(UVA/UVirginia-Wise) Every college has advantages and disadvantages

How this student rated the school

Educational Quality	B+	Faculty Accessibility	A+
Useful Schoolwork	B	Excess Competition	B+
Academic Success	A-	Creativity/ Innovation	A-
Individual Value	A+	University Resource Use	A
Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty	A	Friendliness	A-
Campus Maintenance	C	Social Life	D-
Surrounding City	D-	Extra Curriculars	B+
Safety	A+

Describes the student body as: Friendly, Approachable Describes the faculty as: Friendly, Helpful

Male

Not so bright

Lowest Rating Social Life	D-

Highest Rating Faculty Accessibility	A+

He cares more about Social Life than the average student.

Date: Oct 19 2010
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
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.

Responses

Since they say there's nothing to do, what do students do for fun?

Not trying to be mean, I had to look up this question. I heard a student from U.Va. at Wise say their diploma would say from the University of Virginia when they graduated. Needless to say, I was a bit upset. Reason being, I went to one of the most elite schools in the country. The students at wise, sadly, do not.

The name on the diploma stands for something. My experience and your experience are not the same. I went to a school where 33% of students who applied were accepted-all of which were some of the best and brightest from their respective schools. Wise, however, accepts nearly 80% of applicants. I'm shocked they even bother to turn down the other 20% percent with acceptance rates like that.

Again, I don't want to bash the school. I feel a lot can be gained from attending a smaller school like wise. Mainly, the amount of attention you would receive. But, I must say they are not the same. Not even close.

I agree with you, the name should be changed. But, instead let's have it changed to one lacking the U.Va name entirely.

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