Williams College Transfer Acceptance Rate
The Williams College transfer acceptance rate was 3.9% for Fall 2025 — 23 admits from 595 applicants, per Williams’ Common Data Set 2025-26. Williams is need-blind for transfers, meets 100% of need, and says all current transfer and veteran students receive aid.
Williams transfer acceptance rate, at a glance
Williams transfer figures
Williams reports transfer admissions in Section D of its Common Data Set. The 2025-26 CDS shows 595 transfer applicants for Fall 2025, 23 admitted (3.9%) and 15 enrolled — a Williams College transfer acceptance rate less than half its 8.6% first-year rate.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 595 | 23 | 3.9% | Williams CDS |
What GPA do you need for Williams?
Williams does not list a minimum GPA for transfer applicants. With 23 offers from 595 applicants, your college record has to stand out on its own, backed by two recommendations from college instructors and a Transfer College Report.
You need at least one full-time year of college by enrollment, and Williams accepts at most two years of credit because transfers spend at least two years at Williams. Courses need a C- or better to transfer.
What a competitive Williams transfer applicant looks like
Competitive Williams transfer admits share a tight profile. Missing any one of these is where most rejections cluster.
Williams College transfer deadline & application requirements
Application Essays
Williams asks for the Common App with one essay. Make it specific: why Williams, and why now.
Letters of Recommendation
Two recommendations from college instructors, plus a Transfer College Report, your college transcript and your high school transcript.
Credits
At least one full-time year of college by enrollment. Williams accepts up to two years of credit (C- or better) and requires two years in residence.
Test Scores
Williams is test optional for transfer applicants.
Interested in transferring to Williams?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most Williams transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why Williams specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to Williams.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review ?
How Williams compares to peers
If you are weighing the Williams transfer acceptance rate against peers, apply to these selective schools in parallel. Brown is similarly tight on transfers, while Amherst and Swarthmore admitted larger shares.
Frequently asked questions
Does Williams College accept transfer students?
Yes. Williams admits transfer students through the Common App — 15 enrolled for Fall 2025. You need at least one full-time year of college by the time you enroll.
When do Williams transfer decisions come out?
Williams’ Common Data Set lists April 14 as the transfer notification date, with a reply deadline of June 1.
How many transfer students does Williams College accept?
For Fall 2025, Williams admitted 23 of 595 transfer applicants and 15 enrolled, per its Common Data Set 2025-26.
What is the Williams College transfer acceptance rate?
The Williams College transfer acceptance rate was 3.9% for Fall 2025 (23 admits from 595 applicants) — less than half of Williams’ 8.6% first-year rate.
When is the Williams College transfer application due?
The Williams College transfer deadline is March 3. Williams is need-blind for transfer applicants, meets 100% of demonstrated need, and says all current transfer and veteran students receive financial aid, with an average award of $86,000.
Can I apply if I took a gap year or break?
A break isn’t listed as a disqualifier. What matters is completing at least one full-time year of college by the time you enroll; Williams accepts at most two years of transfer credit.
What if I already have a degree?
No. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to transfer to Williams.
Where this data comes from
- Williams — Common Data Set 2025-26 — Section D transfer admit data (primary source)
- Williams Admission — Transfer Applicants — requirements, deadline, aid
- Common Application — application platform
Want a real shot at Williams?
Williams admitted 23 of 595 transfer applicants for Fall 2025 — a Williams transfer acceptance rate of 3.9%. Our consultants will look at your transcript, your reasons for transferring, and your fit with Williams.