The University of Richmond

I'm an International Studies & Spanish major, w/ considerable coursework in Journalism. Because of my scholarship I have no general education requirements, so I get to take classes in many different fields--it's been hard to make up my mind about what to major in. The faculty is super-approachable, a few have had our classes over for dinner and I have had lunches and long talks w/ a bunch of professors. Professors have also helped me (unsolicited!) get jobs/internships and have helped my friends get grants for grad school. A big plus for me is the small class size--20 kids is big for some of my departments--and discussion-based formats, which force you to actually think, as do papers and essay-based tests. I came to college expecting to be challenged, but I haven't been challenged as much as I believe I could have been. Some classes do make me think, but I can usually do "just enough" and get an A. Among my friends/acquaintances, getting less than a B+ is nearly unheard of. Also, the student body is by-and-large pretty conservative, so keep that in mind! There are tons of activities to get involved with--most people play sports (varsity, club, intramural), but certainly not everyone, and there are more clubs than you have time to get involved with. I rarely drink, and there is a large population of people who don't drink/party or do so rarely--we have other things to do--concerts, a capella performances (very popular!), basketball games (our most popular sport), or whatever. As for safety and beauty, the campus can't be beat--and the reputation is rising each year, so by the time I'm in the job market, Richmond's reputation will be stellar.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2002

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Education Quality: B+

This is definitely not the school to go to if you're confused about major choices. maybe it is actually, because you're not given many options to choose from. you can pretty much get away with anything. none of the schools is mediocre, but other than the music and business departments, none of them is particularly outstanding. the school has built its reputation on being above average in everything. its an academic school with a very active greek scene. you do need to primp for d-hall (the dining center) and your 8:15's. prepare to invest a lot of time at the mall and in front of the mirror.

1st Year Female -- Class 2004

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: C