Is Villanova too vanilla for me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Villanova University
1

<p>Hi everyone, I'm about to start my senior year of high school and of course have been spending hours upon hours obsessing about college! Villanova's one of my favorites because I really love their communication program (my intended major), but I have some doubts about the intangible qualities of the school and their overall lack of diversity. Yes I am a little blond white girl, but I have very diverse interests and relatively liberal views on just about everything. I enjoy discussing politics, watching The Daily Show, and take my school work overwhelmingly seriously. I am also an IB student, so I value a more global perspective and acceptance very highly (which leads me to a concern of mine - is this university soooo catholic that undergrads sit around the quad talking about how all homosexuals are going to burn in hell, as I overheard on a tour?Because thats a worry of mine. I am as straight as they come but I am not THAT religious.....) So is there diversity on campus, not just racial but political and social? </p>

<p>Other fears I have - I visited the campus and the father giving the presentation touted that 75% of the students participate in some sort of sport (I'll watch football but that's the extent of my interest in sports.... ) and every forum I read goes on and on about how preppy everyone at villanova is (I'm more of a boots and black t kind of girl, and I don't have a problem with sperries per se, that's just not what girls I tend to be friends with wear...) Speaking of friends, I tend to gravitate towards people with a certain caustic wit, I'm a nice person but I like people with a depth beyond just "nice". Would I be able to find friends like that at villanova? I want to participate in the global theme and am definitely a candidate for the honors program. Will I find more interesting individuals in this program, and clubs like the villanovan and public relations students of america? Finally I'm not a big partier, I like to have fun once in awhile on the weekends but the rest of the time I prefer not to get too crazy. Is there stuff to do on the weekends outside of the Greek/ drinking scene that doesn't always revolve around sports? </p>

<p>I am sorry for such a long question, but I really want you to understand who I am before you answer. I love villanova but just want to make sure id be able to find friends I actually liked. So, do you think id be able to find my niche at villanova? </p>

2

<p>As much as I like villanova, I want to be entirely honest with you about some of your concerns.</p>

<p>First off, it’s not as bad as you make it sound to be. There is a descent group of liberals and not everyone chooses to dress extremely well (though most do).</p>

<p>Since you are white and blond, you’ll definitely do a much better job at fitting in. From listening to your description of yourself, although you are liberal leaning, you can find a good niche here.</p>

<p>However, if you truly believe that you are a deviant, then do not come to villanova. I have several peers who don’t fit in the range of the typical villanovan and who absolutely hate villanova. Many of them wish to transfer because they don’t fit in. </p>

<p>The school is strongly conservative, highly segregated, and particularly discriminatory. I am not white and I have been discriminated against multiple times. Even if on most of those occasions, the racial slurs were meant to be “jokes” and I calmly chuckled along with the group, I could not help but feel ostracized. </p>

<p>The administration really ties its best to promote the notion of community, but it often only translates into a community based on race. Whites stick with whites, asians stick with asians, blacks stick with blacks, hispanics stick with hispanics. It’s terribly sad and unfortunate. </p>

<p>Also, if you are an atheist, things get awkward really fast. One of my friends is an atheist and we were sitting in a presentation about religion. During Q&A the presenter and several audience members kept discussing how atheists are bad and evil people. My friend finally rose his hand, and told the entire crowd that he’s an atheist and doesn’t believe that he’s an evil person. I wanted to clap for him, but I was afraid of being identified and ostracized as an atheist.</p>

<p>If you care deeply about diversity, don’t come to villanova. You’ll probably end up transferring/ talking nonstop about transferring like a few of my friends.</p>

<p>Otherwise, the academic programs are stellar, the basketball program is top notch, Father Peter is a bro, the food is “apparently” pretty good, and if you’re a white blond, you’ll have a great time.</p>

3

<p>I agree with everything MrInformed said. </p>

<p>If you value a diverse, liberal, politically conscious, and global-oriented experience highly then Nova may not be the place for you. There are a sizable number of people like you here, but they often hang out in smaller groups and rarely participate in the “Community” aspects of Nova such as Greek Life, Blue Key, Ambassadors, SGA, etc. </p>

<p>As a freshman I was apart of the “Global Experience Learning Community”, to my disappointment most of the people in my learning community were also relatively sheltered and conservative white kids. I can remember two that weren’t- and both ended up transferring the very next year.</p>

<p>You will certainly find friends, build life long relationships and have a good time. But don’t expect to fit into the “typical Villanova” mold or participate in some of the more valued student organizations (like the ones I listed above)</p>

4

<p>Thank you both so much for your responses! I really appreciate the time you put into them, but I’ll admit I’m a little bit disappointed by what you’ve both disclosed. I love the academic opportunities villanova would afford me, but I do want friends I can have a discussion or debate with that doesn’t include quoting scripture (not that there’s anything wrong with that…) so you’ve definitely given me a lot to think about! </p>

