Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school and starting to think about which colleges to apply to. I've stumbled upon Furman University and University of Virginia, but I'm having a hard time comparing them. Can anyone share any information about these two schools, such as the overall atmosphere, academics, and campus life? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! I'm happy to help you with a comparison of Furman University and the University of Virginia.
Furman University:
- Private liberal arts school located in Greenville, South Carolina
- Small student body (approximately 2,700 undergraduates)
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for smaller class sizes and more personal interactions with professors
- Known for its beautiful campus and strong academics, especially in the sciences and humanities
- Campus life includes involvement in Greek life, over 100 clubs and organizations, and a strong focus on community service and sustainability
- Furman's overall atmosphere is often described as a tight-knit community with a friendly and supportive vibe
University of Virginia:
- Public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia
- Larger student body (approximately 16,000 undergraduates)
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, but still offering small class sizes in some courses
- Highly-regarded for its academics, with strong programs in business, engineering, and liberal arts
- Campus life features over 800 clubs and organizations, Greek life, and numerous recreational opportunities, such as sports clubs and intramural leagues
- UVA's overall atmosphere tends to be a mix of work-hard-play-hard mentality and a strong sense of school pride
In summary, Furman and UVA have different vibes, with the former being a smaller, more intimate liberal arts college, and the latter providing a larger, more diverse atmosphere of a public research university. Academics are strong at both schools, but they may appeal to students with different preferences for class sizes and campus environments. Ultimately, it would be valuable to visit both campuses and talk to current students to get a better feel for each school's atmosphere. Best of luck in your college search!
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