What's William & Mary have in store for her?
April 14, 2010 8:10 AM Subscribe
What's William & Mary have in store for her?
Okay, asking this for my youngest daughter who just decided to attend the College of William & Mary starting in September. What can she expect from life at W&M and what tips can you give to smooth her way? I know there was a thread about a one-day visit to the school. But she's looking to get a feel for the place ... in and out of class, on and off of campus. If it helps, she's probably gonna do some science/history track with the goal of med school at the end. And she'll be coming from the Philly burbs. Can you help with information that will help her visualize what her life will be like for the next four years or so? Thanks.
Okay, asking this for my youngest daughter who just decided to attend the College of William & Mary starting in September. What can she expect from life at W&M and what tips can you give to smooth her way? I know there was a thread about a one-day visit to the school. But she's looking to get a feel for the place ... in and out of class, on and off of campus. If it helps, she's probably gonna do some science/history track with the goal of med school at the end. And she'll be coming from the Philly burbs. Can you help with information that will help her visualize what her life will be like for the next four years or so? Thanks.
I didn't go to W&M (opted for UVa instead, whole other story) but I'll second finding ways to escape Colonial Williamsburg. I dated a guy who worked as a TA there and he nearly went berserk on weekends if he didn't have a heavy workload or plans in advance. Eventually the gimmickry and claustrophobia got to him, so much so that he drove to Charlottesville as a way to get out. That small town, tourist-y vibe is definitely an acquired taste.
posted by zoomorphic at 9:12 AM on April 14, 2010
posted by zoomorphic at 9:12 AM on April 14, 2010
I spent my freshman year in a dorm without air conditioning. It can put you at a huge disadvantage. When it was hot, I kept falling asleep while trying to study.
posted by amtho at 10:38 AM on April 14, 2010
posted by amtho at 10:38 AM on April 14, 2010
she can get one those nifty tri-corner hats and learn how to dip her own candles.
posted by kenliu at 11:04 AM on April 14, 2010
posted by kenliu at 11:04 AM on April 14, 2010
I'm wrapping up my third semester here at W&M; I transferred in last spring, which was easily one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I'm a math major and know nothing about the pre-med program except for what I've learned from friends who were or are pre-med, so I can't speak to that specifically. However, in all the science departments there is a big emphasis on getting undergraduates to do research -- and actual research, too, not just scrubbing test tubes. If your daughter is even remotely interested in that, she should ask any one of her professors about it. I spent last summer here doing research, as did a large number of people I know. It was a very good experience, and something I highly recommend she pursue.
The overall quality of the teaching here is extremely high. So far, I've had exactly one teacher I didn't like. Every other professor has been a good-or-better teacher and they universally have been extremely devoted to their students; a lot of my professors will respond to student emails at any time of day or night. Your daughter should try to get to know her professors, because odds are they want to get to know her.
schmod and zoomorphic are right about there not being a whole lot to do in Williamsburg, but I find that doesn't bother me too much. I have one of those crippling workloads schmod was talking about -- when I'm not doing homework, I keep myself quite busy with theater. I also know people who are involved in various clubs -- I play in the Pep Band off and on, I know and like a large number of people who do crew, and the swing dance club is a real fun bunch of folks. Additionally, there are academic clubs or honor organizations for just about every department on campus -- for instance, right now, the math club and the physics club are in the process of organizing an inter-departmental frisbee game (it is going to be epic, I promise you).
I was never a freshman here, so I can't speak to that experience first hand. However, the school makes a big effort to get freshman halls to bond together into lasting social units, and they seem to be largely successful -- I know one group of people, all juniors now, who were all on the same freshman hall and still eat breakfast together each day; supposedly, this phenomenon is not uncommon.
The general feel of the place is pretty academic, which I happen to like; mostly, students are reasonably well-informed and well-read, and serious about their studies. A lot of people are a little on the shy side, which made it easier for me, a painfully shy person, to integrate myself socially. Political attitudes are by and large liberal, and regardless of political persuasion people are quite accepting and tolerant. Right now is crunch time for the semester, and people can get pretty stressed, but overall my fellow students strike me as being relaxed and happy. Certainly I enjoy going here a lot, so maybe that skews my perceptions of other people's attitudes, but that's mostly what I see.
Feel free to send me a Mefi Mail if you want more information about anything I've mentioned. If you're coming down for a visit in the near future, I'd be happy to show you around, as well.
posted by Commander Rachek at 11:07 AM on April 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'm a math major and know nothing about the pre-med program except for what I've learned from friends who were or are pre-med, so I can't speak to that specifically. However, in all the science departments there is a big emphasis on getting undergraduates to do research -- and actual research, too, not just scrubbing test tubes. If your daughter is even remotely interested in that, she should ask any one of her professors about it. I spent last summer here doing research, as did a large number of people I know. It was a very good experience, and something I highly recommend she pursue.
