Williams Academic Calendar

Williams College, located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, operates on a unique academic calendar that combines a traditional semester system with a distinctive feature known as the Winter Study Program. The college follows a 4-1-4 structure, meaning students take four courses in the fall semester (typically starting in early September and ending in mid-December), participate in a one-month Winter Study term in January for intensive, often interdisciplinary projects, and then complete four more courses in the spring semester (running from early February to late May). This format allows for focused exploration during the Winter Study period, setting Williams apart from many other liberal arts institutions. Major breaks include a lengthy winter recess and a spring break in March, aligning with student needs for rest and research.

• Fall Semester Start: Early September 2025 (typically around September 3-5), marking the beginning of classes for first-year and returning students.
• Winter Study Term: January 2026 (full month), a unique period for independent projects, internships, or specialized courses.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to late January 2026, encompassing holiday observances like Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Spring Semester Start: Early February 2026 (often around February 1-3), following the Winter Study term.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically a one-week break around March 15-22), providing a mid-semester pause.
• Commencement: Late May 2026 (often around May 28-30), celebrating the graduation of seniors with campus-wide events.

• Early Decision I Deadline: Mid-November 2025 (typically November 15), with decisions released by mid-December 2025.
• Early Decision II Deadline: Early January 2026 (often January 1-5), with notifications by mid-February 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Early January 2026 (usually January 1-5), with decisions announced by late March or early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Deadline: Early January 2026 (aligned with Regular Decision, typically January 5), critical for need-based aid applicants.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: Early May 2026 (often May 1), required to secure a spot for the Class of 2030.

The academic calendar at Williams College aligns with many Northeastern U.S. liberal arts colleges in terms of fall and spring semester timing, though the Winter Study term offers a unique scheduling element not commonly found elsewhere. This structure provides flexibility for international students, who can use the January term for travel or intensive study, while extended breaks accommodate holiday observances across cultures. Additionally, the calendar’s alignment with national holidays like Thanksgiving and Memorial Day ensures students have predictable downtime. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, as official calendars may not yet be published.