Hello! I am having a tough time deciding where I should go to school next year and would appreciate any advice. I am still waiting to hear back from Wake, so I will focus on my other options for now. Overall, I hope to attend a small/medium liberal arts college or university with strong academics. Small class sizes with attention from professors would be great. Also, I love ballet and want to at least continue taking class. I might change my mind, but I anticipate majoring in biology with hopes of attending medical school. William and Mary has a fantastic reputation, a unique history, and top-notch academics, but I am concerned the environment would be too hyper-competitive. I am very studious and hard-working, but I want to collaborate with my peers and not be so stressed about grades that I am unable to enjoy my experience. I also heard students tend to be quirky (not sure if this is in a positive or negative way)? I feel the same about Wake, but I am also worried it has a “privileged” and “elitist” feel to it whereas I am more humble and down-to-earth. At Mt Holyoke, I have been offered a 21st century scholarship and I love how the environment empowers women to be the best version of themselves. I think I would feel nurtured and comfortable, yet challenged, there (I am trying to avoid cold weather though, haha). CofC has accepted me into the Honors College with a generous scholarship as well as the William Aiken Fellows Society and International Scholars Program (which includes a maymester trip to Ghana). They have reached out so much to me and I feel I would be valued and supported there. As for Elon, I think I will only consider if accepted as a Fellow (which I will know in a few days). I just cannot make up my mind, but I feel blessed to have such wonderful options. Furthermore, CofC is just a half to a third of the cost of W&M and Wake. I am not prohibited by cost, but it is hard for me to justify attending such an expensive school as Wake. Yet I wonder if prestige would help with medical school applications (or any other path I decide to take)? Please let me know your thoughts!
Hello,
I am also in a similar predicament- I have pretty much narrowed my college choices down to the CofC Honors College (in state), MHC, and Salem College in NC. I am wooed by the prospect of a women’s college which seems to foster so much deep and meaningful conversation throughout and a strong understanding of the humanities. But, on the other hand, I have heard that it is very easy for CofC students to get into MUSC after undergrad due to research opportunities. Since I only know information about CofC and MHC, I would say that either way you go, you will have outstanding opportunities at each since you are part of top scholar programs at both of the colleges. Be warned, though, one major problem (for me, at least) is the party culture at CofC. I have many friends who live in the area and they all say the same thing about the school, while I have heard the opposite about MHC. Good luck on your decision, and I hope that any information I have provided is helpful!
Hi! W&M is a wonderful place to go to school. Idk if you’ve ever been to campus, but it’s a very welcoming environment and people support one another. UVA is more of a hypercompetitive place. W&M also embraces the arts so you could still do ballet. Do what’s best for you though and think about where you see yourself in the next 4yrs.
CofC is a fantastic university. I would definitely take a look at that school, especially with its awesome Honors College. You would not be settling if you attended there.
You have very good choices.
I think W&M is anything but hypercompetitive. Students work hard but are collaborative and supportive.
To get into medical school, you’ll need good MCATs and good grades, so go some place you think will prepare you and you’ll be comfortable enough to do well.
Note that these schools are, for the most part, different. This may help you in making your decision.
Based on what you say, it sounds like either MHC or W&M would be the best fit.
Are they both affordable?
Have you been able to visit?
Thank you all for your replies. Lamprey, I agree I would rather not attend a school with a large party culture, but perhaps it is possible to make friends within CofC honors that share our opinion. Charleston is a beautiful city with diverse cultural offerings and, while more urban than other campuses, I felt very safe during my visit there. MYO S1634, I have visited all of my prospective schools listed but most students were away on break when I saw MHC and W&M so I was unable to get a feel for the vibe of the student body. W&M is expensive and MHC a little less expensive with the scholarship, but they are both affordable. Attending CofC would be the lowest in cost by a significant margin. ariaamusic and IzzoOne, thank you for your input, I would love to learn alongside studious yet collaborative peers. Do you feel the supportive nature translates to intro science courses that may be designed to “weed out” students?
OP: I think MHC would be a great fit for you - lots of smart and motivated women in a supportive and non-competitive environment. I have heard some really great things about both its programs in the sciences and opportunities for dance. And being a 21st century scholar is a big deal!
if MHC is affordable, then go. The intellectual, cooperative nature of learning sounds like a perfect fit for you. And, indeed, being a 21st century scholar is a BIG deal. 
Congratulations!
@sugarpop14 My son is a William Aiken Fellow at the Honors College at CofC. He has had a wonderful , supportive, collaborative experience at the College. He has established great relationships with his professors and his peers. He is not a partier and has not had difficulty finding non partying peers. Any school can be a party school, and anyone who doesn’t believe that is fooling themselves. You would be surrounded by highly accomplished peers if you chose to attend. Their students are very competitive for medical school acceptances . My niece attend William and Mary and describes it as a very competitive environment . Good luck with your decision .
Is it possible for you to visit MHC and W&M again while students are there? Maybe do an overnight in a dorm? Some schools are even flying students to visits at the schools’ cost…maybe you shouId enquire, as these schools do seem to want you. It’s an important decision, and since all choices are good, I think it boils down to the vibe where you will be happiest (and therefore most productive.)
@carolinamom2boys thank you for your response. I have narrowed my decision to CofC and William&Mary. Do you have any more information on your niece’s experience at William&Mary? @inthegarden unfortunately, I must reply to CofC this Monday to secure my spot, so will not have an opportunity for a visit before then (I live in the midwest). Thank you for your input though–I agree happiness is key!
It is odd that CofC is making you deposit that early. For what it is worth though as a current student at W&M, it is not a competitive environment, it is extremely collaborative if anything. Students also tend to be down to earth and have strong support systems for its students
@shawnspencer OP had to make the decision that early because they were offered a scholarship and a place in the William Aiken Society, the top tier of the Honors College. CofC deadline is May 1 like every other school. They are not asking OP to deposit anything at that point if my memory serves me correctly . They’re are asking for a signed commitment to accept their scholarship offer.
@sugarpop14 I remember walking through the William and Mary Campus and seeing all the flowers to the left and a football game to the right. That place is very special. In terms of academics, it is one of the top public institutions in the USA behind some Cal schools and Mich. I’ve heard also that their students arw collaborative so I think it would be a good fit for you.