Hi everyone! I am in a slight pickle. I really love both William and Mary and Wake Forest- however, both the college and university are vastly different from each other but I love them in unique ways.
I love William and Mary for its historical aspect, beautiful Williamsburg town, driven students who aren’t all about partying, great academics and a caring community.
But, I also love Wake Forest for its beauty, relaxed but studious students, great academics, etc., I feel like going to Wake Forest would give me more so of an opportunity to branch out of my shell.
I am quite sheltered due to an overprotective father and I really want to be able to experience life and fun experiences, not just live my life in a dorm room , studying away and killing myself (figuratively) to get B’s or C’s.
I am willing to work but I don’t want it to just be my life.
What do you guys think?
They are similar in a number of ways. They are similar sized, residential, and are relatively undergraduate-focused compared to larger research universities.
However, I think Wake is more conservative, pre-professional, and traditionally Greek than W&M. If you visit the schools, you should sense some differences if you focus on the students rather than other things. This might help you make your decision.
You also might want to how students rate themselves and the environment on Niche. Good luck.
I know this thread was from a long time ago, but would you mind sharing where you decided on? I am in a similar situation and can’t decide where I should apply early decision. Thanks!
My son had the same choice last spring. He went to both admitted students days to get as much info as possible before making the decision. He chose Wake Forest because of feel. It fit his personality better. Many similarities but the big difference he saw was school spirit wrapped around big time college sports (ACC). He attends lots of games with his friends and there is a lot of enthusiasm regarding that. He didn’t sense there would be much of that at W&M.
Another advantage he saw was the opportunity to meet students from a wider array of locations. Being private means no requirement to have the vast majority of students as state residents. He now has friends from all over the country (and different countries).
It’s funny, my wife and I were hoping he would choose W&M because WE like Williamsburg so much and love the traditions and history at W&M. But…after seeing his excitement for Wake (and we really liked it as well), we know he’s at the right place and we couldn’t be happier for him.
Provided the academics are there (and they are in both places and many other great schools), it really IS about feel.