<p>I got substantial/equal scholarships from both, visited both and generally liked Richmond more. What did you guys think? Maybe you are attending either one?</p>
<p>My kiddo chose W&L over Richmond and is very happy.</p>
<p>Do you know why? What makes W&L better for the student?</p>
<p>In virginia W&L is regarded as the premier private school and even the best school, although some UVA students may obstinately not agree. Do a little more research and I think it will be apparent which one is better.</p>
<p>I did quite a bot of research and I know that W&L ranking is much better. However, that ranking did not tranlsate into impressive teachers/classes/food/housing when I visited…
However, I liked the Honor code and single freshmen rooms.</p>
<p>Are you trying to convince yourself one way or another? It seems like you’ve already made your decision. </p>
<p>Not sure what you consider “impressive teachers/food/housing” - do you want a large(r) metropolitan area, in the flatlands, or a small town in the mountains? Academically they’re very similar but it does sound like you’ve made your decision for U of R. Congratulations! :)</p>
<p>Yeah, I guess I am trying to find someone who would prove my decision right 
Although I do have to say that Richmond does not have such strong study abroad (there you can’t go abroad as a freshman). It is also bigger, in a bigger city - more opportunities. Lexington did not seem too exiting :)</p>
<p>I think you will either “get” the difference when you visit or not. If you get it, you know which is the stronger school! It is an individual decision…depends on the child!</p>
<p>Yes, but what confuses me is the ranking of W&L and my impression do not go together. Maybe I missed something? That’s why I want to get second opinion/perspective :)</p>
<p>It is awesome. The honor code. The professors. Small classes. Culture. Opportunities. Check out their speakers…study abroad…mock convention…to name just a few. Good luck!</p>
<p>“Yeah, I guess I am trying to find someone who would prove my decision right :)”</p>
<p>LOL better go over to the UR board for that. ;)</p>
<p>Reasonable idea:) Just wanted to hear what W&L fans have to say :)</p>
<p>finally someone who cares more about their gut feeling than about rankings! i like you</p>
<p>My child liked the smaller classes, the smaller overall size of the school, the fact that she could compete on a team at an intercollegiate level (W&L is D3 whereas Richmond is D1), the more even gender balance (Richmond is more skewed to female). She also liked that both schools had Greek systems but liked the fact that W&L has Greek housing whereas Richmond does not. </p>
<p>I don’t think this was in her realm of consideration at the time but W&L has a VERY active alumni/ae network. </p>
<p>Personally I think the dorms are abysmal but once you can move into the mansion, I mean sorority house:), you will be living in a stunning home.</p>
<p>:)
I want to go where I will be happy and involved in school’s activities, not where some Princeton Review guy liked.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for letting me know about those things!
Now I know what are the conditions that your child liked, and I can compare those to my own interests/priorities.</p>
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<p>That makes a lot of sense, but where a person will be happiest is extremely subjective. So far I have two that have gone to college. Both applied to and were accepted to Richmond. Both ultimately elected to go elsewhere - one to UVA and one to W&L. If you talk to either one they will both say their respective school is the best in the country. One has a best friend that recently graduated from Richmond and she feels just as strongly about her experience there. </p>
<p>My point? Well, when you are looking at these types of schools the best one is genrally whichever one you choose. They all offer great experiences and a great education. The main edge that one will have over another is usually at the granular level of individual choice and interest. So once you’ve decided using the benefit of all the information you’ve gathered along with gut instincts, there’s no need to start looking back – you’ll just drive yourself insane. I don’t think there’s a wrong choice on the basis of the schools alone – maybe just a right or wrong personal choice. </p>
<p>D at W&L wanted the most rigorous academic experience, which to her, meant having small classes from day one, and the most accessible professors. That’s what she’s getting, along with a lot of other things she wanted according to her personal preferences, so she’s very happy. Having said that, I can’t say she would have been any less satisfied attending UR. However, what I can tell you is she’s never given it a second thought at all. I think that’s the way it is for many students, so I say go with your gut.</p>
<p>D IS IN Univ of Richmond…waiting on W&L…will be an interesting week!</p>
<p>Yes, after 4 years of thinking that I have to go the the “perfect college” I now realized that there is no absolute best for everyone. I liked the personal attention from UR people, the threatre/arts department, a bit less Greek life (comapred to W&L)… And I could totally see how someone would fall in love with W&L for the exact same things I did not like.</p>
<p>the dorms i saw at w&l were the nicest i’ve seen anywhere (i visited UR too)- i saw 3-- freshman single, a freshman double and a fresh or soph suite with a bathroom just for the 4 of them. I thought all were great. Ranking wise–the most noticeable difference is the high school academic record of the students (combo of sat & selectivity)–you may or may not think this reflects intelligence
for many for whom w&l is a reach, richmond is a good match or even safety
that said, if you got the “feeling” at richmond, but not w&l, then go for richmond.</p>