runforfun

Have to agree with gijonman. If you "prefer the environment at UNC," I think you should think twice about Williams. It's small, isolated, and a fairly big party school. Hard to escape the drinking there, because it's so isolated and so small. UNC's political science department is excellent-- really solid and a top major. I have no idea why anybody would think it's "hard to pass up an education at Williams." It never even crosses most people's radar screen.

FG13

from what i understand i probably prefer unc and its environment... However, williams seems to offer better academics and reputation for law school and such and this being my first priority makes me prefer it. I am willing to sacrifice the 'funner' experience at unc. Right now, i plan to just go and visit williams and make sure i don't feel completely miserable there. i'm sure although it's isolated, there is still a lot to do there and the visit should help me get a better idea

runforfun

FG13: You should check some of the archives here about partying at Williams. Just Google "party scene at Williams College," and a thread will come up from 2006-- posts from current students and alumni. Worth reviewing. The problem with very small schools (as I see it), is that there is usually one dominant culture, and it's very hard to escape or change that culture. If it's the culture you're want, then you're in luck. If not, you're **** out of luck. With a larger school, like UNC, you have many options.

I cannot imagine someone being interested, at once, in a small and isolated LAC, like Williams, and a large vibrant campus like UNC-- which, truth be told, will offer you so much more-- right down to more class options, both socially and academically.

If a small LAC is what you desire, then certainly-- you should go for it. You would be very foolish and naive to base that decision, however, on the idea that Williams will "offer better academics" than UNC, or that graduating from there will somehow be an easier route into law school. You should know that law school is highly dependent on GPA and LSAT scores, NOT on the school name. That said, for your benefit and others on this board, do not for a second think that attending UNC would somehow hurt you getting into any law school in this country. That would be a huge mistake. UNC is a large school, and students go on to very fine graduate and professional schools (including UNC's own).

Let me also add that at least one person on this board (and on this thread) who consistently recommends that others go with a different school, other than UNC, is currently on UNC's wait-list. UNC is his/her first choice, and it benefits that particular poster to encourage others not to accept UNC. The more people who don't accept, the closer he/she gets to the top of that wait-list. So be careful about those who post with advice. Others might have been accepted, but weren't offered scholarships they thought they deserved, so they have an ax to grind as well.

At any rate, all the best with your decision. Both are outstanding schools that will offer you terrific academics. The environment and financial considerations should probably give you a good/better idea of fit for you. Good luck.

mythmom

I've got to correct the impression that Williams kids don't have fun. They do. This year College Day broadcast from Williams and the school spirit was amazing.

It's true that the town doesn't offer much to do, but the campus does.

The only problem is the kids like hanging out with friends in their entries so much they don't take advantage of all there is to do.

That said. S (who is at Williams) has a close friend at UNC who loves it there. They are very different schools, so I think it really depends who you are and what you want.

S would not be as happy at UNC. S's friend would not be as happy at Williams.

You can't really go wrong. Good luck!

cloying

FG13, you're limiting yourself. Just because UNC's ranking isn't as high as Williams doesn't mean that if you do well there and do well on your LSATs that you can't get into whatever law school you want to. Plenty of our graduates move forward to do great things, including going froward to the elite post grad schools. If that's your only reason then I don't think it's a very good one. Sorry for being so harsh.

gijonman

if you can do honors at UNC, i would believe it is just as prestigious for law school as Williams. Either one is a great school and if you do well in college and get good LSATs you will go to a top level law school. Really just go to college for fun. And if you think you will have a better time at williams go there. If you think UNC go there. Have a friend who is going to go to University of Wisconsin over a few top 20 schools in the country. The reason is its a lot more fun and fits him better.