<p>So my d is deciding between University of Maryland College Park and Villanova. She plans to be a nursing major. For UMD she would spend 2 years at College Park and then go to UMD Baltimore City School of Nursing for her last 2 years, which ranks in the top 10 in the nation and is much affordable than Villanova...but has not campus feel and she'll most likely be finding her own place in Baltimore City.</p>
<p>My D is leaning towards Villanova because she loves the campus, it's a smaller campus then UMD, she would be in one campus for all 4 years and feels honored to be accepted to a very selective program where they have only 90 slots for incoming freshmans. They gave her a good amount of scholarships so it may be more than UMD but not a whole lot more...or just enough to feel good about paying for the small private environment and education.</p>
<p>I'm not sure where Villanova's School of Nursing ranks, but it sounds like it's highly respected and they're building a whole new building for it. I believe both schools have excellent NCLEX passing rates.</p>
<p>I would appreciate any thoughts and/or inputs on this. I, personally, feel that UMD is a great deal for the money...but it is definitely not one of my D's favorite on her list.</p>
<p>hmmm. well its funny you ask such a question. I recently transfered from university of maryland college park to villanova university last year. Although some people like maryland, i personally had a terrible experience there. At Villanova you pay for what you get. The school does a great job organizing events for the student body; free lunches, cattered celebrations, on-campus concerts, and plenty of school spirit. Not to mention the fact that career services is top notch and will bend over backwards to get you that internship that you need. Villanova is safe, fun, and the area has plenty of exciting places to go when you want to get off campus. At College Park, it was also the same idea, you get what you pay for. The school does absolutely nothing for the student body, and when it does the communication is so bad that you never hear about the event. The education at the school is also a lot less well-rounded. At VIllanova Im required to take philosophy, ethics, and many other beneficial classes. Maryland is practically the opposite. If you have any other specific question I'd be glad to answer them, but by far transfering to Villanova was perfect for me</p>
<p>Kbisus - what a coincidence! Can't ask for a better opinion then from somone who has experience from both schools!! I think you pretty much reiterated all of my d's concern and expectation from both schools....especially the education.</p>
<p>I'm glad to hear you have found a perfect place in Villanova!!</p>
<p>My other concern is that my d is coming from a public school and does not at all fit the mold of a private-schooled, rich kid. Are you finding a good amount of diversity at Villanova? And any thoughts you have on the dorms and library would be greatly appreciated. Those two places were big criterias for my d because she feels that's where she'll be spending most of her time.</p>
<p>newdawn6-- My D is a Chemistry/Bio-Chemistry major and her two roommates are nursing majors. My D is not a private-school rich kid and has found a perfect fit at Villanova. She says more than half of the students are from public schools and had found great friends. If you have any questions, I am here to help.</p>
<p>Hi newdawn6- my Villanova freshman dd went to a public HS, and is the polar opposite of what you described as a private-schooled rich kid. There are plenty of students like her (actually, I think the majority are from publics if you check their stats), although as in any private college, there are also plenty of wealthy ones, too. The student body is overall an extremely friendly, happy one. A negative about the school is that there is little racial diversity.
