UNC, UVA, or W&M

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I want to add one more school to my college list. I narrowed it down to UNC, UVA, and William and Mary. I will be out of state for each (I am from New York). I just don't know which to pick. I am already applying to a good number of schools so I don't want to add more than one. Which do you think fits me best? Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>-Prospective major: some sort of business or math (maybe a math minor)
-flexible education (no strict core curriculum)
-I want a school that doesn't revolve around frats and Greek life
-students mainly focused on academics
-a place where I will never be bored
-very nice facilities
-will give me a lot of options and opportunities post graduation
-beautiful campus
-friendly, down-to-earth students</p>

<p>I have a 1400/2130</p>

2

<p>University Of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Academics:
It’s quite an understatement to say students at UNC-Chapel Hill are proud of their school. One calls it his “dream school,” while another calls it the “perfect mixture of academics, sports, and social life.” Although its relative low cost makes UNC a great bargain in higher education, academic rigor doesn’t take a back seat, and the vast majority of students say it’s one of the main reasons they chose the school. The journalism, business, and nursing programs are ranked among the best in the country, but the students hail the overall liberal arts curriculum because it creates well-rounded adults who “can handle any intellectual obstacle.” In describing the instructors, students use words like “world-class,” “brilliant,” and “incredible,” while also noting that they’re “warm,” “welcoming,” and “passionate” about their work and their students. “Most of my professors have been great, and some have been phenomenal.” Faculty members are generous with their time outside of class, patiently explaining “even the most difficult material” and using e-mail to announce changes. Some complain about large classes and warn incoming students that they will have to take the initiative and “speak up,” because they won’t be “coddled.” The school’s academic-advising system still comes in for sharp criticism. “Students are on their own there,” one student says</p>

<p>Student Body:
One student after another comments about the feeling of generosity that pervades UNC-“the epitome of Southern hospitality”-and how it extends beyond mere school spirit and the wearing of Carolina blue and white on game days. “Carolina is family,” one student says. “Most of us here are crazy about sports, but most will do anything at all to help a fellow UNC student.” “Although the student body is very diverse, a commonality among students is the desire to serve others and work for humanitarian efforts.” One reason for the closeness is that the vast majority of students hail from the Tar Heel state. So there are “lots of down-home, North Carolina types who excelled in their rural high schools.” Students and faculty are viewed as leaning liberal politically, which makes for some interesting exchanges. “Political activism is huge here,” a student says. But even though it’s a vast school, “it has a place for everyone.” “There are really only two common denominators: commitment to some kind of excellence (academic, extracurricular, etc.) and rooting against Duke.”</p>

<p>Campus Life:
With more than 17,000 undergrads, UNC is large enough that students rarely are lacking for something to do. Tar Heel men’s basketball probably is at the top of the list; indeed, for many rabid fans, the Dean Smith Center is the center of the universe, especially when Duke is the opponent. One student sums up the school’s essence this way: “It’s the feeling of running through the beautiful old quad by Davie Poplar on the way to Franklin Street after a big win.” The consensus is maintaining grades requires such an effort, letting off steam on weekends is a reward. “Life at UNC is full throttle. People work hard and play hard.” Many flock to the bars, restaurants and coffee shops of Franklin Street, but others prefer the music scene in nearby Carrboro or staying on campus to participate in a function sponsored by one of the hundreds of student groups. The campus itself is gorgeous and filled with history. Although only 17 percent of students belong to a fraternity or sorority, the Greek organizations are a big part of the social scene. “When you’re writing 30-page papers on 20th-century German philosophy and working two jobs, a night where you get to dress up as a biker chick and listen to AC/DC all night at the bar is a welcome reprieve,” one sorority member says</p>

