College of William and Mary Top Questions

My answer might be more negative than most, because I have not had a good experience here so far. But most everyone I talk to here loves it. With that said, in my opinion, the education here is great if you want to be a doctor, lawyer, or some kind of scientist, but not if you truly enjoy just learning. I have yet to have a discussion I have enjoyed (and I have taken "seminar" classes). The professors do not seem to respect your opinion or thoughts, and just want to you memorize and agree with whatever they say. If you offer a different opinion or thought, you get shut down and the professors quickly try to prove that you are wrong. (Again, I might just be unlucky in the classes that I've taken). If you like history, you will love this school! Colonial Williamsburg is right next to campus, and all the buildings are old and filled with history. I like the school's size. It is large enough that you can have a personal life that everyone doesn't know about, but small enough that your classes aren't huge. Sports are usually a joke here. Especially when it comes to football! I would personally suggest just removing the football team. I've met plenty of seniors that have never been to a game. In general, the school does not even pretend to care about the team. Last year they won 2 games the entire season. The school has a really great name, and I think there are plenty of people here for that reason. Saying you went to W&M can open up a lot of doors.

Good

I really like William and Mary, and I am so glad I decided to come here. I could not imagine going anywhere else. One thing I always tell people is that it is the perfect size. It's big enough that I could never know everyone, yet small enough that I see people that I know as I walk around campus. It's always cool when I tell people that I go to William and Mary, because they always respond that it is such a great school for academics. I definitely agree. The students here are very proud of their school. Rarely do I walk through campus and not see at least every other person wearing some sort of William and Mary clothes. One of my favorite things about this campus is how beautiful it is. There are trees everywhere and that combined with the old buildings makes it look idyllic, especially on sunny days.

As I struggle through the heavy courseload at William and Mary, I find myself still managing to have a good time, largely due in part to the friends I have made so far in my college career. At William and Mary, the student body is relatively small (approximately 5800 undergraduates), but is diverse in such a way that everyone is able to find their niche within the school. William and Mary prides itself on the sense of community that it establishes through the diverse population it manages to draw each year. Since it is a public school in the state of Virginia, most students hail Virginia (specifically Northern Virginia, affectionately dubbed NoVa) as home; however, the backgrounds and interests of students is overwhelmingly unique. As William and Mary's reputation and outreach to international students, in particular in Asian countries, the diversity of the student body will only continue to increase. Because the student body is small enough to interact with in a meaningful way on campus, but large enough to find individuals who share my interests, the relationships I have established have been the best part about my time at the College. After returning home for holidays and talking with friends, family, and strangers about my experiences at William and Mary, nearly everyone has a relative or close friend that went to there; "wonderful school" is a typical phrase I hear when telling people I attend William and Mary. But once back on campus, I spend much of my time in the library (fulfilling the typical W&M student stereotype) or at the gym. Many of my friends enjoy using the gym facilities as much as I do, and it's always great to catch up and stay in shape at the same time. William and Mary is located in the City of Williamsburg, which is a well-known colonial-era tourist attraction, a fact that sort of loses its excitement after about the first week of freshman year. Aside from the colonial section of Williamsburg, there isn't much in the way of nightlife, which is one of the largest student complaints upon arriving to William and Mary. However, other students and myself still manage to find fun things to do on campus. There are often campus-run events on the weekends (such as movie-showings and live entertainment), as well as just hanging out with friends or catching a movie in New Town, a shopping center a short car or bus ride away from campus. The school administration is somewhat strict, especially in their rulings of student misdeeds, but is fair. William and Mary has the oldest honor code in the country, something that all faculty and students take seriously. The undergraduate honor council handles issues of cheating, lying, etc., and the fact that it is student-run (and elected!) provides more fair rulings for students with the additional perspective of a student presiding, even if not always lenient. Despite this sense of community around a commonly shared desire to uphold the honor code (created by a William and Mary alumnus, Thomas Jefferson), there tends to not be a great sense of school pride. William and Mary's athletic teams are not often good, which detracts from the positive environment of the College, but the students often will rally together for traditions, some of which include the Yule Log ceremony (lighting of a fire in Wren Chapel, the oldest academic building still in use in the US) and Opening Convocation for the new freshman class. One of the most memorable experiences I have had at W&M was walking through the Wren Chapel after reciting the honor code pledge and then into the bright summer sun to see all of the student body standing outside, congratulating me (as a freshman) and welcoming me to William and Mary. The sea of clapping hands and smiling faces directed at a freshman (not usually a welcome status in high school) is something that I always remember.

