Neha Baskar

Stamps 1693 Scholar

Hometown

Chantilly, VA (Chantilly HS)

Academic Interests

Economics, Math, Government, English, Philosophy

Why W&M 

The first time I told my parents I wanted to go to William & Mary, I was seven years old. I was wandering around Williamsburg with my family a few months after my brother started classes there, and I freaked out when I saw a playground near campus.

Eleven years later, there are a few aspects of the school that appeal to me more than the playground, but my excitement around William & Mary as a whole hasn’t faded at all. When I first got the email that I was a finalist for the 1693 Scholars Program, the chance to attend a school steeped in culture and history again became the forefront of my focus. As I read more about the close professor-student relationships and amazing undergraduate research opportunities that William & Mary offered, the possibilities that my college experience held multiplied.

Above all, though, the ultimate decision maker was finalist weekend. The two days I spent at William & Mary eating ice cream sundaes and playing ultimate frisbee were the first time in my life that I’d been surrounded by such a large number of people who were all smart, yes, but simultaneously deeply kind and deeply interesting. Everyone I met was impressive, passionate, humble, and fun. I knew instantly that being a member of the 1693 cohort would immerse me in a culture that would push me to strive for greater heights while supporting me every step of the way. When I got the text offering me a spot in the program, I spent days making pro/con lists and talking to current scholars, not wanting to let the glimmery haze of finalist weekend prevent me from making the “rational” decision. But there was no deluding myself: William & Mary was the community where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.

High School Activities 

• Captain, Varsity Track and Field
• Head Captain, Chantilly Debate
• Committee Co-Chair, Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council
• Senior Board Member, Chantilly Writing Center
• Founder, Chantilly High School Principal’s Advisory Cabinet
• Business Editor, Andromeda Literary Magazine
• Board Member, Chantilly Class of 2025 Class Board
• Student Election Page
• Indian Classical Dancer 

Awards / Distinctions

• National Merit Finalist
• University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• EF Global Innovation Village Finalist
• P.E.O. STAR Scholar
• AP Capstone Diploma Candidate
• District Champion, Varsity Track and Field
• Team MVP, Varsity Track and Field
• Super-Regional Champion, Congressional Debate
• All-State Recognition, Congressional Debate