@rickle1, here are the links to the Princeton Review descriptions of the student bodies at each school;
Wesleyan - https://www.princetonreview.com/schools/1023852/college/wesleyan-university
William & Mary - https://www.princetonreview.com/schools/1022846/college/college-william-mary
If you’re interested in medical or business schools for later, Emory has several advantages. The world renowned Center for Disease Control is on campus (as well as Emory Hospital, good internship possibilities) and their pre-med program is outstanding. The business school is also highly ranked among the top 20? programs in the US. Our daughter just graduated from Emory and her pre-med roommates are now in medical programs in NYC and Houston. Even if you don’t intend to stay in the south, any medical or business school who hasn’t heard of Emory isn’t worth attending.
Atlanta is a far more interesting city socially than Middleton (Winston-Salem should be flourishing as well.) Atlanta is the most liberal city in the south with mild weather and a major flight hub.
Emory’s huge endowment helps them attract and retain outstanding faculty. Our D found her professors academically challenging but also approachable. Emory is also one of the most culturally diverse private universities in the US.
If you’re into sports (except for swimming and volleyball) Emory is not the place to go since it’s a Div. III school; students are more supportive of performing arts. The Schwartz Center on campus (and Atlanta) are major draws for touring artists, including bands. There’s plenty to do on and around campus for community service and social activities. Greek life at Emory is probably 30%.
Politically Emory is moderate-liberal (the Jimmy Carter Center is next to the campus.) I’ve heard that WF is more conservative to moderate. Wesleyan is over the top liberal.
“Over the top liberal” is in the eye of the beholder. I am an Emory grad and my kid is a Wesleyan grad, and she got a far better education.
This seems to be an under-regarded concept on CC, and often falls behind “prestige” in indicated importance.
I agree with Deaston that you should not apply ED2 to any school you’re unsure about. All 3 schools are pretty strong academically and have their own strengths/weaknesses. Our D is a 2017 Emory alum and received a terrific education.
I wasn’t trying to equate the quality of an education with political climate but since several posts here mentioned how liberal Wesleyan is, it seemed fair to address the other 2 schools as well.