The University of Mary Washington

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.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A, Social Life: D+

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+

MWC is a great college, and I love being here. But if you are looking for racial or cultural diversity you won't find it here. MWC is a cultural void. They try though I suppose, but whatever they're trying isn't working. If diversity is your thing, you'll find yourself hanging out a lot at the multicultural center (which isn't a bad thing necessarily) because that's one of the few places you'll find it.

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Social Life: D+