novel at a café, and the challenge of starting a book club—all tied together by a love for narrative complexity.

Don’t be afraid to reveal personality quirks—Williams values intellectual playfulness and humor. If you choose the prompt asking about a community, show how you contribute as well as what you receive. Paint a portrait of what you uniquely bring to a group—maybe you organize trivia nights to draw out your math club’s quietest members.

A helpful exercise is the 'Values' brainstorm: pick 3-5 core values, then build your essay around how those values shaped a decision or a moment. For Williams, connect your experience and values directly to the opportunities and vibe you see at Williams, but avoid listing generic features. Excellence lies in the connection between your story and what excites you about Williams’ offerings—be it tutorials, close faculty engagement, or an inclusive residential culture.

Ultimately, the more your supplemental essay reads like something only you could have written, the more it’ll stand out. So use these exercises to dig deep and find slices of your experience that show how you think, learn, and live in ways that align with Williams’ distinctive personality.