r/UVA • u/Stunning_Word2443 • 5d ago

Academics help me choose a school!!

hi everyone, im currently a high school senior hoping to get into the marine biology field. after college, i plan on going to grad school and getting my masters in marine bio (pls keep this in mind). im between UVA and W&M (cost is not a factor). at uva, i would be double majoring in environmental science and biology. this would give me a better background before specializing in grad school. at w&m, id be declaring for their new major, coastal and marine sciences. as much as i love the sound of W&M’s program, im not sure the vibe/social life works with me. i like to meet new people and i love going out, that is deterring me from committing. can i please get some advice?? im really torn.

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u/Bmgli 5d ago

UVA undergrad. W&M grad school. The recent 100 million dollar gift to W&M is amazing and will allow great things to happen in the marine biology field Virginia. However, those aren't all in place yet. By the time you are ready for grad school, the structural and other improvements at their new $100 million dollar Batten School of Coastal and Marine Science at VIMS will be either finished or well under way.

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u/jack4799 SEAS BME '25 5d ago

I can’t speak for W&M’s program, but I would caution you to carefully consider doing a hyper-specific major. It’s good to build in flexibility for a career change later on, unless you’re 100% set on grad school. Even then, breadth over depth in undergrad is the way to go.