School Spotlight: University of Mary Washington

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges. As such, we are highlighting a new college each week in our School Spotlight series. Check out the college below, along with the other posts in our series, and you may just stumble upon your dream school! School Spotlight: University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA For nearly 30 years, the University of Mary Washington served as the women’s college for the University of Virginia. Today, this public, liberal arts university enrolls approximately 4,400 men and women at its historic Fredericksburg campus. While the majority of students are native Virginians, the University attracts many fine scholars from MD, PA, NY, NC, and NJ. One great reason non-VA residents should consider UMW is the Alvey Scholar Program, which provides one high achieving freshman a full, four-year scholarship to the University. Alvey Scholars are also admitted into UMW’s honors program. From unique internship opportunities to creative research projects, the honors program helps students mature as critical thinkers, ready to enter the real world and make lasting change. Exciting first-year honors seminars currently available include “Mad, Bad, and Evil Scientists,” “Toys as History,” and “The Idea of Cool.” Although UMW is known for its supportive campus environment, there’s no better way to connect with other first years than through the University’s living learning communities. All first year students are placed in a living learning community that corresponds to the first year seminar in which they are enrolled. By combining residential life with academic coursework, LLCs provide everyone from social activists to budding leaders with a place to call home. Photo credit: Top, Courtesy of University of Mary Washington