Hello, I just got off wait list for Richmond, and have few days to decide if I will be going or not.
I was already committed to University of California, Irvine, on a pretty good financial aid.
I am currently undeclared undecided for UCI, but I applied as History undecided major for U of Richmond.
Living 20 mins away from UCI, I was thinking of dorming but coming home every weekend to see my family, eat some home food, etc. But my main life goal has been to go to a school on the East Coast, as I wish to experience different atmosphere. Now off the wait list, I am so conflicted! I am interested in entrepreneurship, engineering, business, history, and sociology, so basically everything… haha
I enjoy outdoors, but also enjoy technology, and pretty outgoing!
Could you help me decide the pros and cons?
Thank you so much!
One thing to note is that you could always experience a different atmosphere during study abroad. There is no limit to the amount of times to do so assuming you have the time. You can also move anywhere after graduation
UR does not admit by major; you are free to major in whatever you like (exception: B-school and Jepson leadership, which you apply to later on). The degree requirements are really flexible here, so it encourages students to explore. Many students double major and do a minor (and graduate in 4 years). UR also has a top 20 undergrad B-school, should you choose to go down that path. I’d definitely recommend UR to someone who wants to explore different majors.
Richmond does not have engineering, but does have strong science and math programs. The business school is also excellent. UR has been wonderful for our 2 daughters who attend. Its small size has been a real plus. They have really gotten to know their professors well and are both doing research during the school year with paid internships in the summers.
Nearly 90% of students live on campus all 4 years and there is a strong sense of community. There are lots of travel abroad opportunities. My older daughter just got back from spending a semester abroad in Scotland at the University of St… Andrews. My younger daughter will be participating in the Sophomore Scholars in Residence program in the coming year. It is a fabulous opportunity - a group of students takes a course together for the whole year(many different subject areas), lives in dorm together, travels abroad(domestic/international) together and works on group projects together, and there is no additional cost to students.
As @guineagirl96 said, smaller LACs like UR encourage exploring different academic areas and it is fairly easy to double major/ pursue several minors. That is usually a bit more difficult at a larger state U, while still being able to graduate in 4 years.
The experience at UCI will be very different, much bigger, very different location, broader range of majors, and it is an excellent public state U. You need to think about which school is a better fit for you, and weigh how important the east coast experience is for you, as well as being closer to your family. With skype, etc. it is much easier to stay in touch with family and not feel so far away(we spent a lot time on skype with the daughter that was in Scotland-it never seemed like she was so very far away) If you decide to head east, UR is a wonderful place to be!
@mamag2855 @shawnspencer The East coast experience, isnt that big of a deal. But I did initially apply to mostly liberal arts schools, such as Bates and Colby, as I enjoy having close connections with teachers and have small class sizes! the programs you mention seem really cool and exciting! I guess I’ll be talking to Mr. Villanueva a bit more on Richmond, thank you all so much!
Well, it’s really all about you and what you want. They are very different schools. We’re Southern Californians too. UCI is a great school. We know lots of happy kids there.
Pros- UR is an LAC with small classes. Guaranteed housing all for years. You’ll experience the seasons without the extremes of higher north. Lots of perks… free laundry facilities, generous dining dollars. D’s classroom experience has been fantastic. She got a lot of staff attention right off the bat along with opportunities during her freshman year that kids in larger schools don’t get until they are juniors/seniors. She has been courted by multiple departments which I’m not sure would be happening in a larger school. Great financial aid even if your income goes up (something to look at if you are hovering just below the calgrant cut-off.) It’s pretty easy to get a campus job even if you don’t qualify for work-study. Lots of programs and activities to be part of. Some great living communities if that interests you.
Cons- UR is not as diverse as Irvine both racially and economically. If you are poor or lower-middle class, be prepared to feel it at times. Be prepared to be around a lot of kids who really have no concept of what it’s like to live on a budget. If you are interested in Greek life, you’ll likely love the campus but my own D has had a few run ins with the Greek bureaucracy and she wishes it weren’t such a strong force on campus. Being from Irvine area, you are used to a lot of accessible city, theme parks, malls, beaches, outdoor adventures… Richmond is a cool city seeped in history but it’s not nearly as accessible if you don’t have a car. There just isn’t as much to do compared to where you come from. Travel is expensive. The school airport shuttles are not well scheduled for those coming from the west coast… factor ubers or taxi’s into your budget.
My D treasures her UR experience but she’s not blind to it’s faults which of course, all schools have. You’ll get a great education no matter where you go. It’s really all about what you want!