3

<p>University Of Virginia
Academics:
Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia takes its history and traditions seriously, but that doesn’t mean it’s trapped in the past. The school “ranks among the world’s best and offers every imaginable subject,” combining “the academic advantages of the Ivy League” with the social life-and price-of a large state school. Academics here are “definitely tough” but “straightforward:” “Go to class, do the reading, [and] you’ll get the grade you deserve.” Although class sizes can be large and it can take “some maneuvering to get into the more popular courses,” students rave about their professors. “My professors have been my heroes; they are personable, wise, funny, prepared, engaging, and inspiring.” However, that doesn’t mean they’ll hand your education to you on a platter: Professors “are really willing to help out students after class” if you have “the guts to go up to them.” The expectation of student involvement extends across university life; student bodies administer the honor code, “which says that you will not lie, cheat, or steal while at the university.” While sanctions for violations like plagiarism can be harsh, one student points out that "it is nice to be able to leave my stuff in the library or dining hall while I get up for a little while and not worry about it getting stolen</p>

<p>Student Body:
Students here “often get typecast as homogeneous and preppy.” While this type certainly exists on campus, “there is a place for everyone at UVA. There are a lot of preppy kids, but there are also tomboys, Goths, skaters, and I even know of one kid who wears a kilt on a regular basis.” Some students say that UVA has “room for improvement” when it comes to diversity: “There is some truth behind the rumor that the majority of students here are white, but by no means does this mean that the other ethnic groups here are segregated,” since people here are “incredibly friendly” and the school is “a bastion of southern gentility.” The student body is a happy group: “Everyone here loves it-you can’t find a school with more enthusiastic and dedicated students.” UVA students “are really serious about succeeding, but they want to get all they can out of every part of college, too.” They’re apt to “party Thursday through Saturday” and spend the rest of the week hitting the books and participating in the many clubs and organizations on campus.</p>

<p>Campus Life:
UVA students embody the “work hard, play hard” ethos. Life here “is all about balance between studying and partying. The same students who talk nonstop about how much they drank last weekend are the ones who ace their chem exams and dream of med school.” The Greek scene is popular, and alcohol “is definitely a big and visible part of campus life.” But there is also “lots going on in Charlottesville” and plenty to do off campus, like “hiking at Old Rag or Humpback Rock, apple picking at Carter Mountain, and other fun, outdoorsy things. There is always the downtown mall for shopping and cool places to eat.” And then, of course, there is UVA athletics. Students here “go crazy for football games,” which take up “most of a Saturday” during football season. But it’s not all party, all the time: “Volunteering is big. Most students are involved in a variety of activities, [like] adopt-a-grandparent, student council, or honor committee.” Students complain about the lack of parking and the “bland and repetitive” dining hall food, but they rave about the “beautiful grounds” and “historical architecture.” The central location of dorms is "really convenient and good for social interaction</p>

4

<p>College Of William & Mary
Academics:
The College of William & Mary is “the second oldest school in the country,” and it has an honor code “that was started 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.”</p>

<p>Student Body:
There are certainly rich kids here but William & 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.</p>

<p>Campus Life:
William & 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 & 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 nearby 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>

5

<p>I vote for UNC. It’s like UVA without the pretentiousness. ;)</p>

6

<p>“-I want a school that doesn’t revolve around frats and Greek life”</p>

<p>UNC:
% of Undergrad Men in Fraternities: 15
% of Undergrad Women in Sororities: 17</p>

<p>UVA:
% of Undergrad Men in Fraternities: 30
% of Undergrad Women in Sororities: 30</p>

<p>W&M:
% of Undergrad Men in Fraternities: 26
% of Undergrad Women in Sororities: 27</p>

7

<p>From the descriptions I posted above:</p>

<p>UNC: “Although only 17 percent of students belong to a fraternity or sorority, the Greek organizations are a big part of the social scene.”</p>

<p>UVA: “The Greek scene is popular”</p>

<p>William & Mary: The Greek scene is visible, but is not huge." Fraternities have dance parties every weekend,“and no one is turned away.”</p>

8

<p>W&M has the best academic reputation and has the least Greek influence of the three schools you described. Its also MUCH smaller, which is good for some and bad for others. Much more intellectual atmosphere than most Southern schools. Go visit all three and you will know which one “fits” you best .</p>