I would echo what kbisus said about the campus activities, and add how well the administration pays special attention to freshmen and their adjustment to college.</p>
<p>The freshmen are mainly housed on south campus where there are a number of dorm buildings and a nice central dining hall, a short walk away from main campus. They are air-conditioned and pretty nice, although many students were tripled so the quarters are tight. If your dd decides on Villanova, send your deposit in early, because the tripling was done with the latest enrolled students we were told (my dd has only one roomate, and it's much roomier of course).</p>
<p>My dd says the library is great, and Villanova was rated, I think by PC magazine, as the #1 wired college campus computer-wise. All freshmen receive a laptop the summer before starting. The IT department is great, too. My dd accidentally dropped hers, and they repaired it unbelievably quickly for her.</p>
<p>The nursing school is excellent, and very well respected. There are many great hospitals where your dd would do her clinical work.</p>
<p>Good luck with her decision!</p>
<p>I see momsworried and I were simultaneously posting- hi there!</p>
<p>Its funny... I'm in a very similar situation. I'm going to be entering college next year too. I got into a bunch of schools, all of which I liked, but for me its come down to Villanova or The College of New Jersey (in-state). I could go to TCNJ and come out practically debt-free. But Villanova gave me a great aid package (and I got a huge outside scholarship), which makes it very doable. Although TCNJ is a good school, it lacks the reputation and prestige that Nova has. Not to mention that its education is top notch and its business school, which I want to attend is 12th in the country! After many dicussions with my parents, other family members, and my guidance counselor I realized I'd be foolish to go anywhere else. Besides Villanova has been my dream school for years...its has a beautiful campus, excellent teachers, school spirit- I know I'll get that great college experience that I've always wanted. I think that state schools just can't compare (IMO)... Good Luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Its actually great that you ask that question. Not only was I public schooled , but I am also jewish. Considering that Villanova sometimes is stereotyped as a "rich, white, catholic" school did not fit the mold for me. However despite this, I fit in really well at Villanova. Theres a nitch for everyone really, and both the students and the staff are accepting to various demographic groups. The school has done a greta job in recent years in attracting diversity and is starting to move away from that stereotype as well.</p>
<p>The library at Villanova is great, withplenty of computers, desks and resources for students to study. There is also a very comfortable 24-hour section of the library with couches and computers for after hours. In addition to this Bartley Hall and many other buildings are open 24 hours with study rooms and wireless internet. </p>
<p>For those that complain about the forced "triple" situation in some cases at Villanova, I let them know that at College Park I was in a forced QUAD. As in 4 people, one large room, not really fun. At Villanova, most students live on south as a freshmen, so plenty of interaction, and then sophomore year most live in the quad, then junior year most live in the apartments. Housing at Villanova is structured so that students get to move to new housing together in a progression throughout. Even if by some chance you do not get an appartment junior year theres plenty of other places to live on campus. For example I was extremely unlucky, but I am living in an apartment complex with a few of my friends 2 minutes down the road, that is almiost entirely villanova students. Compare this to College Park. At college park after living in a 4 person quad first year, second year I didnt even receive on campus housing. Ironically I still occassionaly receive updates from housing at college park letting me know my waitlist number, and I DONT EVEN GO THERE ANYMORE haha.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for all your valuable input!! More and more I'm seeing that Villanova would be a perfect fit for my d. </p>
<p>Momsworried - I can't say enough how much you have helped us get to this point. Thanks for being here for all the prospective Villanova students and parents!</p>
<p>Galwaymom - the friendly campus is what my d picked up on during our campus vist. She immediately got that "I could really see myself here" feeling. Then the visit to the Nursing School Open House reassured us that the admininstration genuinely care about their students. Thanks for the feedback on the library and dorms as well. And it's good to know there's a great IT support...'cuz I'm sure my D will need it!!</p>
<p>BrownEyedBeauty - Congratulations on your acceptance to Villanova and your outstanding scholarships. Will you be attending the Open House on April 13/14 for accepted students?</p>
