Why the College of William & Mary is known as a “Public Ivy”

college of william and mary public ivy

William & Mary is the second oldest college in the country with a long history of liberal arts education and a growing research and science program. Undergrads at William & Mary have numerous research opportunities. A student majoring in government described William & Mary with these three words,  “Tradition. Community. Unique.” For those prospective students seeking this type of college environment, William & Mary has a lot to offer. Although the academic climate is rigorous, students say that cooperation among peers is the norm.

Here are a few quick facts about College of William and Mary:william and mary has active social life

Acceptance: 36%

Freshmen from out of state: 31% (keep in mind . . . it’s a public college, not private)

Most popular majors: biology, government, economics

Housing: Guaranteed housing through junior year

4-year Graduation rate: 84%

Academics: The College of William & Mary is dedicated to a philosophy of personalized education as shown through small class size and extensive student-faculty collaboration. “Classes are difficult and the workload is heavy, but lectures are small and generally engaging,” says one junior. Their joint degree program allows students to spend two years in Williamsburg and two in St Andrews in Scotland and end up with degrees from both institutions.  In addition, 70% of students participate in faculty-mentored research and William & Mary boasts some of the highest numbers for alums with PhDs in STEM.

william and mary for premedSocial:  There’s always something to do on campus, but the town itself can be somewhat “hit or miss”. Popular campus events include Homecoming Weekend, with its tailgate and concert. In their senior year, students can apply to live in a downtown dorm where they put on academic programming for the town. With over 400 clubs and organizations, a student would be hard-pressed not to find something to join!

Financial: College of William and Mary offers university grants and need-based financial aid, with 78% of need is fully met.

What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

 

How to Get into the University of Chicago

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, and last year, it received far more applications than the 1,400 students it admitted. With such a competitive admissions process, potential applicants might wonder how hard it is to get into the University of Chicago.

While gaining admission can be challenging, it’s certainly possible if UChicago is the right fit for you. Visiting the campus and understanding its unique academic environment is a great first step to determine if it aligns with your goals.

As someone who has lived on the UChicago campus and recently revisited it to better understand it from a student’s perspective, I’ve gathered some valuable insights that can help you strengthen your application.

Here are four essential tips on how to get into the University of Chicago:

Getting into The University of Chicago

  1. Understand the Importance of the Common Core
    The University of Chicago is renowned for its rigorous academic structure, heavily influenced by its Common Core curriculum. Unlike other universities where you might have more freedom in choosing courses from the start, UChicago requires all students to engage deeply with the Core, which shapes much of the intellectual culture on campus. To improve your chances of admission, familiarize yourself with the Common Core and reflect on how this approach aligns with your academic interests. Demonstrating this understanding in your application can set you apart.
  2. Complete the Chicago Supplement Thoughtfully
    UChicago is a member of the Common Application, but it also has its own unique set of essay prompts known as the Chicago Supplement. Even if you are using the Common Application, it’s crucial to pay special attention to this supplement. The essays are your opportunity to showcase your personality, intellectual curiosity, and how you might contribute to the UChicago community. Avoid simply listing achievements or activities; instead, write engaging, well-structured essays that reveal who you are as a person.
  3. Re-Take the SAT/ACT if Necessary
    If you’re wondering, is UChicago test-optional?—the answer is yes, as UChicago has adopted a test-optional policy. However, if you choose to submit standardized test scores and believe you can improve your SAT or ACT results, consider re-taking the exam. UChicago superscores, meaning they will consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates. Submitting strong scores can still bolster your application, even though they’re not required.
  4. Express Yourself Authentically in Your Essays
    The University of Chicago places a significant emphasis on the essays in its holistic application review process. This is your chance to let your unique voice shine. Use this space to share your story, your passions, and what drives you. The admissions team wants to understand who you are beyond your transcript and test scores, so make sure your essays are personal and reflective of your individuality.

University of Chicago

In addition to its academic rigor and distinctive Common Core curriculum, UChicago offers a vibrant campus life with over 400 student organizations. Whether you’re interested in joining the quirky Zombie Readiness Task Force, playing broomball, or perhaps starting your own quidditch team, there are countless ways to get involved and build a community.

By following these tips and presenting a well-rounded application, you’ll improve your chances of joining the intellectually stimulating environment of the University of Chicago. Good luck!