Academics
Chartered in 1693, William & Mary is one of the nation’s first and most selective public universities, seeking to bring its extremely rigorous, interdisciplinary academics to curious, accomplished students who want to learn beyond a textbook. Hands-on research is a fundamental aspect of a William & Mary education for humanities, STEM, and computational field majors alike, and “the administration supports student involvement” at every level. That’s not just a matter of studying abroad, which 60
Student Body
Hailing from all over the country and world, this group of unique individuals “has very diverse passions,” but they’re all “extremely motivated to perform and excel in their given field.” This energy, of students who are all "excited about their involvements, however niche their interests may be," bubbles over into the social fabric of the school, where most everyone is “open to being friends with anyone,” students and faculty included. “I had a professor take care of my fish over a break,” shares one undergrad. As for the campus’s size, it is “large enough that you can meet someone new each day, but small enough that you’ll likely run into a friend every day on campus.” In true Goldilocks fashion, this “really intimate and positive campus” is just right.
Campus Life
There are “so many different clubs and activities,” including pre-professional organizations, community service-oriented activities, and club sports, and the 6,800 undergraduates see these as opportunities to “spend so much of their time on making others’ experiences better.” The school hosts guest lectures each semester that “are tailored to a majority of students’ interests and are done by experts in their fields,” and since William & Mary is filled with “lots of people who take their studies seriously” but remain committed to their social lives, “people often gather in the library to do homework together and to talk as they do it.” Regular old pleasures such as “meeting with friends for meals, working out, doing homework, baking, and reading for fun” help students relax, and “many people spend lots of times outdoors, on the trails or on the Sunken Garden.” Nearby Colonial Williamsburg “is a fun place to explore and get lunch with your friends,” and students also head to the beach just a short drive away.