Why W&M?

As an alumna who works for the college, first at the alumni house and now in the office of admission, I get asked quite often, ‘Why did you choose W&M’?

Hmmmmm…

Truthfully, it was a long time ago, and I don’t really remember making a choice.  As a rising senior in high school, I had a sister who was rising senior and a brother who was a rising junior at W&M.  I know I had been to visit at least once and really enjoyed it. So with I guess a little nudge from my guidance counselor I applied early decision, got in and never really thought much about it again.

Now, that I have been on campus as an alumna working for her alma mater, I will tell you there are MANY reasons why I would urge high school kids to consider W&M.  Here are a few:

Small class sizes.  With an 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio, you know you will not be a number.  The small class sizes provide ample opportunity for getting to know your professors and for them to get to know you. These same small numbers also provide good chances at being able to participate in research being done by the faculty or to do your own research with the supervision of the faculty.

Diverse student body.  The students are not only ethnically diverse, but also socioeconomically, religiously and geographically.  There is a strong commitment to and respect for diversity among the students, faculty and staff.

Academic excellence.  Most of the students at W&M were in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.  With so many scholars on campus we are challenged intellectually.

Commitment to community service.  I believe the statistic is something like 300,000 volunteer hours are completed by the students of W&M evrey year!  Student compete to pay to go on service trips.

Beautiful campus in a small college town.  The campus has so many historic and beautiful buildings (some ugly ones too) and the grounds are maintained meticulously.  I love the gardens.  No matter what time of year there is always color and beauty in our gardens.

So, I didn’t select W&M for any of these reasons, but would offer any of them as good reasons to choose it as your Alma Mater.

– Betsy Quinzio