Should I choose UVA or W&M for Physics and Math?

Hi everyone, I got accepted to both UVA and W&M and although many say this is great news, it really makes the process of choosing a college difficult. So far I have been reading many different things about both colleges. I know that UVA is a huge school and is serious in terms of sports, school spirit, and parties. I’ve heard that W&M lacks mostly all those characteristics but tends to be more academic. Honestly, I am not a very outgoing/party guy. I want to double major in math and physics with the hopes of becoming a particle physicist. Therefore, the most important things for me are how knowledge professors are, their availability for students to ask questions, and their willingness to actually help students. Also research is another big thing. How active the college is in terms of researching and publishing findings is another important factor. Oh by they way I am NOT a liberal arts enthusiast; I don’t know if that automatically crosses out W&M though. Thank you, any advice is greatly appreciated.

UVA is superior in my opinion, but W&M may be the best fit since it seems you are looking for a more intimate setting. The fact that research is important to you, makes me think that you should go to UVA. UVA is also awesome due to the D1 sports and atmosphere. Good Luck wherever you choose to go!

Congratulations. Conventional wisdom around here says NO ONE gets into both. You must be a catch for them. Why don’t you schedule a meeting with someone in the Physics department at both schools, have a tour, and decide based on what they show you? If you do go to UVA I’m going to take a big guess you won’t be the only Physics major who doesn’t party hard. Maybe you can get into an honors or STEM dorm? Good luck!