Why is UVA better than W&M?

W_amp_M_1983_Grad
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:18:42 +0000

According to CollegeBoard data, UVA has 24,400 students (15,600 of which are undergrads) while W&M is around 8,000 (5,900 undergrads). So, UVA is really 3 W&M’s put together in terms of the “feel” of the crowd walking around the grounds, streets, and stadiums.

Also, UVA will grow it’s undergrad population by an additional 1,500 over the next 4-5 years! That’s bigger than the entire freshman class at W&M. W&M is only growing by a modest 200 students over that same time period.

Bigger can be better for many students (e.g., energy, vibe, opportunities). However, there could be some downsides in terms maintaining the charming feel of the Liberal Arts enviornment that Jefferson envisioned. Today, UVA is nearly 15% bigger than it was in 1992. I don’t think more growth is very wise.

my 2 cents…