UMD or W&M

[Anonymous]

DC is accepted to UMD Carillon (in-state) and W&M Monroe Scholars program. Wants to be Econ major. Has a slight preference for a smaller college. Any thoughts/insights appreciated!

[Anonymous]

By any measure W&M is the more historical, rigorous and selective institution and features smaller clases taught mostly by professors instead of teaching assistants, if those considerations matter. Some people care more about cost of attendance, location, "culture", distance from home, or other factors, so it depends on your child's priorities.

[Anonymous]

Monroe Scholarship not big in terms of dollars and meant to support research. Some other small perks as well and goes to about 10% of student body. If you can afford W&M the decision is easy. If money is an issue then that may tip the scales, but from an academic standpoint W&M is the clear winner.

[Anonymous]

These feel so different. This is on her.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Money matters but not the most important consideration. I was under the impression that UMD is on upward trajectory whilst W&M is moving opposite direction. I have been wondering about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Money matters but not the most important consideration. I was under the impression that UMD is on upward trajectory whilst W&M is moving opposite direction. I have been wondering about that.

W&M isn't moving downwards, the rankings are just being refocused on things other than what W&M focuses on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Money matters but not the most important consideration. I was under the impression that UMD is on upward trajectory whilst W&M is moving opposite direction. I have been wondering about that.

W&M isn't moving downwards, the rankings are just being refocused on things other than what W&M focuses on.

This. W&M is anything but on a downward trajectory. To me, this is a no brainer choice but ultimately is up to your child and the best fit. W&M’s alumnae network is very strong so she may want to reach out to the Washington Center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Money matters but not the most important consideration. I was under the impression that UMD is on upward trajectory whilst W&M is moving opposite direction. I have been wondering about that.

W&M alum here. I was shocked at the lower ranking it has now so went down the rabbit hole on looking at why it was dropping. Big reasons are parts that to me don’t feel like defects impacting my kids: ratings no longer value smaller class sizes but I think my kid would do well in smaller classes; ratings value higher Pell Grant attendee numbers but my kid isn’t eligible for that so it’s irrelevant for me and I don’t see a “barbell” student body make up as desirable. In short, it doesn’t sound like W&M has changed the fundamentals of its education. Rather it sounds like USNWR changed what it prioritized in ways that seem to advantage top end private schools and very large public flagships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Money matters but not the most important consideration. I was under the impression that UMD is on upward trajectory whilst W&M is moving opposite direction. I have been wondering about that.

W&M alum here. I was shocked at the lower ranking it has now so went down the rabbit hole on looking at why it was dropping. Big reasons are parts that to me don’t feel like defects impacting my kids: ratings no longer value smaller class sizes but I think my kid would do well in smaller classes; ratings value higher Pell Grant attendee numbers but my kid isn’t eligible for that so it’s irrelevant for me and I don’t see a “barbell” student body make up as desirable. In short, it doesn’t sound like W&M has changed the fundamentals of its education. Rather it sounds like USNWR changed what it prioritized in ways that seem to advantage top end private schools and very large public flagships.

Yep. It's the whacky criteria USNWR uses now. What review of any school wouldn't value smaller class sizes taught by actual Professors? USWNR is a joke.

[Anonymous]

No contest. W&M definitely.

[Anonymous]

I think they are equal in reputation so would let student pick which they prefer, assuming cost is similar.

[Anonymous]

Do not let rankings drive any choices.

[Anonymous]

This was my son's exact decision last year however we are in Virginia. He was also admitted as a Monroe scholar. CS major, honors college and was given a little merit so he ended up at UMD. Definitely the right choice for him. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

20:48 again. OOS you are looking at around $65k for WM.

[Anonymous]

W&M