The overall quality of the teaching here is extremely high. So far, I've had exactly one teacher I didn't like. Every other professor has been a good-or-better teacher and they universally have been extremely devoted to their students; a lot of my professors will respond to student emails at any time of day or night. Your daughter should try to get to know her professors, because odds are they want to get to know her.
schmod and zoomorphic are right about there not being a whole lot to do in Williamsburg, but I find that doesn't bother me too much. I have one of those crippling workloads schmod was talking about -- when I'm not doing homework, I keep myself quite busy with theater. I also know people who are involved in various clubs -- I play in the Pep Band off and on, I know and like a large number of people who do crew, and the swing dance club is a real fun bunch of folks. Additionally, there are academic clubs or honor organizations for just about every department on campus -- for instance, right now, the math club and the physics club are in the process of organizing an inter-departmental frisbee game (it is going to be epic, I promise you).
I was never a freshman here, so I can't speak to that experience first hand. However, the school makes a big effort to get freshman halls to bond together into lasting social units, and they seem to be largely successful -- I know one group of people, all juniors now, who were all on the same freshman hall and still eat breakfast together each day; supposedly, this phenomenon is not uncommon.
The general feel of the place is pretty academic, which I happen to like; mostly, students are reasonably well-informed and well-read, and serious about their studies. A lot of people are a little on the shy side, which made it easier for me, a painfully shy person, to integrate myself socially. Political attitudes are by and large liberal, and regardless of political persuasion people are quite accepting and tolerant. Right now is crunch time for the semester, and people can get pretty stressed, but overall my fellow students strike me as being relaxed and happy. Certainly I enjoy going here a lot, so maybe that skews my perceptions of other people's attitudes, but that's mostly what I see.
Feel free to send me a Mefi Mail if you want more information about anything I've mentioned. If you're coming down for a visit in the near future, I'd be happy to show you around, as well.
posted by Commander Rachek at 11:07 AM on April 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Concur about the Freshman halls. This can have some downsides if you, say, happen to be a quiet nerd thrown into a hall full of recruited athletes. The Monroe/Sharpe scholars developed a reputation for being especially clique-y a few years ago -- not sure if that still holds, although I definitely recommend searching for friends outside of your "comfort zone." Don't do the clique thing -- this isn't High School.
If you actively seek out awesome friends, there are plenty to be found once you figure out where to look. In general, people are incredibly approachable and friendly.
The work is hard, but the atmosphere definitely isn't cutthroat. People are generally very, very nice to each other.
Oh, and waterproof shoes, an umbrella, and a raincoat are a must. (You'd think they'd have gotten the drainage problems sorted out after 300 years, but nooooo)
posted by schmod at 11:23 AM on April 14, 2010
If you actively seek out awesome friends, there are plenty to be found once you figure out where to look. In general, people are incredibly approachable and friendly.
The work is hard, but the atmosphere definitely isn't cutthroat. People are generally very, very nice to each other.
Oh, and waterproof shoes, an umbrella, and a raincoat are a must. (You'd think they'd have gotten the drainage problems sorted out after 300 years, but nooooo)
posted by schmod at 11:23 AM on April 14, 2010
What I tell everyone going to W&M to do is take some of the Kinesiology department activity programs. They are completely awesome and were my favorite things I did at W&M and really gave me a lasting devotion to outdoor activities. Randy Drake and Kim Whitley are the coolest dudes.
Greek life is definitely not for everyone but there are tons of different groups, I knew people who socialized with frats, music groups, comedy troupes, club sports teams, climbing club, language houses, biology club, etc.
I lived in Botetourt my freshman year, which is probably the crummiest freshman housing. We didn't have AC, but it only really sucked the first few weeks of the school year. I actually found that my freshman floor was kind of united by the living situation and we were a really tightly knit group, more so than the halls of people I knew who lived in nicer buildings like Yates or Dupont.
posted by ghharr at 12:02 PM on April 14, 2010
Greek life is definitely not for everyone but there are tons of different groups, I knew people who socialized with frats, music groups, comedy troupes, club sports teams, climbing club, language houses, biology club, etc.
I lived in Botetourt my freshman year, which is probably the crummiest freshman housing. We didn't have AC, but it only really sucked the first few weeks of the school year. I actually found that my freshman floor was kind of united by the living situation and we were a really tightly knit group, more so than the halls of people I knew who lived in nicer buildings like Yates or Dupont.
posted by ghharr at 12:02 PM on April 14, 2010
Best answer: I graduated from W&M in 2006 and loved (almost) every minute of my time there. Here are some of my experiences and tips.
