VCU for my kid? (Norfolk, Washington: chapel, best schools, universities)

[Archguy]

Reading over this thread again, the only thing which gives me pause is the possibility that your kid may be frustrated with the academic level at VCU. As someone remarked, it's a very big school so there are certainly some very strong students in the mix but it is my perception that they can be frustrated. UVA is also big enough that most people can find their niche and if he can get in I think he should go there. He can always transfer out after a year or two and (presuming he's done well) a transfer from UVA will be taken seriously most anywhere.

He's an atheist vegetarian into indie music & performing arts

On second thought..

Seriously though, you need to steer us wrt how important strong academics are for your son. I can see him at VCU or JMU if he's not demanding a first-tier school...

[brocco]

Originally Posted by hgnmx

Maybe to you.


VCU National Rankings

those are graduate programs, many of which are very specialized and only offered at a few places. for the op, there are probably honors/scholarship programs at vcu that could be a good fit. a really bright friend of mine attended vcu as an undergrad with some sort of stipend and all tuition and fees paid. i think he was in special honors classes.

[Octa]

Originally Posted by brocco

those are graduate programs, many of which are very specialized and only offered at a few places. for the op, there are probably honors/scholarship programs at vcu that could be a good fit. a really bright friend of mine attended vcu as an undergrad with some sort of stipend and all tuition and fees paid. i think he was in special honors classes.

I have a friend who was in the honors program at VCU. He's a engineer, but he said he dropped the honors program because he saw it as a waste of time with the classes adding no real value to his education. On top of that, most of the kids in the program didn't go out much, they were just bookworms. His education was financed by an outside scholarship because of the field he was going in. He's smart and motivated and did well as a result. I think you're placing too much stock on rankings and pre-judging the kids who go there because it isn't a UVA. If Headnsouth's son doesn't want to deal with the snobbery found at schools like those then he'll probably do well and fit in at VCU.

[brocco]

Originally Posted by Octa

I have a friend who was in the honors program at VCU. He's a engineer, but he said he dropped the honors program because he saw it as a waste of time with the classes adding no real value to his education. On top of that, most of the kids in the program didn't go out much, they were just bookworms. His education was financed by an outside scholarship because of the field he was going in. He's smart and motivated and did well as a result. I think you're placing too much stock on rankings and pre-judging the kids who go there because it isn't a UVA. If Headnsouth's son doesn't want to deal with the snobbery found at schools like those then he'll probably do well and fit in at VCU.

perhaps you're right. i suggested that because it seemed like a decent option for a good student strapped for cash, especially for a student who really likes the culture of vcu. when i was applying for colleges, vcu was everyone's "safety school" but i do think it is improving.

[floridaaa]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

VCU is on my son's shortlist* for college and we're just beginning the process & we'll do the tour & talk to people but I thought I'd ask what y'all know/think about the school, the area it's in, the culture there, the interaction between students/city residents, etc.

Not sure what he's going to study ... he's all over the map ... math, environmental studies, business, pre-med, pre-vet-med, who knows. He's an atheist vegetarian into indie music & performing arts (but not fine arts) ... very easygoing. Please tell me anything you think we should know. Thanks!

*Also on the list are VT (math), JMU (theater), & UVA (not$gonna$happen).

The school's reputation is okay. Just about dead average in the nation, in terms of acceptance rates, rankings, test scores. Not outstanding, and not horrible (however Medicine and Art are top in nation). Course work is definitely on the easier side.

The area its in... is definitely the worst out of any of the other schools (sorry). That can be expected in an inner city. The only other school in the state of Va that can compare to VCU's inner-city campus surroundings in terms of safety would be Old Dominion in Norfolk. There are definitely areas that he should stay out of, and violence is to be found but he should not worry *too* much

The culture is extremely diverse. One of the most diverse schools in the country. There seems to be an even mix of everybody- racially, economically, socially, interest-wise. This can be expected from such a large school. There are jocks, druggies, nerds, quirks, bookworms, gays, lesbians and everything in between.

The interaction between city residents..... is more limited than you would expect from a campus that is essentially built into the city itself, and is made up entirely of concrete. All of the businesses around the campus cater to the students. VCU has its own little neighborhood and the city folks don't usually have much reason to visit. However, just a few blocks in any direction can certainly change this.

anything else let me know

[hgnmx]

Originally Posted by floridaaa

The school's reputation is okay. Just about dead average in the nation, in terms of acceptance rates, rankings, test scores. Not outstanding, and not horrible (however Medicine and Art are top in nation)

So it's average and yet has some of the top programs in the country? Sorry but I think the school is better than you're giving it credit for.

[brocco]

Originally Posted by hgnmx

So it's average and yet has some of the top programs in the country? Sorry but I think the school is better than you're giving it credit for.

given that there are a few thousand universities in the US i would put VCU in the above average category . it actually ranks #95 or something when compared to other public universities in the country. that being said, VA has some of the best public universities in the nation so i think it would be foolish to send your kid to VCU over any of those absent an art related major or big scholarship. i'm not biased toward any particular VA school (i went to college out of state and my mom actually works at vcu)- va tech, uva, and william and mary all come to mind.

[sheena12]

I think VCU is a good school. Your son sounds a lot like mine in terms of interests - only mine is a Vegan and VCU was someplace he thought about.

I think it's a solid school and a good fit.

[GeorgiaTransplant]

Originally Posted by hgnmx

So it's average and yet has some of the top programs in the country? Sorry but I think the school is better than you're giving it credit for.

I don't see the dichotomy-universities can both have some great programs and be overall average because the majority of their programs are mediocre.

[hgnmx]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaTransplant

I don't see the dichotomy-universities can both have some great programs and be overall average because the majority of their programs are mediocre.

And just what are you basing your assumptions on that depsite the fact that VCU has top programs in the country it's still average? People's perceptions of VCU don't seem to be consistent with the times or the schools growth.
VCU has 20 graduate programs in the top 60, nationally.
Ranked #4 Top (undergrad) University in Virginia Top Colleges & Universities in Virginia | University Web Rankings Ranked #5 on this list http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Top...versities.html
And is ranked #170 (undergrad) nationally, National University | Rankings | Data | US News

So yes, above average.