<p>My daughter is looking at AU and Richmond for government/ business and may want to go to law school. She wants a safe campus and small class sizes. We visited both and like Richmond a little better, but thought she may be better served at American with her interest in government and politics (she is politically moderate). Not sure which would be better if she wants to go to law school or get an MBA. What school do you think would give her a better "college experience"? Any thoughts appreciated.</p>
<p>There is unlikely to be any significant difference with respect to law school or MBA admissions. For law, her GPA and LSAT scores would be among the most important factors. For an MBA, she’d probably want to get at least a year or two of work history before applying. The quality of that experience, along with her grades, would be major factors in the admission decision.</p>
<p>Apply to both and see what happens. Richmond claims to meet 100% of demonstrated need. AU on average meets 72% of demonstrated need. Richmond is a richer school, with over 4X AU’s endowment for less than half as many students. </p>
<p>She will be fine at either school. If she prefers Richmond, I’d go there.</p>
<p>Complete aside… but if she is thinking of the MBA, be sure she has take college calculus or gets AP credit for it. My older one didn’t, and now is thinking about MBA programs and wishes she had…</p>
<p>There is a very big difference between the “type of kids” that go to both schools. I don’t know what she is like but I suggest you look into it. Hands down Richmond is a much better and more difficult school to get into and has a much stronger national rep. Also the business school is hot . </p>
<p>I have 2 daughters, a Junior and a Freshman at Richmond and they are doing great academically and socially. From a parent’s point of view, the campus and surrounding suburban area are very safe. Downtown Richmond is accessible(10 minutes) and there are community service and internship opportunities there. The Careytown area is really fun - lots of great little shops and restaurants. The whole Richmond area has lots of historical sites and activities.</p>
<p>The girls do have small classes and great relationships with their professors. My older daughter has had paid summer internships and also works in a lab during the school year - UR really emphasizes the importance of research (and not just in the sciences), and many students seem to get great internships off campus as well-the career services does a phenomenal job guiding students. Academics are top notch - both girls are Richmond Scholars and find their courses challenging and interesting. Advising has been great also. The business school has a great reputation. There are quite a few international students and other minority students and a wide range of income levels - many UR students receive financial aid.</p>
<p>UR has been wonderful so far - I highly recommend the school!</p>
<p>I know both schools, and the kids are different and so are the schools. Richmond is superior in both categories, in my estimation. A Richmond student can certainly intern wherever the student wants to intern all year long; school location provides little in the way of disadvantages.</p>
<p>American students do have access to take classes through the DC-area college consortium, so that can be a plus if used well. Georgetown, National Defense U, George Washington, National Intelligence U.</p>
<p>I’d probably go with Richmond, anyway. I’ve visited both campuses in the past and Richmond seemed to have a stronger sense of community.</p>