University of Mary Washington- What Am I Missing?

[Anonymous]

Nothing against the school, my kid didn't apply just because she thought it was to close to home. Didn't apply to Mason either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing wrong with UMW. It’s a good school. For some reason it’s slipped in the VA state school pecking order, but that might be because others have gotten hotter while UMW hasn’t. The gender imbalance is a turn off for many. It does have a reputation as more of a women’s college. It’s a great choice for someone who can’t get into William & Mary.

I doubt it’s a school for a “baseball standout” who is turned off by “preppy nerds” though.

People who are giving OP a hard time don’t understand how competitive college ball is, I don’t think. Kids who play for UVA and VT have ambitions to go pro - it’s unlikely, of course, but it’s still possible, and the dream dies hard. The next level down are still “baseball standouts” - kids like my kid and probably OP’s. All conference, showcase teams, yada yada yada. They could maybe ride the bench at a low level D1, but will find their fit at a D3 that does well in their conference.

PP getting in a twist by a teenager saying UVA is full of preppy nerds is a little touchy. There are many preppy kids at UVA, and they are all very smart and study hard. One could forgive the kid for his generalizations.

Well, I’m sorry, but a kid who can only ride the bench in a good division one program is not, by definition, a “stand out.“ He is merely a good player.

As for forgiving the kid for his generalizations, sure. But only because we all know it’s just a defense mechanism because he knows he’s not gonna play baseball at UVA and without baseball he’s not getting in.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We recently took our DS on tours of UVA, VT, Radford, JMU, and UMW.

UMW was our favorite hands down. Beautiful campus, more than enough offerings- no Greek scene (son isn't a partier), ridiculously affordable and small enough to not get lost. All the others minus Radford just seemed so huge and overwhelming. I get that the academics might be stronger at UVA and Tech, but not if you're a middle of the road undecided student.

Why isn't UMW more popular?

It's pretty far behind JMU academically too. Is it less popular than Radford?

JMU was our least favorite by a long shot and he'd be accepted there. The dorms were garbage with old AC window units. The tour didn't include the library or any academic buildings. Mostly the time was spent talking about inclusion, I kid you not. I will say the dining hall food was good and that matters to him.

Ah, you’re one of them. Talk of “inclusion” is a trigger for you.

Your kid cares about the food and doesn’t care about inclusion. Sounds like a real deep thinker. You must be so proud.

Not caring about other people's sexuality means one is dull? Is that what woke means today?

Look, let’s be honest. There’s not a kid in Virginia who has a prayer at UVA who is also looking at Radford and was turned off my talk of “inclusion” at JMU.

My hunch is that OP’s son’s best shot at a decent in state school is UMW - and then only because he’d be applying as a boy - so OP wants us to talk it up.

Uhhh, no. I'm OP. Son is a stand out baseball player and is entertaining options to play at those schools. He would not play for Tech or UVA but he could probably get in, Tech almost certainly. He didn't like UVA- said it was full of preppy nerds. We took him there so he's getting as much exposure to as many schools as possible. Like I said- UMW surprised us. If it weren't for the baseball option I'm not sure we would have visited given my misconception.

Funny thing is that he thinks the UVA students are "preppy nerds" but you also called him "not a partier" Other than baseball, what IS this kid interested in? Anything?

DP, but.... are you equating partiers with "not nerds"? Because it seems like you are. And in my world partiers are loser degenerates with abuse issues. Most of the men are rapists as well.

Yea, you have serious issues alright. What a ridiculous response.

Look, however you want to stereotype the typical UVA student, “nerd” is not the word that usually comes to mind. Snobby, pretty/handsome, white, rich, athletic etc., sure. But not “nerd.” “Nerd” is what most people would say applies to W&M and, yes, UMW.

It’s obvious to both OP and her son that he doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting into UVA, and that’s why they’re dismissing it out of hand. We all know he’d kill to go there and play baseball over any other school in Virginia.

Do you not realize others may disagree with you? Surely you don’t actually believe that everyone wants to go to uva or would want to go if given the chance.

We’re talking about a “baseball standout” focusing on VA state schools. We’re not talking about “everyone.”

Do you not realize that not everyone wants to play baseball at uva?

Now you’re just being silly.

Do you really not get it?

Sorry, but no I don’t. A “stand out baseball player” looking to play baseball in Virginia is highly likely to want to play for the only “standout” baseball program at the college level in Virginia, which is UVA. That same “standout” baseball player is not likely to not want to play for the state’s only “standout program” because the non-players are “preppy nerds.”

Nice try. Maybe they want to play baseball elsewhere. If you knew anything about college or sports you would know not everyone thinks alike.

Where?

Think harder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing wrong with UMW. It’s a good school. For some reason it’s slipped in the VA state school pecking order, but that might be because others have gotten hotter while UMW hasn’t. The gender imbalance is a turn off for many. It does have a reputation as more of a women’s college. It’s a great choice for someone who can’t get into William & Mary.

I doubt it’s a school for a “baseball standout” who is turned off by “preppy nerds” though.

