The University of Mary Washington

Date: Jul 04 2006
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
I'll be honest; I am in the process of transferring out of this place so that influences my views. The school is good for some and bad for others. The academics are good, but incredibly limited in variety and availability. Some programs here are good, particularly history, historic preservation, and English to name a few departments. The courses, however, quickly fill up and there is not a lot of variety in what is offered in individual departments. While the academics are good if you are looking for a liberal arts education, I would not recommend this school to pursue other academic endeavors-namely research and internships.

If you want a school that encourages undergraduate research or you are an academically ambitious individual, do not come to Mary Washington. The school fails to foster such endeavors and undergraduate research projects are extremely hard to get and in some cases non-existent. Internships are also difficult to get. While the school prides itself on the

hands-on, open approach to teaching,

I have found academic advising to be woefully lacking. You pretty much are on your own and get little to no guidance from advisors which makes me wonder whether the school needs to spend money on academic advisors. The school is also lacking in other areas-particularly in social life and extracurriculars.

Don't come here if you are a mega-partier or if you want a balance between work and play. There is hardly any social life on-campus; it consists of house parties that are frequently broken up by the cops. Many times there is nothing to do on or around campus. Additionally, the city of Fredericksburg is incredibly boring so your best bet is to travel to DC which is around an hour away. Extracurriculars are very cliquish so if you are new to the college, you might find it to be similar to your high school where a few set of individuals make it awkward and uncomfortable to get involved. In other words, the extracurriculars could be considered "exclusive" for the select few. Personally, I believe the negatives outweigh the positives of this school which is why I am transferring.

Come here if all you want is a liberal arts education and a beautiful campus. Otherwise go elsewhere if you are either academically ambitious, are a mega-partier, or are an open-minded individual.