collegemom3717:
Congratulations on a super achievement!
There is no meaningful difference in the rankings between JHU and Williams. They are generally ranked in separate categories- JHU is a university and Williams is a college (the main distinction between the two is that a university has both graduate and undergraduate).
Both colleges will offer more than you will be able to take advantage of, both in those fields and as overall experiences, and neither will be a ‘wrong’ choice. You can get an equally good education at either, so what will make it the ‘best’ is where you thrive.
As they are very, very different experiences the most important metric is how the type of environment each offers suits you . So, as you think this through, think about:
In what types of situations do you tend to be most successful - and least - successful?
Maria Montessori believed that education should be 'challenging but achievable: when have challenges felt achievable - and when have the felt overwhelming?
In specific terms: does being in small tutorial-style lessons with your profs, where you can discuss concepts and ideas? (Collegekid 1 loved that approach…Collegekid 2, not so much, Collegekid 3 could take it or leave it). Again, it’s not right or wrong, it’s how you work. Do you like a more diverse environment? do you like to be in the great outdoors? Are you athletic? Spend some time on the virtual tours.
Then, trust your gut, and lean into whatever you decide. If you do both those things, whichever one you choose will turn out to be the ‘best’ one.
Thank you for such a thorough comment – I truly appreciate it!
I must say, the idea of being in small tutorial-style lessons really sounds great to me. Although I tend to be confident, it can be a little intimidating speaking in front of 30+ people for me. Being in a classroom with 10 or less students makes it more likely for me to raise my hand and contribute to the discussion. I feel as though this is a huge advantage that only a small college can offer.
Again, thanks so much for your insight.