The University of Mary Washington

Although many students don't realize it, the University of Mary Washington has a rather good reputation, or at least it did. Recently the university has lowered its standards slightly to increase the size of the student population. Still the school's reputation has not been tarnished too much. Some programs are more well renowned than others. The school's unusual Historic Preservation major is the best of its kind in the US, however other majors like Business are significantly easier and less renowned. Overall, the school is a good place to learn. It fosters an academic atmosphere that is in some instances a detriment to the social scene, yet if your number one priority in college is to get an education UMW offers both academics and some partying for your free time. One of the biggest draws for the campus is its beauty. UMW offers many porticoed brick buildings oriented around small picturesque green areas.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: C-

Is the social life as bad as these people say? I am considering going here,visited and loved the campus, but I'm getting the feeling this may be all I will appreciate at this school.I'd be sweet if someone,preferably a current student, could answer my questions.

1st Year Male -- Class 2015

Mary Wash has its good and bad, just like any other school out there. The student body isn't all that diverse, even though the faculty try to say it is. It is predominately white. And when I say predominately, I mean all the minorities could fit in a room. They are open-minded though, so they accommodate for differences, but when you look out into the crowd, usually you end up being the only minority in a class. Also, there are very few guys at the school. Depending on your class size, a guy may end up being the only male in the class. This is good or bad depending on your tastes. The campus is 60% girls, and 40% guys... and out of that 40... 20% is gay, 10% are douchebags, 5% are taken. So the last 5% are guys worth dating. Good luck.

When making friends, Mary Wash is a good place. It's a small school, and the people are pretty chill, so if you're open to meeting people, you'll make friends. There are a ton of clubs and sports... and you can even make up a club or sport if they don't have what you want. We even have a Wii Bowling League here for goodness' sake. Anything is possible if you want it. The campus has a really close-knit feel, and we're all really trusting. You can leave your stuff sitting out and know it'll be there when you get back. We're really honest when it comes to that kind of thing.

And as for faculty, they're all pretty cool. Most of the time, if you have a professor you hate, they're still a nice person, they just suck at teaching. No exceptionally hot professors that I know about, but to each their own. They're all knowledgeable and helpful... but sometimes you do get that professor that seems like they just don't care about you. Usually, they have tenure, so it's not even like you can complain about them in professor reviews. But aside from them, I'm sure you'll be happy with your professor.

The campus is beautiful, and as for social life, it's pretty quiet on campus. We are not a party school, but I'm sure if you really want to party, you can find one somewhere. Most likely you drive to Richmond or DC (both an hour away) for a lot of stuff. We do however have a really great shopping district you can get to on the bus for free... and it's even better if you have a car.

The food is okay. Better than some, suckier than others. The more you eat it, the more you'll hate it. They try to add variety, but even that gets old. So I recommend eating off campus sometimes, just so you won't get sick of the food as quickly. To put it shortly, Mary Wash is an okay school. Not perfect, but really... what is? If you're looking for fun, we have it somewhere. If you're looking for friends, you'll definitely find some. It's all dependent on what you want out of the school. If you try to like it, you'll get a lot out of your college experience and you'll be happy you came here. Even if it's a starting point for a transfer, you'll still be glad. I know I'm proud to go here.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2013

Campus Aesthetics: A, Collaboration/Competitive: C-