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The University of Mary Washington

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There is a culture of being alone atBrightPsychology
There is a culture of being alone at this school and its very normal to just sit in your dorm room or go home on the weekend. The culture defeats most kids here and they succomb to it. This doesnt help its students professionally as students here regress socially (and example mentioned below at HS reunion). Don't trick yourself into thinking you are an exception, you arent anything special and social conformity is real given and extended period of time surrounded by this.

There is an abnormally large transfer rate at this school. It simply lacks in school spirit, no greek, no parties (they are very rare; dont listne to the BS "if you ask around/wanna find one, you will" this is a lie and usually said by the people who dont party), douch-ey sports teams, over priced dorms (given their horrible quality), negative culture, etc. There is overall just a negative atmosphere here. For the average student thinking of applying to UMW I'd say its is like that scene from the Lion King where simba asks his father "whats that over there" as they stand over the cliff face and his father responds " thats the ...you must never go there simba." It is my theory, and this is just a theory, that the school purposely pushes to have the intro level classes to be so difficult so students have trouble with them and cannot get the grades needed to transfer out. Call me crazy but the school really does everything in its power to keep kids from leaving. This is a money decision on the part of the school which bars kids from leaving and force them to stay or give up. Most freshman aren't smart enough to do well (1) they were dumb enough to come here and drink the kool aid 2) most are not mature or ready to adjust to the college life...compounded together is a mix that results in poor grades. The majority of freshmen and newly transfers I noticed are extremely disappointed when they get to this school and realize they were 'lied to' by the people who talked up the school with exaggerations and overglorifications. Most of the "normal" students will transfer out and not drink the mary washington kool-aid. Many will give up and get used to UMW after realizing they cant get out.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2018
Innovation: C-, Useful Schoolwork: F
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It's ok, you willSuper BrilliantLinguistics
It's ok, you will be challenged. There is not much to do around fburg, although it is a pretty town. If you're looking for a fun/party college experience go elsewhere.
2nd Year Female -- Class 2008
Scholastic Success: A+, Social Life: C-
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I'll be blunt: I hate this place, and can't wait to transBrightUndecided
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!

1st Year Male -- Class 2007
Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Social Life: D+
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The University of Mary Washington
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