<p>W&M is more intellectual and focused on undergrads, which is what you are looking for. You have answered your own question. If you were looking for top notch Greek and sports scene, with a much larger student body, then UVirginia would be a better fit. Good luck with acceptance at W&M, it also has a lower acceptance rate and higher SAT scores. You have a good chance.</p>
<p>Here's a review of both schools from The Princeton Review. Read them and think about which school you'd fit in/like the most. Good Luck!</p>
<p>College Of William And Mary</p>
<p>"The College of William and Mary is “the second oldest school in the country” and it has an Honor code “that was started here by Thomas Jefferson.” “Registration can be a lesson in disappointment” but the administration “is very in touch with the student body” and “openly asks for and is responsive to criticism.” The faculty is generally tremendous. “Professors are better than I could have imagined,” reflects a geology major. “They are the best teachers I have ever had. They are passionate about what they teach.” “I am in classes that range from a large lecture of 300 people to a small seminar of 15,” adds a first-year student. “I find that all of the teachers teach in the exact same manner, so it seems like all of my classes are in an intimate setting.” “Professors are always available outside of class” as well. Be warned, though, that “the academic scene is definitely intense” at W&M. “The amount of work is often unbearable.” “You’re not going to get a 4.0,” cautions an international relations major. “It’s absolutely unheard of.” Instead, professor “will give you a ‘B–,’ smiling.” “This school is incredibly challenging,” concludes a public policy major, “but at the end of the semester, when you reflect back on just how much you’ve learned, you realize that the sleepless nights of study and stressful weekends spent cramming instead of relaxing were worth it.”
"There are certainly rich kids here but William and Mary is a state school and “a lot of people come from more modest backgrounds.” Many students come from Northern Virginia “but it’s not an epidemic.” Students tell us that ethnic diversity could improve. “Minorities feel outnumbered,” they say. “Dumb people stand out,” too. This is a pretty “intelligent and well read” crowd. “It’s not unheard of to get into a theoretical discussion of politics or history or literature while drunk at a party.” “The typical student is dorky and slightly awkward but nonetheless very friendly,” though there are “never-come-out-of-the-library people” and a few “complete social rejects.” On the whole, students at W&M are “crazy perfectionists” who are “involved in different things.” They’re “eclectic and quirky.” “They’re warm and welcoming.” “Everyone at William and Mary is in touch with their inner nerd and happy with it.” “It’s mainly people being themselves, unabashed and proud.” “That guy who sits next to you in your 300-level science class is a starting linebacker on the football team.”"
"William and Mary is “small enough where you don’t feel like you’re swallowed up into a crowd of 30,000 people, but it’s also large enough to allow you some anonymity.” Food is “greasy and not very good” and parking is really bad but “the sheer number and variety of organizations is a huge strength.” “Most students juggle numerous activities in addition to their school work.” “I write for the newspaper, sing, and volunteer with a food kitchen,” illustrates a sophomore. “That’s pretty representative of the student body.” “Fun at William and Mary is not completely orthodox.” “A capella groups are more popular on campus than sports teams.” “Big traditions” include a campus wide convocation ceremony in the fall; Yule Log in December, when the school president reads The Grinch Who Stole Christmas; and the well-attended King & Queens Ball in the spring. W&M “can be draconian toward drinking” but there’s “a pretty decent nightlife.” “If you want to drink, you won’t have a problem finding alcohol and, if you don’t drink, the parties are still social and lively, without any pressure.” “The Greek scene is visible, but is not huge.” Fraternities have dance parties every weekend “and no one is turned away.” “Off campus parties are popular but they get busted a lot.” Students also hang out a lot at a few delis. They’re “pretty much bars, but since Williamsburg doesn’t allow the title ‘bars,’ they call them delis.” Surrounding Williamsburg is “a town full of people who are old or like to dress up as colonial people.” It’s “a historical haven,” though, and “a pleasant detour from life’s stresses” “after tourist season is over.”</p>
<p>University Of Virginia</p>
<p>"It’s all about balance at the University of Virginia: The balance “between public and private, large research university and small liberal arts college, tradition and progress, and work and play.” Here at “Mr. Jefferson’s University” the influence of the school’s founder is paramount; the school “promotes a Jeffersonian spirit of learning in various aspects of student life,” and this creates a cohesive community. In the spirit of one of democracy’s greatest proponents, “a surprising amount of the school’s administration is left to the students. For example, I think in the 1990s students lobbied for more study space, so Clemons Library was born. Also, honor code offenses and the like are handled by student-run bodies.” Academically, UVA “demands a lot [from] students. Expectations of hard work—much less excellence—are high. If you do not study or do work outside of class, you will fall behind fast.” In return for their hard work, undergrads gain access to “unlimited opportunity for hands-on experience. Study abroad and research opportunities are encouraged, and funding is always available. And you can tailor your courses to desired interests.” Students particularly appreciate that these perks come at a public-school price. Standout programs include premedical study, business, politics, architecture (Jefferson’s influence again!), environmental science, and biomedical engineering."
