Experience at UVA and W&M for out-of-state applicants

[Anonymous]

We live in PA and are considering visiting UVA and W&M with our junior DS. They seem like potential fits, though I know UVA is super-reachy for those OOS. I see that 2/3 of undergrads at both are from VA, which is of course understandable. Does anyone know what the experience is like there for those coming from elsewhere (assuming they get admitted)? DS is interested in physics or economics, and is social and outgoing but prefers small social groups to big ones. He is looking at mid-size+ schools (about 6K undergrads and up) and is not interested in LACs.

For context, we aren't really considering other state schools outside of PA with the possible exception of UVM. Other schools that seem like good options for him include Northwestern, BU, U Rochester, Syracuse, and Pitt. Thanks for any input!

[Anonymous]

At UVa it’s a non-issue when starting at a 1st year. OOS and instate hang together, it’s more personality driven then, “what is your home state?”

Especially for Pennsylvania->NJ->NY->CT->Mass

[Anonymous]

I went to W&M and came from out of state. It was terrific. I had plenty of friends from VA, and friends from other states. For me it wasn't an issue at all.

[Anonymous]

My DC is in-state at WM and I would say 90% of their friends are out of state students. Don't think this is an issue at any university. Kids become friends or hang out based on personality and interests, not based on which state they're from.

[Anonymous]

If DC has top grades and test scores, UVA might offer an Echols/Rodman. These do not include money, but do have a separate 1st year dorm and course schedule advantages. Worth looking into this. (For OOS applicants, odds of getting this are higher if a faculty recommendation includes a specific recommendation the student be considered for E/R.)

I think WM has something similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If DC has top grades and test scores, UVA might offer an Echols/Rodman. These do not include money, but do have a separate 1st year dorm and course schedule advantages. Worth looking into this. (For OOS applicants, odds of getting this are higher if a faculty recommendation includes a specific recommendation the student be considered for E/R.)

I think WM has something similar.

UVA might offer? Um, get back to us on that please!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC is in-state at WM and I would say 90% of their friends are out of state students. Don't think this is an issue at any university. Kids become friends or hang out based on personality and interests, not based on which state they're from.

Same, my kid at W&M has mostly out of state friends.

[Anonymous]

My student is at W&M OOS. His roommate is from nova, but he has friends from all over. Even some exchange students from Thailand. VA has a higher OOS percentage than many state schools.

[Anonymous]

I have two at W&M from OOS. Both have found it very easy to make friends, from both in-state and OOS. If he does end up going to W&M, I've heard nothing but great things about the Pathways pre-orientation program: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/outdoorrec/pathways/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in PA and are considering visiting UVA and W&M with our junior DS. They seem like potential fits, though I know UVA is super-reachy for those OOS. I see that 2/3 of undergrads at both are from VA, which is of course understandable. Does anyone know what the experience is like there for those coming from elsewhere (assuming they get admitted)? DS is interested in physics or economics, and is social and outgoing but prefers small social groups to big ones. He is looking at mid-size+ schools (about 6K undergrads and up) and is not interested in LACs.

For context, we aren't really considering other state schools outside of PA with the possible exception of UVM. Other schools that seem like good options for him include Northwestern, BU, U Rochester, Syracuse, and Pitt. Thanks for any input!

Some of those have way more than 6,000 students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in PA and are considering visiting UVA and W&M with our junior DS. They seem like potential fits, though I know UVA is super-reachy for those OOS. I see that 2/3 of undergrads at both are from VA, which is of course understandable. Does anyone know what the experience is like there for those coming from elsewhere (assuming they get admitted)? DS is interested in physics or economics, and is social and outgoing but prefers small social groups to big ones. He is looking at mid-size+ schools (about 6K undergrads and up) and is not interested in LACs.

For context, we aren't really considering other state schools outside of PA with the possible exception of UVM. Other schools that seem like good options for him include Northwestern, BU, U Rochester, Syracuse, and Pitt. Thanks for any input!

Some of those have way more than 6,000 students.

+1. and UVM is a cut below UVA and W&M.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in PA and are considering visiting UVA and W&M with our junior DS. They seem like potential fits, though I know UVA is super-reachy for those OOS. I see that 2/3 of undergrads at both are from VA, which is of course understandable. Does anyone know what the experience is like there for those coming from elsewhere (assuming they get admitted)? DS is interested in physics or economics, and is social and outgoing but prefers small social groups to big ones. He is looking at mid-size+ schools (about 6K undergrads and up) and is not interested in LACs.

For context, we aren't really considering other state schools outside of PA with the possible exception of UVM. Other schools that seem like good options for him include Northwestern, BU, U Rochester, Syracuse, and Pitt. Thanks for any input!

Some of those have way more than 6,000 students.

I'm not OP, but they did say "and up".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If DC has top grades and test scores, UVA might offer an Echols/Rodman. These do not include money, but do have a separate 1st year dorm and course schedule advantages. Worth looking into this. (For OOS applicants, odds of getting this are higher if a faculty recommendation includes a specific recommendation the student be considered for E/R.)

I think WM has something similar.

UVA might offer? Um, get back to us on that please!

What does this mean? UVA DOES do the selection. There is no application. All applicants are considered. 5% are offered it. It goes to non-science applicants (they have the Rodman) who demonstrate outstanding leadership and highest academic credentials.

[Anonymous]

The only adjustment is realizing that NOVA doesn't mean Villanova.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If DC has top grades and test scores, UVA might offer an Echols/Rodman. These do not include money, but do have a separate 1st year dorm and course schedule advantages. Worth looking into this. (For OOS applicants, odds of getting this are higher if a faculty recommendation includes a specific recommendation the student be considered for E/R.)

I think WM has something similar.

I have never heard anyone say this. Please cite your source on this one!