<p>I was looking forward to visiting Lynchburg, and hoped it would grab my sons attention as a solid safety/good bet school. I knew it had a few drawbacks from his perspective, but I had heard some very good things about the campus and the school itself, so I was cautiously optimistic.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, things just didnt click for him. As expected, the drawbacks (lack of a football team, lack of a local volunteer fire or rescue company) caught his attention right away. In addition, we discovered a few new things that were a problem (for him, they may be irrelevant for somebody else) that Ill include below. But the biggest problem was that we just didnt feel the type of enthusiasm and "spark" that I expected and hoped for. It didnt help that the tour consisted of one poor guy for the 20+ people. I understand that its summer and guides may be in short supply, but thats just too many people for one tour guide. Anyway, on to the review.</p>
<p>Lynchburg is in Lynchburg, VA. The area is beautiful, and Lynchburg itself is a medium-sized city with all the amenities plenty of restaurants, bars, a nice historic area, good-sized mall, entertainment (including a minor league baseball team that is well supported by the city). The campus itself is in the city, but you wouldnt know it surrounded by trees and hills and very pretty. There is a LOT of construction going on, which I took to be a good sign. They are clearly investing in the infrastructure. The biggest project is the renovation of Shellenberger Field even without a football team, athletics are important here (Division III, ODAC Conference).</p>
<p>Started off with a PowerPoint presentation, two young ad reps tag-teaming the discussion. Some highlights:</p>
<pre><code>* Housing guaranteed all 4 years, but that doesnt necessarily mean on campus. The college owns several houses bordering the campus where upperclassmen live, as well as themed housing (honors, Greek, etc). Halls are air-conditioned, some of the houses are. Overall, 85% live in college-owned housing. There is one all-Freshman dorm and one that is predominantly Freshman. 13% Greek, so not a huge presence on campus.
Nothing is really within walking distance off campus. The campus is in a residential area of Lynchburg. To get to the main commercial area of Lynchburg a car is needed. The college does offer a shuttle service in Sept. and October, but demand usually tapers off as people make friends with upperclassmen with cars. Freshmen may not have cars big turnoff for my son.
Rolling admissions, usually will hear 2-4 weeks after the application is complete. Essay and recommendations are encouraged but not required. Lynchburg is a common app school as well (not sure how this works I dont believe you can complete the common app without submitting the essay, which contradicts the essay optional thing).
Generous merit aid, and easy to determine up front based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores. As an example: 1100 SAT and 3.0 OR 1200/2.75 will result in an $11K scholarship. Scholarship amounts range from $3K $12K. They will also, upon request, provide an estimate of overall aid (merit + need) at any time, even before application just contact the Admissions Office
13:1 student/faculty ratio. The larger intro courses may go up to 40-50 people.
Out of state students -- 35%, 60-40 female-male ratio
They do have an honors program (Westover Honors) by invitation. Special housing, smaller classes, etc.
Someone asked about a gap year and it was really discouraged quite strongly. They do allow it, but I was surprised at how negative the ad rep was.
Campus is not dry. Alcohol is allowed on campus for those 21+.
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<p>After the presentation it was on to the tour. As noted, there were just too many people for a good tour, and it was starting to get blistering hot and muggy. Some highlights.</p>
<pre><code>* Started at Centennial Hall, the newest academic building. Very, very nice. Houses the communications and business schools, and has classes for other departments as well. Very impressive communications equipment, studios, edit rooms. Mock trading floor was state of the art. Classrooms were roomy, but the desks were really small definitely smaller than the high school desks Ive been sitting in for back to school night for the last 3 years. The comment that the desks were actually slightly newer and slightly larger than those in other buildings was a bit alarming. Lets just say that it is quite obvious that they will need to buy a lot of new desks if they ever introduce football. :)
The residence hall was clean and well-maintained. Layout and size of the room was pretty standard.
Athletic facilities were top notch, including the fitness center. The renovation of Shellenberger field should result in a top facility. I thought it was kind of neat that the field is overlooked by three upperclass dorms you can watch the action from your room.
The campus layout is generally in a circle around the open area they call the dale rather than the quad. Which I guess makes sense because its not a quadrangle shape :). Nicely maintained campus, lots of trees and grass. The center of the dale is the Friendship Circle the circle is bisected by all of the walkways in the main campus. The buildings are Georgian red brick style and quite attractive. Pretty compact campus, not spread out.
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<p>Thats it. Overall, its clear that Lynchburg has a lot to offer. I wish they had been more enthusiastic, though. Maybe it was just the heat, maybe it was just the lack of students -- a visit in the Fall could be completely different.</p>