<p>Kbisus - everything you say about UMD pretty much sums up my D's concern about UMD. There are some kids who don't mind that large campus atmosphere...but knowing my D, she would have the same complaints that you mentioned here. Thanks for that detailed info on the dorms. It is reassuring that Villanova has some organized process...I never even thought about dorms not being available after the 1st year! By the way, we just compared the Nursing curriculum for UMD and Villanova...and what a huge difference!! Villanova is definitely more intense and challenging with 15-18 credits a semester. UMD's are 12 credits a semester and half of the classes during the first two years would be a breeze for my D because of all the AP classes she's already taken. My D is a self-proclaimed "nerd" and loves the intense curriculum.</p>
<p>BTW - I just had my husband read all your posts and you've sold him on Villanova :) !!</p>
<p>Of course, "helicopter" mom here has just one more stone unturned. If you all don't mind one more question: If there is something you would complain about Villanova, what would it be?</p>
<p>Sorry to piggyback on this thread but I am a prospective Villanova student (hopefully) and I have some questions.</p>
<ol>
<li>What is the campus like (visually)?</li>
<li>How would you rate Villanova's finance/economics/business and math program?</li>
<li>How would you describe the neighboring city?</li>
<li>How is Villanova at job placement and internships?</li>
</ol>
<p>1) Without exageration the campus of Villanova is extremely beautiful. The school does a great job at keeping the "old" syle architecture on campus while incorporating new technology in the buildings (rankined by PC magazine as #1 wired campus in US) and maintaining an up to date look. There are plenty of places to socialize and on sunny friday afternoons the main part of campus is filled will students socializing, playing frisbee, music playing, etc. Great academic and social atmosphere, and during basketball games things get even more exciting.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Finance, business, economics, accounting, whatever it is the Villanova School of Business is ranked 12th in the nation by businessweek. <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_12/b4026066.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_12/b4026066.htm</a>. As for their math program I know several students that are taking a math curriculum in the school of liberal arts, and are taking a business minor. Especially considering the prestige of the business school nowadays this track is becoming ever more popular. Dean Danko of the school is the former assistant Dean of Dartmouth and the school is just going to keep getting better. The personal attention one gets at the school of business seems to blow my previous school out of the water, and the Dean holds personal office hours so you can meet with him when needed.</p></li>
<li><p>Villanova is located in an extremely safe suburban environment where there are plenty of places to eat and drink. There are a few other colleges in the area (Cabrini, Harcum, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Eastern) and on weekends the Main Line area gets crowded and lively. On top of this, there is a train station located on campus, so for $3 and change, you can take a 25 min train ride to Philadelphia where your sure to find a great time no matter when.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>4) Two of my friends are working for Merrill this summer, one is working for goldman sachs. If you know anything about these companies, their large investment banks that only take the very best students in the country. Being a Finance major myself, the school has helped me secure an internship for both the summer and the fall. A month ago they held a "Wall Street Boot Camp" where Villanova Alumni who work on wall street came down and helped students network and work on resumes. The Big 4 accounting firms all recruit heavilly at Villanova, and the carreer services has a website that is constantly updates internships and jobs for all majors.</p>
<p>If you have any other questions Ill be glad to answer them for you</p>
<p>oh and newdawn6, if there is anything that I can complain about Villanova....well it would of course be the price. Villanova is a private school and like all private schools its quite a burden. Of course going back to what I said before you get what you pay for. The Rapper 50 cent made a suprise visit to Villanova earlier this year, and I bet the school paid a hefty price for him. However these events make the school even more fun and I gaurentee your money wont be wasted. Its little events like that that seperate the privates from the publics and make the overall experience of college even better.</p>
<p>This thread has definitely reassured me that i'm making the right decision by coming to Nova next year! And newdawn6, i'll definitely be there that weekend!</p>
<p>Thanks to "kbisus" for all the thoughtful insight and information. </p>
<p>newdawn6-- I thought I was the only professional "helicopter mom" out there :) To answer your question, the only negative thing I can think of is the price. It is a hefty price tag especially since we are receiving no aid. However, when I hear my D's happy voice on the phone its worth every penny. The administration at Villanova is fully aware that many of us are "helicopter" parents and they do everything they can to ease the pain of separation during those first few weeks. It's usually the parent's pain not the students. :) I have one more child to send off the college then I may be able to change my screen name.</p>
