Video FAQ
Here is where you'll find the nuts-and-bolts information you need as you think about an education at Richmond. For answers to more of your questions about the University, check out our Fast Facts or see the list below.
| Tell me about the professors at Richmond. |
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| When will I declare my major? |
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| Tell me about Richmond students. |
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| Is the Richmond campus really as beautiful as everyone says? |
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| Tell me about study abroad. |
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| What is there to do on campus? |
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| Tell me about the city of Richmond. |
Additional FAQs
Is the University of Richmond a public or private institution?
How many students attend the University?
Will my classes take place in large lecture halls?
How many academic programs are available?
What about sports?
What's all this going to cost?
What about financial aid and scholarships?
What does Richmond value in its Admission process?
Do you accept the Common Application? Do you prefer it?
What is your application fee? Can I pay with a credit
card online?
Do you require a supplement to the common application?
Is it better to apply Early Decision (ED)?
If I plan to apply early, is there anything else I should
be aware of?
Should I submit additional teacher recommendations?
What about alumni recommendations?
What are your standardized test requirements?
What role will financial aid play in my admission status?
Can I have an interview?
Can I have a car on campus?
How many students live on campus?
How many students are from out-of-state?
Is the University of Richmond a public or private institution?
Richmond is a private, primarily undergraduate, independent, highly selective, residential college. Founded in 1830, Richmond is the second oldest private university in Virginia.
How many students attend the University?
Approximately 2,850 full-time undergraduate students; 92 percent live on campus all four years.
Will my classes take place in large lecture halls?
No. Our student/faculty ratio is 10:1, and the average class size is just 18. If you ever hear a Richmond student talking about a "large class," they probably mean one with 30-35 students.
How many academic programs are available?
109 majors, minors and concentrations are offered, with over 700 courses and three undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration).
What about sports?
Go Spiders! We're NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10 Conference in 19 varsity sports. And if you're athletic but don't necessarily want to commit to Division I-level competition, we have very active club, intramural and recreational sport programs.
What's all this going to cost?
Tuition, room, board and fees for 2006-07 is $42,610. See the Can I Afford It? site for information regarding financial aid, merit-based scholarships, student employment and payment plans.
What about financial aid and scholarships?
In 2006-2007, more than 65 percent of students receive financial assistance (this figure includes all forms of aid), with an average award of $30,640. The University is committed to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated eligibility for all admitted students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents), is need-blind in admission decisions and offers numerous merit-based scholarship opportunities. International students are also eligible to be considered for both need and merit-based aid; however, application procedures vary somewhat and we are not able to guarantee that 100 percent of need will be met. For more information, see Can I Afford It?
What does Richmond value in its Admission process?
Richmond values many things in the evaluation of applicants for admission. Not unlike all selective institutions, first and foremost is scholastic preparation as measured by the quality of the applicant's course selection and grades as well as their standardized test scores. But the evaluation goes well beyond each student's "numbers" because most all of those who apply are quite capable as students. We search each student's application for evidence of motivation, intellectual curiosity, character and integrity. We value service to community, independence and diversity.
As we evaluate preparation for academic life at Richmond, we first take a look at each applicant's transcript. The difficulty of each student's course load in core academic areas (English, math, history, lab science and foreign language) is especially important. Most admitted students have taken advantage of the most rigorous courses available in their schools (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Honors etc.) and earned grades in the A- to B+ range. Students may satisfy the test requirements in one of three ways: 1) with the “old” SAT I test (without writing portion) AND the SAT-II's in writing or 2) with the “new” SAT I (with writing portion) or 3) by taking the ACT which satisfies the requirement by itself. Visit the class profile to see the average scores of admitted students.
Our students are involved in many different types of activities most of which have value. Whether you choose to spend your free time involved in the arts or athletics, at an after school job or involved in a research project, your extra curricular commitments have value and help us to identify the unique contributions that you are prepared to make to the University of Richmond community.
Do you accept the Common Application? Do you prefer it?