<p>merechaude, the global experience learning community is what I meant, what a coincidence! I’m sorry you weren’t crazy about the people not being diverse, but was the experience otherwise enjoyable? Was there any good discussion, or is it more of a class than anything else? </p>

<p>Thanks again for the feedback, and anyone else who wants to share please (please please) do!! </p>

5

<p>You will have some philosophical discussions. But honestly, among the people that i’ve had the pleasure to converse with, the discussions are trivial. Ie: how far did you go with person x? , homework? Midterms/Finals?, how was the weed/ cocaine/ecstasy? Blacked out? Whether or not we know the person who died this semester (always 1 person who dies from OD or medical complication)? Basketball? Basketball? Basketball? Football? Formal? Courts? Frat Party? Food/camp co? And of course, talking trash about people…</p>

<p>I’m sure the experience is similar in other colleges… or maybe i’m just hanging out with a bad group of people. I suspect it is the latter, but i’ve met a lot of people here in Villanova and I would say these conversations pretty much sum up the grind for every semester.</p>

6

<p>Ok, thanks for the feedback MrInformed!</p>

<p>Can anyone comment on the honors program please? I’m definitely interested and believe id be a relatively good candidate. Any current honors enrollees who wouldn’t mind posting their stats/share their experiences? Thanks! </p>

7

<p>I’m in the honors program. It’s what you make of it. Some people decided to become really involved and pursue an honors major. Others are less involved and pursue general participation.You get free food at times. As a freshman, the honors lounge is a B$tch to walk to becasue it is all the way in Gary Hall on west campus and you live in south campus. I’m sure you will like the honors program. However, there are a few snobby and condescending people i’ve met in the honors program who think they are better than everyone. However, there are also really nice and amazing people in the honors program. I’ve seen more of the nice and friendly people than the former. </p>

8

<p>I have a similar question about international diversity as we live in London. We like the school a lot, but everyone seems to come from Philly, NJ or suburban DC. Is there much geographic diversity beyond the East Coast and where do most of the international students come from? Thanks, Londondad</p>

9

<p>As an Asian American who attends Villanova, I can guarantee you that what people have said above are incorrect. During a diversity presentation someone stood up and said that since Muslim is a religion of hate, we should not allow it at a Catholic school. You will not believe the amount of hate this kid got. (He ended up being an actor to prove that being are willing to stand up for other religions).</p>

<p>Most people come from rich, white, catholic private schools but you’d be surprised at how welcoming most people are. I would recommend not listening to what other people say and go and visit the school for yourself. (If you haven’t already)</p>

<p>I’m pretty much the exact opposite of the average Villanova student. (non-white, poor family, atheist, public school) And I fit in just fine. If you’re a nice and normal person you’ll be fine.</p>

10

<p>Thanks, we saw the school this summer and both my kids loved it. I also have a niece who is a very happy Nova alumnus.</p>

11

<p>spisurtbf, you’re a young, 3 week old freshman. Wait for a few years and you’ll start to see the lack of diversity.</p>

12

<p>“merechaude, the global experience learning community is what I meant, what a coincidence! I’m sorry you weren’t crazy about the people not being diverse, but was the experience otherwise enjoyable? Was there any good discussion, or is it more of a class than anything else?”</p>

<p>Class was just regular class. The prof dictated the discussions and most of them pertained to the readings. I don’t really remember much of the in-class dialogue we had amongst ourselves and with our prof. It was strictly business during regular class time. However the extra “fourth hour” was held in a more casual setting (the lounge of our residence hall) and facilitated by older students, so we had more freedom as to what we wanted to say. During 4th hour is when you really get to know the people in your learning community. We did all types of exercises and activities, many of which involved sharing our cultures and backgrounds with each other. The Global Experience Learning Community does have a higher rate of minority students and by that I mean 5 out of 20. Overall the 4th hour discussions were still enjoyable, but don’t expect in-depth discussion of current events or politics (even though some of our activities involved reading recent news articles and talking about them). Towards the end of the year (Learning Community participants stay with their same ACS class for both semesters) 4th hour really deteriorated into just socializing/discussing weekend plan/frat or sorority gossip etc.</p>

13

<p>To start off, I don’t go to Villanova. I applied EA and got in for Communications, your intended major. Not sure if it’s relevant, but I’m an Asian American. I ended up going to a different school to study communications that is probably the polar opposite of Nova and I love it, but that’s another story. I went to a small, prep school in New England and my best friended ended up at Nova and she loves it, but from what she’s told me, I can tell I would have hated it. </p>

<p>She’s white, well off, Catholic, and overall sweet. I love her but she hasn’t faced much difficulty in her life and most things have been handed to her. She says students there are extremely preppy (if you don’t know what Vineyard Vines is, then you should probably just bow out now, not going to lie) and pretty much happy go lucky. I didn’t go to Nova for this reason– I felt like the religion, vanilla mold, and conservative atmosphere would force me to be someone I didn’t want to be. It’s actually like a larger, preppier (and religious) version of my high school and I never quite felt like I fit in there.</p>

