<p>I'll start with saying I love this school. I fell in love with it at a music camp and have since simply never looked back. That being said, I struggle with the idea of early decision because I also love UVA. My main reasons for wanting to apply ED are: I'm not sure I would get in regular decision (my transcript and EC's are strong top 8% of class and lots of leadership, but average SAT scores), I want to get the application process over and end the "waiting game," earlier rather than in April, and there's no other school (besides UVA), that I would even consider choosing over W&M. Up until very recently, I was 100% committed to William and Mary ED. Then the other day I received a booklet from UVA and my parents instantly began trying to talk me into regular decision so I would be able to weigh all my options.
As I've said in a few other posts, my only concerns about William and Mary are the social life and the school spirit for athletics. I want to have fun and I plan on going greek so I'm not too worried about that part, I'm just concerned about a lack of things to do in Williamsburg. Also I am a HUGE sports fan. I love sports-football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, you name it, I'm there. I'm not worried about football games, I know those are exciting, I'm just concerned about spirit for basketball. Attendance seems rather dismal...
I'll also tell my concerns about UVA, the class sizes are number one. I was intimidated by the sheer size of UVA and the fact that "[their] largest class only has 400 students." 400 seems like quite a lot to me and I'm worried about having TA's. I want a professor that knows me and is someone I can come to when I'm struggling.
Also I feel like William and Mary is just more me. It seems like, and correct me if I'm wrong, William and Mary is more counterculture, progressive thinker type, filled with those who care about others and have a desire to help others. I'd consider myself liberal and outgoing. I don't want to be hidden away studying all day; I also don't want to be partying all day. I guess I would like advice on ED and I would like someone to tell me why I should go to William and Mary, because no one has ever told me why. Thank you!</p>
<p>betweenthetrees - </p>
<p>There’s a thread about halfway down the page currently asking about ED. I have a pretty standard response/feelings towards ED, so I’m going to start by posting the same response. It’s not a lack of respect for your specific situation, I simply just wrote the post recently.</p>
<p>"IMHO Early Decision is not exclusively for students who bleed school colors, know the fight song, have hoodies, scarves, and lanyards shouting their love for the school. Some students don’t get as emotional about any decision, they are pragmatic. If, and only if, you had admits from all of the schools you are applying, finances no concern, you would pick the ED school hands down each and every time with no hesitation, second thoughts, or looking back…then ED is a good option for you. If it is your top choice but you would consider going to another school with the right merit or financial aid package then I’d advise against ED. If it’s your current top choice but you don’t know which you’d select if you had offers from your top 3-5 (or maybe a school not yet on your list) but ED gives an edge in admissions so you want that chance/edge I advise against. If the first scenario isn’t met, I’m not in favor. This can be the case for died in the wool lifelong fans, to students that simply know they’d give up any other admit with no hesitation. Some will obviously have differing opinions and I completely respect that. Each student, each family, has to come to the right decision for themselves. If financial aid is a consideration ED does remove the ability to compare packages which can vary widely from school to school (how much loans/how much grant/total amount). It this is a consideration your family must decide if they are willing to accept the ED schools FA package should you be accepted. Again, this is a very individual decision. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you!"</p>
<p>So, from the above I’d have a couple of concerns with ED in your situation. I don’t think it’s something to be used as an admissions strategy (i.e., I’m afraid I won’t get in otherwise). Also, “I don’t want to wait until April” isn’t a key reason. Now, perhaps these are simply things you are articulating, and that’s okay, I’m just pointing them out for you to think about. UVa and W&M are both excellent schools. They share many attributes, however as you know they have very different vibes. There is quite a bit of cross application, however you may be surprised that there is not as much cross admits as you might think. Both use holistic admissions. Both are looking for excellent students they feel with add to their unique university community. There is some overlap, but not always. For this reason I think you may do yourself a favor to apply to both, see where you get accepted, then if you have the luxury of choice (hopefully) you can visit both, sit in on classes, have an overnight visit, etc. and decide which is right for you. </p>
<p>I also read your post in the UVa forum. There is much more then ‘a little second guessing’ going on. From what you are describing on both forums I think you need to give yourself the option of making both schools a possibility by applying. </p>
<p>Good luck in making this decision.</p>
<p>Also know that the stereotypes and common knowledge about William & Mary (while not completely false) are not widely prevailing. In terms of partying vs. studying, I’ve found the balance at W&M to be pretty on point. I really think the school is what you make of it. Just know that if you choose W&M you won’t be holed up studying all day!</p>
<p>@betweenthetrees I need the ending of this story. Did you apply ED? Did you get in?</p>
<p>@ribbonroad224 so the end of the story, I did apply ED, and I was accepted! It was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever! You can message me if you have any questions about the school.</p>
<p>Welcome to the Tribe! </p>
<p>Basketball attendance isn’t bad for what it is. The arena is just stupid big (All the students, grad students, and professors can fit in the arena with seats to spare). Still, we have a good team this year, and there’s definitely buzz on campus about them. Our top player, Marcus Thornton, has an outside NBA chance, so we’re all excited to see where the season takes him.</p>