William & Mary (W&M) vs Dartmouth

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences in academic focus between William & Mary and Dartmouth College?

  William & Mary, as a public liberal arts university, emphasizes a strong undergraduate education with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and research opportunities. Dartmouth, as a private Ivy League institution, also prioritizes undergraduate education but has a more pronounced emphasis on graduate programs and research across a wider range of disciplines, including medicine and engineering. While both offer excellent liberal arts programs, Dartmouth's graduate school presence is significantly larger.

• How do the campus cultures compare at William & Mary and Dartmouth?

  William & Mary is known for its strong sense of tradition, close-knit community, and emphasis on student involvement. It fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Dartmouth, while also having a strong sense of community, is known for its unique 'D-Plan' (year-round academic calendar) and its emphasis on outdoor activities and a more intense academic environment. Dartmouth's location in rural New Hampshire contributes to a more secluded and outdoorsy campus culture.

• What are the differences in location and surrounding environment?

  William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, a historic city with easy access to larger metropolitan areas like Richmond and Virginia Beach. The surrounding environment offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and urban amenities. Dartmouth College is situated in Hanover, New Hampshire, a rural town in the Upper Valley region. The location provides access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking, but is more isolated from major urban centers.

• How do the costs of attending William & Mary and Dartmouth compare?

  William & Mary, as a public university, generally has lower tuition costs for in-state students compared to Dartmouth. However, out-of-state tuition at William & Mary is still typically lower than Dartmouth's tuition. Dartmouth, as a private Ivy League institution, has a higher overall cost of attendance, but also offers substantial financial aid packages to eligible students. It's important to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) for both institutions based on your individual financial circumstances.

• What are the strengths of each school in terms of specific academic programs?

  William & Mary is particularly strong in history, government, law (through its Marshall-Wythe School of Law), and marine science. Dartmouth excels in areas like engineering (through the Thayer School of Engineering), medicine (through the Geisel School of Medicine), business (through the Tuck School of Business), and government. Both institutions have excellent programs across the liberal arts, but their specialized strengths differ.

• How do the alumni networks compare between William & Mary and Dartmouth?

  Both William & Mary and Dartmouth have strong and active alumni networks. William & Mary's alumni network is particularly strong in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region, with a significant presence in government, law, and business. Dartmouth's alumni network is global and influential, with a strong presence in finance, technology, and various leadership positions across industries. Both networks offer valuable resources for career development and networking opportunities.

• What is the student-faculty ratio at each institution?

  Both William & Mary and Dartmouth boast low student-faculty ratios, allowing for personalized attention and close interaction with professors. William & Mary typically has a student-faculty ratio around 13:1, while Dartmouth's is even lower, around 7:1. This difference reflects Dartmouth's smaller undergraduate population and greater emphasis on faculty research and mentorship.

• How do the admissions processes differ between William & Mary and Dartmouth?

  Both William & Mary and Dartmouth have highly selective admissions processes. William & Mary gives preference to in-state applicants, while Dartmouth's admissions are need-blind and highly competitive for all applicants, regardless of residency. Both institutions consider academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation. Dartmouth, as an Ivy League school, may place slightly more emphasis on demonstrated leadership and exceptional achievements.

• What are some unique traditions or aspects of student life at each college?

  William & Mary is known for its Wren Building (the oldest college building in the United States), its Yule Log ceremony, and its commitment to public service. Dartmouth is famous for its Winter Carnival, its 'D-Plan' academic calendar, and its strong emphasis on outdoor activities and traditions like the Homecoming bonfire. These unique aspects contribute to the distinct campus cultures of each institution.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a specific career path, like medicine or engineering?

  If you are certain about pursuing medicine, Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine provides a direct pathway and strong research opportunities. For engineering, Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering is a top-ranked program known for its innovation and hands-on learning. While William & Mary offers pre-med and pre-engineering tracks, Dartmouth's dedicated schools and resources in these fields provide a more focused and comprehensive experience. However, both schools can prepare you for these careers with the right planning and dedication.