<p>Since I’m in communications, I know all the schools on the East coast and the best comm. programs and although it’s not bad by any means, I’m curious why you’re so enamored with Nova’s comm. program? </p>

14

<p>I am currently a senior at 'Nova so take my opinion as you wish, however I do not think “Vanilla” is proper characteristic to define Villanova. I would say less than 10% of students go to Church. I do not know the exact demographics of the school, but I would say that almost everyone I have met is completely open minded to all view points. It is a liberals arts school, where every student is required to take half of there classes in a liberal arts discussion setting that revolves around teaching students diversity of thought. Consequently, if you do not come into the school with open mind, you will surely leave it with one. Just my two cents - I would 100% decide to come here again. Also, the alumni connections are awesome.</p>

15

<p>I am junior at Villanova right now, I definitely second bronxbombers1927 more than the earlier posts. I don’t think you would have a problem here. While a lot of the students don’t come from diverse backgrounds, they are happy go lucky and do have open minds. People are so friendly here and I feel that I can talk to just about anyone. I remember freshman year, older students would walk by and ask me if I was lost without me even asking. I was even walked to class a few times. While it may be on the more conservative side sometimes, it is a safe enough space that you will be welcomed and heard. Just because it is a majority does not mean it is stifling. Because the university recognizes so readily that there is a lack of diversity, if you care about it and have a work ethic and are willing to put time into it, I’m sure you could contribute a lot to the diversity program and you would be given the resources. Demographically, though, we get the 3rd most amount of people from California, and I have friends from all over. It is a lot of Jersey/New York/New England but certainly not everyone.</p>

<p>Students are politically conservative, but honestly a lot of that is just the backgrounds they come from and they are not particularly biased. I am politically conservative but one of my closest friends is VP of VU Democrats, and while we will discuss politics, I have never felt any hostility. Again, people are very friendly and respectful, and I don’t think that would be an issue. It isn’t really socially conservative, either. I came from a private Catholic school and I was surprised how dead Catholicism seemed to me when I got here. Of course there are bible studies and things, but I haven’t got involved with that and most students don’t care and don’t go to church. They will go to the opening mass at Orientation and are compliant with Catholic policies, but it isn’t really a cultural feature. Basically it’s there if you want it but you have to seek it out. You won’t feel stifled, trust me.</p>

<p>I think the sports stat includes intramurals, which is basically you make a team for any sport like even flag football or something and then go to 5 games, and most kids only do that freshman year. You don’t have to be athletic, trust me I’m not. We do have a strong exercise culture though, so don’t expect to find an unused treadmill in the middle of the day, but it’s also not everyone.</p>

<p>As far as finding friends goes, I don’t think this will be an issue. You seem like a bit of an overachiever, which is very common here, so I think you’ll find the right friends if you get involved. Our honors program is interesting because as long as you have the minimum grade, they won’t even look at your grades for acceptance. They read your essays, and I think this describes the program well. They want a community of academically oriented students who really want to be in the honors program. They offer a lot of intellectual classes and discussions and activities, but also just a lot of cool classes (ex, “Intro to Competitive Scrabble”). I really recommend it. It gives you more options and more challenges.</p>

<p>Don’t worry about partying. A lot of students complain about the lack of party scene. I mean it’s certainly here if you want it, but if you’re not a big partier than it will be sufficient without being overwhelming. Greek life is about a third of the school, which means it has a presence but definitely not most people. They also aren’t really your typical idea of a sorority, where that’s all students are involved in. It’s Villanova, of course even sorority girls are going to be involved in 234374673413 activities. There are also both preppy and non-preppy sororities, it’s something to consider. I know quite a few kids who said they’d never rush but did it anyway and love it. If you have an open mind, you should think about it. You have nothing to lose by rushing, except 4 days of your Christmas break. </p>

<p>Overall, I love it here. I wouldn’t be intimidated by what the majority of demographics say. I think you hear about the preppy stereotype on campus a lot because it is the most prevalent and stands out, but that doesn’t say anything about how receptive they are to other ideas or how non-majority students feel about being here. There is a lot of potential here and I honestly think you would fit in enough to stand out, from what I hear. Villanova is cool because it cultivates what is unique about you- it’s really an awesome community. I wish people would point out that more than half of the school ends up studying abroad, or that more than 80% go on a service break experience at some point. Our students are open to experiences, and despite previous posts they are open to new ideas even if visually or superficially it doesn’t seem so.</p>

<p>(Feel free to direct message me if you have other questions! I am happy to put you in touch with someone who was in the Global Learning Community, or my friend who is in VP Dems, or whatever!)</p>

16

Hi MrInformed…was accepted EA and to honors…you mentioned you were in honors too…as a freshman if you live in honors housing do you HAVE to participate in a cohort? Is it optional? Thank you

17

I’m not entirely sure about that. email dr. smith