<p>What looks better when applying to jobs and grad programs? Going to a great school and doing average, or going to an average school and doing great. </p>
<p>I'm afraid I won't do well at W&M (because it is a difficult school) and hinder my future...</p>
<p>Dude, I’m in the same boat. I’m doing amazing in a easy unknown college and have to choose to go to William and Mary or UVA next year. I would like to say that a UVA or W&M degree is more valuable to alot more people. For example, a Yale grad who did average in school will always be viewed as a highly intelligent and accomplished individual rather than so a VA Tech grad. This is just my OPINION. All I’m saying is that a degree from a great school like William and Mary won’t hurt you at all.</p>
<p>How about going to a great school like W&M AND doing well there. Have some confidence in yourself. They wont admit you if you cant do the work. Remember what Robert Frost said about the road less travelled…</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Fear of the unknown can be difficult, BUT as swish14 said be confident! You are worrying too much! I was nervous like you before I went to WM, I’m not going to lie. I had heard how tough it was and all kinds of stuff. Everything worked out just fine. I was worried that my absolute best might not be all that good at WM, because my High School stats were below the median of who WM usually accepts. I ended up in the top 15% of my class at WM through hard work and determination and am now in law school. My stats alone insinuated that I might not be able to hang, but what I found out is that there is much more to it than your SAT and GPA. And think about it this way: your four years in college will affect you for the rest of your life. Would you rather be prepared at graduation, be able to have good graduate school and job possibilities with an average GPA, and forever be associated with a school like WM OR would you want to put yourself in a situation where you didn’t challenge yourself and wonder what could have been? There are “turningpoints” in life - some we can control and others we can’t. If you were to choose an average school, it likely won’t prevent you from doing well in life. But I will say that when I look back at decisions I have made thus far, my decision to go to WM in spite of the fear I felt was a major positive “turningpoint” for me.</p>
<p>Everyone here is so encouraging and welcoming! That says a lot about the William and Mary community.</p>