<p>kbisus I really appreciate it. I too want to major in finance and possibly double major in economics or math.</p>
<p>From what you said Villanova is exactly what I am looking for and I plan on visiting this spring/summer.</p>
<p>One more question, I'm a pretty big NCAA Basketball fan and I was wondering how much school spirit is there for the team? Kind of a random question but my school has no enthusiasm towards sports and everyone kind of hates each other. I was kind of looking for the opposite.</p>
<p>Villanova has a LOT of school spirit. Everyone has several pairs Villanova sweatshirts/teeshirts/shorts etc and likes to wear them quite frequently. Basketball is huge here. Everyone knows the name Jay Wright (Mens Basketball coach) as well as several players on the team. The program has been producing real well over the last few years and the team is bringing in 3 "top 150" freshmen players next year. I wasnt at all interested in basketball until I got here, and now im hooked.</p>
<p>My D and I attended the Candidates Day two weekends ago and had a blast! Out of all the Open Houses for Accepted Students we attended, Villanova by far was the best. Aside from the typical speeches from the President, faculty member and Admissions Director, the students put together a very entertaining dialogue between each other giving a great perspective of the school and their personal experiences. It was not boring at all. In fact, that Saturday morning, my daughter wanted to just go straight home because we had already attended the Nursing Open House on Friday and she didn't think she needed to sit through another "rah-rah" speech from the school when she already had decided on Villanova. After dragging her to the event, she was so glad she went and is even more excited about attending the school.</p>
<p>Anyway, here I am again with my questions. We saw for the first time the freshman dorms...which was not in any of our prior tours. I'm a little concerned that it seems a little isolated from the rest of the campus and surrounded by residential homes, train station, large parking lots and main traffic...with a tree-lined path to the campus. Also, there didn't seem to be any kind of extra personnel or security at the doors...just the swipe card system. Any inputs/experiences you may have is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Also, are there nearby places in that freshman quad for my daughter to go to if she needed a quiet area to study? The library seems too far and the dorm rooms can be noisy. Do they have a study area in these dorms?</p>
<p>Also, I noticed a shuttle at the freshman dorms. Are these available to take to campus during cold and snowy days?</p>
<p>My thoughts are that the freshmen housing on south campus is a plus. It really is not far from main campus at all, there is a shuttle that runs regularly if a student wants it, but I think many walk except in bad weather. Having the freshmen bond together, with the green spaces to hang out is nice.
As far as security, there is regular security that patrols the area. My dd has never felt unsafe.
The RAs on each floor enforce quiet fairly well after late in the evening, my dd says. There are common area lounges on each floor where students study. My dd does use the library alot, however.
She has been very happy in her dorm.</p>
<p>The nursing school is great- congrats to your dd! She'll love it!</p>
<p>I am guessing you were taken down and shown a freshman residence hall on South Campus. South Campus is where a majority of freshman reside. It may seem like it is isolated from main campus, but I do not think anyone who lived there as a freshman felt that way. It is just a short five to ten minute walk up to Main Campus by either walking up Ithan Ave. or up Memorial trail. </p>
<p>As for security, a public safety officer will be at the entrance of all the residence halls and will be checking student IDs after they swipe into the building from 11 PM until about 5 or 6 AM. </p>
<p>All residence halls have lounges where students can go to study. Also, if a freshman living on South Campus or any other student wants, he or she can go to Donahue Hall (the dining hall on South Campus) to study. After they stop serving food, the hall remains open for students who want to bring study materials and use one of the many tables to study.</p>
<p>The shuttle is very convenient for those rainy and snowy days. It leaves from South Campus on the half hour and hour, so 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, etc. It runs through Main Campus and to West Campus before making its way back. </p>
<p>Hopefully this has answered some of your questions.</p>
<p>This thread has been quite informative. Thanks to all participants. </p>
<p>My S will attend in the fall (if he isn't called off some other waitlists, and he most likely won't be called off waitlists). He's from a public school and not at all snobby. We are not Christian, so I'm curious about what that experience will be like. Is religious diversity respected?</p>
<p>im jewish, i have never had a problem with anyone and find that although villanova is a catholic school, religion is not really stressed as much as academics and a well rounded student body</p>