9

<p>

W&M is a great school, but saying that it has a better academic reputation is ludicrous. Its small size does not miraculously make it stronger academically. Both UVA and UNC have produced over 45 Rhodes scholars apiece, putting them on par with Brown and Chicago and far ahead of William & Mary (only 5).</p>

<p>In terms of resources, UNC far exceeds both UVA and W&M. Aside from its own considerable resources, it shares close academic and social ties with Duke, which is a short bus ride away. </p>

<p>Chapel Hill is a great college town, and the Triangle area in general is a pretty happening place, so I highly doubt you’d get bored. I don’t know enough about Charlottesville or Williamsburg to be able to compare. </p>

<p>I will concede, however, that W&M is likely more intellectual than the other two.</p>

10

<p>UNC is probably out of reach for OOS students unless their stats are Ivy-level. By state regulation, only 17% of the students can be OOS, and by athletic department regulation, most of those are over 6’8" or run the 40 in under 4.5.</p>

<p>About a third or more of the U.Va. and W&M student bodies are OOS so while competition is high for those spots, it’s not as challenging as at UNC. One can debate whether W&M’s reputation is higher than UVA’s or vice versa (I’d say UNC runs third to the other two), but as a highly-selective, nationally-renowned public institution with under 6,000 undergraduates, W&M is unique in America, and offers a campus feel that is much more in keeping with the top private universities.</p>

11

<p>As a fellow student from NYC who had the same dillemma i chose UNC- Chapel Hill. If you can get in out of state its a huge honor, and if you are crazy about basketball you’ll probably love it there. Although i did not end up attending UNC it was highly alluring to me, they even gave me afree laptop and a great fin aid package, which UVA will probably not.</p>

12

<p>Hey, I actually was also in a similar situation (I was choosing between UVA, W&M and UCLA - although different from UNC it is also a highly ranked/known public school), and I chose W&M. I was looking for a smaller, more intellectual place. And, I know this is obviously a broad generalization, but most of the people I know from NYC who went to UVA didn’t actually like it (like half actually even ended up transferring).
Also I didn’t really look at UNC since my councilor said it was really hard oos, and he basically said it would be a reach, but that I shouldn’t do it since my other reaches were better schools.
With that said, all of them are obviously amazing schools and you can’t really go wrong.</p>

13

<p>All three schools are great academically and socially, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them.</p>

<p>Tiebreaker should go to the school with the best athletic programs. :)</p>

14

<p>tiebreaker should go to the one which Thomas Jefferson founded :)</p>

15

<p>I also chose between the 3 and went with W&M, btw. I like that’s it’s smaller, more intellectual, and has more focus on music and less on sports.</p>

16

<p>tiebreaker should be where Jefferson is an alum and not a god.</p>

17

<p>Haha okay here is my stance on all three…</p>

<p>UNC: a little farther away from where I live, I have heard its been hurt significantly by the economy crisis (?), maybe a little too big on sports (basketball), has a solid business school, idk about math department?, in a college town, very difficult to get into OOS, would be a reach for me (do I need another reach? probably not.)</p>

<p>UVA: I’ve heard the student body is preppy/pretentious, largest frat/greek scene, I know a few kids (and someone who posted here said the same thing) that didn’t like it at all (mostly because of the people i think), very good business school (ranked number 1), beautiful campus</p>

<p>W&M: may be a little too small for me (i want a school where you are constantly meeting new people/you don’t know everybody’s name), more of a focus on academics which is good, more challenging (?), business school is decent (not as good as the other two), nice campus, significant OOS percentage, frat scene not overwhelming, boring area (?)</p>

18

<p>

:rolleyes: .</p>

<p>I’m thinking UVA, but it would be easier to gauge if you provided your list.</p>

19

<p>Wharton is number 1.</p>

20

<p>

Swish, it seems that much of your activity on CC includes promoting your alma mater by detracting from a sister university. There really shouldn’t be any need. Both schools are wonderful, public universities with many virtues to extol.</p>

<p>FWIW, Jefferson is not a god at UVa. We celebrate his accomplishments, but students here are probably more aware of his faults than the average American.</p>