About

See what students say:

Academics

Virginia’s University of Mary Washington is a public liberal arts and sciences university offering a range of both disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs and “a small community with plenty of individualized attention for students.” Students speak highly of those levels of support: “No matter what my problem is, personal or academic, there is a service on campus to help me if I want to reach out.” There’s also appreciation for “non-traditional class formats that are more flexible and convenient for full-time working adults to return to college.”

Students add that they feel they “can form strong relationships with each other and professors.” It goes both ways, too: enrollees emphasize how teachers “make every effort possible to have one-on-one time with every single student” and “reach out to individuals with opportunities as well as to check on them.” This leads some to happily declare that: “I am able to participate in graduate-level research and projects in my majors.” In short, faculty “want you to succeed and outline their classes in such a way that success is easy if you stay caught up with assignments” and participate, and they “devote plenty of class time to discussions around real topics and situations to help ensure we come out prepared.”

Student Body

“Every student at Mary Washington has a different background and a different perspective to offer… which makes things in the classroom ten times more interesting and engaging.” With this group being able to “contribute unique viewpoints in class discussions and come from all walks of life,” it follows that “everyone has personality.” Students say that “kindness is widespread, and when you are trusted and respected in the community, many students embrace you as a peer.” Mary Washington has “strong school spirit and sense of community,” and “everyone is kind and friendly and willing to go out of their way for a stranger.” There is “a high LGBTQ+ community population, and by and large it feels like an accepting and welcoming community”; people are “outstandingly supportive of one another in all that we do…and encourage each other to step outside our comfort zones to meet people and gain new experiences.” A student sums up: “It’s the kind of place where no one ever has to eat alone if they don’t want to. Every single person is genuinely kind and looking out for each other.”

Campus Life

Whether you’re into athletics or academics, activities at Mary Washington have you covered. Students particularly note how clubs related to existing majors help students find “more people that share similar interests and have similar backgrounds” and go a long way toward “knowing your department as well.” The same’s true for the environment, which encourages students to get “outside or in some of our cool places to study,” or to take a break: “On some really nice days in spring, kids will head down to the Rappahannock River to go swimming and play games like spike ball or frisbee on the beach.” The school itself also maintains this balance, with “fun events planned for a lot of nights such as bingo and karaoke” right alongside “a nice range from keynote speakers to panels to participant discussions” at the James Farmer Multicultural Center. And even though students spend a lot of time studying, on-campus activities “like club carnival, drag shows, concerts, bonfires…typically have a large turnout.” On the weekends, “most people either go home or go downtown to shop, eat, [or] visit an art gallery,” and “downtown Fredericksburg is a popular place for young adults to get together and have social time.” At the end of the day, “spending time with friends or diving into community events are the most popular ways to have fun.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Melissa Yakabouski
Dean of Admissions

Address
Office of Admissions
1301 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Phone
540-654-2000

Email
admit@umw.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Ball Circle
Cedric Rucker University Center
Hurley Convergence Center
Palmieri Plaza Fountain
Seacobeck Hall

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Historic Fredericksburg-Shops and restaurants
Central Park (shopping)
Benny Vitali's for pizza
Rappahannock River
Hyperion coffee shop
Carl's Frozen Custard

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday through Friday, plus most Saturdays
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
540-654-2000

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Monday-Friday, 10 am or 2 pm; Saturday mornings 9:30 am or 11 am
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
www.umw.edu/admissions/graduate/information-sessions/

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Contact Email Address for Visit
admit@umw.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Reagan National, Dulles International, and Richmond International airports are about 50-65 miles from campus. Fredericksburg is accessible by transportation services from all these major airports. Fredericksburg is also served by commercial buses and Amtrak.

Driving Instructions to Campus
To reach the campus from Interstate 95, take Exit 130-A. Follow Route 3 East business to the traffic light for William Street. Make a left at the light. Follow William Street to the next traffic light and make a left onto College Avenue. Proceed to the University gates, located at the next traffic light.

Local Accommodations
www.umw.edu/commencement/guests/hotels/

Admissions

Applicants: 4,706
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Average HS GPA: 3.68







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