The College of William & Mary is an excellent school on a beautiful campus. Known for being a good school, admittance is competitive, and for those who get in, the classes are known for being extremely difficult. Because of the time that must be put into classes, the library is probably one of the most popular places on campus, especially during mid-term or final times, where there is not an empty desk to be found. Located in Historic Williamsburg, VA, the area is beautiful, but students accurately complain that there is nothing to do near the campus. The only "nightlife" in the city is found in the three bars that are located on a single corner directly across from campus. The school administration, however, does try to host many events throughout the year which gives students the opportunity to socialize and around 1/3 of students are involved in Greek life.

Best thing about W&M: The students. Friendly, intelligent, talkative, these are the people you want to know. One thing I'd change: There's always construction somewhere. Necessary, but annoying Too large, too small, or just right? Just right, college wise. Town wise it's a bit small. How people react when I tell them I go to W&M: They're impressed. We're a big name, especially for a school without that great of an athletic department Where I spend most of my time on campus: The Daily Grind, our on-campus coffee shop College town, or "what college town?: Definitely what college town? Colonial Williamsburg is right outside our door, and the rest of town may appreciate our business, but we are definitely not their target audience. My opinion of W&M's administration?: Fair, if harsh. W&M has a strict honor code and code of conduct, and the school enforces those rules, as the students expect them to. You can have fun on campus, but break our rules and there will be consequences. The biggest recent controversy on campus: The Living Wages Coalition and their attempt to raise awareness about wage issues... and the collective student body's decision to ignore and/or ridicule them for being activists for the sake of activism rather than for a legitimate cause. School pride: Tribe Pride is huge on campus. Unique to us, it's more often about our school's academic accomplishments rather than athletic ones, but our teams inspire Tribe Pride as well. We know when our teams are good, and we cheer them on regardless. Something unusual about W&M: Built in 1693, it's the second oldest college in the country. Also, it's actually a university, but we thought 'College of William & Mary' sounded cooler :) One experience I'll always remember: Jumping the wall... again... and again. We have a tradition called the triathlon, the three parts of which are jumping the Governor's palace wall, swimming the Crim Dell, and streaking the Sunken Garden. One of those I've done repeatedly, one just once and never again, and one is yet to come... Student complaints: The food could use some improvement, and parking is terrible. Also, SO MUCH READING.

With about 6,000 undergrad students, this school is, for the most part, the right size for me. During the fall semester, I sometimes find myself wishing that it was 25 or 30,000 strong and that we had a nationally ranked football program, but we still have a prestigious program for Division IAA. Otherwise, the school is the perfect size because it's big enough so as to provide you with plenty of opportunities both academically and socially, but not so big as to overwhelm me. I've always wondered what it would be like to go to a school like Florida that is 50,000 students where I hear they take some introductory courses online and where you can meet someone freshman year and never run into them again in four years. Students sometimes give Williamsburg a bad rap, and it is somewhat deserved. One of the biggest student complaints is not with the school or administration but with the city, particularly in reference to off-campus students. The city has a "three-person rule" which prevents more than three unrelated people from living in the same house. It is often disputed and often violated, and makes it a hassle for students who find larger off-campus houses to live in. As far as the night life/ social scene, students choose between fraternities and other off-campus parties and the bars. There are currently three bars that students frequent and while that doesn't seem like a lot, I like it because it provides enough space and choice but also allows you to run into people there that you weren't planning on seeing. There are at least two and maybe three others being built right now, and the school and town seem to actually be making some efforts at improving this aspect, which is certainly a positive. One of the most redeeming aspects of telling people I go to this school is the opinion they immediately have. I say William and Mary and it is without fail followed by either "that's a great/outstanding/terrific school" or "wow you must be really smart." The former is true, and I have no problem letting people believe the latter even if it may not be totally accurate.

