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College of William & Mary campus

College of William & Mary

https://www.wm.edu ↗

Small Classes, Strong Outcomes, and Competitive Dance Opportunities

William & Mary offers exceptional academics with the small class sizes and faculty support this student needs, plus outstanding career prepa...

67.00
out of 100
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ☆ ☆
MODERATE FIT

AI Recommendation

William & Mary offers exceptional academics with the small class sizes and faculty support this student needs, plus outstanding career preparation (91% placement rate) and strong pre-law preparation (85% law school acceptance). However, two CRITICAL mismatches significantly impact fit: (1) NO undergraduate Marketing major available - the student's primary academic interest is not offered as a standalone program, only Business Analytics; (2) Williamsburg is a small college town, NOT urban or near a city as strongly preferred - it's 45+ minutes from any city. Additionally, school spirit is moderate rather than strong, and the social scene is more subdued/academic-focused than the 'active social scene' desired. The 67/100 score reflects excellent infrastructure and support systems undermined by fundamental misalignment with key preferences. This could work for a flexible student willing to compromise on location and adjust academic focus, but requires careful consideration of whether these trade-offs are acceptable.

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Performance vs. Average College

Academic
32.0 +2.0
Avg: 30.0 80% of max
Culture
16.0 -6.0
Avg: 22.0 53% of max
Environment
10.0 -5.0
Avg: 15.0 50% of max
Special
9.0 +1.0
Avg: 8.0 90% of max
This College
Average

