<p>This was more than a decade ago, but I went to W&M from high school in SLC. My dad was actually a physics professor at the U, which was probably why I had no interest in math/physics whatsoever, but from what I have heard, W&M has historically had quite strong math and physics departments (especially physics) and I’ve always had the impression that those majors who pursue grad school end up in very good programs. There’s data on grad school placement here ([Outcomes</a> Info](<a href=“http://career.wm.edu/CFM/OutcomesIndex.cfm]Outcomes”>http://career.wm.edu/CFM/OutcomesIndex.cfm)), though it’s a small enough sample size as to verge on anecdotal. I hope others here can offer more info on these departments.</p>
<p>When I was looking at colleges, my dad, perhaps hoping that I’d express some latent science gene, suggested the University of Chicago and it’s renowned physics department, but I, like you, didn’t feel much of an attraction to the midwest. I know this is heretical to some, but I just didn’t get what all the fuss was about with Chicago, and it felt even farther removed from Utah than Virginia. (For what it’s worth, and I’m totally trafficking in stereotypes here, I always thought bookish W&M was to the U of Chicago as jockish UVA was to Northwestern.) I find it interesting that despite the huge differences between Chicago and Williamsburg, neither place grabbed you more than the other, though maybe it’s because Utah is so unique that everywhere else–especially outside of the western U.S.–is just not-Utah, which was how it seemed to me when I left for college.</p>
<p>There are very few places that offer the same outdoor opportunities as Utah, and W&M’s equipment center pales in comparison to the U’s, which I remember to be almost like its own REI. (The nearest REI, btw, is in Richmond, though Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is not a bad alternative.) But the outdoors club was pretty active when I was there, and as long as you resist the temptation to view everything as a poor facsimile of what you’d be able to do in Utah, there really is a lot within a few hours drive from Williamsburg. There are tons of biking and running trails around campus. There is good rock climbing, hiking/camping, and rafting in the Shenandoahs. There are plenty of river and ocean fishing spots. The Outer Banks are a doable weekend trip. I learned to sail and row at W&M, which I wouldn’t have done in SLC. The only thing that I really couldn’t do was ski, but between winter and spring breaks in Utah, was still able to get enough days in to satisfy me.</p>
<p>I wasn’t the most outgoing guy, either, but found a good group of friends in my freshman dorm with whom I still keep in touch with and see to this day. It may be a little different as a transfer, but W&M seems to have a lot of programs to help transfers get acclimated and integrated, and I’m confident that you will find people that you connect with. You’re right that W&M has a home-y feel, but it’s large enough that there is a group or a club for everybody. About a third of the student body participates in the Greek scene, and if that’s your thing, it can dominate your social life. If it’s not, you can have a social life without ever interacting with it. Either way, I don’t remember a distinct line between Greeks and non-Greeks. Most people were really, well, collegial.</p>
<p>W&M folks tend to downplay the importance of rankings, but the truth is that people pay attention to them, and they can matter, especially if you’re interested in management consulting or I-banking. I think Northwestern’s alumni network, brand name, and global reach are all very tangible benefits. However, if you’re aiming for grad school, I really don’t think the difference between W&M’s rank and Northwestern’s matters much at all. So in your case, I would suggest trying to base your decision on other factors.</p>
<p>While the rankings might not matter so much, the financial situation of the respective schools does. Northwestern as A LOT of money, and all that money allows Northwestern to build the best facilities, offer the best amenities, and hire the best staff, all the way down to the department secretary that you will probably interact with more than you think. Those things can have a big impact on your college experience.</p>
<p>Personally, I hope you choose W&M, because I like to see my home state represented there. Feel free to PM me if there’s anything I missed or anything you’d like to ask off-line. Otherwise, good luck with your decision! You’ll be in good hands either way.</p>