Students at the University of Mary Washington definitely learn a lot. There are about 4,000 students total in the entire school, so over 900 students in each graduating class. It is so beneficial going to a school that is smaller because classes are smaller, making it more comfortable to participate in class and ask questions. Professors also know who you are: you are not seen as just a number to them. Because classes are so small, they get to know their students: the different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses of their students, making it easier for professors to know how to help their students. Freshman year, we take a freshman seminar. There are many different freshman seminars to choose from and the purpose of these classes is to help freshmen adapt to college courses. By the end of that course, students know what college professors expect from their students. Students learn skills that improve their writing, public speaking, and overall participation in courses. There are several tools to help students be successful throughout their four years at UMW. The librarians can help you find credible resources needed for research papers. They inform you about the online databases available for student use, things that students just arriving at the school would not know about. There is free tutoring at UMW as well. There is the walk-in tutoring for chemistry and you can sign up to get a tutor in other courses. Writing and public speaking is very important at UMW. All students are required to take a certain amount of writing intensive courses and speaking intensive courses. To help students improve these necessary skills, there are two resources available to students: the Writing Center, and the Speaking Center. Students bring their essays to the writing center, where tutors, usually all English majors, look over them, and help students figure out what they did wrong on the essays and how to improve it. At the Speaking Center, students practice giving speeches ...
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
It has been said that Mary Washington is a boring campus with absolutely nothing to do. Not true. College is truly what you make of it. There are tons of things to do at UMW; all you have to do is look around. There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus ranging from Photography Club to African Hand Percussion Club. There is a club or organization on campus that represents everyone’s interests. Even if UMW does not have an organization on campus that you would like, you can create it. UMW holds several dances on campus throughout the year. There is the Homecoming Dance, and the other dances are normally held be sports teams, the different dance organizations, or community service clubs. There are many places on campus to hangout. There is a place on campus called the Washroom, where everyone comes to watch television, play video games or board games, eat, study, or get on the computer. The school has just completed another area for students called The Underground, which is set to open in the fall of ’09. At the Underground, students can come and eat, hangout, and many events will be held there, such as dances, live music, etc. Cheap Seats, an organization on campus, plays movies on campus that are about to be released on DVD, usually every weekend. It only cost a dollar to go see each movie. There are many other events held on campus. Devil-Goat Day, a carnival event, and The Multicultural Fair are two major events held in April. Fredericksburg is about fifty miles between Washington D.C. and Richmond, so that provides some fun on the weekends. We are near Central Park, an area with a lot of stores, restaurants, the mall, movie theatres, an ice skating rink, and many more. Within walking distance is downtown Fredericksburg. There are antique stores, restaurants, ice-cream stores, and events that are held downtown. It’s a fun place to hangout. Also set to open in the fall is the University Café, located downtown. Students will not only come to eat t...
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Tuition compared to other schools in Virginia, is really good. For a lower tuition, you're getting an excellent education, a lifetime of experiences, and a beautiful campus.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Keep in mind that yes, college years are supposed to be some of the greatest years of your life. Its perfectly fine to have fun in college, but don't let anything distract you from the reason why you're truly there, which is to get an education. Take advantage of all the opportunities made available to you by the school.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
The University of Mary Washington is great for students who are looking for a smaller school, and and a school that provides an excellent education.
Students at the University of Mary Washington definitely learn a lot. There are about 4,000 students total in the entire school, so over 900 students in each graduating class. It is so beneficial going to a school that is smaller because classes are smaller, making it more comfortable to participate in class and ask questions. Professors also know who you are: you are not seen as just a number to them. Because classes are so small, they get to know their students: the different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses of their students, making it easier for professors to know how to help their students. Freshman year, we take a freshman seminar. There are many different freshman seminars to choose from and the purpose of these classes is to help freshmen adapt to college courses. By the end of that course, students know what college professors expect from their students. Students learn skills that improve their writing, public speaking, and overall participation in courses. There are several tools to help students be successful throughout their four years at UMW. The librarians can help you find credible resources needed for research papers. They inform you about the online databases available for student use, things that students just arriving at the school would not know about. There is free tutoring at UMW as well. There is the walk-in tutoring for chemistry and you can sign up to get a tutor in other courses. Writing and public speaking is very important at UMW. All students are required to take a certain amount of writing intensive courses and speaking intensive courses. To help students improve these necessary skills, there are two resources available to students: the Writing Center, and the Speaking Center. Students bring their essays to the writing center, where tutors, usually all English majors, look over them, and help students figure out what they did wrong on the essays and how to improve it. At the Speaking Center, students practice giving speeches ...
It has been said that Mary Washington is a boring campus with absolutely nothing to do. Not true. College is truly what you make of it. There are tons of things to do at UMW; all you have to do is look around. There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus ranging from Photography Club to African Hand Percussion Club. There is a club or organization on campus that represents everyone’s interests. Even if UMW does not have an organization on campus that you would like, you can create it. UMW holds several dances on campus throughout the year. There is the Homecoming Dance, and the other dances are normally held be sports teams, the different dance organizations, or community service clubs. There are many places on campus to hangout. There is a place on campus called the Washroom, where everyone comes to watch television, play video games or board games, eat, study, or get on the computer. The school has just completed another area for students called The Underground, which is set to open in the fall of ’09. At the Underground, students can come and eat, hangout, and many events will be held there, such as dances, live music, etc. Cheap Seats, an organization on campus, plays movies on campus that are about to be released on DVD, usually every weekend. It only cost a dollar to go see each movie. There are many other events held on campus. Devil-Goat Day, a carnival event, and The Multicultural Fair are two major events held in April. Fredericksburg is about fifty miles between Washington D.C. and Richmond, so that provides some fun on the weekends. We are near Central Park, an area with a lot of stores, restaurants, the mall, movie theatres, an ice skating rink, and many more. Within walking distance is downtown Fredericksburg. There are antique stores, restaurants, ice-cream stores, and events that are held downtown. It’s a fun place to hangout. Also set to open in the fall is the University Café, located downtown. Students will not only come to eat t...
Tuition compared to other schools in Virginia, is really good. For a lower tuition, you're getting an excellent education, a lifetime of experiences, and a beautiful campus.
Keep in mind that yes, college years are supposed to be some of the greatest years of your life. Its perfectly fine to have fun in college, but don't let anything distract you from the reason why you're truly there, which is to get an education. Take advantage of all the opportunities made available to you by the school.
The University of Mary Washington is great for students who are looking for a smaller school, and and a school that provides an excellent education.