Hello,
I was wondering if someone could tell me about the differences, more on a social level, between Brandeis and W&M. However, feel free to give a comparison of the campuses, dorms, food, or anything else – it all helps.
Also, I am looking for universities in the 30-40% acceptance range that have a strength in the humanities (Classics, History, and (Ancient) Near Eastern Studies). I would prefer not to go to a large (11,000+) university. If you have any suggestions, feel free to speak up.
Can’t speak too much about Brandeis from an academic and feel standpoint but it is in a suburb of Boston. W&M is great but there’s not much in Williamsburg so the college is your focus. Boston is a great city with tons to do, history, sports, culture, etc. It is very accessible from Waltham, MA.
W&M has incredible history and traditions internal to the school. 2nd oldest college in the US, original buildings are still used (very cool), beautiful campus. Very relaxed. Cool shopping area right off campus (across the street). But you have to go 45 minutes to get to a real city (Richmond) vs. hop on the T or uber to Boston (within 10 miles).
Both are great schools which will provide a wonderful education. The decision between them would be based on fi.
Just one perspective here (sample size of one): A young relative of ours went to William and Mary and found it too fratty. He did not join a fraternity and did not feel very connected to or satisfied with his college. Many people, however, seem to love it.
William and Mary: a very beautiful campus in a charming town with historic significance, a traditional college experience with fraternities, plurality of Virginians because it is a state school, rich in tradition, better dorms, better known name and international reputation.
Brandeis: no official frats, a social life that is inclusive and not overly party focused, wonderfully welcoming and diverse students, the nation’s only nonreligious fully secular college without a Christian majority, a liberal and socially aware environment where community service and social justice are prized, a modern campus that very few consider pretty but great proximity to Boston. Many pre-professional kids, but still Intellectual, quirky, fun.
Acknowledging my bias: Brandeis is on son’s list. He considered W&M but ultimately did not visit it.
If possible, visit both and see which you like. Maybe apply to both as well; they seem to have a lot of overlap in applicants as similarly selective and mid-sized colleges.
American history may be stronger at W&M, but you mentioned Near Eastern history, an area in which Brandeis is one of the strongest colleges.
But both colleges are fantastic, so if you prefer the C of W&M, trust your feeling.
Willliam and Mary has a beautiful, traditional-style campus, located right adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg. There are now a fair number of cafes, coffee shops, delis, restaurants, and pubs that are walkable for students. But no city. Richmond is a really popular city with a fun nightlife district (The Fan) and just an hour away, but not often visited by WM students.
Brandeis has similar academics. It’s more of a modern campus. The town is nice, and Boston is definitely accessible.
We are very familiar with William and Mary. Greek life is definitely a part of the school’s culture but not at all dominant the way it is at some schools.
Some other comparable schools would be Wake Forest and the Universities of Rochester and Richmond. Greek life is certainly bigger at Wake than William and Mary. I can’t say about the other two. Richmond does have a very beautiful campus and nice weather. It’s in a nice suburban area not far from downtown. We were also impressed by Rochester on two visits. It’s a riverfront campus also close to downtown. Richmond is probably preferable for college students. VCU also has a large, positive preference downtown there. Good luck!