College of William and Mary Top Questions

Yes and No... the great thing about William and Mary is that it can be whatever you want it to be. It is very difficult to get in here, and you definately have to work extremely hard to earn your A's, but if you are ok with a B or C average, then you naturally don't have to work nearly as hard as those people that want really awesome grades. Most people hear are serious about their classes, but they are also very passionate about other things as well and having amazing talents outside of academics.

The frats probably suck- don't know, never been- but there are definitely house parties. Its true a lot of kids here would rather stay in and watch a disney movie on a friday night, but if you want to hang out, there are definitely opportunities.

They're accurate to an extent (stereotypes start somewhere), but there are plenty of people who defy stereotypes. As with anything, its all about finding your niche.

My opinion is that everyone is just really smart and may have been sheltered so it takes them some time to come out of their shell. As for the night life, well, that's Williamsburg's fault, not ours.

some....lol

overworked- yes, but it's rare that someone lets it show undersexed- lots of people are in relationships with their textbooks not all cows are created equal

I knew three in my old high school, three here, and three that go to another college. I don't know whether there are more than statistical here or not, but I wouldn't regard it as a bad thing. Even if you have no tolerance for a pro-homosexual rights atmosphere, it would be the best place to go to make your voice effective in the matter. All in all, high or low, homosexuals make up such a small portion of any population that it just doesn't make sense to make college choices based on them. If you can't stand gays you don't have to interact with them. If you can, you are more than welcome here at W&M.

Some of them. You will find that there ARE students who seem to constantly study, despite necessity. However, the typical attitude that I've found is "work hard, play hard." William & Mary students will often reward themselves with a night out - whether it's a movie night or a night full of drinking - after successfully completing their assignments. Further, most of my friends are involved with at least one or two organizations on campus that take up a huge chunk of their time; I know a lot of people who are involved in five or six different organizations, as well. You'll definitely find people who fit in with the image of the "typical William & Mary student," but you'll also find people who are completely outside of that image.

There are definetly people who do fit this stereotype, yet I would say a vast majority of people are simply smart, but do more on the weekends than simply study. People are also extremely involved on campus, often doing a variety of extracurriculars. Also, I haven't even been in Swem this semester.

The "highest suicide rate in the country" is one of the biggest (and unfortunately lasting) urban legends about our school. It is an erroneous belief that continues to circulate most likely at the hands of those overcome by jealousy that they didn't get in to W&M. At times EVERYBODY is socially awkward. There are a lot of W&M students who haven't quite picked up the knack for holding a conversation; however, there are equally as many who will impress you beyond belief socially and intellectually every time you talk to them. And W&M DEFINITELY knows when it's time to say no to homework and yes to a helluva good time. W&M is not easy. It takes a very disciplined person to be successful here. I am still trying to find that happy medium of discipline and having a good time. If my best isn't good enough for my professors it is only because they know I can do even better--make my best better if you will. I would rather challenge myself every day of my life than sit with an idle mind at some other college.

The thought that there is no social life at William and Mary, or that Williamsburg offers nothing to do, is utterly false. What is true is that a fair percentage of students are mildly awkward, and content to stay in most nights. However, for anyone who wants to go out and meet new people, the opportunities are always there. The students here are very smart, and the workload is very demanding. Grades do matter to a lot of people, but a good amount of us are content just to coast. In short, there is a large diversity in the student body, despite the school's small size.

People do spend a fair amount of time studying- the classes are challenging but everyone I know is also in extracurriculars and does go out on the weekends to relax. I think there is a good balance- a lot of people have too much on their plate- that would be a good way to describe it.

Accurate to some degree - you can find the really snobby people and the really awkward people. Lots of people are in frats/sororities. But really, even some of the people who are painfully awkward, or look down their nose at you, can be good ones once you have a conversation with them. And hey, there's worse things than being awkward and nerdy. And no, everyone is not gay, and there are some pretty good looking people here.

I think the lack of fun issue is mostly due to there being few huge parties because of the alcohol policy. Suicidal is definitely misconstructed, as is the idea that a large number of people are gay and will try and turn you gay. As for the liberal claim, we are a College, I think you'd find similar trends everywhere.

Somewhat.

yes

No. While there are a lot of people who throw themselves into their work at W&M, a healthy portion of students are able to find the right balance of schoolwork and life. And there are cute girls at W&M.

There are a lot of nerds and a lot of homosexuals. However, if you are a cool dude you will find your niche. The girls here are nothing to write home about at all. I have only had sex with 2 girls this semester.

Yes, mostly. We're more fun than we let on, and our friendships tend to be strong, and intense. We're all a little quirky, and we like it that way.

Most of the stereotypes associated with William and Mary are simply unrealistic. To suggest that any college completely lacks a social life because its students are far too busy either studying or contemplating suicide is just patently and grossly inaccurate. With the passing of time, the stereotypes projected onto the William and Mary community have only grown in exaggeration, making them that much more unrealistic and inaccurate with every subsequent year.