University of Vermont (UVM)

A public research university in Burlington, the University of Vermont offers the complete package: "great academics...in a great area [with] lots to do while getting a great education." This is bolstered by professors who are "engaging and clearly very passionate about what they teach." One student says, "[Professors] have opened my eyes to new interests, new ways of thinking, new skills, and new innovations." While some students voice concerns of "too many general education requirements" and the need for "access to quality counseling, advising, and therapists," they overall appreciate the variety of "rigorous yet interesting" programs. The pre-med programs benefit from the school's proximity to the UVM Medical Center, and students also note strong environmental, social justice, and STEM programs. Plus, the opportunity to study across departments and colleges "allows and encourages students to take a variety of classes outside of their major requirements." As one student says, "I was able to pick which college I wanted to be in and had a wide array of classes to choose from."

UVM undergrads think highly of each other, saying things like: "All of my peers are intelligent, hardworking, cooperative, and all-around good people." They also note a range of personalities on campus-"there is no one stereotype that UVM students conform to"claiming that "there is truly a place for everyone, whether you're a sorority girl or a member of our woodsmen team." However, there is still a common thread that holds them all together: "exceptional passion for what they do, whether in the classroom or out." Some would like to see the school improve its "racial/ethnic/religious diversity, which the school is aware of but needs to make great strides to achieve." Overall, UVM students are "friendly, passionate, and involved" and they "care about cultural, societal, and political situations both locally and globally."

While being considered "absolutely...academically rigorous," there's also a strong focus on extracurriculars, and there are plentiful opportunities to get involved: "UVM offers lots of clubs to participate in, and if you don't see something you want, you can start your own club." In addition to clubs, the school is "always putting on different events," and on top of those options, many are drawn to the recreation the nearby terrain offers as well. One student says, "It is simply an outdoorsy school. Hiking, fishing, boating, skiing, snowboarding, [and] running...are all extremely popular." Off campus, "Students go downtown to cafés, restaurants, galleries, and shops." Many students are drawn to the "chill, small town atmosphere" of Burlington and its "amenities of urban life," and the "small community feel" of the school itself complements that. One student remarks, "I cannot walk across campus...without seeing at least eight to ten friends." An enthusiastic peer states that it's one of "the best places to live as a college student on the East Coast."