With about 6,000 undergrad students, this school is, for the most part, the right size for me. During the fall semester, I sometimes find myself wishing that it was 25 or 30,000 strong and that we had a nationally ranked football program, but we still have a prestigious program for Division IAA. Otherwise, the school is the perfect size because it's big enough so as to provide you with plenty of opportunities both academically and socially, but not so big as to overwhelm me. I've always wondered what it would be like to go to a school like Florida that is 50,000 students where I hear they take some introductory courses online and where you can meet someone freshman year and never run into them again in four years.

I don't like it. too small. They don't know what I am talking about.

I would change the ability to get into classes. Most teachers in big lecture classes are willing to let you in, but other than that it's difficult. I love the size of W&M: it's small enough to see people you know a lot but big enough to see people you don't know too. I'm from out of state, so a lot of people my own age don't know the school, but a lot of parents I know do and respond well. The school's administration is really starting to crack down on Greek life which is annoying because they didn't do anything particularly wrong and there really hasn't been a problem. They just really don't want kids drinking underage, but with the stress that comes with getting good grades at the college, students need an outlet and they're taking it away. If you want a crazy party school, this is not the school for you. Overall though I LOVE W&M and most of my friends do too, but a lot of them complain about the administration but love the people who go there.

The College of William & Mary is a great place to be for achievement-oriented students who want to enjoy a peaceful college life and get an excellent education. It has a beautiful green campus, safe environment and great faculty. The small size of the school translates into the professors having more time for students and more opportunities to receive answers for individual questions. The W&M faculty as well as staff is known for being friendly and this is truly so. The location of the school in a small college town (Williamsburg) which has a large number of retired community means that it is a quiet place and has limited entertainment options. The W&M students are sports-friendly and many of them exercise regularly, however the school itself does not have strong athletic teams. Overall, it is a great school with a recognized name to receive education at.

I don't love this school; I'm hopefully transferring after this year. It's a good size, has a pretty good reputation, and great professors. The administration is horrid, especially the President. The school is more conservative than I am comfortable with despite the widespread belief that it is "very liberal". We pay our workers crappy salaries. There is no social life besides Greek life or pretentious hipster parties. My overall opinion? Ughhhhhh.

I applied to W&M thinking everyone here was going to be an intellectual, nerdy, but cool and down to earth person, but in reality it is really diverse. There are so many different types of people here, and yet, everyone gets along great and is respects one another. We may differ in our interests and passions, but our love for W&M and overall respect for others makes it a great place to learn about the world and yourself.

In all fairness, I'll admit that I'm not an average W&M student. I skipped most of orientation freshmen year, and moved off campus sophomore year. Early on, I found the environment to be ludicrously moralistic and laughably upbeat, but I suppose for most starry-eyed freshmen that's the sort of atmosphere to be desired. If you can keep a straight-face through orientation (better yet, a smiling one!), W&M might be the place for you. A lot of people say freshman year feels like summer camp. In many ways, that hits the nail on the head. On my hall, at least, few people drank and smoking cigarettes made you outcast. Caught by an RA with alcohol in my dorm room at one point, I was cycled through an impressive series of meetings and lectures, culminating with my sitting on the floor of my RA's room as he opined, "I don't get it...if you're thirsty, just have a glass of water." Yes, I'm serious. Now, my experience may not be exemplary, but it did happen. I focus on freshman year here because I expect that most people reading this are prospective students. Once I moved off-campus, the picture became much rosier.

The best thing about W&M is that it is what you make it. The community is really tight, and you can always find something to do. If you want to go out on a Tuesday, there are things going on. If you want to go study, there are tons of people in the library. If you want to join a club, odds are there is what you're looking for.

