Low student to professor ratio

Beautiful campus

Generally supportive, non-competitive environment

Small campus

No entrepreneurial spirit

Overshadowed by big state schools and Ivy league schools

Go to William and Mary for a small college, liberal arts experience. Don't go here if you want have a crazy college experience.

Yes

W&M gives their students an education centered around a liberal arts education - so no matter what major you're in you will definitely get a well-rounded education and experience many different subjects. We do have a reputation for being academically intense, and I can't say anything to change that reputation - except that school is only as difficult as you make it. We have a very accessible administration here, who are always willing to help alleviate stress, whether it be academic or personal. The workload is typically pretty big, but I have never found it to be overwhelming. I've found that I have received a very challenging and extremely rewarding education here. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world!

The only reason that I gave "overall quality of life" at W&M a 9 out 10 is because we aren't located in the middle of a city like New York. Yes, Williamsburg is sort of boring. But, the people aren't! William and Mary is one big family, and there is always something to do here on any given weekend. Facilities are generally pretty good, dining is so-so, safety is fabulous (the one pro to being in a small city!), and of course sometimes people are unhappy (is there anywhere where everyone is happy?) but the overall quality of the school is really defined by the people in it, and everyone here, from the faculty to the freshmen, are extraordinarily great people.

The admissions process is just about the same as any other admissions process. I came in as a transfer student and found the application to be very similar to everywhere I had applied as an undergrad! They do use the common application, which was convenient. They also ask for an "optional" essay, but everyone I know that was accepted here completed that essay!

3

2012

General Education Requirements must be fulfilled in seven different areas from natural sciences to philosophical/social thought to creative and performing arts.

Class sizes are only large in introductory courses where GER's are generally being fulfilled.

Profs are extremely accessible and there are many research opportunities in all subjects if that is what you're passionate about.

People generally aren't inter-competitive, but strive for excellence.

Grades are not inflated and in any given year of about 1,5000 less than a handful have 4.0's. Professors make you work for your grade, but the learning experience is worthwhile.

The faculty are exceptional most of the time. Most all classes are taught with professors with terminating degrees, and only labs are taught by TA's, although overseen with a faculty member.

The school encourages all students to study abroad and there is a lot of funding available for this.

Housing, in my opinion, is too expensive, and there are not a lot of single rooms available. About 80% of students live on campus.

Dining services is good and there are plenty of options each day, whether you are vegetarian or adhere to certain religious practices.

Williamsburg can be a bit of an oppressive town towards its college students, however I like the size, and although the school is public, it has a very private feel.

I would say there is very low crime on campus, while safety is stressed. Very safe feel.

The students are generally very happy, although there are students who often complain about the school. I argue that they are unhappy because they have not found their niche or taken advantage of the opportunities given them.

Comman Application. I'm an international student who is covered with scholarships from back home so I don't know much about financial aid or scholarship opportunities.

3

2012

Liberal arts education, requiring general education in seven different sectors, with over 30 different majors. Class sizes are routinely under 30, with professors that are absolutely passionate about teaching undergraduates while still being committed to cutting-edge research.

Supplemental essay to the Common Application, optional supplemental "project," optional interviews, early decision, merit-based and need-based scholarships.

3

2012

there are 7 GER categories that total to about 36-40 of your 120 credits required to graduate. They are in the areas of math, biological/natural science, social science, history inside and outside of the western and european tradition, cross cultural perspectives, literature, performing/fine arts,

Major requirements are from 33-40 credits

excellent advising resources, consistently small class sizes, accessible professors, excellent research opportunities and study abroad office/opportunities

academics are competitive but not the point where you feel inferior or like you are constantly competing with other students, you are mostly competing with yourself

grading is fair more often then not, you usually get a grade relative to how much work you put in

faculty is absolutely amazing

workload is manageable

house is great on and off campus

cost of living is expensive in the dorms

house and dining facilities are fine

library is excellent

the neighborhood is great but quiet

community relations are average

crime is low and safety is ensured

overall happiness is great

early decision an regular decision

unique application with an extra supplement that lets the student showcase their creativity

interview option

common application

average financial aid options and scarce scholarship opportunities

4

2011

General requirements in 7 subject areas, majors each have specific requirements, academic advisors per major, class size around 30 on average often times smaller, discussion based classes, fair grading, prestigious faculty, many study abroad opportunities, heavy but manageable workload

75% of students live on campus, many housing options, many facilities and resources for student use, great library and smaller departmental libraries, 3 dining halls, safe location, happy students, great community

Essays, interview, Common Application, Early Decision, scholarship opportunities

2

2013

7 different General Education Requirements in various departments, 30% of students double major, all students must take freshman seminar (capped at 15 students, intimate discussion-based class on variety of topics in every department), 120 credits to graduate overall, workload is tough but definitely doable if you manage your time well, professors all hold office hours and are very accessible by email, TAs do not teach classes (only assist professors), average class size is 30-35 students, all freshmen assigned advisor based on interests they sele

Housing is pretty good, lots of options but the housing lottery can leave some students out in the cold till the summer. If they're patient though they will get a spot...Residence Life has never had a year where they were unable to reinstate everyone. Cost of living is appropriate, although with tuition increases it can feel a bit steep. Classroom facilities are in good condition and clean for the most part and there's a lot of renovating and new construction going on around campus to make things even better. the library is ranked 8th best in the nation and is truly remarkable. I have never been disappointed by its services or its offerings. Dining is pretty good for college food, some of the best I tasted when looking at schools. The neighborhood is actually a lot of fun although you need a car to fully enjoy all of it...the bus is free but just doesn't cut it sometimes. Living next to Colonial Williamsburg is a unique experience that makes the College different from every other school in the country, and students try to take advantage of it. Crime is very low in Williamsburg and the campus is covered by three police departments, one of which only covers campus. We also have a blue-light phone system. Students are generally happy...we work hard but we play hard too. It's all about time management.

Common application w/supplement, optional submission = "show and tell by proxy and with an attitude," one required letter of recommendation, optional fine arts submission, optional summer interview, essay = "tell us something interesting about yourself"

Early decision and regular, early decision is binding, no early action

All students automatically considered for all merit-based aid, school does best (in my opinion) to meet demonstrated financial need

3

2012

Common Application with an optional supplement, Financial Aid and Scholarship opportunities available

4

2011

academics are rigorous but manageable. professors are very willing to help you out if you ask for it and there are tons and tons of research opportunities. most of the students study abroad and the faculty is terrific

living on campus is one of the most popular options for students. we have one of the safest campuses in the nation and i feel like pretty much everyone likes the college

interviews are optional but we use the common app and you can write your essay on pretty much anything. there are tons of scholarship opportunities available and financial aid is need based.

2

2013