* Almost everyone will constantly whinge about the insane workload and try to outdo one another with how much they have to do. Yes, a lot of the courses are difficult, but it's not necessary to overload yourself just because everyone else is doing it. Take some of the more fun classes like the ones from Kinesiology or a language class. Also, you can take some non-major, non-GER classes as pass/fail once you have enough credits. This is a great way to take something for fun without killing yourself with work.
* Your freshman hall is a big deal. A hall is your building and floor, and, for the bigger halls, what section of the floor. So, you might be Dupont 1st West. Each hall is single-sex, but most of the buildings are co-ed. For most people, the people on their hall will form their core social group on campus, especially for freshman year, and even for all four years. It becomes part of what defines you as a freshman besides where you're from and what your major is. The only way to guarantee where you live is to be a Monroe Scholar or to join the Sharpe Community Scholars program.
* But, if you don't mesh with the people on your hall, there are plenty of other ways to make friends! I would suggest trying out a bunch of clubs and organizations freshman year to figure out where you fit in. It's really going to depend on your interests, but a few examples: my main organization was The Flat Hat student newspaper and I worked in the library; my freshman roommate was heavily involved with a Christian group on campus; several of my friends were in the big service group APO; another friend was all theater all the time. Other popular options are a cappella groups and other music groups (choir, band) and fraternities and sororities (there are a lot to choose from, and you don't need to rush 1st semester freshman year).
* Yes, Williamsburg is a weird little tourist town, but that's part of the charm! You can't have a car freshman year, but people manage to find loopholes anyway. It is nice to be able to go to Newport News or Richmond or Norfolk every once in a while, but usually there's stuff to do locally. UCAB, the student activities board, puts on lots of great events like movies, concerts, guest speakers, etc. There is a real movie theater now in New Town which you can get to on the (free) bus as well as the Kimball Theater in Colonial Williamsburg that shows arthouse movies. CW itself is pretty entertaining and free and also fun to explore at night. The Meridian is a student-run coffeehouse/art & concert venue, which hosts more obscure concerts and the Daily Grind is the main campus coffee shop and a great place to hang out or study. The Cheese Shop is a must (call ahead!) and figure out a way to get to Sno-to-Go before it closes for the season. There's also a student day at Busch Gardens usually in October.
Um, I could probably talk forever about William and Mary (uh, go Griffins?), so feel free to MeFi Mail me with other questions!
posted by wsquared at 1:44 PM on April 14, 2010
* Almost everyone will constantly whinge about the insane workload and try to outdo one another with how much they have to do. Yes, a lot of the courses are difficult, but it's not necessary to overload yourself just because everyone else is doing it. Take some of the more fun classes like the ones from Kinesiology or a language class. Also, you can take some non-major, non-GER classes as pass/fail once you have enough credits. This is a great way to take something for fun without killing yourself with work.
* Your freshman hall is a big deal. A hall is your building and floor, and, for the bigger halls, what section of the floor. So, you might be Dupont 1st West. Each hall is single-sex, but most of the buildings are co-ed. For most people, the people on their hall will form their core social group on campus, especially for freshman year, and even for all four years. It becomes part of what defines you as a freshman besides where you're from and what your major is. The only way to guarantee where you live is to be a Monroe Scholar or to join the Sharpe Community Scholars program.
* But, if you don't mesh with the people on your hall, there are plenty of other ways to make friends! I would suggest trying out a bunch of clubs and organizations freshman year to figure out where you fit in. It's really going to depend on your interests, but a few examples: my main organization was The Flat Hat student newspaper and I worked in the library; my freshman roommate was heavily involved with a Christian group on campus; several of my friends were in the big service group APO; another friend was all theater all the time. Other popular options are a cappella groups and other music groups (choir, band) and fraternities and sororities (there are a lot to choose from, and you don't need to rush 1st semester freshman year).
* Yes, Williamsburg is a weird little tourist town, but that's part of the charm! You can't have a car freshman year, but people manage to find loopholes anyway. It is nice to be able to go to Newport News or Richmond or Norfolk every once in a while, but usually there's stuff to do locally. UCAB, the student activities board, puts on lots of great events like movies, concerts, guest speakers, etc. There is a real movie theater now in New Town which you can get to on the (free) bus as well as the Kimball Theater in Colonial Williamsburg that shows arthouse movies. CW itself is pretty entertaining and free and also fun to explore at night. The Meridian is a student-run coffeehouse/art & concert venue, which hosts more obscure concerts and the Daily Grind is the main campus coffee shop and a great place to hang out or study. The Cheese Shop is a must (call ahead!) and figure out a way to get to Sno-to-Go before it closes for the season. There's also a student day at Busch Gardens usually in October.
