I went to W&M in the 90's, and then moved to Seattle after graduation, then California.

Almost everyone who asked about college was familiar with W&M. Most thought it was private, not a state school. People occasionally confused it with Williams ("Oh, in Massachusetts?").

Anonymous wrote:As many have said, I am from out of the area and have heard of W&M but did not know about VT until I lived in the area.

+2

Anonymous wrote:W&M has much stronger name recognition than VT and a stronger reputation both in-state and nationally.

+1 Not from around here and agree with this.

I'm from London and I know that William and Mary is a prestigious college. Never heard of V tech in my life until reading these boards and living in the DC area.

As many have said, I am from out of the area and have heard of W&M but did not know about VT until I lived in the area.

I grew up overseas. I was going to apply to W&M (got into my first choice early). Never heard of VT until I moved to this area. W&M is a well-known liberal arts school.

Anonymous wrote:I would say VA Tech and W&M have similar levels of name recognition. I think most people would think, "Oh, yeah, they're state schools in Virginia."

Actually, my DD's experience -- a freshman at W&M -- is many people do not realize W&M is state, they think it is private.

W&M in a gem and unique among schools. A "SLAC" that is not small, and allow tier 1 research to undergrads.

(DD's second choice was VT, but it was not close; and she is going into STEM).

I am from Pennsylvania and my DS graduated from W & M. Yes, I paid OOS prices.

Anonymous wrote:I am not from this area and I heard of William and Mary well before I heard of VT. (Actually I think the first time I heard of it was probably after the shooting.)

Same here, from Mass, knew of W&M as a great school that was difficult to get into, but didn’t hear of VT until later, and not great things either.

What seems more prestigious to people who don’t live in the southeast — UVA or W & M?

I feel like Washington & Lee is going to lose a lot of applications and respect with Lee still in the name.

I would say VA Tech and W&M have similar levels of name recognition. I think most people would think, "Oh, yeah, they're state schools in Virginia."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m from Texas and always knew W&M was an excellent school. I honestly can’t say if I knew about VA Tech till I moved to NoVA

Same. Also from Texas and had heard of W&M well before VA Tech.

Same here. Also from TX!

I think of VA tech for D1 football and engineering.

I think anyone who knows W and M would also know top SLACs like Swarthmore, Harvey Mudd, Pomona, Carlton, Williams. All excellent schools.

If you’re daughter is considering engineering, maybe consider Tech, as well as UVA in state. Otherwise, W and M is a great school.

I'm from California and wasn't familiar with either before moving here (minus shooting).

Anonymous wrote:I’m from Texas and always knew W&M was an excellent school. I honestly can’t say if I knew about VA Tech till I moved to NoVA

Same. Also from Texas and had heard of W&M well before VA Tech.