Score Breakdown

Academic Profile
32.0 /40 (80%)
Mixed alignment with student interests. Strong pre-law program (85% law school acceptance vs 70% national avg) and solid psychology program (top 100 nationally with multiple tracks). Business school ranked #37 but CRITICAL GAP: no undergraduate Marketing major - only Business Analytics available, which directly conflicts with student's primary stated interest. Pre-physical therapy path underdeveloped - would require self-directed approach through Kinesiology or Biology. Three of five interests well-supported, but missing the primary one significantly impacts score.
Program Strength
6.0 /10
Mixed alignment with student interests. Strong pre-law program (85% law school acceptance vs 70% national avg) and solid psychology program (top 100 nationally with multiple tracks). Business school ranked #37 but CRITICAL GAP: no undergraduate Marketing major - only Business Analytics available, which directly conflicts with student's primary stated interest. Pre-physical therapy path underdeveloped - would require self-directed approach through Kinesiology or Biology. Three of five interests well-supported, but missing the primary one significantly impacts score.
Student Faculty
9.0 /10
Excellent match for student's need for teacher support and smaller classes. 12:1 student-faculty ratio is outstanding. Median class size of 16 students with 46% of classes under 20 students and 84% under 40 students. Discussion-based seminar style with undergraduate teaching focus ensures faculty accessibility. Strong academic support infrastructure including Tribe TutorZone, Writing Resources Center, and faculty advisors. This directly addresses student's stated need.
Applied Learning
8.0 /10
Strong internship opportunities with 70% of students completing at least one internship. Washington DC proximity (2.5 hours) provides excellent government/policy/nonprofit internships. Cohen Career Center offers summer internship funding. Business school has corporate partnerships. Research opportunities available. Only minor limitation is Williamsburg's small-town location reducing immediate local internship options compared to urban campuses.
Career Prep
9.0 /10
Outstanding career outcomes with 91% employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Cohen Career Center well-regarded with comprehensive services (career counseling, resume reviews, mock interviews, networking events). Strong alumni network of 55,000+ with 25% giving rate showing high engagement. Top employers include Deloitte, EY, PwC, Amazon. Four-year career planning approach and Tribe Careers platform. Particularly strong for law school preparation and consulting placement.
Campus Culture
16.0 /30 (53%)
MODERATE school spirit that may not meet student's desire for 'strong school spirit.' Division I athletics (CAA) but not sports-dominant culture. Football attendance moderate (8,000-12,000). Academic pride stronger than athletic pride. Strong tradition-focused spirit (Yule Log, King & Queen's Ball, Charter Day) but lacks the high-energy sports culture typical of schools with 'strong school spirit.' More intellectual/quirky vibe than rah-rah atmosphere.
School Spirit
5.0 /10
MODERATE school spirit that may not meet student's desire for 'strong school spirit.' Division I athletics (CAA) but not sports-dominant culture. Football attendance moderate (8,000-12,000). Academic pride stronger than athletic pride. Strong tradition-focused spirit (Yule Log, King & Queen's Ball, Charter Day) but lacks the high-energy sports culture typical of schools with 'strong school spirit.' More intellectual/quirky vibe than rah-rah atmosphere.
Social Scene
6.0 /10
Active campus (NOT commuter school - 75% live on campus) but social scene more subdued than student's 'active social scene' preference. Weekend programming exists through AMP, but work-hard academic culture dominates. Williamsburg's small-town location severely limits nightlife options. Students create own fun in close-knit community, but can feel quieter than large state schools. More intellectual social atmosphere than party-focused. 95% retention rate suggests students adapt, but initial fit may be challenging.
Greek Life
5.0 /10
Greek life at 30%+ (27% men, 34% women) is moderate but significant presence. Student profile doesn't indicate strong preference either way, but this level means Greek life influences social scene considerably while still allowing non-Greek social options. 14 fraternities and 11 sororities provide options, but at this participation level, it may dominate weekend social activities more than ideal for students seeking diverse social scenes. Deferred recruitment helps freshmen adjust first.
Location & Environment
10.0 /20 (50%)
MAJOR MISMATCH with student's 'urban or near city' preference. Williamsburg is definitively small college town/suburban - NOT urban. 45 minutes to Virginia Beach, 50 minutes to Richmond, 2.5 hours to DC means no immediate city access. Colonial Williamsburg is charming but tourist-focused with limited urban amenities, nightlife, or cultural offerings. Campus can feel isolated without car. While campus itself is beautiful with excellent on-campus nature (Lake Matoaka, College Woods), the location fundamentally conflicts with stated preference for urban environment.
Location
3.0 /10
MAJOR MISMATCH with student's 'urban or near city' preference. Williamsburg is definitively small college town/suburban - NOT urban. 45 minutes to Virginia Beach, 50 minutes to Richmond, 2.5 hours to DC means no immediate city access. Colonial Williamsburg is charming but tourist-focused with limited urban amenities, nightlife, or cultural offerings. Campus can feel isolated without car. While campus itself is beautiful with excellent on-campus nature (Lake Matoaka, College Woods), the location fundamentally conflicts with stated preference for urban environment.
Climate
7.0 /10
Good but not exceptional for 'loves sunshine' preference. 213 sunny days per year is above national average (205) but below true sunny climates (Southwest has 280+). Four distinct seasons with beautiful spring/fall, but hot humid summers and mild winters. Excellent nature access ON campus with Lake Matoaka trails (5+ miles), College Woods (300+ acres), York River State Park nearby, and Virginia Beach 45 minutes away. Strong outdoor recreation opportunities balance the moderate sunshine levels.
Special Requirements
9.0 /10 (90%)
Excellent dance opportunities with clear walk-on options. W&M Dance Team competes at UDA College Nationals with annual tryouts (typically spring) open to walk-ons. Hip-hop and pom styles offered. Additional options include William & Mary Syndicate (competitive hip-hop), Pointe Blank (ballet), multiple cultural dance groups, and club teams. Both recreational and competitive options available. Contact information provided (recreation@wm.edu). Only minor limitation is less information about team size/competitiveness compared to larger schools.
Dance Team
9.0 /10
Excellent dance opportunities with clear walk-on options. W&M Dance Team competes at UDA College Nationals with annual tryouts (typically spring) open to walk-ons. Hip-hop and pom styles offered. Additional options include William & Mary Syndicate (competitive hip-hop), Pointe Blank (ballet), multiple cultural dance groups, and club teams. Both recreational and competitive options available. Contact information provided (recreation@wm.edu). Only minor limitation is less information about team size/competitiveness compared to larger schools.

