<p>I am having difficulty deciding which of the above colleges to attend, and I would like to hear others weigh in. Right now, I am leaning towards either William and Mary or Pepperdine.</p>
<p>At Pepperdine, I received a large scholarship and I would be a part of their scholars program. My biggest concern about Pepperdine is that I would not be challenged enough. However, the Malibu location really is to die for, and as an east coast girl I would hate to give up the rare opportunity to live there on a scholarship.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I feel like I really fit in at William and Mary. However, I've heard that the social life gets depressing because everyone spends all their time studying in the library. </p>
<p>I am still considering UVA, but I think it is too large and too much of a party school for my taste. </p>
<p>Can anyone please weigh in on my choices and concerns?</p>
<p>Hello! I can’t comment on Pepperdine, but I am a W&M grad who was also accepted at UVA. I am now 43 years, old, female, and have an outstanding career in finance as an executive at an insurance company. I spent 2 years at W&M in their undergrad liberal arts program, and then 2 years at the W&M Mason School of Business studying Accounting. </p>
<p>My experience at W&M was fantastic - I felt so comfortable there and the size of the school was just right for me. Large enough to have variety - you could never know everyone - but small enough to always see a familiar face around campus. The campus itself is beautiful, and it was a privilege to go someplace with so much history about it. I am so proud to call W&M my alma mater. I am from CT, and I realize the older I get how much cache W&M has. Everyone recognizes the name and is impressed that I graduated from there.</p>
<p>As far as partying - I can only speak for myself and my friends, but we had a great time! I found the social life to be plenty for me. I found that kids socialized every night starting Wed/Thurs through Sat. The fraternity scene was big for parties, and the local “delis” were popular as well (really bars, but they can’t use that word). Everything was either on or within walking distance of campus. So - if you are a major, hard core party person looking for tons of options, might not do it for you - but if you are looking for outstanding academics, a beautiful school, an excellent reputation which will last your lifetime, and a perfectly good, fun social life, please try W&M!!</p>
<p>^ now that is what I call a ringing endorsement for a school 
</p>
<p>To the OP, are you comfortable with being 3000 miles away from home? Pepperdine’s beach front campus is undoubtedly incredibly beautiful, but you have two other options whose campuses are beautiful in their own regard. If you feel like you fit in academically at W&M, I would give a lot of thought to going so far away just bc of a school’s location. To me, an undergrad education at UVA or WM would be hard to pass up.</p>
<p>Congratulations on having been accepted to three great schools. (Don’t forget there is always the prospect of grad school and maybe going to Pepperdine for that would be of interest or you can just spend some time on that Malibu beach during a summer vacation!)
Good luck to you in your decision.</p>
<p>Another issue is your political leanings. Pepperdine is very conservative. I think Ken Starr of Whitewater infamy is their president. W&M is moderately liberal which you would expect of students of their calibre. </p>
<p>As far as a social life, I had way too much fun at W&M. Its not Animal House, but there is tons to do. I had a blast.</p>