I'm a UMW alum (undergrad and master's) and loved my time there. Fredericksburg is a great little town. I really found my people there - nerdy kids with unusual interests.

Another vote for UMW and agreeing with the positive comments above, both as an alum and knowing current students.

20:08 - the canal is part of a canal/riverfront walking/biking trail that forms a big loop north of downtown. Great when the weather is nice.

Liberal Arts is suffering from a branding issue these days (which is a bit odd because the term has been around forever and has applied to significant parts of the academic program at most of the top unversities). Many people don't even realize it includes math and natural sciences. That probably hasn't helped Mary Washington and the name has I think been an issue with attracting more male applicants. Judging by comments on DCUM, I think many also appear to equate college with rah-rah athletics. This is unique to the U.S. Still, the school has a lovely, manageable campus and is dedicated to undergraduates. This should make it an alternative for some to large research universities, which often have neither.

Mary Washington was the women’s division of UVA before the Charlottesville campus became coed in the 1970’s. As such, the school has a long tradition of quality teaching. Traditions like Devil-Goat Day, 100th Night, Ring Dance, Convocation and the Honor Code are deeply ingrained. Although it’s now a university and has expanded it’s course offerings, it retains the feel of a small college.

Anonymous wrote:UVA is 57% female 43% male. UMW is not that different.

People think it’s uniquely female because it’s named for a woman. In Va, only VT is equally balanced.

Actually, VT is now slightly more males. 57% men vs 43% women.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been a few years for me, but the Mary Washington students were always known for being down to earth and friendly. It's on the smaller side, and has more engaged professors than the larger universities, where most classes are taught by TA's.

It's not a party school, but there is plenty to do - kids hang out and have fun like anywhere else, and the campus has plenty of clubs and activities, but you won't find an abundance of wild keggers every weekend like you would at some other schools in VA. This is a good thing for some kids, and "boring" to others.

NP. I’m another alum from when it was MWC. I absolutely loved my four years there; however, I do think the school has changed quite a bit since I attended (late 80s/90).

It was very much a school where parties were in abundance on the weekends, including “wild keggers” and the usual dorm parties found on most college campuses. The students were smart, mainstream kids. I think the demographics have changed quite a bit since then as the school seems to be quite left-leaning now. Not saying that’s good or bad, just an observation.

Most kids did not go home on the weekends when I was there, though for many of us, it was nice to have that option. Several of my friends were OOS, so definitely weren’t heading home often. Fredericksburg is a cute, historic little town with some nice restaurants and shops, but most action takes place on campus.

I loved the school because there was plenty of socializing/parties without any Greek scene and I received an excellent education to boot. It’s a hidden gem for the right student.

I also think Mary Washington has changed quite a bit and its reputation doesn’t seem as strong as it once was. I’m not sure what happened. I attended in the late 80’s/early 90’s when it was just behind UVA and W&M. Many of my classmates chose MW over JMU and Tech, and Christopher Newport wasn’t even a consideration back then. I hope that UMW will regain its status because it really does have a lot to offer. I think the change from a college to a university was a mistake and they tried to grow too quickly but it backfired.

Agree. The school is the perfect "college." They should never have grown it and changed the name to "university."

NP here. My DD is applying ED. App is already in. She is so excited. And yes, Historical Preservation is a very likely major for her as well.

My DD is at UMW now. She comes home to NoVA about every 4-5 weeks. It's definitely NOT a large state university, so there aren't "obvious" big football games or a big greek scene. I had both of those at the three universities I attended, and while it looks like a lot of activity, it's not necessarily a plus for many students. You can not be into drinking and football and feel kind of alone in a crowd at a big university.

At UMW, it IS quieter than a large univ., so, you will have to find the groups/activities you are interested in. The outdoors club did a hike on the canal (or something like that) last Sun that my DD went to. The day before (Sat.) she spent the whole day at "EagleCon" (like ComicCon type of event). Of course, there is homework, and they have various activities like kareoke and game nights and movies, etc during the week. The people who want to drink and party find like minded people, and those who want to do on-line gaming or whatever, find their people. There are sports events that you can attend for free.

Classes are typically smaller. My DD's classes are mostly around 20-25 students except for science lectures which can be up to 60 students. True, most students at UMW did not have a 4.5 GPA in HS, but you will have much greater access to professors and the opportunity for them to actually know who you are. When I went to the big-state-U's, most of my classes were 60-300 students in a class. I rarely had any classes less than 60 (except a 1 credit ballroom dance class!) Getting to know professors can pay off when you need a recommendation or you want to do some kind of research.

Pro's of small schools in general: SUPER easy to move in and move out. No one is looking to ticket your car or make life difficult.

Con's of small schools in general: limited class schedules. In my DD's major (Biol), there are often classes that only have ONE section... and they are only offered in spring semester (not fall) or vice versa. This can make it really difficult to get the classes you want or need to take b/c classes may conflict with other classes you need or want. Also makes it hard to fit in a semester at another program (abroad or other special semester) because course scheduling is limited. At a large Univ. they offers lots of sections during all semesters.

Historic preservation is a well known program at UMW. Biology is also strong. UMW is a very approachable school for kids who don't want the big-state-U vibe.

UVA is 57% female 43% male. UMW is not that different.

People think it’s uniquely female because it’s named for a woman. In Va, only VT is equally balanced.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s like 2/3 female. Seems like it would be hard to date.

The average college in the U.S. is not 60% female. Just wanted add a little context.

The average college in the U.S. is NOW 60% female. Just wanted to add a little context. Fixed.

Anonymous wrote:It’s like 2/3 female. Seems like it would be hard to date.

The average college in the U.S. is not 60% female. Just wanted add a little context.

It’s like 2/3 female. Seems like it would be hard to date.

I know two people with kids there that are having great experiences. I think it’s a great option for certain students.

A friend from southern VA has a student there and he never goes home. His brother is at VTech and he got in but it didn’t feel right and he is thriving at UMW. He is a quirky kid and his mom reports that he has found his tribe. The young teacher that my children know at our school attended from Connecticut and decided to settle in the NoVA area. He speaks highly of UMW.