<p>I'm helping my daughter with her college hunt. We visited W&M last weekend and really loved it! But sometimes I read negative things about W&M on the Internet. People say, for instance, that the students aren't friendly, that there's nothing to do in Williamsburg, and that the workload is killer intense. Can anyone please comment on any of these? Also, another comment is that the school is underfunded.</p>
<p>We were impressed by the quality of the academics and the wonderful new science building being built. Also, the two new dorms for upperclassmen look beautiful. It seems like a great time to be there. Any help from W&M students, past or present, would be appreciated! (We're New Yorkers and OOS for W&M). So what do you think? Should my daughter go back for another visit when school is in sesssion?</p>
<p>I would say that of the three "myths" only one of them is really plausible. The idea that WM isn't friendly really doesn't hold; however, it does depend on what time of year you visit- exam time for example being such an exception. I think that it is a fairly friendly campus, not overly friendly, but amiable nevertheless. As far as the workload is concerned, I think it is relative, much of that depending upon what classes you are taking, the professors teaching them. For example, one of my statistics classes involved a 25 data set linear regression project at the end of the semester while a friend of mine enrolled in the same class with a different professor had a much milder assignment. Thus, it depends. That said, however, I think that a lot of it depends on wise course selection- I personally try to select courses with the final exam schedule in mind.</p>
<p>As far as the school being underfunded, it is relative to some of its overlaps such as Duke and Georgetown- though these are also private schools. I will say, however, that with what funding the school has it allocates it in a very, very efficient manner which is part of the reason why WM is able to maintain such a hearty academic environment. There are some areas in which it is clear that the school lacks in funding- in the little things especially- for example most comprable libraries have longer hours whereas WM's closes at midnight save exam time. </p>
<p>As far as Williamsburg is concerned, it can be a little dull. The opening of New Town, and the movie theatre has helped a bit, but as far as things to do in Williamsburg, there is not all that much; however, that is somewhat made up for by the presence of the local delly's near by. </p>
<p>Several projects that are currently underway- in reference to the new Integrated Science Center: -New business school, Matoaka Ampitheatre, Andrews Hall, Small Physics Laboratory, Jamestown Dorm, Rec Center, Parking garage and several others</p>
<p>Mac - if you go to the W&M website there is an article on the bill awaiting Gov. Kaine's signature for increased funding for the '07 FY. Looks promising!</p>
<p>One of the reasons my S chose WM was the friendliness of the kids there during his tour (summer) - and he has had a great 3 years and about to start his senior year (sadly for me - I love to visit there).</p>
<p>I think one of the reasons kids work so hard there is that there seems to be a genuine love for learning - they chose the school because of the rigorous academics and challenge.</p>
<p>My D just finished her freshman year at W&M. She found the atmosphere to be very friendly. She tends to be very social and got in with a group as soon as she got there, that stayed very close during the year. In fact, she wanted to get back to campus early when she went home on breaks--to be with her friends. She ended up staying there for the summer, getting an on-campus job and taking a course.</p>
<p>From the academic standpoint, she found it challenging but not overbearing. She did take liberal arts courses, vs hard sciences, which may be a little easier....but she placed out of some freshman courses and took some upper class courses, including a senior seminar, which may have been a little harder. She did spend a lot of time at the library (which, I understand, tends to be a bit more on the social side vs the average college library) and she had to develop better time management habits unlike those of her high school years --which were nil. She found, for the most part, her professors were approachable and helpful---(she had all ass't/assoc/full professors--not teaching assistants). This tended to ameliorate some of the stress of a more rigorous academic atmosphere. She ended up with a respectable GPA...but less than her high school GPA. She told me that she did feel engaged in many of her courses.</p>
<p>Williamsburg is not New York City---but she did stay occupied. She did not get into the Greek scene but attended some parties which, I understand, are quite open. Kimball Theatre in Wmsbg has some esoteric entertainment from time-to-time. The did partake of some concerts in Richmond and the Newport News area. There is an indie movie theatre in the Norfolk area. A new multiplex theatre opened outside of Wmsbg this year which is a plus. She did say that one thing that Wmsbg could use is a local rock nightclub near campus. There are three "deli's" near campus which are local hangouts. But as they serve beer, they card at certain times. She told me about some of the nocturnal escapades that groups of students had around the old Wmsbg area at night which sounded like a lot of fun. Bottom line: the social life there appears to be what you make it--there are plenty of opportunities which are balanced, and often integrated, with a challenging academic life.</p>
<p>It probably never hurts to take another trip down there to guage the atmosphere when the campus is in "full swing".</p>
<p>I'm a W&M alum (Class of 06, so I actually left there not long ago) and I can help answer anything you have like the guys above me.</p>
<p>"students aren't friendly"
The nicest person I know is a W&M alum. No, it's not me, but she was a gem and is a good friend of mine. Okay, she was the nicest person at the school. But most kids are approachable. </p>
<p>"there's nothing to do in Williamsburg"
There's always CW! The Delis, are 21+ at night. New Town is coming up nicely and there is a theater that opened last year. Busch Gardens has a students only day on one Friday in late September. Football games have become more popular recently, after the team's Final Four run, and the rising of the lights. </p>
<p>"the workload is killer intense"
That is true to some extent, but it is manageable. Your daughter should work wth her adviser to make wise decisions in picking classes, and ALSO, when to take them. The workload tends to get more intense for students who schedule all their classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (or Mon, Wed, Fri), because they end up taking four a day, and if they're unlucky, they may have 3 midterms on the same day. I recommend that any student's class time is at around the same time every day if possible. </p>
<p>If you have anything more, please message me.</p>