The University of Richmond

Date: Aug 08 2012
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
The reason I chose UR was because of financial aid, but I think that it has been an overall good decision. The Academics are challenging and interesting. The professors are top notch, and are highly considered in their respective fields. This school offers amazing opportunities for those willing to utilize the resources that are available. For me, I did paid, independent, undergraduate research in political science as a Freshman. The support faculty jump at the chance to help you if you ask. I have a friend who had career services find an internship for him, which he will start this next semester. All he had to do was ask and he had close to half of the faculty in that office helping him out. Also if you want to do study abroad the University almost pays you to go, so its another great opportunity. There are a tremendous amount of opportunities here that are just waiting to be used. That being said, the social life here can be smothering. It revolves around the fraternities and drinking, which if you're someone like me you're just not interested in. If you are willing to look though there are an abundance of alternative groups, activities, and events that occur on-campus all the time. You can be a DJ for the radio station, be a part of a club, climb to the top of the dining hall, or discover where the UR mummy is located on campus. It can take a bit of searching to break out of the frat scene, but once you do you will find a vibrant campus and city just waiting for you. One other thing I want to address is the lack of school spirit. Students can be self-absorbed at times, which probably is a problem at most private liberal arts colleges that get half of their students from private high schools. The school gives a lot of opportunities though for going to games and with the new football stadium on-campus this might turn around. If you are a driven student that wants to succeed and is willing to be creative with your social life. I highly recommend this school, otherwise it can be easy to be smothered by the rigorous academics and stagnant frat-centered social life.