Virginia Commonwealth University

Entering my final semester at VCU and I think I finally have come to like my school. Being in the department of Biology you come across a lot of interesting people and a lot of different things. There's tons of premeds here and they love to complain about how hard classes are and how professors are out to get them when that isn't really the case at all. The classes will only be as hard as you make them. I agree with much of the teaching methods here, you're getting a degree in biology, no you will not be treated special just because you're premed, you still need to take ecology and animal and plant courses etc. If you're planning to go to medschool you better be able to handle this coursework and whats required of you. I think far too many people selected this program at this school simply because they assumed they'd pick up an easy BS degree and things would go smoothly from there, sorry no, that is not how it works,you have to work for what you want to achieve and that's the way it should be. Really my only complaint about my degree is the gen eds were pretty useless. Core material and major courses have been fun for me and I have had some great professors. I entered this school despising chemistry and I'm leaving it with a minor in chemistry and a new love for the subject, I'm so in love with the biology coursework I've done I don't even know what I want to do when I go on to grad school as I've come to adore ecology and environmental sciences and I never thought I would. I have professors willing to write letters of recommendation for me, professors who will look at my resume and help me when applying for jobs, and professors who open doors and offer positions in labs to gain relevant experience while still in undergrad so lately faculty has been extrmely helpful. Things haven't always been easy, I did struggle and I did doubt this school and myself, but I have had to work my tail off to raise my GPA and improve my work ethic and my hard work has paid off and I'm a happier and more successful student now and I'll be proud of my degree when I'm finished here. I love VCU and I wouldn't go anywhere else given the chance because this school and these professors and faculty have helped me find what I truly love and what I want to do with my life and I'm forever grateful.

4th Year Male -- Class 2016

Scholastic Success: A+, Campus Maintenance: C-

VCU is amazing and I would not be succeeding as much as I am now if I had ended up anywhere else. VCU is not a school in a 'college town' where the town mainly exists because of the college. Instead, it is a bright and interesting city where the college also resides. There are tons of murals, great places to eat, and the diversity is present with more than just race, but styles, social class, and economic class, creating a unique and easily customizable environment. Anyone who comes to the school at VCU can find their niche if they are determined. Is you are more social/driven/leadership interested, join greek life. If you are more artistic, then you can attend performances, art shows, and go to see bands, etc. There is something for everyone and people in between.

1st Year Female -- Class 2019

University Resource Use/ spending: A+, Innovation: C-