<p>Besides the obvious difference in location (North Carolina vs. Massachusetts), these schools sound pretty similar to me. Can anyone discuss some of their similarities and differences overall or in the following areas:</p>
<ol>
<li>Academic strengths</li>
<li>Quality of professors</li>
<li>Difficulty of workload</li>
<li>Social scene (what students do on weekends, prevalence of drugs/alcohol, etc.)</li>
<li>What's the average student there like? (stereotypes)</li>
<li>Liberal or conservative</li>
<li>Study abroad program</li>
<li>Overall atmosphere</li>
</ol>
<p>lookin, I don’t know much about Davidson but I can give you some insider information on Williams. My son graduated in 07.</p>
<p>I do think that the difference in geography shouldn’t be underestimated. The pervasive cultures of New England and the South is a key point of differentiation.</p>
<ol>
<li>Academic strengths
Uniformly good across humanities, social sciences, science/math</li>
<li>Quality of professors
Excellent. They really get to know their students and write terrific recommendations </li>
<li>Difficulty of workload
Rigorous. If you’re determined to get all A’s it’s going to very, very intense. If A’s and B’s are okay, then it’s manageable. Extracurriculars (get a life) are encouraged</li>
<li>Social scene (what students do on weekends, prevalence of drugs/alcohol, etc.)
A fair amount of alcohol – though non and light drinkers fit in too. Not much in the way of drugs.</li>
<li>What’s the average student there like? (stereotypes)
Smart, multi-faceted, confident, active</li>
<li>Liberal or conservative
The college especially the faculty leans left; however conservatives get a fair shake. Not overtly political.</li>
<li>Study abroad program
Encouraged</li>
<li><p>Overall atmosphere
Insular, outdoorsy, happy, understated</p></li>
<li><p>Other comments
Williams has some of the best arts focussed programs of any of the LACs – music, dance, theater, studio art. Great museums. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>The first year entry system, by which kids live with a group of 15-20, fosters an immediate social group. No fraternities/sororities</p>
<p>Excellent support/advising for graduate school, internships, careers</p>
<p>Very similar, but Davidson DOES have a southern vibe and may feel more conservative. It is a little less isolated than Williams, being on the outskirts of Charlotte. I am a big fan of both schools. Davidson is D1 sports, if you care about that at all.</p>