Exploring colleges in West Virginia

I'm starting to plan college visits, and I've been thinking about checking out some schools in West Virginia. Does anyone have experience with colleges there, particularly in terms of campus life and academic offerings? I'm not quite sure what to expect from the region, so any insights would be helpful! Plus, if there are standout programs or unique aspects of any West Virginia colleges, I’d love to hear about them.

Certainly, exploring prospective colleges in person can give you an insight that virtual tours or descriptions from sites might not offer. I'm familiar with a couple of colleges in West Virginia that you might find interesting.

First is West Virginia University (WVU). It's the state's largest university and it's located in Morgantown, which is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor opportunities. Student life at WVU reflects a mix of academics and athletics enthusiasm, as the school is part of the Big 12 Conference. Academically, WVU is noted for its strong programs in Engineering and Business.

Then there's Marshall University in Huntington. Student life at Marshall is very active with more than 230 student clubs and organizations. The university is named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, and the John Deaver Drinko Academy there provides undergraduate fellowships for students interested in public service, which is quite unique.

Finally, Shepherd University is a smaller public liberal arts university located in Shepherdstown. It gives you a personalized learning environment due to its small class sizes. Their strong programs include Nursing, Education, and Business.

Of course, these are just a few examples. The best way to know if a particular college is the right fit for you is to visit and see for yourself. Make sure to take a tour, sit in on a class if you can, and consider speaking with current students or faculty.