William & Mary (W&M)

William & Mary is an institution teeming with resources and opportunity. Undergrads here benefit from a curriculum that allows students to “step outside of my major and explore different fields, which broadens my perspective.” Students note that this “truly well-rounded education” applies to courses from philosophy to art to business: there’s a “wide variety of classes that encourage them to think critically about the world.” And while the “academic rigor of the school is challenging…it cannot be overemphasized how well it prepares students for continuing education at medical school, graduate school, etc.” Of course, it also helps that the majority of professors “are deeply passionate about their fields and actively seek to work with undergraduates and support them throughout their college career.” They “push you to do your best, while also being very understanding about any outside factors that might be happening in your life.” A number also take a creative approach to teaching. For example, one student shares, “In my Egyptology class, we went to the VMFA to do a competition: whichever team could translate the hieroglyphs on various artifacts first would win a prize.” Outside the classroom, “opportunities for meaningful undergraduate research abound, and faculty are eager to get students involved throughout every step of the research journey.” As another undergrad chimes in, “They truly are mentors academically, professionally, and in life.” Ultimately, students appreciate W&M’s “emphasis on being engaged and curious…and the [incredible] resources and faculty available.”

William & Mary “has a rep for being community-oriented,” and undergrads say it’s clear “that many people choose W&M because that is something they prioritize in a college.” Indeed, “it’s a place where you can feel welcome, find meaningful friendships, and share laughter with people who genuinely care.” Students say their classmates are “curious and love learning but also have a healthy perspective…understanding that there is more to life than the classroom.” Moreover, “everyone here is interested in very niche topics, but are also interested in getting to know what their peers are interested in,” a trait that students feel “makes us a little nerdy but lovable.” Students also value the fact that people are “internally competitive but not with one another—most people are hard on themselves but encouraging and collaborative with their peers.” Finally, “there is such a diverse student body and so many different student organizations at this school that [it] is difficult for someone to feel left out at this college.” As one undergrad proclaims, “Everywhere you go, you can find a friendly face, and developing interpersonal relationships is easy when everyone is a friend of a friend.”

Students might be a bit hyperbolic in exclaiming, “There are a billion and one things to do on campus,” but there certainly seems to be a lot to enjoy at William & Mary. They can participate in everything from “the radio club (WCWM) and the outdoor recreation program (Tribe Adventure Program)” to “dance, multicultural orgs, advocacy groups, veggie society, [and even a] fermentation club.” Additionally, “a cappella is another unusually popular activity for W&M students, with many teams performing regularly.” There’s also “a student org (AMP) that puts on a lot of fun events [including] English country dancing for Jane Austen’s birthday, carnivals, [and] scare houses.” When it comes to partying, some students insist the “scene isn’t big, but you can find them if you look hard enough.” Others report that there are “a considerable amount of people who participate in Greek Life and go to larger parties/event[s] pretty frequently.” Off campus, “people spend lots of time in Colonial Williamsburg, [at] farmer’s markets, art festivals, coffee shops, etc.” All in all, W&M “has a wide variety of intellectual, creative, and personal opportunities for each and every student” to pursue.

William & Mary students have little trouble on the job market. Undergrads readily assert that this is because the “school has a powerful reputation that allows employers and graduate schools to feel comfortable with William & Mary student’s ability to perform in a real job situation.” “William & Mary does a great job networking their students with alumni,” plus, undergrads can turn to the fantastic Cohen Career Center for insight and support. Students have access to top notch services including resume review and mock interviews. Undergrads can also participate in unique programs like “Executive Partners” wherein executives from a range of industries meet with students to answer their career questions.