<p>I applied to UVM on a whim when I was offered a VIP application. A couple of days ago I checked my student site and saw that I has been accepted. I am still holding out for the chance at the honors college, although I do not expect it, and am still waiting to see about financial aid. This is my first acceptance (I have not been rejected anywhere yet either), so I am far from making any decisions. However, I am doing my research.</p>
<p>I am getting conflicting perspectives on UVM based on what I have read online. Some make it seem like a stoner/ pothead safety school. I am not opposed to partying, but my main focus is academics and want to be around students who are smart and motivated. I do not want to pay crazy OOS tuition for a unambitious safety school with a pothead rep.</p>
<p>Other sources paint UVM as a beautiful school with strong academics and a liberal vibe. I am very into outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing and have participated in trail crews throughout high school.</p>
<p>So if anybody would like to share their experience with/ knowledge of/ general idea regarding UVM I would be so appreciative. I feel like I have been so busy trying to figure out what to think of UVM that I haven't been able to be excited about my acceptance yet.</p>
<p>My daughter is a happy UVM sophomore. She says the stoner/pothead culture is definitely present, especially in some dorms. If you want a more academic environment and don’t get into the honors college, I’d recommend applying to live in the Greenhouse or one of the other Living/Learning communities. I don’t know what your intended major is, but the Rubenstein Environmental school has a low-key residential scholars program for first years that is great. The hiking and skiing in Burlington are of course wonderful.</p>
<p>My daughter graduated two years sgo and loved UVM. She graduated with an education degree and did very little partying. She was a very straight-laced, serious student and had no issues finding other like-minded students.</p>
<p>We researched a lot of schools before settling on UVM. She majored in education - and at the time, we chose the school because of its professional attitude and flexibility. My daughter was able to create her own major. Other more prestigious schools did not present themselves nearly as well.</p>
<p>Our instincts were right as she now has a great job in a suburban NYC school district. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend UVM. It is a wonderful school in a location that can’t be beat.</p>
<p>Our youngest daughter has been accepted and is seriously considering it. She is totally different academically (engineering) and UVM is not an “engineering” school but we may make an appointment to go speak with someone about her options as she has been offered a huge scholarship which is hard for me to ignore!</p>