<p>I've been spending some time on the Uva boards recently, and I was surprised by some of the W&M bashing going on over there. My parents met at UVa, and my dad also attended the law school, so I'm pretty aware of the stereotypes, the rivalry, ect. I visited both schools and I immediately knew that UVa was not for me and W&M was where I belonged, though I still think UVa is beautiful and a fantastic school. I guess I was just taken aback to hear people proclaiming that W&M is obscure outside of VA, that there is no social life... I haven't ever seen any anti-UVa posts over here. It seems a little unnecessary, and very one-sided.</p>
<p>Any thoughts? </p>
<p>I don't have any anti-UVa sentiments, I am just a little perplexed. :/</p>
<p>I don’t know that anyone really cares.</p>
<p>Of course people are passionate about their schools, but I didn’t notice bashing going on. I think there’s not too much anybody can really bash about either school. Both are fabulous; they’re just different. As a Virginian, virtually everyone I know has ties to both schools through relatives, friends, or kids of friends, which probably helps reduce rivalry.</p>
<p>Thanks Bayberry! I completely agree. I love both schools, for different reasons. I guess I just took it too seriously! I realize that everyone is very passionate and intelligent at both schools.</p>
<p>I’m a W&M alum and parent of 2 W&M kids so I admit I’m biased, but I can love William & Mary while still appreciating UVA. Actually, it makes me proud that my state has so many wonderful schools.</p>
<p>UVA used to hang their hat on the superior athletics… but W&M completely demolished UVA in football last year, so they have to resort to something else to be “better” at (besides wearing more shirts with popped collars). W&M students also don’t murder each other, so that is a plus.</p>
<p>I know some people will say the last sentence is in poor taste… but it is still true.</p>
<p>The odd things is that usually when rivalries between schools are discussed people are referring to athletic rivalries which W&M and UVA are not. Likely any bashing that might go on is simply a result of some chest thumping. Both schools have amazing academics and highly talented students who likely take immense pride in their schools.</p>
<p>If you did witness/see/hear any bashing of W&M in a UVA forum that’s unfortunate but likely the exception rather than the rule. At W&M we specifically remind our student ambassadors that since they don’t have any experience as students at UVA they cannot speak about that school. All they can do is share their W&M experience with prospective students. We think that’s the most upstanding way to present our school. We hope other schools do the same.</p>
<p>I have sons at both schools. (Actually, S1 graduated from UVA just as S2 was entering W&M.) Both schools have their strengths, both have weaknesses. Someone once asked me which son was getting the better education, and I’d have to call it a draw. Honestly. If anything, I think W&M might have a slight edge because of its smaller size & the professor:student ratio. S2 has better access to his academic advisor & professors than S1 did at UVA.</p>
<p>Absolutely right. Every school has things it does really well and every school has room for improvement. Both W&M and UVA provide students with a great education and wonderful opportunities. One is likely a slightly better fit than the other for each individual student so we encourage anyone deciding between the two to visit both.</p>