<p>Any thoughts on choosing between these two colleges? UVa is better known and more prestigious, but Richmond is no slouch academically and seems to have a nicer size, offering more personal attention and closer relationships. Would it be wrong to turn UVa down to attend Richmond? Or would it not make much difference in terms of future success in business or grad school? Thanks for any thoughts.</p>
<p>I’m applying as a transfer to both but I would definitely choose UVA over URichmond, especially if you’re a VA resident in terms of cost. I’m not sure about Richmond but I know that UVA has made huge strides in their business program, and dedicate a lot of funding towards their technology department. Their recruitment program is also pretty good from what I’ve heard.</p>
<p>I’m actually trying to make a decision between these two schools as well. </p>
<p>UR has given me a full ride (Richmond Scholar), and UVA is pretty affordable as well since I’d only have to pay 5k per year. and they offered me Echols… It’s really hard to make a decision, but both schools are very good academically. You’re right; Richmond is smaller and has smaller classes, but UVA has a good student to teacher ratio as well. UVA is more prestigious if you’re just thinking of getting a bachelors degree, but if you’re thinking of going to graduate school or law school, the institution where you achieve your undergraduate education doesn’t matter as much (I’ve been looking into this like crazy since I plan on going to law school.) Richmond also has a top business school–if business is what you’re interested in, Richmond will be a better choice. </p>
<p>Again, it’s a personal decision. Visit both one more time and see where you feel most comfortable. =) Good to see I’m not the only one feeling so torn between these two schools. Looking forward to see more responses in this thread.</p>
<p>To be honest, I don’t think you can go wrong between the two schools. For me personally, UVA felt too large. Due to the size, I felt that students could make more of a difference at UR. The academic missions of the schools is also vastly different. At UR, the focus is on the undergraduate education and the vast majority of the resources are put towards that purpose. </p>
<p>When visiting, I felt that UR had a more personable campus community and in my opinion, the people I met at UVA had an excessive amount of self worth. Some say the same about people at UR, but I didn’t find that to be the case in my experience. I have two cousins at UVA right now (both chose UVA over UR) and they have loved it and I have friends who graduated from UVA and loved it, but I also know a couple of people who, while enjoying the academic aspect of the school hated the social scene.</p>
<p>I think the decision boils down to you asking yourself a few questions. Do you want a big school, or a smaller school? Do you want a liberal arts education or study at a university? Do you want to go to school in a college town, or a city? Do you want to know most of the people in your classes your junior and senior year? Either way, I would encourage you to set up visits where you can get a better idea of the pros and cons of both schools and again, I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice.</p>
<p>My son also had to make a this decision last year. He was offered a full scholarship at Richmond and had to pay full OOS tuition at Virginia as an Echols scholar. Obviously it was an easy decision. When we went to accepted student day at UVA are decision became even easier when all the classes he wanted to sit in on were unavailable and the lack of organization confirmed our feelings. A large university like UVA is not the right choice for everyone including my son. Richmond has been great and I am happy to say he is not sorry he gave up the opportunity to be at UVA.</p>
<p>Out of all of the students answering questions here, I have the most experience, being that I am a senior. But at the same time, I can definitely remember being in your shoes and trying to make that “big” decision regarding which school to choose. I have two younger brothers, so I was the first among me and my siblings to head off to college. I looked at Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Boston College, Providence College, Villanova, Elon, and Stonehill College. I do not believe I had a favorite going into this process. And I am not in a position to talk about each of these schools, each great institutions in their own right.</p>
<p>I came and visited Richmond after being accepted, and I applied regular decision. I had this gut reaction when I was driving into the campus, and this was before I even went on any tour or walked around the campus at all. The visit absolutely clinched my decision. The people I met were very down to earth, honest, and good-hearted. First impression means a lot, and I had a great first impression. I was very impressed by the quality of the facilities and the overall landscape of the campus. Financially Richmond really stepped up and made this an affordable educational opportunity, which was very important. Academically, I loved the small class sizes and program offerings. I felt that the size of the student body was perfect for what I was looking for.</p>
<p>Do I think that this school is a utopia, and it’s the absolutely perfect with nothing that I would change? No. But this school has really given me everything that I can ask for and more. I honestly do not believe I would have been able to get involved to the extent that I did with the organizations on campus that I have been apart of, if I had gone to another school. I have been able to hold leadership roles as well. I have loved the small class sizes. I feel that you get the most out of your education this way. The professors here are definitely teachers first and researchers second. They are there for you in the class and care about you as a person outside of the classroom. It is such a community feel on this campus, and that gives me such a good feeling. Today, it was beautiful 70 degree, blue sky day and students where laying out on beach blankets, playing sports on the open fields, out with their laptops at the outdoor Greek Theater, and people from the community were feeding the geese in our lake with their young kids, having picnics, and fishing off of the gazebo. When I see that, this is really what Richmond is about. That sense of community and the good-heartedness of the people you meet here is something I can’t make up. It’s so true.</p>
<p>I am so happy that I decided to become a Richmond Spider. This was a great school when I began as a student in the Fall of 2005, and the reputation keeps on rising. The upside for this school is infinite. There are so many great things to look forward to with this University in the near and distant future. There is no way I would ever consider going back in time and attending another institution. I have so much pride and passion for this University because it has given me so much and as I graduate there is nothing more that I want to do, but to give back. Deep down I know I will always be a Spider. When I graduate and have my diploma in hand, I am holding a tangible item, but the memories that I have, are intangible and will last forever.</p>
<p>I can’t say because this school was a great choice for me that it will be for you, although I hope by all means that it is. There isn’t one school that is right for everyone. Each person is different. College is such an investment for you and your family. Really just look at all the factors and figure out where you believe you will be the happiest. I wish you the best!</p>
<p>Extract from Jeff Kent, Admissions Rep '09, Facebook Group Richmond Class of 2013</p>
<p>I absolutely love it here and while sometimes I wonder what my life would be like at another school, I never think twice about my decision to come here. What really made me enroll were all the friendly students and the welcoming atmosphere. I also love all the individual attention you get from the faculty and even the dean. It is a small liberal arts school with all the benefits of a huge school. There is so much to do on campus and off in the city of Richmond. There are a few things I would change, but I really do love it here. When making your decision, it is a personal choice so it is really where you feel most comfortable and think you will want to spend the next four years of your life. For me, it was Richmond and I never regret my choice.
I hope that helped!</p>
<p>Extract from Leigh Moring, Class of 2012, Facebook Group Richmond Class of 2013</p>
<p>To be honest sometimes I wish I was closer to home, seeing as its over 3000 miles away. And other times I wish I was at a bigger school. But then I get reminded why I wanted to come here, and why I want to stay. The education you get at this school far surpasses any school I got into back in California, not just of the curriculum, but also all the new experiences and people. This place prepares you so much for the future, they even have a career center here just to get you on the right track in choosing a career, or helping you find a job in the area you want. I love this school because of the freedom that I have and the fact that I am challenged each and every day to think in a new way. If you are looking for a place that will truly expand your mind and push you to new levels that you never thought possible, then Richmond is the place for you. If you like a challenge, then Richmond is the place for you. Good luck in your decision making, I hope it comes along well and that you choose a school that push you to your limits.</p>
<p>Extract from Tyler Hungerford, Class of 2012, Facebook Group Richmond Class of 2013</p>