So I was recently accepted to the University of Richmond and am now faced with the process of decided what college to attend. I would just like to know if anyone who has previously attended, currently attends, or parents of students could comment on their experience and thoughts regarding Richmond? Specifically, I would like to know if the professors really want to get to know you and help you? I heard the professors here are very difficult and harsh graders!
Also, how easy is doing research at Richmond (as a chemistry or science major)?
Finally, how rigorous is the course load and classes at Richmond? Is there time for things other than schoolwork?
No, the professors are not difficult! The school is rigorous, but the teachers truly care about their students. Most classes have under 30 students in them, so the professors know everyone by name. Research is fairly easy to get involved in at richmond and something they encourage. Most of the STEM faculty have labs that students can work in.
The course load I would say is not as bad as it is at some schools. Most students only take 4-5 academic courses a semester (since each course tends to be one unit, or 3.5 credits) and there is plenty of time for other things. I am taking 6.75 units this semester (23.625 credits) and am in several additional ensembles not for credit. One of my very good friends is a member of an a capella ensemble, choir, and actively participates in every theater production, along with being in several clubs. People get involved here! We also have events all the time that people go to, like an open mic night tomorrow.
UR is a wonderful school. I would agree with the previous comment. As an alumnus, the courses were rigorous, but the school has an excellent reputation and the professors prepare you or just about anything you want to do after college. They stress critical thinking and cause you to continuously examine your beliefs and to defend those beliefs. The real-world applications and the rigor you’ll experience will undoubtedly set you apart as you apply for a job or continue in your path towards educational excellence. Yes, I am an alumnus.
Was I shocked with the difficulty? Sure, I was but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I held my own (graduated in top quartile at UR) and had no problem getting into grad school or landing the job of my dreams. The only question I would ask is : Do you want an easy ride or do you really want to challenge yourself and learn something? If you want to learn, there is no better place than UR.
I have 2 daughters at UR, both are biochem/molecular bio majors. Both of them really like the small class sizes which have allowed them to really develop relationships with their professors. They have felt challenged in their classes, but not overwhelmed. They both have time for clubs and hanging out with friends.
My older daughter, currently a Junior, started working in a lab with one of her professors during her freshman year and has had paid summer research internships on campus during summers. Our freshman daughter will be doing an on campus paid internship this summer also. If students wish to incorporate research into their studies at UR, help and resources to make it happen are widely available.
Congrats on your acceptance. My D is currently a freshman at UR. She absolutely loves it. She’s had one class with 16 people. All her other classes have ranged from 6 to 12. Every professor has reached out to her personally. A few have offered long term mentorship. Professors she hasn’t even had have reached out because they read one of her papers from another professor or heard about her and just wanted to meet her. She loves the small classes and focus on discussion. She loves the feedback on her work. Loves that you can be a top student and still be expected to grow. The opportunities she’s had as a freshman are pretty fantastic.
I think the rigor depends on how you structure your schedule. First semester was a breeze for D. She took her classes, worked, got involved in several projects and activities. No problem. Second semester, she scheduled all intensive reading/writing classes and it’s been overwhelming. On top of that, her activities jumped in commitment second semester too. Just not enough hours in the day to get through it all and do the quality of work she wants to do. Next semester, she’ll balance it a little differently. That’s just something you have to learn. The only kids she knows that are falling behind academically are kids who aren’t going to classes consistently and their professors take notice and act on the problems quick!
The school is a bit of a bubble. It’s hard to get off campus and the destinations are limited on the school shuttle (times are limiting too.) D and her friends use Uber most of the time. That said, D’s made some wonderful friends on campus and she has not been lacking in social activity. I know some kids really want to live in the heart of a city and Richmond isn’t that. If you are good with occasional city trips and happy to spend most of your social time on campus (or have your own car,) you’ll be a fit.
I have also heard great things about Richmond, and my son was accepted and is currently deciding between Richmond and just two other schools. He is a computer science major, does anyone know how the CS program is at UR? We are visiting next week, super excited to see the campus and learn more about the school!
@chris17mom I am a freshman math/cs major (music minor/major too, havent decided which one) and I am also the student grader this semester for data structures (I took the class last semester and they hired me to be the grader this semester). The CS program is great, but it is a little understaffed (they’re hiring more professors for next semester though!), so the classes are on a two-year rotation. The classes are not as rigorous as, say, an engineering school, and I don’t find them that difficult, but I have classmates who find them otherwise (I guess it depends on how good you are already and if you have an affinity for math/logic). Also, there is a smaller CS core, so you get to choose more electives, specifically CS electives, allowing you to take what you’re interested in. The class sizes are small, just like other classes, so you get lots of individual attention. In addition, the classes with labs also have student lab assistants, so there is more than just the professor there to answer any questions you have. Many CS professors also have their own labs that students can do research in, which helps with grad school and job placement. I will mention, however, that CS students at UR can have trouble getting into top grad schools for computer science if they aren’t at the top of the class (professor recs will show this), work in a CS lab with a professor, or get an internship. The good news is UR is extremely connected and getting an internship is not that hard, and the faculty will definitely help you with this important step.
I’m not as familiar with the computer science program but your son can’t go wrong by deciding to go to UR. I, too, had my choice of schools but ultimately, my brother and I chose UR. UR has great programs and the curriculum is rigorous, relevant, meaningful, and stimulating. Our small class sizes (no more than 30 and more likely 25 or less) allows students to engage in meaningful conversation and really get to know the professors. I was able to see my professors outside of class (during their office hours) and many invited students to their homes for class dinners/discussions. Since the school is situated in the West End of Richmond, many of the professors lived close by so transportation was not an issue.
Again, while I am not an expert on the CS program, I can only imagine how challenging it will be. I pushed myself beyond my wildest dreams there. I met some of the most talented people I could’ve imagined and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Honestly, I truly hope your son will choose UR! I always feel like UR is that hidden gem. We might be small but we doing incredible things there! We’re also prepared for anything beyond our walls!