"UVA is “a place where smart kids get together and are excited about learning. That doesn’t mean it’s a bunch of nerds, however. The intelligence of the average UVA student is masked under cheering at football games, drinking at parties, working out, and doing whatever else we find fun. Being smart is just an accepted fact here. We do our work [and] then go party.” One undergrad remarks, “There is no typical student. The campus is big enough that there are lots of people you don’t know, but you can [also] run into friends constantly. There’s a strong Greek presence, so the typical student might be classified as preppy. There are a lot of average, blend-in type of students, as well, and lots of athletes.” While one student warns potential undergrads not to “expect their lavish dream of collegiate social diversity to play out on UVA’s campus,” most agree that “because of the wide range of groups on grounds, all students are able to find their niche, and there are a lot of niches at UVA. You’re pretty much guaranteed not to be the only person around who has a particular interest, hobby, or belief. That’s the blessing of a big school.”"
Students at UVA are “very serious about academics and research, but also very much into extracurriculars and social life.” Greek organizations “are huge at UVA,” and Greek parties are the destination of choice for most freshmen and sophomores. Third- and fourth-years, on the other hand, “usually go to the bars located on the corner” when they want a little weekend rest and relaxation. There are also plenty of other options available; downtown Charlottesville “offers a wealth of opportunities, ranging from movies to concerts to shopping.” Many students immerse themselves in student governance, which “permeates everything from the Resident Staff program to intramural sports to every club, publication, and organization. Students have the power to decide what gets done, and are challenged to make UVA a better place for having them as students.” There’s also UVA football, for which the campus basically grinds to a halt; one student explains, “Game day is devoted to dressing up, pre-game socializing, going to the game to socialize, and then after-game parties.” Students also love to take advantage of the many options offered by the Shenandoah Valley, including “apple-picking at Carter’s Mountain, hiking at Humpback Rock, and taking a Sunday drive around the beautiful surrounding county. Shenandoah National Park is only 30 minutes away from campus and offers a wealth of outdoor activities.” UVA’s grounds—please do not use the term “campus” here—are among the nation’s loveliest."</p>
<p>Wow. Thanks for that. =3 I should of looked that up myself. xD Hm...they both sound good, but I still think W&M is the place for me.</p>
<p>You seem like the W&M type saying you're introverted and don't want to follow the directed path and you like creative writing. I'd do ED there, it forces you to make a decision, which it you have to do at some point anyway, and W&M seems like the better decision</p>
<p>I think that WM ED sounds like a good idea. My best friend was in the EXACT same situation. She finally decided that WM was the best place and she was accepted ED. She was happy with her decision. You sound like a great fit for WM because you are more introverted, like small classes and want to do creative writing. Plus, you mentioned that you might want to teach and WM is currently constructing a beautiful new education building. You can do the 5 year program and get your undergrad and teaching masters in only one extra year! good luck :D</p>
<p>You couldn't go too far wrong with either school, but based on your expressed preferences, I would say that W&M sounds like a better fit for you.</p>