<p>I'm currently trying to decide between the two schools and have considered academics a lot. They both seem to offer the same quality of education (WM seems to teach more critical thinking skills whereas UVA seems to have more options for majors) so I'm mainly looking at atmosphere at this point. I have visited both campuses (during the weekend, so I didn't get to see the communities in action or watch any classes) but I didn't really feel anything click at either one. I feel like as more of an introvert, WM would be much better choice for me, but my perceptions of each college have only been based on the people I know who go to each. If I visit the campuses again during a weekday, will I get a significantly better sense of the atmosphere than when I went during the weekend (enough to trouble my parents with visiting twice?) What are the best ways to make the most of a campus visit to find out which one I like better?
My gut is telling me William and Mary, but until I really get a sense for UVA I don't want to make a decision. Any advice?</p>
<p>Though I was waitlisted by both, I’ve been to both schools a number of times (my sister goes to UVA). Every time I go to UVA, it seems like a lot is going on, whether its Saturday or Tuesday. The times that I’ve been to W&M I didn’t feel that at all. Maybe it was because it was a Saturday in early fall, but I saw almost no one walking around, and it just felt empty. Both campuses are gorgeous, but UVA definitely has a lot more going on, if not just for sheer size. If you are an introvert like you say, W&M is probably the better fit, but if you want to try and change your introvert ways, UVA might be for you. Either way you can’t go wrong. (Personally, I much preferred UVA).</p>
<p>Have a child considering both UVA and W&M, among others. His older brother goes to UVA, but I think WM a better fit for younger son because he is more introverted and intellectual. While a gross overgeneralization, I think UVA caters to the very smart, well-rounded student who wants a traditional college experience and doe s not need much hand-holding. My impressions is that WM students, on the other hand, tend to be more intellectual and introverted and perhaps as a result WM has more thorough advising.</p>
<p>University of Virginia v/s William & Mary</p>
<p>Which one fits your personality? </p>
<p>UVA:
- 24,000 students (huge)
- great school for sport enthusiasts
- lots of school spirit
- students tend to be outgoing and physically fit
- easier to make better grades here
- A very “social” atmosphere with lots of parties
- UVA was Playboy’s 2012’s #1 winner of Best Party School in the entire Nation (lots of drinking and sex)</p>
<p>William & Mary:
- 8,000 students (smaller)
- rigorous course load with notorious grade deflation
- not a party school at all, this might be boring if that’s your thing
- campus police are notoriously strict for alcohol, noise violations, etc…
- students tend to be more quirky, academic and bookish
- a strong sense of community on campus
- sports are not a big deal
- greek houses are known much more for their charity work, not their parties</p>
<p>Congratulations! You are in a great position, choosing between two fabulous schools! As a UVA grad, I may be a bit biased, but I am happy to share my children’s experiences; they are in their first and second year of college. Both my son and daughter were accepted to UVA and W&M, and both matriculated to UVA because of the size, options available and atmosphere. My son, however, just recently transferred to W&M after 3 semesters for a very specific reason. He misses UVA, especially the social aspect, but does not regret his decision. He finds that the classes at both schools are equal in difficulty, and the professors both places are knowledgeable. At UVA it was easier to register and enroll in the classes he wanted. UVA has more choices, more sections, etc. At UVA there always seems to be something going on. At W&M, it is less so. For the most part, this is ok with my son, because the reason he transferred keeps him very busy. He does love sports though and attending/watching sporting events doesn’t seem to be a big event at W&M. Oh, and if you applied for financial aid, you will probably see that UVA is more generous with their aid packages:). Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>muckdogs07, I know you are speaking in generalities, but “introverted” does not mean “needs more hand holding”… and as for apg, I don’t think people really “change” from introverts to extroverts. That said, there are plenty of introverted people at UVA, since introverts are roughly half (or a little less) of the population.</p>
<p>Sporting events can be a big deal at W&M, when the teams are good. Just like anywhere else. Obviously, W&M does not have “big time” sports.</p>
<p>Of course “more” stuff goes on at UVA… it has 3 times the people and is in a “college town”… it’s very different from Williamsburg. Many people like one or the other better.</p>
<p>W&M is more like Chicago or Amherst. UVirginia more like UCLA or UNC. One is known for academics. The other is known for sports, parties and and wide variety of academic choices. Both are good, but they are very very different.</p>
<p>Be true to yourself but dont be scared of challenging yourself.</p>
<p>Both are great schools. But you need to decide if you want a larger college experience (UVA) or smaller (W&M)</p>