<p>I'm considering both University of Richmond and Rhodes College as potential high safety/low match colleges, but I don't think I'll ultimately want to apply to both. So, which would you recommend? I'm not a big fan of how small they are, but I like that they're both located near relatively large cities and have strong biology and international relations departments. In other areas, which is better?</p>
<p>Bump please?</p>
<p>If being close to a city is important to you, is the city itself or <em>its</em> size important to you? Memphis is a much larger city than Richmond, and the opportunities afforded by the city are likely to be accordingly greater. Applying, though, is easy, and you might consider applying to both schools. To find out for certain, however, I’d recommend visiting both. Seeing for yourself is important.</p>
<p>I haven’t visited either but there are big differences which I’ve learned about from reading. From what I’ve gathered Rhodes is a small college for serious students. It’s in a bad part of Memphis, but the college does a good job of keeping the campus and the transportation to and from pretty safe. Richmond is always described as preppy.</p>
<p>I don’t know Richmond that well, so I can’t really comment on why Rhodes is better. I can tell you that if you’re interested in Biology, we have research opportunities with partners in Memphis like St. Jude that just can’t be matched. For international studies we have good languages and a ton of study abroad opportunities to complement it. A lot of folks also combine majors, which may appeal. </p>
<p>The other thing that’s really distinctive about Rhodes is the campus. 100% collegiate gothic (the real thing, not a look-a-like) and immaculate grounds. The library is a cathedral to learning. It is a place to be inspired.</p>
<p>add to the above comments the tremendous difference in WHERE the kids are from…Richmond may be preppy but it is predominately east coast. Having a daughter at UR who is from the south…well, I can tell you, she sees the difference in cultures!! Rhodes has a much greater southern influence. Both are gorgeous campuses. Both are extremely strong academically. The Robins undergrad bus. school is ranked #12 in the country (UR) and a fantastic international studies program. Something like 80% study abroad. Visit both and DO go to classes. That in itself can make all the difference.</p>
<p>I think both are excellent choices for all the reasons commented on above. UR has a larger student body in a smaller city. Rhodes is the opposite. UR does have Div I athletics if that matters. But yes, both campuses are really nice with excellent facilities. UR’s campus is actually larger, but Rhodes feels larger than it actually is and seems spacious enough. However, I don’t think there’s any question that Memphis offers a much more vibrant urban community. Richmond is much more like a large town than an urban center, but it is a Capitol city and not too terribly far from DC, Va Beach, and the Skyline Drive area near the mountains. </p>
<p>I’m just guessing about this aspect, but I do think Rhodes has a stronger connection with the broader community than UR does. People in Richmond tend to view UR as a haven for preppy east coast kids and it gets overshadowed, even regionally, by William & Mary and UVA which have a much larger base of alumni support and popularity in the area. Rhodes strikes me as being much more integrated and locally respected by comparison. That’s something to consider when it comes to competing for local internship experiences and opportunities, I think.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks for the posts. So far, I would agree that I’m leaning towards Rhodes, but I’m still not committed.</p>
<p>For the record, I have visited both schools, but I didn’t have an opportunity to tour Rhodes; rather, we just drove around campus.</p>
<p>Any other comments?</p>
<p>If you are interested in biology and considering a career in medicine, research, etc., Rhodes has an excellent track record for students in medical school admissions. ( Have no knowledge of UR-except that it is a great school). Rhodes had 3 Goldwater Scholars two years ago and many of the students work with St. Judes doing research as part of their undergraduate curriculum. </p>
<p>Rhodes has excellent merit opportunities as well-which is always something to consider. Good luck in your search.</p>