I am strongly thinking about applying early decision to UR after visiting and falling in love. However, I attend a rural public high school and although I get good grades, I dont know if I will be able to handle Richmond. I have seen posts where kids say they study 5 hours per day, I have never come close to doing that before. Will I be able to handle Richmond. 3.8 UW 1360 SAT
It’s about time management. You have way more time on your hands in college. You’re not in class 7:30 - 2:30 M-F. Most days you just have class for a few hours. 15 credits equals 15 classroom hours per week. So, yes there is more work (as much of college learning is done outside the classroom), but there is plenty of time to do it and other activities.
You just need to set a schedule and be disciplined.
BTW - your grades and test scores would be borderline low for Richmond, so hopefully you have compelling ECs, great essays, etc.
Thank you for your response. I am hoping that applying to early decision will boost my chances. Also, one of the perks of going to a small school is the chance to be involved in lots of ECs. I am the captain of two sports teams for example.
Yes ED will increase your chances. Being a sports team(s) captain is a great thing and shows leadership. Richmond loves that.
Richmond was high on my son’s list, and although he chose another school, he (and we) think it’s a great place. His college is a little bigger but still considered small (4800 kids) and you are spot on about the ECs. He has been very active in a few and enjoys them a lot. The challenge is actually limiting activities so you’re not over scheduled and can focus on the things that really interest you.
Best of luck!
Both my kids applied with comparable stats to yours. Eldest graduated summa cum laude this past May. Totally thrived at Richmond and now has a job in her field with good pay, benefits and all. Middle is a freshman there now and he’s not having any trouble.
As stated above, college is different. High school, you go to class to learn the material and homework supports that learning. In college, it’s the opposite. Your do most of the learning at home and class supports and offers some direction in where you should focus. Instead of spending 30 hours in class a week like high school, you will be spending more like 10-15 (minus any labs if you are a science major.)
Don’t buy into the notion you are inferior. Every high school is different and thus every gpa means something different. SATs and ACTs are not IQ scores as much as people try to convince you of it. Every individual has their own priorities and life experiences. If you love the school, find it a good fit, by all means apply! Based on your achievement, you have no reason to doubt your ability to handle the workl.
Thank you so much for your comment. I think Im going to go for it!
Go for it! I’ve read over and over that schools are very good at accepting those who will “make it”…it’s highly to their advantage. A 3.8 UW GPA is great…you’ve obviously got some natural academic strengths to get that without putting a lot of time in at home.
I don’t think your stats are low for Richmond unless I’m missing something.