University of Richmond Top Questions

In order to find the right college, visit as many colleges as you can and gather as much information as you can. After that, close your eyes, and go with what your gut tells you. Don't think about what anyone else tells you or wants you to do. It's not them who will be living and existing there for four years, it's you - so do what makes you happy! While you're in college, make the most of every opportunity and experience - college may be the last chance you have to take that class on Roman architecture (even if you're a English major) or to drive to the beach with friends and watch the sun rise. You want to be able to look back at college and say you lived it to its fullest potential.

It is important to look at what kind of learning environment is best for the you. I learned more at this small school with small class sizes and lots of individual attention. I got to know my professors, and was not just a social security number like I would have been if I had gone to a big state school. Also when looking at schools, I feel it is important to look at the type of people that attend that school. This can say a lot about what it will be like socially.

I would recommend spending a long weekend there, sans parents. It is the best way to determine if it is a place where you will be happy. If you're not happy, then no matter the academic qualifications of the school you will not be at your optimum potential. While you're there attend a class in the field(s) you want to study, does it feel right? Are you challenged? Are you comfortable? If so, then this university may just be the place for you!

DO not let yourself get behind academically your first year. You do not want to spend the rest of your college experience playing catch up!

The best way to explore different college possibilities and to make the most of your college experience is to visit the campuses of the universities that interest you. Watching students interact on campus can indicated to what degree you will feel comfortable at each respective university. Eat at the dining hall, sit in on a class, and arrange an overnight stay with a student to explore campus life. Talk with students and admissions representatives to discover extracurricular opportunities. When making a final decision on which school to attend, do not choose based on academic reputation or the perpetual success of the vasity athletes; choose the school that feels the most natural and comfortable.

You won't know what the right place is until you get there. Don't let yourself freak out over not getting into a particular school. You'll end up somewhere, and either it will be right or it won't. If it turns out to not be the right place for you, look around to other options. Examine what you do and don't like about your situation, and use that to find something that's a better fit. Don't ever let yourself think that there is just one place that could be the right fit for you.

Parents and students should definitely explore many colleges adn visit when possible. As relatives and friends what universities they attended, look in the US World and News Report- branch out! There are so many great schools beyond the border of your home state! As for making the most of the college experience- it is a personal responsibility- don't expect your school to have your life and activities planned out for you. If you don't find an activity or group you'd like to join- start one. Explore the city your school is in- visit parks, go to cultural events. Take advantage of any and all opportunities and branch out and meet diverse people. ALWAYS meet at least once with each of your professors. Avoid procrastination. Remember that college is 3 things: study, sleep, play and you can only do two at a time. Get work done early so you don't have to put your social life aside and be a hermit. Have fun!

Size of school is VERY important. I thought that the size and social life did not matter, but in fact it does. To share a little background, my high school had about 2,000 students. University of Richmond has a little more then 3,000 undergraduates. People told me that it would seem like high school but I ignored, and it turns out they were right. I wish I had gone to a larger school, although for me, academic reputation took priority over size, hence my choice at the time. School is not only about learning in the classroom though, learning through socialization is also a big part, and when you go to a school about the same as your high school you get bored with it. Boredom can carry back over into the classroom and can even influence your attitude toward others. My advice, prioritize what you want out of college, not just college education, but college as an entirety.

Try to talk to students outside of the admissions people. Once in college, don't be afraid to join things.

If you are given the opportunity to visit a college before attending then definitely take that opportunity. I would have never been able to make the college decision had I never visited my top two college choises. Apply to a few normal schools and a few outrageous schools - you never know which will suit you best until you legitimately consider each option.