People who are giving OP a hard time don’t understand how competitive college ball is, I don’t think. Kids who play for UVA and VT have ambitions to go pro - it’s unlikely, of course, but it’s still possible, and the dream dies hard. The next level down are still “baseball standouts” - kids like my kid and probably OP’s. All conference, showcase teams, yada yada yada. They could maybe ride the bench at a low level D1, but will find their fit at a D3 that does well in their conference.

PP getting in a twist by a teenager saying UVA is full of preppy nerds is a little touchy. There are many preppy kids at UVA, and they are all very smart and study hard. One could forgive the kid for his generalizations.

Well, I’m sorry, but a kid who can only ride the bench in a good division one program is not, by definition, a “stand out.“ He is merely a good player.

As for forgiving the kid for his generalizations, sure. But only because we all know it’s just a defense mechanism because he knows he’s not gonna play baseball at UVA and without baseball he’s not getting in.

That’s an absurd claim. Less than 6% of high schoolers play baseball in college at any level. Did you start? What level? What team?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing wrong with UMW. It’s a good school. For some reason it’s slipped in the VA state school pecking order, but that might be because others have gotten hotter while UMW hasn’t. The gender imbalance is a turn off for many. It does have a reputation as more of a women’s college. It’s a great choice for someone who can’t get into William & Mary.

I doubt it’s a school for a “baseball standout” who is turned off by “preppy nerds” though.

People who are giving OP a hard time don’t understand how competitive college ball is, I don’t think. Kids who play for UVA and VT have ambitions to go pro - it’s unlikely, of course, but it’s still possible, and the dream dies hard. The next level down are still “baseball standouts” - kids like my kid and probably OP’s. All conference, showcase teams, yada yada yada. They could maybe ride the bench at a low level D1, but will find their fit at a D3 that does well in their conference.

PP getting in a twist by a teenager saying UVA is full of preppy nerds is a little touchy. There are many preppy kids at UVA, and they are all very smart and study hard. One could forgive the kid for his generalizations.

Well, I’m sorry, but a kid who can only ride the bench in a good division one program is not, by definition, a “stand out.“ He is merely a good player.

As for forgiving the kid for his generalizations, sure. But only because we all know it’s just a defense mechanism because he knows he’s not gonna play baseball at UVA and without baseball he’s not getting in.

That’s an absurd claim. Less than 6% of high schoolers play baseball in college at any level. Did you start? What level? What team?

Right. And far less than 6 percent of high school baseball players are “standouts” by definition.

“1. something or someone, as a person, performance, etc., remarkably superior to others”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing wrong with UMW. It’s a good school. For some reason it’s slipped in the VA state school pecking order, but that might be because others have gotten hotter while UMW hasn’t. The gender imbalance is a turn off for many. It does have a reputation as more of a women’s college. It’s a great choice for someone who can’t get into William & Mary.

I doubt it’s a school for a “baseball standout” who is turned off by “preppy nerds” though.

People who are giving OP a hard time don’t understand how competitive college ball is, I don’t think. Kids who play for UVA and VT have ambitions to go pro - it’s unlikely, of course, but it’s still possible, and the dream dies hard. The next level down are still “baseball standouts” - kids like my kid and probably OP’s. All conference, showcase teams, yada yada yada. They could maybe ride the bench at a low level D1, but will find their fit at a D3 that does well in their conference.

PP getting in a twist by a teenager saying UVA is full of preppy nerds is a little touchy. There are many preppy kids at UVA, and they are all very smart and study hard. One could forgive the kid for his generalizations.

Well, I’m sorry, but a kid who can only ride the bench in a good division one program is not, by definition, a “stand out.“ He is merely a good player.

As for forgiving the kid for his generalizations, sure. But only because we all know it’s just a defense mechanism because he knows he’s not gonna play baseball at UVA and without baseball he’s not getting in.

That’s an absurd claim. Less than 6% of high schoolers play baseball in college at any level. Did you start? What level? What team?

Right. And far less than 6 percent of high school baseball players are “standouts” by definition.

“1. something or someone, as a person, performance, etc., remarkably superior to others”

Most would say being in the top 6% of anything meets that definition. If you disagree, I’m sorry you live a miserable life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing wrong with UMW. It’s a good school. For some reason it’s slipped in the VA state school pecking order, but that might be because others have gotten hotter while UMW hasn’t. The gender imbalance is a turn off for many. It does have a reputation as more of a women’s college. It’s a great choice for someone who can’t get into William & Mary.

I doubt it’s a school for a “baseball standout” who is turned off by “preppy nerds” though.

People who are giving OP a hard time don’t understand how competitive college ball is, I don’t think. Kids who play for UVA and VT have ambitions to go pro - it’s unlikely, of course, but it’s still possible, and the dream dies hard. The next level down are still “baseball standouts” - kids like my kid and probably OP’s. All conference, showcase teams, yada yada yada. They could maybe ride the bench at a low level D1, but will find their fit at a D3 that does well in their conference.

PP getting in a twist by a teenager saying UVA is full of preppy nerds is a little touchy. There are many preppy kids at UVA, and they are all very smart and study hard. One could forgive the kid for his generalizations.

Well, I’m sorry, but a kid who can only ride the bench in a good division one program is not, by definition, a “stand out.“ He is merely a good player.

