<p>Okay, so I am already fully convinced that William & Mary is the place that I want to be.</p>
<p>The problem is my parents. I need a way to convince them that it's a worthwhile investment to send their daughter to William & Mary over the now dirt-cheap in-state school she despises.</p>
<p>So parents, or students, or whoever at this point: why is William & Mary worth it over my state school, the University of Delaware. Or better yet, do you think it's worth it?</p>
<p>I'm just desperate to go to William & Mary and the deadline's really close. Any suggestions you have are good, mainly those concerning quality of education, class size, student quality, opportunities, post-grad stuff, etc. Anything that would appeal to parents.</p>
<p>I am not able to work (visa crap) or take student loans (more visa crap), so that's not an option.. </p>
<p>Though my daughter's situation is totally opposite, I was in the situation to CONVINCE my daughter W&M was for her. We live about 45 minutes from the school and she wanted to go further from home. Visiting the campus on admitted students day changed her mind 100%. Every reason you mentioned, class size, campus, qualitiy of education, grad school opportunities are correct. As my step son labeled it, an Ivy league education at a state school price. (at least for us) Many persons know W&M's heritage. Many do think it's an Ivy league. The OOS cost is less than big private schools. What is your intended major? Someone may have key points directed to your major.</p>
<p>Though I'm sure you have already looked into this, it may also be beneficial for you to look at W&M (and outside) scholarships if you are worried about finances since you mentioned you are unable to work and apply for student loans. They are not impossible to get - it's the only way I was able to afford to study abroad this summer. </p>
<p>Have you visited the W&M campus and/or spoken with the administrators (like in an interview)?</p>
<p>If cheaper were better we would all live in trailers and drive yugos. College is not a commodity. Why do people hire attys vs public defenders? If you want 13th grade go to your state school. if you want a life changing experience, go to W&M. </p>
<p>If she still doesnt get it, tell her you have a better chance of not living at home at age 25 if you go to one of the top schools in America.</p>
<p>I just returned from mailing my daughter's selection card for William and Mary. She chose it over a wonderful residential honors program at another fine state college, and several high ranking LACs. Class size, overall size of the school, professor access, and undergraduate research opportunities were the main factor in her decision. H and I are thrilled because it's in-state tuition for us, but we found the quality of the students who will be her peers, the supportive administration, and the location--near historical and recreational opportunities--to be compelling. As mentioned by momray, you might find some qualities related to your major or career plans that might be convincing. </p>
<p>Interesting, when D told her GC about her choice, the counselor waxed poetic about the beauty of the campus, comparing it to the University of Delaware!</p>
<p>Good luck and let us know where you wind up.</p>
<p>Meesh, W&M and UDel are both great schools - but different. What you wish to major in should be taken into consideration. Also, environment: Williamsburg is an historic location, and many students enjoy the locale and work in Colonial Williamsburg. Have you visited W&M? Newark, Del is not an attractive city; however, UDel has a very noteworthy Honors program and has produced recipients of major awards such as the Marshall, Truman, etc. Since you're a Del resident, you'll also save some $$ which you could use later on for graduate school, perhaps. You could always take a summer course at W&M - or even transfer. Good luck!</p>
<p>I've definitely been to both UD and W&M. I was actually at W&M for about 5 days at the end of March. I know I love it there.</p>
<p>But I need more than the fact that I love W&M.
Being in UD Honors, I get small class sizes, not to mention that I am going for almost free... I guess I need to justify spending the extra money for W&M to my parents. They want something a little bit more concrete.</p>
<p>I'm a prospective biochemistry major, looking for a second major in probably English or Anthropology. I'm also interested in study abroad options.
I'm also very interested in graduate school--perhaps even medical or law school... I want to keep my options as open as possible.</p>
<p>I like (ish) UD, but I don't love it. In this case, UD costs around $5,000 a year (yay scholarships!). W&M, even with tiny merit aid, is $23,000 ish a year.</p>
<p>So as a parent, what would compel you to want to spend that extra dollar?</p>
<p>My parents used scare tactics before we finally sent in the $$$. The basically went through how much extra money it was and how I'd be barely scraping by, and working to pay off loans while trying to go to grad. school. Oh well
You could point out that you will have more opportunities for post grad jobs and also grad school if you go to W&M. Also there are probably more alumnae connections at W&M. So going there could help you earn more money in the future. You could show them the list of things alumnae are doing now that they sent out.
plus I will be there, and that's reason enough : ) good luck, I hope you can come, but I'm sure that you'll have a good time wherever you go.</p>
<p>If anthropology is a second major, W&M is one of the best places to study. There are digs all around the area. Jamestown is one of the exciting places for anthropology. </p>
<p>Have you looked into outside scholarships? Daughter has recieved more than $11K just in random scholarships. She's applied to local as well as national contests. Some are renewable, some are a one time stipend. Even if your first year is a bit costly, you could really pursue these programs for your later years.</p>
<p>IMO, I'd go to the school costs less out-of-pocket. Meesh, you'll do well no matter which school you pick. And UDel is a larger institution with much to offer. I'd look at the major awards that students have achieved from both schools; i.e., the Rhodes, Marshal, Truman, Fulbright, etc., and let that also be one of your determining factors. Have you sat in on classes at both schools?</p>
<p>I think there are stats out there on medical and law school acceptances, etc. for W&M. Now of course this doesn't mean that there is any causal relationship, but hey, it can't hurt to show your parents the stats.</p>
<p>I've sat in on class at W&M, and I found them all rather enjoyable, and found the professors to be caring. And often they knew students' names, which was nice.</p>
<p>Anyway, looks like I'm W&M 2011! Any others PM me and we can hook up on facebook. =]</p>