<p>Ok...So I have been accepted to all three of these schools and now I don't know where to go. They're all great schools academically, but they all bring their own pros and cons.</p>
<p>W+M- this is the number 1 in my heart. I felt a definite sense of belonging when I stepped on the campus, and its atmosphere was infectious. I fit right into this quirky and gregarious community. The only thing holding me back is the financial aid. They offered me a good amount, but it's not enough-although I'm very low middle class, I am out of state, which hurt me. I would end up graduating with a lot of debt.</p>
<p>UVA- again, I felt like I could definitely fit in at this school and its academic programs are amazing! I'm a little concerned about its size (my high school is about 2200, UVA is like 20,000). I'm worried I would get lost in the big school atmosphere. Though it gave me more money than W+M, I still would graduate with a lot of debt (being out of state sucks)</p>
<p>Davidson- has the best academic program, small classes, and tight-knit community. However, when I visited I got the feeling that majority of students were snobby private school kids from the South (I am a poor middle class kid from Jersey). I think this would be the biggest cultural adjustment of them all, and it would be the furthest from home. Haven't gotten my financial package, but I think it's going to be much more manageable than UVa or W+M.</p>
<p>This decision is really weighing on me and I was hoping to get some advice from current students at any of these schools, parents, or anyone who knows something about the schools. HELP!</p>
<p>Go with your heart. It sounds like it has already picked W&M. You will get loans for a house and car, but an education is the only one that will pay you back. Good luck.</p>
<p>That’s just the problem. If you graduate with a lot of debt, you won’t be getting any loans for a house or a car. Buried under debt is no way to begin adult life. If you think that Davidson is going to be your most affordable option, you are INCREDIBLY lucky! Davidson offers one of the most incredible undergrad experiences in the country, hands down! My older D’s only regret about choosing to go to Harvard was having to pass on Davidson.</p>
<p>Half the students there are from public schools and over 60% are from outside the Southeast (a third are from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic). On a 60-99 scale, Princeton Review’s student surveys rate the Campus Life at Davidson a 97. They place the college’s quality of life among the nation’s top 20. I like W&M too, but going into debt in order to NOT take a better offer from Davidson would make no sense at all.</p>
<p>that sounds really tough; while it sounds like davidson is last on your list personally, it might still make more sense- if you can, i’d recommend visiting again to make sure you get a clear vibe from the place. if you still hate it, then maybe it’s worth it to take on some debt to go to a college that you think suits you better. but i think you should give it another try since it’s a better financial deal for you.</p>
<p>studentapplicant - I’m sorry you feel that Davidson’s atmosphere might be exclusionary.
I’d be happy to put you in touch with my d who is a current student so you can ask any questions you’d like about the social scene and whatever else is on your mind. She has a wonderful mix of friends and seems quite happy. I also second smw’s
recommendation to visit again especially if the FA package is advantageous. The school
eliminated loans a few years ago and continues to do so through the so-called Davidson
Trust. This could be a big advantage especially if you would continue on to grad school
later on. Anyway, just thought I’d chime in. Tough decision.</p>
<p>Just a poor middle class parent from New Hampshire with a Davidson freshman here. Our S is having the time of his life. He went to public schools, and while he reports meeting quite a few private school students at Davidson, he has had nothing but positive things to say about his classmates. He has certainly not been snubbed for his background, and he has no patience for snobbiness.</p>
<p>Absolutely Davidson… It is the best choice among the three… Offers a top education and a great quality of life…
But, of course, choosing a college is mainly a matter of fitting in…
Best Luck</p>