As for forgiving the kid for his generalizations, sure. But only because we all know it’s just a defense mechanism because he knows he’s not gonna play baseball at UVA and without baseball he’s not getting in.

That’s an absurd claim. Less than 6% of high schoolers play baseball in college at any level. Did you start? What level? What team?

Right. And far less than 6 percent of high school baseball players are “standouts” by definition.

“1. something or someone, as a person, performance, etc., remarkably superior to others”

What level did you play at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing wrong with UMW. It’s a good school. For some reason it’s slipped in the VA state school pecking order, but that might be because others have gotten hotter while UMW hasn’t. The gender imbalance is a turn off for many. It does have a reputation as more of a women’s college. It’s a great choice for someone who can’t get into William & Mary.

I doubt it’s a school for a “baseball standout” who is turned off by “preppy nerds” though.

This is its niche among VA schools. Its challenge is that the kids who just miss W&M have a lot of other options with LACs that give good merit and aren't as off balance in the gender split.

I think UMW has slipped in the pecking order because CNU has become more popular. Students who want that smaller school can now choose between CNU and UMW and CNU seems to appeal more to boys with more sports and a more even gender balance.

[Anonymous]

https://www.umw.edu/news/2023/07/21/umws-national-reputation-curriculum-and-career-strengths-shine-in-2024-fiske-guide/?fbclid=IwAR27InKEH0aMLZ82HiIkg_qeoI4_cnoCBLf5Mj83k6311sM5gORiRYdfrhQ

Have the courage to do your own thing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We recently took our DS on tours of UVA, VT, Radford, JMU, and UMW.

UMW was our favorite hands down. Beautiful campus, more than enough offerings- no Greek scene (son isn't a partier), ridiculously affordable and small enough to not get lost. All the others minus Radford just seemed so huge and overwhelming. I get that the academics might be stronger at UVA and Tech, but not if you're a middle of the road undecided student.

Why isn't UMW more popular?

I can't figure it out either.

I took two of my kids to see it, and both loved it. DD wanted to go there, but got more money from another school, so went there. But it was a very appealing school from all angles. The campus is beautiful, and it's right in Fredricksburg, so not quite suburban, but not urban either.

I was very impressed by the school.

[Anonymous]

I think UMW needs to lean in to the fact that it’s a former women’s college and is majority female, and market that as a feature with its unique traditions and history. Sure, men are welcome to attend UMW for a great education - but they won’t dominate in class or campus life.

Many women like that they are in the majority at the school, and feel more confident about speaking up in class and becoming leaders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think UMW needs to lean in to the fact that it’s a former women’s college and is majority female, if and market that as a feature with its unique traditions and history. Sure, men are welcome to attend UMW for a great education - but they won’t dominate in class or campus life.

Many women like that they are in the majority at the school, and feel more confident about speaking up in class and becoming leaders.

You realize that many all women’s colleges are struggling, right? Don’t you think that maybe - just maybe - UMW has done some market research on this issue?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We recently took our DS on tours of UVA, VT, Radford, JMU, and UMW.

UMW was our favorite hands down. Beautiful campus, more than enough offerings- no Greek scene (son isn't a partier), ridiculously affordable and small enough to not get lost. All the others minus Radford just seemed so huge and overwhelming. I get that the academics might be stronger at UVA and Tech, but not if you're a middle of the road undecided student.

Why isn't UMW more popular?

It's pretty far behind JMU academically too. Is it less popular than Radford?

JMU was our least favorite by a long shot and he'd be accepted there. The dorms were garbage with old AC window units. The tour didn't include the library or any academic buildings. Mostly the time was spent talking about inclusion, I kid you not. I will say the dining hall food was good and that matters to him.

You might be very surprised to find that he isn't. Best not to assume.
DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because it used to be a women’s college and so is less strong on the athletic teams. I don’t get it either. It’s beautiful and the faculty we met were awesome. Great job placement. Good financial aid.

+1

[Anonymous]

I'm a UMW alum. It was Mary Washington College when I attended, and they honestly should never have changed the name - it suited the school perfectly. It's a small, beautiful, tight-knit campus and I absolutely loved my time there. One reason I chose it is because it has no Greek life. Everyone is just friends with everyone else. There were plenty of parties on the weekend and although I lived about an hour away, I only went home a couple of times per semester. It was too much fun being on campus and I didn't want to miss anything! Lacrosse, rugby, soccer, basketball, baseball, etc. were all big and I believe still are. It's only missing a football team, which a lot of people don't care about.

Although it was the perfect school for me, my daughter wasn't interested, and I completely understand why. The gender imbalance has become much more pronounced since I went there, for one. Another factor that I'm sure will be pounced on by some, is the fact that the school now goes all-in on the "wokeness" factor, almost to the point of pushing it. We have no problem with kids of all different backgrounds and sexual orientation, but it would be nice if everyone could just BE without having it so in your face at all times. UMW seems to have gone excessively overboard in this area. This is a turnoff for people who are sick of discussing other people's sexuality all the time.

Although UMW has changed since I attended, it is still the perfect school for the right student.