<p>I was just accepted last night, and could not be more excited! But one thing that I have been thinking about now that I am in, is what would it be like for me as an OOS student. From what I understand, about thirty percent of students at W&M are OOS. William & Mary is one of my top schools but being in the minority, as far as geography goes, is a slight concern for me. Does anyone have any comments about how OOS students fit in at W&M?</p>
<p>Why on earth wouldn’t you fit in?</p>
<p>Here’s my 2 cents. Northern Virginia is filled with military and government employees. So exactly what is an OOS student? My DS was accepted to W&M as IS. Is he really? We haved lived in VA for 6 years. He has also lived in AZ, TX, KS, GA, PA, and Germany. So I don’t think he considers himself a “Virginian”. Many others will probably be what I call “non-traditional” in-state applicants (not having lived in the state their entire lives). </p>
<p>So why wouldn’t you fit in? Why would my DS fit in? You fit in because you want to! It’s a great school and you will meet great people. This is probably true of most schools. Go to Admit day and see!</p>
<p>Those are good points - I have just been imagining this sea of VA students but as you both pointed out there is no reason why being oos should be a problem. Thanks for the replies!</p>
<p>Anyone want to comment on out of state financial aid?</p>
<p>I’d like to know what to expect in the next week!</p>
<p>Of course I’m asking you to generalize since I can’t post my data. What should a middle class family expect to receive?</p>
<p>me too! I’d like to visit william and mary next weekend but it can’t even be considered unless I get decent financial aid 
anyone know if we’ll be hearing back before next friday?</p>
<p>My D is a junior at W&M and we are from California. Being an OOS student has never been an issue for her. Don’t let this concern prevent you from attending an excellent school!</p>
<p>Honestly, If you go to a private uni, then the majority will be from NY, NY and Cali. They will be majority Caucasian, and high socio-economic status. As far as I can tell, there is enough diversity at W&M that you will fit in just fine. If you like the campus and the school, odds are you will have much in common with many other students.</p>
<p>EG my brother goes to UIUC and loves it.</p>
<p>error* NY, NJ and cali</p>
<p>lolalago - I don’t know what “sea of VA students” you have looked at in the past, but in my experience it is not generally apparent what state someone is from when you walk by them on the path to class =P</p>
<p>Virginia students are very nice… as long as you don’t like any bad sports teams, like the Cowboys. (just kidding…)</p>
<p>My daughter is an in state sophomore at Willliam and Mary and over half of her friends are from out of state! That includes friends she has made in her dorms, thru campus clubs etc. and also in her sorrority. You will make friends with those whose likes, values and interests are the same as yours…and it won’t matter what state they are from! Also, you need a few in state friends to get those invites to spend long weekends with and get some home cooking ! 
Daughter applied ED and LOVES it there. She is studying abroad this summer so I imagine there will be a lot of folks from “out of country”!</p>
<p>Valid question but should not even cross your mind again as a concern!</p>
<p>I hope this isn’t another one of those “Virginia was the heart of the Confederacy and if I don’t call the Civil War the “War of Northern Aggression” and say Y’all with enthusiasm I will not fit in” posts. Ditto on pervious posts, D has many OOS friends and it is not an issue in the least.</p>
<p>W&M is 35% out-of-state students so while a minority yes, out-of-state students make up a very healthy percentage of our student body (especially for a public school).</p>
<p>It’s certainly a valid concern however among out-of-state students but I think most of them realize that this is a community of W&M students and not in-state vs out-of-state. One thing we notice among our new students is that during the first few weeks in the fall, as students are meeting each other and asking about where everyone is from people respond with VA, IL, CA, etc but after about a month that question is answered with the name of a freshman dorm indicating how quickly all students make this their home.</p>
<p>And as others have pointed out, VA is a very diverse state so even though 65% of the students come from one state they don’t all come from a similar background which is great.</p>
<p>For those asking about financial aid, the Financial Aid Office will begin email students likely next week telling you how to access your award package online. We generally meet around 80% of an out-of-state student’s demonstrated need and we try to meet 100% of an in-state student’s demonstrated need</p>
<p>Truly not a difference at school like W&M. All the kids will be top quality with many different perspectives on life. It might be more diverse from a socio-economic view b/c its public. Many privates have students from many states but are from the same upper class.</p>
<p>That’s the great thing about W&M. We’re one community; one Tribe. In-state/out-of-state doesn’t matter. Those who come here, belong here (it’s part of the tradition of belonging)</p>