The William & Mary community is passionate. Whatever their interest - volleyball, early American history, painting, global public health, or ultimate frisbee - William & Mary students (and professors) pursue it passionately. As a campus, one thing that we are universally passionate about is public service. Each year, students here log thousands of hours of service, from volunteering at local schools to spending their breaks in other countries doing medical work. Many describe our school as having a "culture of service," and I think this is accurate. While not everyone is involved in service, such a large and vocal portion of the student body is that it's hard to miss the passion for service that pervades it. William & Mary students are super-involved anyway, with most people spreading themselves thin in multiple student organizations (of which there are over 400 on a campus of fewer than 6,000 undergraduates), but the extracurriculars to which I have seen the most commitment are service-oriented. The best thing about my school is the passion that students have for their interests and activities and that professors have about teaching. Although William & Mary churns out important research each year and can boast faculty at the forefront of their fields, professors here are most interested in teaching undergraduates. This means that not only do undergrads have the attention and care of their professors, but also that there are plenty of opportunities to get involved as an undergrad in ground-breaking research in any department. Another great thing is our physical campus. While Williamsburg certainly isn't New York City, the town has a rich history that gives it a unique flavor. Where else can you jog down a street past reconstructed colonial buildings and people dressed in early American attire? Our campus is rendered in the same colonial architectural style, and there are times when I am overwhelmed by its sheer beauty. It's also generally a very safe place, and I feel secure walking around by myself at any time of the day or night. The physical environment has contributed much to my comfort at William & Mary. The biggest controversy that recently occured was the Board of Visitor's decision not to renew the contract of our president, Gene R. Nichol. The entire school shut down for two days in protest of a decision that many saw as politically motivated (Nichol had stirred up plenty of controversy in his 2-year tenure at William & Mary, much of which surrounded his attempts to make the school more diverse and inclusive). Although most of the students, faculty, and William & Mary community stand in opposition to the Board's decision and are disappointed to see such a talented and visionary man leave, the reaction of our community is testament to the unity and pride that we have in our school. Many students staged protests and tirelessly wrote letters to the Board and to local news sources, voicing their discontent, and professors held teach-ins to discuss the events. But the important lesson of this incident is that no administrative decision can remove our unity or passion for our school, nor can it dampen the sentiments of inclusion and progressiveness that Nichol inspired.

William and Mary is smaller, which means that it is easier to get to know your professors and there is a real sense of community. There are lots of activities going on all the time and I spend most of the time on campus or within walking distance.

The best thing about W&M is its sense of tradition and history. In the colonial capital of Virginia, W&M has a beautiful campus as old as the colonies themselves. One gets a sense of pride when they walk on Old Campus, see the Wren Building, and traverse Downtown Colonial Williamsburg. Tradition is a big part of campus life. The Triathlon is a time honored event in which students jump the wall at the governors mansion and complete the maze, streak the Sunken Garden, and swim in the Crim Del. Nearly every student completes these by senior year, and I have yet to meet a student who hasn't done at least one portion. Blowout, in which students, and sometimes professors, bring alcohol to the last day of classes, is perhaps the ost looked forward to event of the year. Other cool things include taking a class in the Wren Building, the Yule Log Ceremony, and the Primal Scream.

The best thing about William and Mary is the opportunities you get here that are so unique. It's magical, actually; even the most timid person, as long as they have an interest in something, has a chance to pursue that interest in truly exciting ways. I came here because when I visited on Admitted Students' Day, there was this extremely quiet girl who got up to speak at a session on research opportunities. We could hardly hear her, and she didn't seem like an obvious choice as a speaker who was supposed to be convincing us to attend William and Mary. Then she told this story about emailing a professor about trying to get into a class that was full, and in response getting an offer to spend the summer doing research with him. This was amazing. She was clearly not the most aggressive or cutthroat of people, but here, she didn't have to be in order to have an absolutely amazing experience, and one that fit her interests perfectly. She ended up getting published with this professor-- all because of one tentative, and unrelated, email. So I decided to come here because I wanted to be able to tell a story like this. And this summer, I will be going to Kenya for six weeks to go on an archaeological dig. For free. I am able to do this because a professor I had in the fall suggested some names of people to contact. One email later, I was offered a ticket to Nairobi. I didn't have to beat out tons of my also well-qualified classmates, or brag endlessly and uncomfortably about myself, and this is the kind of thing I've only heard about happening at William and Mary.