Top Strengths 6

  • 1 Outstanding 12:1 faculty ratio with median class size of 16 - perfect for student's need for teacher support and smaller classes
  • 2 Excellent career outcomes (91% employed/grad school within 6 months) with strong Cohen Career Center and 55,000+ alumni network
  • 3 Multiple dance team opportunities including competitive team with clear walk-on tryouts at UDA Nationals level
  • 4 NOT a commuter school - 75% live on campus with 95% retention rate showing strong community
  • 5 Exceptional pre-law preparation with 85% law school acceptance rate (vs 70% national average)
  • 6 Beautiful historic campus with excellent on-campus nature access (Lake Matoaka trails, College Woods)

Things to Consider 7

  • 1 CRITICAL: No undergraduate Marketing major - student's primary academic interest not available, only Business Analytics offered
  • 2 CRITICAL: Location is small college town, NOT urban - fundamentally conflicts with 'urban or near city' preference (45+ min to nearest city)
  • 3 School spirit is moderate/academic-focused rather than the 'strong school spirit' desired - not a sports-dominant culture
  • 4 Social scene more subdued than 'active social scene' preference - limited nightlife in Williamsburg, work-hard culture dominates
  • 5 Pre-physical therapy track underdeveloped - would need to self-direct through Kinesiology or Biology major
  • 6 Out-of-state tuition $46,467 is expensive for a school with significant fit concerns
  • 7 213 sunny days is good but not exceptional for someone who 'loves sunshine' - humid climate may be uncomfortable

Detailed Research

Internships

Strong internship programs through Cohen Career Center. Washington DC proximity provides government/policy internships. Summer internship funding available. 70% of students complete at least one internship.

Avg Class Size

Median class size 16 students. 46% of classes have fewer than 20 students. 84% have fewer than 40 students.

Teaching Style

Discussion-based seminar style emphasized. Undergraduate teaching focus with faculty accessibility. Research opportunities available but teaching-centered. COLL Curriculum requires interdisciplinary approach.

Academic Support

Peer tutoring through Tribe TutorZone. Writing Resources Center. Academic advising through faculty advisors. Office of Academic Support & Accessibility. Class Deans for academic guidance. Strong support infrastructure.

Career Placement

91% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Strong outcomes in consulting, finance, law, and education sectors.

Program Rankings

  • Excellent preparation - 85% law school acceptance rate (vs. national avg of 70%). Strong advising through Pre-Law Program.
  • Raymond A. Mason School of Business ranked #37 among undergraduate business programs (U.S. News 2024). No undergraduate marketing major - only Business Analytics major available.
  • Strong psychology program, ranked in top 100 nationally. Research-focused with clinical, cognitive, and social psychology tracks.
  • Highly ranked liberal arts college (#38 National Universities, U.S. News 2024). Strong in humanities and social sciences.
  • Kinesiology & Health Sciences major available. Limited specific pre-PT track. Students typically major in Biology or Kinesiology.

Student Faculty Ratio

12:1

Greek Life

27% of men, 34% of women in Greek life. Moderate influence - present but not dominant. 14 fraternities, 11 sororities. Social scene exists outside Greek life but it's a significant component. Deferred recruitment (spring for freshmen).

Social Scene

Moderate social scene. More intellectual/quirky vibe than party school. Deli (campus bar/restaurant) popular. Williamsburg limits nightlife options. Students create own fun. Close-knit community. Work-hard culture with social outlets but academics come first.

School Spirit

MODERATE school spirit. Division I athletics (CAA) but not sports-dominant culture. Football attendance moderate (~8,000-12,000). Basketball more popular. Strong tradition-focused spirit (Yule Log, King & Queen's Ball, Charter Day). Academic pride stronger than athletic pride.

