Are you considering applying to the University of Mary Washington? If so, you’re in the right place. With an excellent academic reputation and a wide range of programs, UMW is an attractive option for many students.
To ensure that you make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to learn about the school’s admissions process, academic environment, and student life. This guide to the University of Mary Washington will provide you with the information you need to decide if UMW is the right fit for you.
From tips on how to craft a standout application to a comprehensive overview of student life on campus, you’ll gain valuable insight into the university and the unique opportunities it offers. So, read on to begin your journey to the University of Mary Washington.
Academic Profile
UMW has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,919 students, with a composition that comprises 25% of first-generation students, 56% of minority students, and 71% of undergraduates who live off-campus. The school’s retention rate is 91%, and the graduation rate is 87%.
The University of Mary Washington boasts a wide range of programs, including a BA in creative writing, a BFA in ceramics, a dual BA/BS in engineering, a BA in wildlife and fisheries science, and others. The most popular undergraduate majors at the school are Biology, Business, Communications, and English.
The school offers several majors with a designated focus, including a pre-med track, a marine studies concentration, an engineering program with a specific focus, and a sustainability-focused program.
The University of Mary Washington also offers 16 master’s programs, including an MA in marine studies, an MA in natural resources, and an MS in engineering.
Admissions Process
UMW accepts applications to its undergraduate programs on a rolling basis. Students should plan to submit their application one full year before their desired entry date. This means that students applying for the fall 2020 term will submit applications between September 2019 and January 2020.
The University of Mary Washington uses a standard application form, the Common Application, for all applicants. The Common Application is an online form that allows students to submit one application to multiple universities, saving time and effort.
In addition to a completed application, UMW requires all applicants to submit: Two SAT or ACT scores Official high school transcript with graduation date (or a GED score if you don’t have a high school diploma or equivalent) One letter of recommendation from an instructor or other academic source Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
Financial Aid
Because UMW is a public university, the school offers all of its undergraduate student’s in-state tuition. This means that all students, regardless of their residency status, pay the same discounted tuition rate. The University of Mary Washington also provides plenty of funding for deserving students, and the school offers several types of financial aid.
These include Federal Grants: These are need-based grants distributed through the federal government. They don’t have to be repaid and are awarded based on financial need. Federal Work-Study: This program provides students with on-campus jobs and allows them to earn money to help cover education-related expenses.
Federal Loans: These are loans that must be repaid with interest after you graduate. However, they are available at low-interest rates, and certain loans can be deferred while you’re in school.
Academics
The University of Mary Washington boasts a strong student-faculty ratio of 15:1, and the average class size is 18 students. The school also offers plenty of online classes to accommodate students who can’t commute to campus regularly.
UMW is a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the school maintains a high level of academic rigor. Students can pursue any of the following academic areas of study at the school:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Biology
- Business
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- English
- History
- International Studies
- Journalism
- Languages
- Philosophy
- Political
- Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Sociology
- Social Work
Student Life
UMW has an active student life, and students can participate in a variety of activities both on and off campus. The school offers plenty of student organizations, and students can also start their clubs. Students can participate in several co-curricular activities, including sports and cheerleading.
If you’re looking to get involved, you have plenty of opportunities to do so. Numerous clubs and organizations are open to all students. You can also start your student organization if you can’t find one that meets your needs.
Students can participate in a wide range of sports at UMW, including baseball, basketball, crew, cross-country, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball.
UMW also offers many club sports for students who want to participate in activities that aren’t governed by the NCAA. The school’s athletic facilities are extensive, and students can work out in a variety of spaces, including a gym, an indoor track, an outdoor track, and a swimming pool.
Student Organizations
If you have a passion or interest you’d like to pursue outside the classroom, you can do so by joining one of the many student organizations at UMW. The school’s student organizations span a wide range of topics, including academics, culture, sports, and more.
You can find a list of student organizations on the school’s website. If there isn’t an organization that meets your needs, you can start your group. To do so, you need to complete an Org Formation Form, which can be found on the Student Government Association website.
You must submit this form with a letter of intent, a completed budget, and a list of officers. Once your group is approved, you can begin to plan activities and events.
Housing
All undergraduate students at the University of Mary Washington are required to live on campus for at least two years. There are many living options available to students, including both residence halls and apartments. If you live in a dorm, you can expect to have a roommate.
Residence halls range in size and architectural style, and they are located on the eastern side of campus. Depending on the building, you can expect to share a room with one or two other students. Some residence halls feature co-ed rooms, while others are single-sex.
Dining
There are several dining options available to students at UMW. The Campus Commons is a large dining facility that serves a variety of food items, including salads, sandwiches, and hot entrées. If you want to grab something quick and easy, the Commons provides a fast-food-style menu, with options like pizza, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. The Commons also has a deli and a grill, where you can order hot entrées.
The Dining Hall is a smaller dining facility, located next to the Commons. It’s designed for use by specific residence halls and is open only during mealtimes. The Terrace is another dining option where you can grab a quick snack or a meal. It’s open to all students, not just those who live in the residence halls.
Safety and Security
The University of Mary Washington is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, an idyllic, historic town that boasts a low crime rate. Fredericksburg is situated on the banks of the Potomac River and is just an hour’s drive from Washington D.C.
The school’s campus is monitored by the Mary Washington Police Department, and officers can be contacted at all times. Students can also sign up for the Guardian program, which allows them to receive notifications about on-campus alerts from the school’s Police Department.
Unfortunately, there are some risks associated with attending college, no matter which university you choose. To reduce your chances of being a victim of crime, it’s important to take a few preventive measures. First, don’t walk alone at night.
If you need to walk somewhere after dark, try to find a friend who will walk with you. In addition, try to avoid isolated areas on campus, and be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
Tips for Crafting a Standout Application
Choosing which school to attend is a difficult decision, and it can be challenging to determine which university is the best fit for you. Before you start applying to universities, it’s essential to set goals and plan.
To do so, you should:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Develop a list of schools that are a good fit for you
- Write a targeted essay for each application
- Take the time to craft a personalized.
