Villanova University

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Students Say - Academics
Villanova emphasizes not only the importance of academics but also service and connection with the community, is how one student sums up life at this Catholic university just outside Philadelphia. Most students agree the school's emphasis on community and "dedication to service" was an important factor as was its excellent academic reputation. That said, Villanova's "well-rounded academic focus," "excellent nursing and business school programs," and "outstanding" faculty are definitely strong draws for students who choose to attend. Villanova "requires students to take classes based on a core curriculum, which [leads] to a well-rounded education." "You will work hard," warns one student, "but if you put in the work, you will do well." "The professors at Villanova are fantastic!" says another. "I've had professors give out e-mail addresses, cell, home and office numbers, even an AIM screenname in order to make contacting them as easy as possible." The professors for the most part are "PhDs and love to teach. You are never taught by a grad student." Even the harshest critique has an element of praise in it: "You either get someone you completely click with and is very interactive with students, or you get a PhD who just has to teach a class and isn't very good at teaching, but is really, really smart." The administration gets high marks as well. "If I wanted to meet with Father Peter, the president of Villanova, I could go see him tomorrow. Everyone is accessible." Keep in mind, though, that a little initiative is not a bad thing. "You need to be your own advocate-you can get anything you want if you ask nicely (or not so nicely, if need be), but nothing will happen if you don't ask."

Students Say - Campus Life
The "idea of community is extremely important" at Villanova, and student life, both on campus and off, tends to reflect that. "The average student works hard four days a week, parties harder two days a week, and spends the seventh day working for some cause," explains one student. "Life at Villanova seems to be a work hard during the day, play hard during the night atmosphere," says another. "People are serious about their schoolwork and do many activities. However, once it becomes nighttime, especially Thursday through Saturday, many people drink and throw parties. People generally like to have a good time." "Basketball and frat parties" seem to make up a majority of the social life. But, "there is always stuff to do for fun that does not involve partying." "Sporting events are huge here at the school as our basketball program is fantastic." It's worth pointing out "if you don't like basketball, you will learn to like it even if you never actually understand it." Villanova is only 12 miles and a short train ride away from Center City Philadelphia, where "many people go out to dinner or shopping," or to watch (of course) basketball at the Wachovia Center. The school also provides free shuttle buses to the huge King of Prussia mall nearby. There is a Greek presence at Villanova, but because "there are no frat, sorority, or sports houses on campus," much of the Greek life takes place at off-campus houses and apartments, and "parties are usually hard to get to." Ultimately, "the community of students is very tight-knit," and "there are always activities on campus that involve volunteer work or group projects in the surrounding areas."

Students Say - Student Body
Good-looking, white, over-achievers who like to have a good time seems to be the prevailing consensus. "However, that seems to be changing more and more every year," one student says. "We are starting to see many more minorities, which obviously is a great and refreshing thing to see." "Villanova is not as preppy, conservative, or homogeneous as it was....The newer students seem a bit more liberal and academic than the students of years before." Regardless of race or politics, the typical Villanova student "is very service oriented and excels academically," not to mention a "basketball fanatic." "In general, everyone gets along nicely, and the multitude of student organizations and trips foster school unity." Many people note, although Villanova is not a huge university, "students outside the Villanova norm can easily find their own niche in the community."

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