The University of Mary Washington

Date: Mar 15 2004
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
I'll be blunt: I hate this place, and can't wait to transfer somewhere else. It doesn't really have what I want to study (Asian Studies), and the social scene dies down at that critical time—the weekend—with many students going home and returning Sunday night. Fredericksburg definitely isn't a college town, though there is a gargantuan shopping centre a few bus stops away, and a few bands will drift through town on occasion. Civil war/American history buffs, however, will find plenty to grab their attention downtown.

I made the mistake of signing up for the FYE (First Year Experience). Basically, a bunch of freshmen live together in the same dorm and take certain classes together, as well as attend certain seminars on making the transition to college life. It sounded really neat on paper, but the consensus amongst many of us in the program is that we feel isolated from the rest of the Freshmen, stuck in a somewhat run-down little dorm at the far end of campus. It's a bit depressing. Also, many of the seminars end up being inane bore-fests. Maybe if I didn't sign up for FYE, I'd have a better impression of life at Mary Wash…

Personal problems aside, people can get a good education here. The daunting general education requirements will make you quite well-rounded, and there's a lot of focus on honing students' writing and speaking skills. The range of programs offered is pretty limited, but there are a few really, really great ones, especially historic preservation, psychology, and English.
You might find exactly what you want here, or it might repulse you like it did me. Just don't sign up for FYE!