Ok. I'm going to try and not sound like an admissions counselor who is trying to get students to come to their school... but I cannot say enough good things about this place. I just want to throw out there that I was a city/beach kid and have now lived in Wise for 6 years. No, I am not on the Van Wilder 7 year plan. I now work at UVa-Wise.

Location: Location can be viewed as a negative to some people. This isn't Radford or Blacksburg... we are in the deep mountains of Southwest Virginia. It takes an hour to get to an Old Navy or Best Buy and your classmates will dip or chew during a lecture. But the safety was huge for me. The crime around here compared to Norfolk, VA is really non existent. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived and you will not find more genuine kind-hearted people anywhere else. After you visit UVa-Wise, you will begin to see that the other colleges you visited were... a little fake. Some of the little rich, "never had to work for anything" kids will complain that there is nothing to do here. But you find your own friends and you make your own fun.

Extracurricular Activities: Just want to say that Intramurals is a big deal at Wise. They definitely have the money to run a successful program.

Money: UVa-Wise has been ranked in the top ten schools for graduating with the least amount of debt.

Facilities: Things have changed since I've attended (2005-2008). Things have changed since the last review. Construction and renovations are almost complete and our facilities are unmatched against many Division II schools and lower Division I schools. I could go on and on... and some may have more negative experiences but they are in the minority when it comes to experiences at UVa-Wise. It's definitely a school you need to have on your list for a fall visit. Then you can make your own judgement.

4th Year Female -- Class 2008

Every college has advantages and disadvantages. Wise is no different. I need to get the disadvantages out of the way, though.

First, the name/affiliation has to change. Personally, I think it should be "The University of Virginia - College at Wise" instead of "The University of Virginia's College at Wise." The first one just sounds better. Second, I would prefer the diploma to just read "University of Virgina" and not include "College at Wise." Same for transcripts. I've never seen a diploma that says something like "The University of Virginia's College of Arts and Sciences," so, just to be equitable, it would nicer if we could also use the UVA standard diploma, and the alumni services office as well.

Second, students can be generally lumped into distinct groups around here. These would be locals (mostly commuters, and many who are the first in their family to go to college), people who are here because they couldn't get into anywhere else, and people who want to be here. The middle group has a chip on its shoulder, and they either learn to like it here or transfer out as fast as possible. Good riddance. One terrific thing about this schoool is that it is really helpful for students who had learning issues in high school. That really helps put a college education within reach. I know people say that college is about broadening horizons, but some students still believe that NASCAR and chewing tobacco are the national pastimes.

Third, it's in the middle of nowhere. Going to the Walmart Super Store is considered a major life event.

Fourth, stay away from McCraray Hall. One other junior I know started out his freshman year with five other roommates.

OK, now the good stuff. PERSONAL ATTENTION!!!! You can't come here and remain anonymous. Average class size - including Freshman year - is about 20 students. You can have real interaction with faculty, and you're taught by faculty. No TA's, no auditorium classes with 300 other students.

Campus facilities - there is a lot of construction going on to modernize the campus. A new convo center is in the works, and there's a new Center for Performing Arts on campus. The acting program is actually pretty well networked with Hollywood, believe it or not, and gets people on both sides of the camera. Decent football stadium/lousy team. Don't come here if you're expecting a Virginia Tech-style experience.

There is now an ARmy ROTC program, if that's a major selling point for you.
Pretty impressive study abroad possibilities are here as well. I'm looking at the University of Seville in Spain. Wise has a program where you pay your regular tuition and fees, then go over there needing no more except an airline ticket and spending money.Wise isn't for everybody. College is what you make of it. The small student population reduces the chances for STDs like you get at JMU. This is a place where you can do really well, IF you have the right attitude about it.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2013