<p>I'm considering attending UMW, but because I had never heard of it prior to starting my college search I don't really know its reputation. I know that they don't have a very big party scene, which I think I'll be fine with. I'm more worried that it isn't very well known, or isn't that good academically.
I have a 4.489 weighted GPA and I'm in the IB Program.
I got a 1990 on the SAT.
I don't have that many extracurricular activities, but I have a few.
Are students at UMW similar? Would the school look bad to future employers? Also I was wondering about the average student there. What are common interests? Political views? The general vibe?
Any information would be super helpful, I really know nothing about the school.</p>
<p>UMW is a decent addition to VA’s solid list of public in-state schools. It was an all female school for a number of years but now admits males. You are right about the party scene…not anything like a JMU or UVA. Also not as prestigious as a UVA or a W&M. They take average students and the students are relatively focused. I have a few friends there and they like it enough, but would like a more social atmosphere. Pretty campus though.</p>
<p>UMW: Safety</p>
<p>D graduated from UMW. She loved it and got into T14 law schools. Her friends have been successful in other areas as well so I don’t think the small size and small name will hold you back.</p>
<p>On the other hand–I have some issues. D’s stats, like yours, were high. She received no merit aid. They are desperate for diversity and males, so if you fall into either of those categories you will be rewarded.</p>
<p>For the Phi Beta Kappa initiation the only university employees there were the faculty sponsor and the food service workers. Other schools have a pretty big turnout for this event. AND they left D’s name out of the PBK notes at graduation.</p>
<p>Every. Single. Bill we received from them was incorrect. They were 8 for 8. Every time they acted as though it was our fault. No apologies, just a recalculated figure. Other offices were equally unhelpful and/or rude. Not that I had to contact them that often, but it was noticeable. I don’t remember who I was trying to reach but once I had to ask the surly person on the phone if she was a student worker. After a pause she said yes. I asked to speak to a full time person. She told me that it didn’t matter, I would get the same answer. I had to insist (and wait a long time) for someone more helpful to come to the phone.</p>
<p>D went there because it was exactly what she wanted in size, no Greek life, location, academics, etc. She found plenty of parties.</p>
<p>I just googled the safety and found nothing to get excited about. </p>
<p>Sorry this is so long winded but you don’t have enough posts to PM.</p>
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<p>That’s a pretty pompous answer.</p>
<p>For you maybe. Congrats. But not necessarily for everyone else.</p>
<p>For some it might be a perfect fit.</p>
<p>UMW was a safety only with respect to how hard it is to get in for her. She listed her credentials; all I could do at that point was to chance her.</p>
<p>^^^^</p>
<p>AGH! We were posting at same time.
I actually wrote this without seeing above.</p>
<p>Apologies if you meant a safety for the O/P and not as a safety as a general description.</p>
<p>But I have to add, the GPA and SAT don’t match up exactly.</p>
<p>So, a safety as far as the GPA goes, not as much for the SAT.</p>
<p>It would also be good if we could edit our posts after about thirty seconds. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! I was really hoping for some merit based aid, so it’s good to know that they aren’t the best about that. Do any of you know in comparison to Loyola in Maryland?</p>
<p>UMW is the worst school. I thought it was my top decision because it is so small and I knew the campus before I came here from like 3 tours. Extremely deceptive. The professors are HORRIBLE, everyone wants to transfer (upperclassmen told me to get out while i can- and i am definitely not returning). I want to warn EVERYONE not to come here! There is NOTHING to do, the parties are the same every single weekend (NOT fun…trust me). Get sick of the food really fast. If you want any more information let me know, I’ll tell you anything.</p>
<p>Also, with that GPA, definitely don’t come here! I had above a 4.0 and did IB, the classes were SO much easier than IB…its a joke…not a college education.</p>
<p>i hope no one takes this next comment as offensively but with the stats you just put up… YOU DESERVE to go to a better school. Maybe as a safety school but even so there are better safeties out there than UMW. Raise your SAT scores a bit and W&M or any school really will be in your grasp</p>
<p>If you get 31+ on the ACT, then both UVA and W&M will be doable.</p>
<p>I agree with the above posts, you really do deserve to go to a better school. UMW does nothing but hold people back, and they have been accepting lower and lower standards and it is reflected in the classroom.</p>
<p>I looked into applying there but they said they wouldn’t take an older student without transfer credits, so I applied elsewhere. Their acceptance rate is very high (one reason I was baffled I couldn’t apply) so I think your chances are great. I would add, I live in the same town as this school and can tell you that it is a terrific place to live. Good luck!</p>
<p>I have to disagree with zoeydoggie that they are very eager for diversity since they require transfer credits from “older” students. Schools eager for diversity would be happy to accept older students.</p>