Please Help Me With My College Decision

Colleges and Universities A-Z College of William and Mary
1

<p>I am from South Florida, and my two college options right now (based on preference and affordability) are the University of Florida and William and Mary.</p>

<p>I was dead set on Florida, but over the last few days I have had somewhat of a change of heart. I am really beginning to think that William and Mary might be better for me.</p>

<p>First off, I really am a go-getter and I am extremely motivated to do well in college. I want to do something in the corporate finance world, so internships, post-undergrad employment, and graduate school (specifically MBA) placement are very important to me. Does anyone have knowledge of William and Mary's "rank" in the realm of finance.</p>

<p>Next, a large part of my success in high school was a close relationship with my guidance counselor who helped me with planning, problems I had in and out of school, and just being there to help with any of my academic and career interests. This is a big point driving me toward picking W&M...I feel like everything becomes more personal there - from teachers to advisors. Can anyone confirm or comment on this?</p>

<p>A driving factor toward UF was the party aspect. I want to make sure I have a social life, and I don't want to be around a bunch of "awkward" kids. From my research, many have said that W&M has an awkward student body and a non-focus on social life. I don't necessarily believe that. I would consider myself a normal kid - - I really did get along with all types of people in HS, but my best friends were not into academics like I was. Can anyone comment on the social/party life at WM. I am sure that there are groups for me, and the greek life seems to be great as well...but I would just like to hear from people at the college.</p>

<p>And lastly, UF and WM are on opposite ends of the spectrum size-wise. I feel, however, that I would have my own little world at each school - comprised of a fraternity, classes, and organizations that I join. I still am nervous about the small size, though.</p>

<p>Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I apologize for the long post..but I want as much info as possible. Thank you!!</p>

2

<p>Any chance you can visit for one of our admitted student programs? Seeing the campus and talking with students and staff would likely be super helpful.</p>

3

<p>these schools are completely different…</p>

<p>if the party aspects of Florida are important to you, then I think you will definitely find that lacking at W&M. There is plenty to do, and plenty of parties at W&M, but no one will ever confuse W&M with an SEC social atmosphere (and most W&M people would probably consider that a plus).</p>

<p>If academics are more important, then I think W&M would have the edge. That said, obviously you can be very successful with a UF degree.</p>

4

<p>UF is a great school, one of the top for finance/accounting. IN state and out of state is much cheaper. It is ranked higher than W&M for sure for an MBA but W&M cleans its clock for undergards ( because of the smaller classes in genreal) . W&M has a great reputation for placing people in graduate school but I would say top MBA programs care less about the school you attend and more about what you did ( interships or 2 years of work after) </p>

<p>The Mason school of business is newer but quickly climbing the ranks. What impressed us about the school was that it had all the “bells and whistles” of a much larger school ( like a fully electronic trading room like the big states but it only had space for 60 students vs 120 at the large state school) If you like the idea of a personal direct connection with professors, W&M wins hands down My Son has done research with top professors since Freshman year, something he did not believe he would get at a large state-and his friends who went did not get ( even after getting into the honors program) At our state school, ( my alma mater) there are twice as many students in classes in the honors program as they had at W&M for regular classes. He wanted a school whare he could talk to the proffesors in class, that’s what sold him</p>

<p>I also reommend gong to both admitted student days, W&M program was outstanding and really made you think how coudl I not go here ( no reference on UF</p>

5

<p>All of this was very helpful! Honestly, I have decided on William and Mary as long as finances work out. The way its working out I would be paying 40-50k by myself for all four years. Does this make sense for the job opportunities after graduation in the investment banking field. The information I have been receiving from people has pretty much been “hands down W&M is a much better school and will allow for more recruitment”</p>

<p>Does anyone have any idea about IB recruitment out of WM vs UF</p>