This institution embodies balance. The second oldest university in America is also one of its “most wired.” Students attend classes in rooms where Thomas Jefferson studied and at the same time use some of the most sophisticated computer technology and scientific instrumentation in the world.

Think about it. Some of the most interesting and capable people in this world are the ones with the best sense of balance. Their personalities have several powerful sides held in equilibrium: an astronaut who paints, a CEO completely committed to his work and to his kids, a world-class marathoner studying medicine in her spare time who retires undefeated from Jeopardy!

William & Mary is dedicated to this ideal of balance. It attracts students who are multitalented and multidimensional. And it prepares them with the skills they will need to create the lives they want and to shape the world they want to live in.

William & Mary is among the nation’s best universities, but its students know how to have fun. They are active, involved and committed—whether it’s to climbing rocks, running the radio station, teaching Spanish dance or shredding ancient lawns in fanatical matches of Ultimate Frisbee.

They are also part of a close community. Here, discussing international politics over coffee and gathering around for President Sullivan’s annual reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas are both treasured traditions—among many that infuse this campus with a special spirit.

If you like the idea of powerful contrasts, you’ll like William & Mary.