UVA or William and Mary?

I got into UVA EA and just got accepted to William and Mary RD via Likely Postcard. I’m having a really hard time choosing between the two! I know that there is still time to commit to one or the other but being indecisive is quite nerve racking for me. I’m not too excited about going to college and I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do. For starters, I’m definitely more of an introvert and someone who takes their studies more seriously than their social life. Any recommendations or suggestions? I’m really torn between the two :frowning:

Depends upon what you plan to study. Based on the scant info. in your post, there is no reasonable way for one to recommend one or the other.

You absolutely must attend the programs for admitted students. Also, start a very detailed list or spreadsheet of pros and cons. It’s a highly personal choice. Don’t make yourself crazy, you have plenty of time and at least two fantastic choices!

Congratulations! Great choices! Different environments, comparable academic reputations. Revisit and goes with what feels right for you. William and Mary is more social than some believe, but from your brief statement that maybe seems like the best fit, but see how you feel after taking one more look. Good luck!

Yes, take another look on admitted student visits. Agree with @TTG that William and Mary sounds like a good fit from what you have described. But, both good choices. Congratulations and Good luck with the decision!

Yes, I agree that there’s really no way for you to make a decision just from the information cited here. I’m assuming that you’re in VA - hopefully you’ll get the opportunity to visit. William & Mary is a smaller school, more undergraduate focused, and very very old. It’s educated three early American presidents and many other members of the early government of the United States.

UVa has a big research university, and much larger. Both are in smaller towns, and both have a strong Greek life (with about a third of students in each being Greek, and W&M being the birthplace of American Greek-lettered organizations) and some very old traditions. Charlottesville is probably a bit easier to travel from than Williamsburg,

@juillet , Charlottesville is actually a small city. Williamsburg has the college, tourist area which is very quaint , but is part of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan area. Both areas are very developed, in general. Ease of travel would depend on where the OP is located within Virginia, assuming OP is probably a Virginia resident ?). Both colleges are very old, with lots of history and tradition. Jefferson was a founder of the University of Virginia, and the grounds there are part of a World Heritage Site . There is plenty of history to go around in both places! Hopefully, visits will help with the decision. Congratulations, @filmgirl22 on two great choices!

^Sorry @sevmom, I was using the term ‘town’ colloquially,and definitely filtered through my own personal experiences. Charlottesville is about the same size as State College, where I did my postdoc. I’ve only ever lived in or near major metropolitan areas, so Charlottesville and State College seem like “small towns” to me, in terms of number of people, closeness of those folks and amenities present in town :slight_smile: But I imagine that they have very different characters, especially with Charlottesville’s closer proximity to DC and Richmond.

They are both very old! But William & Mary was founded in 1693, which for Americans is like next-level old. UVa was founded in 1819, still older than most American universities but more fathomable. Actually, that line was more reflective of my own sense of awe than anything else :smiley:

You should visit and go to admitted student days as advised by others. I think if you do that you will get a better idea for which is a better fit for you. Both are excellent schools and reasonably good values if you are in-state. They are quite unique for state schools and have very high graduation rates and alumni support rates, which are good proxies for student satisfaction.

William & Mary sounds like it would be a good fit for you. Most students take their studies seriously and you will find your fair share of introverts. It also emphasizes the liberal arts, taking a bunch of different courses in different subjects because most students come in undecided, not knowing what they are going to study and students do not usually declare their majors until their second year. Based on everything you have layed out, W&M sounds like a natural fit.

Attend the admitted students day if you can, talk to current students. If you want to know more about W&M, PM me.

I’m biased since I love UVA and will probably end up there next year but from what I’ve heard from people is that the school is so big that everyone can find their niche. So, even if you are introverted like me there will be plenty others like you. The academics at both schools are very strong but to me the atmosphere at UVA is much more upbeat and has a better campus. (plus UVA is #1 in bball) Anyways like everyone else said, once you visit, you’ll just know!

This is not an uncommon dilemma for VA in-state students. My D15 was in the same boat and really struggled with her choice for awhile. DOTL (UVA) and DFAS (W&M) had a huge part in her decision, and even though she made her decision and deposited with W&M…it took her time to decline UVA. It’s like she needed a moment to let go :slight_smile:

She has never regretted her choice and loves it at W&M. Students are very serious about their studies but also very service oriented. I have been impressed with the dedication of the vast majority of her professors, who seem to go above and beyond to help students succeed. Research opportunities abound, and there is a real sense of community there.