Um, I could probably talk forever about William and Mary (uh, go Griffins?), so feel free to MeFi Mail me with other questions!
posted by wsquared at 1:44 PM on April 14, 2010
...We didn't have AC, but it only really sucked the first few weeks of the school year.
And probably the last few weeks, during Spring finals. Just sayin'. I think it's a huge deal.
posted by amtho at 7:25 PM on April 14, 2010
And probably the last few weeks, during Spring finals. Just sayin'. I think it's a huge deal.
posted by amtho at 7:25 PM on April 14, 2010
Response by poster: Folks, these are fantastic. Please keep them coming.
posted by lpsguy at 9:44 AM on April 15, 2010
posted by lpsguy at 9:44 AM on April 15, 2010
Go Griffins!
I also went to William and Mary, but graduated back in 1998. It's not the most glamorous of places, but you're surrounded by interesting smartypants for the most part (this is a good thing). I'm still extremely close with my undergrad friend; moved across the country and have a community of W&M grads here too. Nthing the person above you wrote about how your freshman hall can likely determine your core of friends through the year, if you're fine with that.
I joined a sorority my sophomore year (recommend for your daughter to wait a year, if she chooses to rush, so she can make some friends outside of Greek life), and am grateful I did if for a few quality friendships from the experience, but it was a very small part of my college life overall. 90% of my close friends were not involved in the Greek system.
I also recommend a part time job, if she can swing it. It's a way to meet some other people and get a little extra money (I worked at Baskin Robbins three of the years).
So, yes, love the William and Mary. I'm envious of your daughter that she's got her experience in front of her!
posted by knmr76 at 5:58 AM on April 16, 2010
I also went to William and Mary, but graduated back in 1998. It's not the most glamorous of places, but you're surrounded by interesting smartypants for the most part (this is a good thing). I'm still extremely close with my undergrad friend; moved across the country and have a community of W&M grads here too. Nthing the person above you wrote about how your freshman hall can likely determine your core of friends through the year, if you're fine with that.
I joined a sorority my sophomore year (recommend for your daughter to wait a year, if she chooses to rush, so she can make some friends outside of Greek life), and am grateful I did if for a few quality friendships from the experience, but it was a very small part of my college life overall. 90% of my close friends were not involved in the Greek system.
I also recommend a part time job, if she can swing it. It's a way to meet some other people and get a little extra money (I worked at Baskin Robbins three of the years).
So, yes, love the William and Mary. I'm envious of your daughter that she's got her experience in front of her!
posted by knmr76 at 5:58 AM on April 16, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
For starters, the W&M LJ Community is actually a pretty good place to ask advice.
Some general stuff:
*Greek life's not for everybody. Sorority rush is a particularly pressure-driven process, and I'd strongly recommend waiting until her second semester at the earliest to even consider it.
*Get involved (duh). However, note that although there are a ton of extracurriculars at W&M, very few are particularly active thanks to the cripplingly-difficult workloads that most students subject themselves to. There are lots of great (and unusual) club sports teams to join, which tend to be a bit more active. I took up sailing, and loved it, despite having no prior experience doing it.
*Not every dorm has AC. If you get put into one of those, get a doctor's note for a window unit. Trust me on this one.
*Don't get the unlimited meal plan. It's a waste of your money.
*The majority of the school is from Northern Virginia, and lots of them go home on weekends (particularly as Freshmen). Do your best to put up with them. There is plenty to do on campus on weekends, though you occasionally have to seek it out. Avoid the urges to go home except for during breaks.
*Make friends with somebody who has a car. It sounds contrived, but it's definitely nice to escape Colonial Williamsburg every now and then.
*The Pre-Med adviser is evil. She picks favorites, and if she doesn't like you, you need to start thinking about other career options. There's no grade inflation at W&M, and although med schools are supposed to take this into account, they rarely do.
*History classes fill up very quickly. The department has a faculty shortage, and won't increase its class sizes. Plan alternatives, and beg for mercy if none of those pan out -- professors can override maximum class sizes on a case-by-case basis.
*The Cheese Shop has the best sandwiches in Williamsburg (and the Western Hemisphere for that matter). Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Doraldo's has the only good pizza in town.
*Plan for some of the strangest weather patterns you've ever seen. Rain out of nowhere, 80 degree days in the winter (buffered by 20 degree days on either side). Don't expect any meaningful amounts of snow.
*Don't buy anything from the bookstore unless it's absolutely, positively not available anywhere else. BigWords.com can save you a fortune. ISBN numbers for required reading are available on Banner.
posted by schmod at 8:31 AM on April 14, 2010 [1 favorite]