<p>I've been accepted at William and Mary as a Monroe Scholar and at UNC Chapel Hill in the Honors Program, both OOS. These are "last men standing" on my list, and I'm looking for some insight. </p>
<p>I'm planning to major in Chemistry as of now. I am definitely considering picking up a second major/minor in another science area, once I explore a little more. I'm looking to go to grad school afterward, once I figure out what I like to do. I'd like to be involved in research, and have as much contact with professors as possible. </p>
<p>Although I'm a science major, I also like to write, and would like to develop my skills in a place where writing is valued.</p>
<p>Politically, I'm definitely liberal. I really don't care about sports at all, but don't mind them being around. I like to drink, but not to the extent that some other people like to drink. </p>
<p>I've been to UNC three times, and wasn't sure if it felt right. I liked it, but wasn't convinced. </p>
<p>I've been to William and Mary twice, and liked it, but was afraid of being bored at a small school. Now, I'm starting to recognize some of the benefits of a smaller community, but still don't want to be restricted.</p>
<p>There you go! Thank you for ANY insight you are able to provide.</p>
<p>If you want to write, WM is an exceptional place. Don’t think you will be bored. Always things going on…campus related activities. Carolina is great but I’d pick WM any day.</p>
<p>I forgot to add before, but William and Mary gave me financial aid, while UNC-CH did not, so even though its price is higher, it is the cheaper option for me by about 7,000 dollars per year.</p>
<p>Virtually everything you’ve written sounds like reasons to attend W&M; the chem department is quite strong, with lots of opportunities to do research, both during the school term, and over the summer - “lots” meaning virtually everyone is involved at some point. </p>
<p>As a liberal arts school, you’ll definitely have the opportunity to do writing, as well as explore your other interests.</p>
<p>Not to disparage UNC-CH in any way, it’s a great school in its own right - but you don’t need to tell you that. Personally, I didn’t like the vibe on my visits there, seemed a bit too large and congested, and somehow, unfriendly. But that’s just my own personal experience.</p>
<p>Two very good schools, with two very difference experiences. It probably comes down to what kind of environment you feel like you’d thrive in; W&M is a small community (more diverse than you’d expect), academically rigorous, but fairly easy-going and accepting of everyone. UNC-CH feels more homogeneous, more Big State U. </p>
<p>If it came down 50:50, I’d take the money and go with W&M. Hopefully, something will tip you strongly one way or another, so whatever you decide, you don’t start regretting your decision when you hit those inevitable bumps in the road.</p>
<p>One little insight…my D took the 4 basic chem courses and had fine professors; one of her best friends is a Chem major and has done research both during the semester and the summer.</p>
<p>since I am not biased at all =P I think you should go to W&M. You will have opportunities for undergraduate research that you wouldn’t get at UNC. W&M has excellent graduate school placement. There are tons of liberal people at W&M. W&M has a smaller sports footprint, but students definitely go to cheer on the teams (at least when they are successful).</p>
<p>I don’t think you will be bored at W&M. You can go to the movies, go to parties, hang with friends, explore colonial williamsburg, play IM sports, hang with your hall, chill in the sunken gardens, watch the bands on Fridays at 5, watch comedians, watch musical performances, go to lectures, do research… etc.</p>
<p>W&M is certainly smaller than UNC which is likely among the biggest differences between the two schools.</p>
<p>W&M’s size will allow you to not only major in chemistry (and minor or double major…both very doable) but will also provide you with numerous opportunities for undergraduate research which larger schools may not be able to offer.</p>
<p>Additionally, W&M is 35% out-of-state and UNC is likely closer to 15% out-of-state so you might feel a bit more at home at a school that has a larger out-of-state population.</p>
<p>Definitely recommend attending Day for Admitted Students and Monroe Weekend on April 17-18. That will help you really explore W&M and the academic and social possibilities hear.</p>
<p>Both schools have very good points, but since you arent rabid about sports and not a big partier then UNC doesnt really fit as well. W&M seems better suited for what is important to you.</p>
<p>As squiddy mentioned, the opportunities for undergraduate research at W&M are pretty abundant which might be particularly appealing to someone in the sciences and our brand new Integrated Science Center has amazing lab facilities.</p>
<p>Chemistry is unusually strong for undergraduates. I believe that all majors get one summer of research work with a faculty member. They emerge from college with very strong lab skills and experience. But check this out with the Chem dept.</p>
<p>Great idea. Contact the Chem Department between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and ask for a faculty contact or ask for more information on research and lab opportunities offered by the department. They may even be able to put you in touch with current chem majors to answer some of your questions.</p>
<p>Similar struggles for my D in deciding between Wm and Mary and Lafayette College. LC offers $20k scholarship, putting the price about $11k below Wm and Mary. LC less than 2 hours from home, 4th highest starting and mid-career salaries of any liberal arts college, high placement in law and med schools. D undecided on major but strong in science and math. She loved Wm and Mary campus/friendliness last weekend at Admitted Students Day. But it is 9 hours away by car, more expensive and more remote to cities/events than LC where you can be in NYC in an hour. Clock is ticking, score is tied at this point.</p>
<p>April is a different kind of stress for high school seniors as they need to weigh and decide among some great choices.</p>
<p>frankur, glad your D loved admitted students day and to keep in mind W&M is an hour from Richmond and VA Beach and 2.5 hours from DC so we’re not really remote although we are not an hour from NYC. If she’s strong in science and math she’ll have a wealth of undergraduate research opportunities for her at W&M which will only serve to enhance her undergraduate academic experience which is oftentimes something many other schools cannot replicate as undergraduate research is a top priority at W&M</p>
<p>In a surprise finish, Lafayette edged out William and Mary as my D’s choice. We visited LC yesterday, trying to get a like impression of the campus on a sunny spring day to our last visit to Wm and Mary. In the end, she felt that the 9 hour ride, cost of flights, time for trains was a challenge she wasn’t up for and wanted to be closer to home. D2 is shocked, and still is looking to attend in 3 years, but this is the best of two good choices for D1 if she feels that anxious about the distance.
My thanks to the Wm and Mary Admissions team for all of your support, interesting and timely posts, and attention to detail. You guys are awesome, and are a great example of using new media effectively to support your business-which is matchmaking, helping students decide where to attend, either William and Mary or others. You have been extremely helpful. Maybe we’ll see you again in a couple of years.</p>
<p>frankur, best of luck to your D at Lafayette next year and we look forward to working with your family as your younger student begins the college search process.</p>