As a wait listed Emory applicant who submitted a deposit to William and Mary, I am trying to decide now which I would rather attend. I’m looking to study business, so at either Goizueta or Mason, and see that Emory has a little more prestige in that department. However, W&M still has a good program. What worries me a little more is the difference in social atmospheres as I’ve heard that Emory is not as tight knit as W&M is. So, essentially, I am trying to weigh academic prestige vs. social atmosphere, and still trying to find out what the real truths about both schools are. My dad attended W&M, but obviously his opinions are a bit dated. Any insights that could be offered would be greatly appreciated.
Any other factors in play? Hows the money at each? I was admitted to both and ended up choosing Emory, and I’d advise the same to you. However, if Emory is significantly more expensive or inconvenient for some other reason, it might be better to stay with W&M which is also a great school.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond @gdlt234 . Of course, I’d love to have my family paying less, but, no, financially both are fine. I feel like the decision is made most difficult by the different atmospheres at both schools. When I visited Emory, I fell in love with the facilities ,and the marble, and the setting, but I am unsure of what the social identity is there. I’ve heard that it’s a very competitive, every man for himself environment where most people are too independent for a real family like community of students to be formed. On the other hand, William and Mary is said to be that which Emory is not. In all honesty, I could probably fit into either environment, but I just wanted to know whether Emory is really like that before deciding.
W&M is much smaller so it makes sense for the community to be much closer. I’m sure that you could find a group of amicable people at Emory though, just like at any school. Regardless, if you like W&M’s feel more, then by all means go to W&M, it’s a great school! You shouldn’t be missing out on too much.
@gdlt234 Sorry, but what exactly convinced you to choose Emory?
@csglen A huge reason was the financial aid, Emory basically paid off all of my costs. But more than that, I liked the lower student to faculty ratio (7:1 I think), the campus is pretty nice, and it just seemed slightly more prestigious to me. Plus I could possibly meet President Carter there.
It sounds like you definitely have a preference for Emory. William and Mary is a wonderful school as well. Both schools represent different environments and it really comes down to where you can see yourself being most successful. Also consider the fact of living in Williamsburg vs. Atlanta.
In addition, you still have to wait to get off of the wait list at Emory to even have a decision to make.
Did you get off the waitlist at Emory? Did they offer you sufficient Financial Aid?
If so, it sounds like you like that school better.
If not, most students who were wait listed were called by May 15 or so, so forget about Emory.
W&M is very intellectual, students love learning for its own sake, and sports aren’t that big of a deal. It’s in a historical city that’s easily accessible to students.
Emory has more “preprofessional” students, who like to get good grades because it’ll help them get ahead professionally, but plenty of students who are there for the fantastic offerings in English and History. Sports have a bigger presence than at W&M. Atlanta is a great city for internships but not as easy to get into if you don’t have a car. For more info about Emory, ask Whenhen who was there last year.
Both are excellent and well-known through the country. 
Agree-- wondering if this is just musing if the WL hasn’t moved. Has it?
Congratulations on your choices.
In my view, the academic prestige between Emory and WM for business (or most anything else) is basically negligible. I suggest making your decision on fit, size, finances, and whether you want to attend school in a large or small city.
My youngest son attends WM (rising junior in pre-med/chemistry) and enjoys it very much. He had some good other choices, including UVA, Davidson, and WUSTL, but chose WM because he liked the size and close-knit atmosphere. Plus, his brother attends UVA, and so that ruled it out (lol).
Here are some WM positives in my view: (1) many business majors double major in a language or the liberal arts, (2) strong teaching atmosphere with professors readily available for out of class discussions, (3) rigorous curriculum, (4) close-knit atmosphere, (5) undergrads well-received in DC/NYC/grad programs, (6) a senior thesis/honors research or writing in many programs (typically means 1-1 faculty interaction), and (7) a strong focus on research in almost all programs. A few negatives: (1) class scheduling for freshman can be a problem, (2) not much grade inflation (although son is doing fine with about a 3.80), (3) administration can mess up paper work and does not appear especially technologically sophisticated.
You seem to have more of a preference for Emory. Prestige-wise, don’t worry about it. They’re equal. Go off of fit and preference, which seems to lean you more toward Emory.