Retention Rate

95% freshman retention rate

Graduation Rate

91% six-year graduation rate

Weekend Activity

Active campus on weekends - NOT a commuter school. 75% of students live on campus. Weekend programming through AMP (Alma Mater Productions). Colonial Williamsburg activities. Some students go home but majority stay. Can feel quieter than large state schools.

Political Climate

Moderate to liberal-leaning. Virginia public school with diverse political views. More liberal than Virginia average but not as progressive as some liberal arts colleges. Civil discourse emphasized. Mix of perspectives.

Setting

Small college town/suburban. Colonial Williamsburg historic area. NOT urban. Campus is 1,200 acres with Lake Matoaka. 45 minutes from Virginia Beach, 2.5 hours from Washington DC, 50 minutes from Richmond.

Sunny Days

Approximately 213 sunny days per year. Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters with occasional snow. Spring and fall beautiful but can be humid.

Nature Access

Excellent nature access ON campus. Lake Matoaka with 5+ miles of trails. College Woods (300+ acres). Waller Mill Park nearby. York River State Park (20 min). Virginia Beach (45 min). Colonial Parkway for biking/running. Strong outdoor recreation opportunities.

Transportation

Campus is walkable. Bike-friendly. WATA bus system (limited). Most students don't need cars freshman year but helpful for off-campus access. Zip cars available. Williamsburg somewhat car-dependent for shopping/dining.

Nearest Airport

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) - 15 minutes. Richmond International (RIC) - 45 minutes. Norfolk International (ORF) - 50 minutes. Washington Dulles (IAD) - 2.5 hours.

Surrounding Area

Colonial Williamsburg historic area - charming but small town feel. Tourist destination. Limited urban amenities. Outlets and chain restaurants on Route 60. Quiet, safe, historic. NOT a city environment. Can feel isolated without car. Merchant Square has shops/restaurants adjacent to campus.

Dance Team

W&M Dance Team exists - competes at UDA College Nationals. Hip-hop and pom styles. Tryouts held annually (typically spring). Walk-on opportunities available through tryouts. Also: William & Mary Syndicate (competitive hip-hop), Pointe Blank (ballet), multiple cultural dance groups, and club dance teams. Recreational and competitive options.

Recreation

Student Recreation Center with fitness equipment, courts, pool. Intramural sports very popular (40+ sports offered). Tribe Adventure Program (outdoor trips). Lake Matoaka for kayaking. Fitness classes. Club sports (35+ clubs). Strong recreational culture balancing academics.

Food Quality

AVERAGE to BELOW AVERAGE food quality reported by students. Multiple dining halls: Sadler Center (Marketplace), Commons, Cosi, Tribe Square. Dining plan required for on-campus students. Complaints about repetitiveness and quality. Merchant Square restaurants nearby provide alternatives. Rated C+ to B- by student reviews.

Campus Beauty

BEAUTIFUL historic campus. Iconic Wren Building (oldest academic building in US). Red brick colonial architecture. Tree-lined paths. Sunken Garden centerpiece. Crim Dell bridge and pond. Lake Matoaka. Consistent top rankings for campus beauty. Well-maintained grounds. Classic collegiate aesthetic.

Housing Quality

MIXED quality. Guaranteed housing for 3 years (not all 4). Freshmen in traditional dorms (Barrett, Botetourt, Dinwiddie, Jefferson, Yates - older buildings). Sophomore Village apartments popular. Jamestown North/South newer. Senior apartments off-campus common. AC in most but not all dorms. Some buildings need renovation. Housing lottery can be stressful.

Dance Team Contact

Contact through Campus Recreation or Student Activities. Email: recreation@wm.edu or check Tribe Athletics website. Dance Team typically managed through student organization structure.

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Data Quality & Confidence

Confidence Level
HIGH 82/100
Last Updated
Oct 25, 2025
1 week ago
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