William and Mary - What do you think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many schools "reverse engineer" GPAs to normalize them, and recalculate them so they only include academic subjects (math, science, English, social studies, foreign languages). It's more work for the colleges, but allows them to compare oranges to oranges. They do seem to take into account English 11 vs AP Composition and Language, but weight courses equally across the applicant population.

This is definitely the trend. Several schools reported that approach during our recent spring break visit. W&M did NOT make that statement for that matter, a statement that 3.9 GPA is a "stretch". I thnk that claim is itself is a bit of a stretch....

On the math side, MANY schools made the comment that they wanted to see math taken at least THROUGH Calculus. Premier schools, however, did not say it needed to be AP Calculus. Many of such schools are the liberal arts and as such, look for the difficulty level in courses but also recognize that most of the math/science "gurus" are heading to the MITs of the world.

[Anonymous]

Grade inflation is far worse at public schools. A 4.0 is very rare at elite private schools. Collegs adjust, but maybe not enough if the 4.0 comes from a top lower MoCo public school.

[Anonymous]

W&M is ultra underrated IMO. Virginians should consider themselves lucky to have such a school be a public in-state school for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:W&M is ultra underrated IMO. Virginians should consider themselves lucky to have such a school be a public in-state school for them.

Well said!

[Anonymous]

This may not be the right forum for this question, but does anyone know off the top of his/her head under what circumstances an OOS student can become a VA resident while in college to benefit from in-state tuition for after freshman or after sophmore years? I assume the student needs a permanent address in VA, drivers license, etc. but have heard some states have hard and fast rules that limit ones ability to make such a switch of residency when enrolled. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This may not be the right forum for this question, but does anyone know off the top of his/her head under what circumstances an OOS student can become a VA resident while in college to benefit from in-state tuition for after freshman or after sophmore years? I assume the student needs a permanent address in VA, drivers license, etc. but have heard some states have hard and fast rules that limit ones ability to make such a switch of residency when enrolled. Thanks.

It varies by school, but from what I've seen it's hard to convince them that you're in state. I knew a girl that married and moved in with a state resident and was denied in state tuition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many schools "reverse engineer" GPAs to normalize them, and recalculate them so they only include academic subjects (math, science, English, social studies, foreign languages). It's more work for the colleges, but allows them to compare oranges to oranges. They do seem to take into account English 11 vs AP Composition and Language, but weight courses equally across the applicant population.

This is definitely the trend. Several schools reported that approach during our recent spring break visit. W&M did NOT make that statement for that matter, a statement that 3.9 GPA is a "stretch". I thnk that claim is itself is a bit of a stretch....

On the math side, MANY schools made the comment that they wanted to see math taken at least THROUGH Calculus. Premier schools, however, did not say it needed to be AP Calculus. Many of such schools are the liberal arts and as such, look for the difficulty level in courses but also recognize that most of the math/science "gurus" are heading to the MITs of the world.

I am only reporting what the student told me. She does go to Oakton HS, so competition is especially fierce for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This may not be the right forum for this question, but does anyone know off the top of his/her head under what circumstances an OOS student can become a VA resident while in college to benefit from in-state tuition for after freshman or after sophmore years? I assume the student needs a permanent address in VA, drivers license, etc. but have heard some states have hard and fast rules that limit ones ability to make such a switch of residency when enrolled. Thanks.

I believe that if they are out of state when they start, they are out of state until they get the degree. It used to be that the student had to take a year off to establish residency, but they changed that in the later 80's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many schools "reverse engineer" GPAs to normalize them, and recalculate them so they only include academic subjects (math, science, English, social studies, foreign languages). It's more work for the colleges, but allows them to compare oranges to oranges. They do seem to take into account English 11 vs AP Composition and Language, but weight courses equally across the applicant population.

This is definitely the trend. Several schools reported that approach during our recent spring break visit. W&M did NOT make that statement for that matter, a statement that 3.9 GPA is a "stretch". I thnk that claim is itself is a bit of a stretch....

On the math side, MANY schools made the comment that they wanted to see math taken at least THROUGH Calculus. Premier schools, however, did not say it needed to be AP Calculus. Many of such schools are the liberal arts and as such, look for the difficulty level in courses but also recognize that most of the math/science "gurus" are heading to the MITs of the world.

I am only reporting what the student told me. She does go to Oakton HS, so competition is especially fierce for her.

We recently attended a college fair where W&M was well represented. We asked the question about GPA and their Dir. of Admissions reported that they do indeed "reverse engineeer" GPAs focusing ONLY on the core subjects (e.g., english, math etc.) Further to this point, he also reported that they look at 3.6 GPAs and up under THEIR revised model. That's probably where the confusion on GPAs arises. As for SATs, he reported they're looking at1320 on up. Interesting, they are NOT looking at the writing portion of the SATs. Their view on that.."we are focused on the student's essays"

[Anonymous]

I think it's a good stepping stone school for a professional/graduate degree. The school doesn't have reputation for any specific undergraduate programs.

[Anonymous]

I got accepted (to my guidance counselor's surprise) as a MoCo resident. I was considering going there, and then I got a letter that was addressed to "Dear Suburban Maryland Applicant." Keep it classy, William and Mary!

[Anonymous]

My perspective may be dated, as I was there 10 years ago, but it is a great education and environment for the right student. Big enough that you don't know everyone, small enough you always know someone. Course work is extremely vigorous and the professors are great, but social and outside activities are secondary to academics. They have invested a ton in the campus facilities in the last decade. A kid that just wants to party and is looking to coast by with grade inflation will find themselves elsewhere pretty quick. If you go there for an education and are willing to work for it and want to be involved it will be a great fit.

[Anonymous]

Excellent school with excellent academics and strong alumni association which is good for networking after graduation. Price tag is fantastic. What it lacks is a subpar social atmosphere, Williamsburg is not your typical college town and if your child is looking for the fun social aspect of college it will be hard to find there. Students are very serious and there is a lot of pressure. I would be Very happy if my child was accepted there.

[Anonymous]

One of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen.

[Anonymous]

Good classic names.