questions before i finally submit ED

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

<p>Im about to submit my Early Decision application to W&M, but i have a few final questions before i commit myself to 4 years. </p>

<li><p>Do the in-state kids tend to form their own groups upon arrival to campus? Are the noticibly less qualified than OOS students (not trying to offend anybody by asking this, just looking for the truth). Are people really weird, or just a little quirky?</p></li>
<li><p>How is the math department at WM?</p></li>
<li><p>How many kids double major? Would a double in Math/History be impossible?</p></li>
<li><p>Do people really not go watch varsity sports (soccer, football etc.) Is there a lack of school spirit and pride on campus?</p></li>
<li><p>How is housing? </p></li>
<li><p>Is there enough of a social atmosphere to have an absolute BLAST at college? Do you ever get board?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer my questions.</p>

2

<p>My daughter is an OOS freshman. She is very happy. The majority of kids are from NOVA but they aren't clicky at all. She also has made friends from other states than Virginia. She doesn't see any difference between the Virginia kids and the OOS kids as far as ability.</p>

<p>She doesn't think the kids are strange at all. She has mentioned that some are quiet but in general they are very accepting and very nice. None of the cool kids from high school stuff.</p>

<p>As far as having a "blast" on the weekends, I think that's an individual call. My daughter doesn't drink but she has a lot of fun. She says the school does a good job of keeping the alcohol out of the dorms but it's VERY available at the fraternities and some sororities. Most of her friends that attend other schools say that underage drinking is done in the open in their dorms.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>I just saw your question about school spirit. We were there for "Family Weekend" and I sensed a lot of school spirit. I attended a larger university with a very good football team and I never felt as much school spirit as I did at WM. The kids who attend WM seem to just love their school. It was one of the things my daughter commented on from the beginning. She said she would walk around campus and all the upper classmen seemed soooo happy. I think the kids are really involved on campus and that creates a lot more school spirit than watching others play a sport.</p>

4

<ol>
<li>Do the in-state kids tend to form their own groups upon arrival to campus? Are the noticibly less qualified than OOS students (not trying to offend anybody by asking this, just looking for the truth). Are people really weird, or just a little quirky?</li>
</ol>

<p>No, we don't. I really don't even know where some of the friends I've made are from, state-wise, because I don't care, it really has no factor for friendship. </p>

<p>Are there some weird people? Some, but you'll find some at any college. Vast majority seem normal to me.</p>

<ol>
<li>Do people really not go watch varsity sports (soccer, football etc.) Is there a lack of school spirit and pride on campus?</li>
</ol>

<p>Soccer is far away (its a bit of a walk if you don't have a car.) But yes, there is Tribe Pride.</p>

<ol>
<li>How is housing?</li>
</ol>

<p>You can get mixed results here. There are some really nice dorms and some so-so ones.</p>

<ol>
<li>Is there enough of a social atmosphere to have an absolute BLAST at college? Do you ever get board?</li>
</ol>

<p>Of course. College is what you make of it.</p>

5

<p>There is no difference between students. only smart kids allowed at W&M. Weird is as ypu perceive it. W&M definitely is a non conformist environment.</p>

<p>All depts are strong including Math</p>

<p>Double major is not uncommon at all.</p>

<p>School spirit is strong. It goes beyond watching sports teams. Everyone is proud to be at W&M</p>

<p>Housing is fine. In fact most people live on campus. Can walk most places. no need to spend a rainy day waiting for a bus to take you across campus.</p>

<p>If you get out and make the effort you will have a blast. no doubt about it.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>

6

<p>My freshman daughter loves William and Mary and is as happy as we ever seen her. She loves her hallmates, classes and always seems to be busy. Partying isn't her thing, but that doesn't seem to be a problem in terms of having a social life. Her friends come from all over the country. In fact, she has 7 kids from her in-state high school and never sees them!</p>

7

<p>My d graduated from W & M two years ago. She was from NY; her best friends were from NJ, CT, PA, CA, and, of course, Virginia. She moved to DC after graduation and finds that many of her current close friends are kids she knew from college. There was no in-state clique-ishness on campus. And I agree with swish14 - everybody's smart at W & M.</p>

<p>My d double-majored in a science and a humanities field. Most of her friends were also double majors. The school certainly doesn't make it difficult. </p>

<p>I think the one aspect of college life that you've mentioned that could be improved (and the school is working on it) is housing. There are some unfortunate situations, though students do make the best of them. I think the many positives on campus outweigh spending a year in a tiny room with a run-down bathroom next door (which my d did as a freshman in Hunt Hall). Good luck!</p>

