Whitman or William and Mary?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I have recently visited both Whitman and William and Mary. After crossing off Bates and Gettysburg I have found myself in a peculiar position between these two schools. They are both very different.</p>

<p>I plan to double major in Bio/Chem and Poli Sci. I want to go to Law School when I'm older but also recognize that I may want to instead pursue a life in science. </p>

<p>What drew me to applying to these schools were the laid back atmospheres, small classes, quirky intellectuals, and the passion for learning that these students have. </p>

<p>What are your opinions on these institutions?
Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Both are excellent; there’s not much difference regarding overall quality. You’ll probably have to choose based on more superficial features. Whitman would be more popular if it weren’t so isolated, but that’s a plus for many. We have a good friend at each, and both love their school.</p>

3

<p>The pacific NW is very different from Williamsburg VA. It’s good you’ve visited both. A fair percentage of the students at each of these schools come from that region. What is your style? After visiting many schools on the east and west coast, my kid decided that she wanted the rigor and intellectual passion of the NE schools she liked, but also the west coast open mindedness and laid back style. For her that right combination was Whitman. You’re probably leaning one way or the other. Trust your instincts. You can’t go wrong with either.</p>

4

<p>I’m not familiar with Whitman, but W&M has one of the top med and law school acceptance rates, and undergraduate research in both political and natural sciences is common. Last year some Freshmen discovered a new bacteriophage that may help fight tuberculosis. The description above fits W&M pretty well too, I’m sure you know. </p>

<p>Good luck with your choice!</p>

5

<p>How are the WM dorms?
When I went they only showed me the nice dorm with the fancy lobby and vaulted ceilings in the rooms…
Are the rooms of similar size at least?</p>

6

<p>Every dorm has its own special “thing” be it a fancy lobby, a giant firepit in the middle of a huge room, large lounges, or a spacious attic with ping pong tables and other games. Most of the rooms are of similar size, and if you go to [William</a> & Mary - Freshman Halls](<a href=“http://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/oncampus/residencehalls/freshman/index.php]William”>Freshman Halls | William & Mary) you can see pictures and floorplans with dimensions and other info.</p>

7

<p>How is studying abroad at WM if I choose to double major in the sciences?
Bio and Chem, specifically</p>

8

<p>W&M has one of the highest study abroad rates at 50% of students going abroad during their 4 years. I would assume less science students participate, but I do know at least a few of the handful of Bio+Chem majors I know are going to or have gone abroad. I believe there are some programs that W&M has especially designed for science majors to make fulfilling requirements easier. Additionally, coming in with AP credits helps as well. </p>

<p>Someone I know who is doing Chemistry and International Relations (one of the hardest majors) has studies abroad and done summer work abroad. Summer is another route that many students take. I’d estimate that maybe 1/5 of my close friends are studying abroad or doing research abroad (such as with a Monroe Scholarship) this summer, another 1/3 are staying on campus to work or do research or take additional classes, and the rest are going home to travel with family, work, intern, or just relax.</p>