<p>It will be hard to displace W&M --but if you are headed to NC check out Elon as a match school tending towards safety. It does not have much merit aid (but it does have some) and tuition is 10K less than comparable private schools and lots of experiential learning (but no bargain since you are in state at VA Schools). Beautiful campus like W&M, comparable size. My D is looking at both - is in Elon Early Action and waiting (with fingers crossed) to hear from W&M. </p>