If you do not want to be in a forced triple, do not go to Villanova. Last year it was rumored that 80-90% of incoming students were in forced triples. My daughter knew an Early Action student who accepted immediately and was in a forced triple. That overcrowding extended to everything - dining, registration, etc. Students could not get into their required classes.
Villanova is on a major expansion, building new senior housing and a parking garage. They are admitting more students than they can handle to fund this. Ask the right questions before you enroll.
My daughter is now transferring, along with many of her classmates. Villanova does a great job with marketing. Forget Augustinian values - this is a greedy money-making institution.
Just felt the need to respond. And I fully realize that everyone’s personal experience is unique. I am in no way trying to invalidate the above posters experience.
My S is a freshman there now. He was accepted RD and deposited that day. He is currently in a double. He did not have any trouble making his schedule for the fall or the spring semester. Do you get your first choice for every class with the best prof for every class? No. But I think that happens at any school. I will say he has has a couple of not so great professors but I don’t think this is limited to Villanova.
There most definitely is a lot of construction going on. I think my son’s entire four years will be a construction site on campus. But, I would much rather see a school continually improve their facilities than not. I think it’s a positive sign.
As the above poster stated, ask the right questions. Make sure any school you decide to attend meets your needs and is a good fit for you.
The OP is entitled to an opinion. Even if it is incorrect. The university enrolled 200 more students total this year than it did
In 2014. The enrollment report is available online. 50 per class does not constitute overcrowding. The current expansion has been planned for years. The money has long been in place. In that same three-year span, the endowment has also increased significantly. The university had extensive negotiations with the town over nearly every detail. Triples are snug. My S, now a junior, lived in one. He enjoyed it. But it’s not for everyone.
My daughter is in a triple and has had a wonderful experience. As I stated on another post, it is snug but it is fine. She has had no problem with her spring registration nor her housing for next year. I agree with the above poster, I do not view expansions and construction as a negative. I am happy that my daughter chose to attend a school that cares about getting the seniors back on campus and upgrading their facilities.
This is my advice to any student considering enrolling at Villanova. Visit at an off time - not the accepted students day, which Villanova does a fantastic job with marketing.
Go to the part of campus with all of the freshman housing. Walk around. Go into a dorm in early evening- any student will hold the door open for you. Walk the hallways and look into the rooms. Is it noisy? How crowded is it? Would you feel comfortable here for a year? Go into the dining hall. Can you find a table?
I can report that my daughter, who was in the business school, did not get into the required accounting class for the spring semester of freshman year. There were three spots remaining out of a class of 25- they were held for athletes.
I can report that my daughter never got tickets for Villanova basketball, even though she applied for the lottery each time. Are you going because you like sports? Hope you are willing to pay for tickets on Stubhub, because you won’t get them as a freshman student.
How many students are leaving to transfer? How does this compare with prior years?
Any student that gets into Villanova will be an asset to the college that they intend. Any student that gets into Villanova has other options. Make sure that you are comfortable with what Villanova is offering. Go in with a clear understanding of what you are getting, and what the goals of the institution are.
What dorm isn’t rowdy in the early evening? Especially one for freshmen.
Can you provide these transfer numbers? I would like to see them. The retention rate is 94 or 95 percent, depending on which source you trust.
The lottery was weighted toward freshmen and seniors in years past, but that may have changed. It’s not a great system.
The goals of the institution? They are the same as they have always been. Your daughter had a bad experience. It happens. Probably at every college on America, since none has a 100 percent retention rate.
It’s pretty clear that your daughter had a bad experience and you’re bitter about it. That is unfortunate on both counts. As a parent, I’m genuinely sorry for your experience but there are many very happy students that have graduated, that are currently enrolled and many that are coming. I know plenty in all categories. It’s true, with VU’s retention rate they are clearly making a huge majority of their students and parents happy. Good news is that there is a good fit out there for every student. I truly hope your daughter finds hers and that you can move on. Best of luck to you.
I do not work for the university. I am a mother of three who gets what it’s like to have any unhappy child. Seriously, best of luck to you and your daughter.
The topic really scares me. I am Mom of an international student, in a moment to make decision of going Nova or not for a freshman. Triple will not be a problem, as my son stayed in a Dorm with 4 kids in high school. I am just wondering, if Nova has any problem of diversity as I notice the rate of international student is low comparing with other universities. Any insights will be appreciated.
@hotpot1, my daughter is a freshman at Nova and has loved her experience so far. The students appear to be welcoming and inclusive, and I’ve never seen such school spirit at a college before. Everyplace you go, students are decked out in Nova gear. You can google their common data set to get exact numbers in terms of diversity. Good luck with your decision.
