Virginia Commonwealth University

There are just so many things right here and so many things wrong. It should be noted that I'm not bashing VCU. It's a very good school with decent programs, But I feel it just hasn't been a very positive experience for me. I really wanted it to be. I love this school, I really do. But there are too many problems. Let's start with the actual program I'm in. The gen eds are absolutely useless and they do nothing but waste your time. The foreign language requirement is horrible and I'm struggling to keep up in the second half of it. It is in no way relevant to my major and I feel like it should be optional not required for graduation. Speaking on the subject, there are too many here. I understand the co requisites. They make sense. Science overlaps and Biology requiring a bit of Math, Chemistry and Physics isn't a problem. But the gen eds are nothing but busywork and you don't learn from them. Also 45 upper level credits when there are barely even enough classes for it is nightmarish for graduation. I'm finishing my junior year this spring and I expect to graduate in 2016. That isn't right. This school focuses on money. The tuition is a bit higher than some other schools instate and the coursework is very difficult despite VCU not having too great of a reputation. My adviser has done virtually nothing for me. Even during scheduled appointments I feel as though I am wasting my time. Sure there is a great social aspect here but I didn't come to a university to make friends. I want an education that will follow me for the rest of my life. Now I'll name out some of the positives. The biology department here is very friendly and the professors I have had are very helpful. They really want you to succeed and if you show interest in what is being taught they will notice. Apply yourself here and you'll pass with flying colors. My major courses are really the only ones I have enjoyed at VCU. Also, it should be noted that the diversity here is wonderful. People from all walks of life are here. There are plenty of research opportunities and labwork or internships here so if you say you can't find them in the biology department then you're just not applying yourself. I would highly recommend that every biology major get extremely involved in research opportunities. I suppose the only thing I have left to talk about now is Richmond itself. It's not a bad city I suppose. The buildings are old, and there are definitely pockets of crime, but it's no more dangerous than any other city I've been to. In the end the reason I'm not quite satisfied with my choice is because this school doesn't do enough for it's students. You become a number assigned to a clicker very quickly and you are nothing but cash. Also, I think there is too much focus on a basketball program that isn't even in the top 25. Things can be fixed here. It's not irreversible damage, but for now, if you are considering attending here, I'll just go ahead and tell you I wouldn't recommend it. The negatives outweigh the positives

3rd Year Male -- Class 2016

Innovation: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: D+

3rd Year Female -- Class 2015

Scholastic Success: A-, Faculty Accessibility: F

While attending VCU, I was repeatedly drugged, terrorized, beaten, and threatened- some of which was sexual.

The education is blatantly wrong and designed from a Confederate States perspective.
I was repeatedly required to commit copyright felonies for my original major of computational sciences.

The classwork at VCU is beyond horrid, as I was able to achieve a C in physics 201 without ever attending and not trying on the exams.

When they finally noticed, after six years, that I was being terrorized: I was blamed and "made an example of" within the classroom. I was classified as a "disruption"; and then put into mental health practices that I find to be extensively immoral (which is still being used to viciously assault my body).

The university follows a policy of illegal financial indebtment: specifically the lack of requiring notarization on loan paperwork.

The education is extensively easy, and easy to cheat- I know because they cheated off me.
The dining hall facilities are disgusting and bug infested.
The dormitories are in ill-repair at best.There is a large homeless population allowed to beg from students.

5th Year Male -- Class 2011

Campus Maintenance: C-, Education Quality: F