<p>UNC and William and Mary are excellent schools (some of the best) but are very different. UNC is a very large research school whose professors concentrate on research rather than teaching. UNC uses TAs to teach most undergraduate classes. Many UNC classes are >500 students. You will only catch a glimpse of a professor through binoculars. Fat chance to play a sport other than dodge ball.</p>
<p>William and Mary is very different. It is fairly small, with no TAs. Very few large classes. All classes are taught by the faculty. Therefore, the interaction with the faculty is very strong. Now there is a drawback. W&M is very difficult and you must study alot, no matter how good a high school student you were. If you were a half decent high school athlete, you have the chance to play in college. But it’s hard work.</p>
<p>So the tradeoff is: big research institute with large but fairly easy classes taught by TAs with an emphasis on graduate programs, or a smaller very difficult undergraduate school with an emphasis on teaching. A very different experience.</p>