8

<p>My freshman daughter chose W&M because, along with great academics, it seemed more accepting of nonconformists than others. She's quirky and has found friends like herself who manage to find fun things to do (not into the sports scene, though), and plans on a double major. ALL of the kids are very top notch. She's glad she's there, but was assigned to the worst reputed dorms on campus. However, the RAs work hard and successfully on bonding, and the fact that the complex is a bit far out means good exercise...Best of luck with your application!</p>

9

<ol>
<li>Do the in-state kids tend to form their own groups upon arrival to campus? Are the noticibly less qualified than OOS students (not trying to offend anybody by asking this, just looking for the truth). Are people really weird, or just a little quirky?</li>
</ol>

<p>I don't really think so. To be honest, the majority of the campus is in state. It would be pretty random to exclude the other 1/3 :) People don't usually think about it. Virginia itself has pockets of culture that are very distinct. Since the school is mostly in-state, I suspect that if you find W&M academics to be at an acceptable, then you will find the in-state students will be qualified enough. </p>

<ol>
<li>How is the math department at WM?</li>
</ol>

<p>I don't really know, to be honest :) I would assume it is good, this is a big subject. I don't think this school is necessarily renowned for its math program.</p>

<ol>
<li>How many kids double major? Would a double in Math/History be impossible?</li>
</ol>

<p>A lot of people double major. Math/history is possible, although there probably isn't a lot of overlap in the requirements, so a little more difficult than some other double majors would be. A couple curriculums are structured in a way that makes it difficult to double major in areas without overlap, but I don't think that's the case with math and history. </p>

<ol>
<li>Do people really not go watch varsity sports (soccer, football etc.) Is there a lack of school spirit and pride on campus?</li>
</ol>

<p>This isn't Virginia Tech, I'll be straight up. But people go watch sports and I think you'll find it's a small school with surprising support for smaller sports that are strong in their respective conferences. But the school doesn't have a ton of recruiting power in athletics. There are other activities and ways the campus can show spirit and people do that. The student body is generally very proud of their involvement in the community and community outreach.</p>

<ol>
<li>How is housing? </li>
</ol>

<p>Like many campuses, even the "worst" housing is more than adequate and even has its own benefits if it isn't fancy (i.e. smaller close knit halls, or close to the caf/rec center - the stuff you'll want to go to! - even if it's a further walk to class buildings.</p>

<ol>
<li>Is there enough of a social atmosphere to have an absolute BLAST at college? Do you ever get board?</li>
</ol>

<p>I never get bored, there is plenty to do. It isn't like some schools where there is a ton of parties all the time, the school isn't that big, and alcohol enforcement tend to be pretty consistent here so people are going to keep it cool. But this should not be a problem unless you plan to party every single night of the week. For people who want to go, there are parties on the weekend, etc. If that is not your thing, there are other activities, and there are a ton of clubs and social groups for every taste that plan activities. There are classes at the rec center, lectures, etc. Schools have different "feels" and it is important to get a picture of the culture and the people there, but I think pretty much anywhere you gather 5000+ 18-22 year olds together, if some of them are bored it's because they aren't looking hard enough or went egregiously wrong with fit.</p>

10

<p>I went to W&M for grad school and overall I was much older than the others in my classes. However, they were wonderful young people! I enjoyed meeting them and learning all about them. They were from NJ, NY, Delaware, VA and many other states. Some were wealthy students, others were scrimping just to get by. It is a very eclectic group of college students there. That is what is so great about it. Everyone was friendly and supportive and LOVED W&M. Even though I did not live on campus there was just this vibe you could pick up there. School spirit and pride abounds. You can find plenty to do. Although Williamsburg is kind of a sleepy, quiet town during the off season. Busch Gardens, Water Country, Va Beach, Washington D.C. the mountains, and the beach are all close by and make for a great day trip. The campus is beautiful and gorgeous in all seasons. It is what it is..and that is a great college. I hope you have the opportunity to experience it.</p>

11

<p>Yes...since W&M is a PUBLIC school, it takes the cream of out of state students and just average VA students. Are you kidding? W&M takes the best students to meet all criteria. As a state school, it must admit more in state students but not just anyone from VA is admitted. Daughter was valedictorian, waitlisted at Yale. She loves W&M; classes, social life, sports, everything! School spirit is huge! And no she's not board....nor is she ever bored!</p>

12

<p>I will disagree a little bit. There are more and less qualified students at WM. While in and out of state both have some of each, I feel as though a slightly higher percentage of the less qualified students come from in state.</p>

13

<p>Students are admitted to W&M that only qualification is in state status?<br>
Lower stats for in state students does NOT make those students unqualified.</p>

14

<p>OP was asking for honesty, I gave my honest answer. It's merely what I've experienced, no need to get offended. The smartest person I know here is from Virginia.</p>

15

<p>also, just because of decisions made once they are here, say... to drink 7 days a week, doesn't mean that they weren't a top quality candidate out of high school.</p>