The University of Richmond

I really love my friends here, and I have a good time going to frat parties...where you can drink for free. I feel very safe and the dorms are pretty nice, compared to others I've seen. However, the actual university has many flaws that out-weigh it's positives. First of all, Richmond is OBSESSED with improving its reputation, and this comes as a disadvantage to the students. The courses are near impossible and even with studying, the average grades are C's. I have a lot of friends who are considering transferring because they are unhappy...even though they have great friends...many of them are involved in sports and greek life. I, myself, am most likely transferring, though it partially has to do with $. Another problem with this school is that it never offers classes and the classes that are offered are too small. This goes back to the reputation thing...if the school can boast that it has small classes, it gets better reviews. As a biology major looking to go to medical school, I find it VERY frustrating that there is no human anatomy class what-so-ever! Also, because the school wants to provide "the ultimate liberal arts education", there are hardly any multiple choice tests, only essays. Coming from a public school, this was hard to adjust to. This also isn't a school to come to if you want to get into medical school. It is notorious for low MCAT scores. I think the average is a 25, which leads to being stuck in Richmond for another four years while attending MCV. The city is not very safe. There is a down-town, but it's very sketchy, though I have had fun down there. Some pretty good small/local bands play here, but you have to look for them. There is absolutely NO school spirit. When it comes to sports...I think beer pong is the most popular one. You WILL become an alcoholic if you come here. Most people drive out to the football stadium, drink in the parking lot and go home to take a nap before they start drinking for the night. We also don't have too many majors to choose from, the school eliminated a lot because they didn't fit into their "reputation improvement plan". Basically, other than the friends I have made here, I hate this school!

2nd Year Female -- Class 2004

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Innovation: F