The University of Richmond accepts both the Common Application and the Richmond Web Application.
If you choose the Common Application, you may submit either the paper version or electronic version, along with the University of Richmond Common Application Supplement.
If you choose the University of Richmond Web Application, it is entirely an online process that includes the application supplement.
Both application formats are given equal weight and preference in the admission process.
What is your application fee? Can I pay with a credit card online?
$50 or an acceptable fee waiver from your school counselor or the College Board. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept payments for the application fee either over the phone or online by credit card, even if you completed the application online. Please mail your check or fee waiver to: 28 Westhampton Way, Office of Admission, University of Richmond, VA 23173.
Do you require a Supplement to the Common Application?
Yes. The Supplement can be printed from our forms page. If for any reason you do not send the Supplement at the same time with the application, you may send it separately and it will be matched up with your other application materials. However, if the Supplement is not received with your application, our committee will not take action on your application.
Is it better to apply Early Decision (ED)?
If you're sure Richmond is the place for you, Early Decision may be the way to go. The profile (average grades and test scores) of students offered admission under ED vs. Regular Decision is quite comparable. Applying Early Decision might be advantageous to students whose academic qualifications put them right on the borderline for admission.
For some families, financial considerations play a part in the decision about whether or not to apply early.
If you expect to be a candidate for a merit-based scholarship and you cannot choose Richmond unless you receive one, you should most likely NOT apply early. If you do apply early, you may still apply for merit-based awards and will receive full consideration for them. However, merit-based scholarships are not awarded until the end of March, so you would not receive notification of the scholarship offer until well after your commitment to Richmond is already made.
If you are a candidate for need-based financial aid and need an estimate of your need-based aid eligibility, you may complete the Estimated Financial Aid Application. It must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the same date as the Early Decision Admission deadline. See Can I Afford It? For more information on how to apply and other issues to consider.
Two Early Decision plans are available. For Fall Early Decision, applications must be postmarked by November 15. For Winter Early Decision, applications must be postmarked by January 15. If you are not accepted under Early Decision, your application will be deferred to the regular admission pool or denied.
If I plan to apply early, is there anything else I should be aware of?
Early Decision candidates should be aware that mid-term grades are required for consideration. Scores from November SAT tests and/or the October ACT are received in sufficient time for consideration as long as they are sent directly from the testing agency.
Should I submit additional teacher recommendations?
Only one recommendation is required from either your guidance counselor or another school official/teacher. Additional recommendations are fine, but please send no more than three recommendations total.
What about alumni recommendations?
Alumni who know you well are welcome to put in a good word for you, but please don't exceed the "three total recommendations" guideline. The content of any recommendation is far more important than the identity of the author.
What are your standardized test requirements?
Applicants may satisfy our test requirements in any of the following three ways:
The new SAT (first administered in March 2005)
The old SAT-I in addition to the SAT-II Subject Test in Writing
The ACT (either with or without the writing portion)
For students who submit several different tests, our evaluation utilizes those results which are most favorable to the applicant.
What role will financial aid play in my admission status?
The University operates what is known as a "need-blind" admission policy. This means that all admission decisions are made without the knowledge of a particular student's financial status—i.e., whether or not the student applied for aid and whether or not they were determined to be eligible to receive aid. Therefore, applying for aid will not have any impact—positive or negative—on your likelihood of admission. We encourage students from all types of socio-economic backgrounds to apply to Richmond. For information on how the University of Richmond can assist you with your investment in an education, see Can I Afford It?.
Can I have an interview?
The admission process does not include a personal interview for most applicants (see below for two exceptions). As a general rule, interviews result in enormous stress for applicants, and we feel that students have enough of that already. We encourage questions during our information sessions, and you can talk with an admission officer after your campus tour for any questions that remain unanswered. Don't hesitate to call us on the phone (during business hours that is) or send us an e-mail message. We are happy to help you through the maze called the college admission process. The exceptions to the policy are that interviews are available (but NOT required) for transfer candidates and required for students who are either finishing high school in a home school setting or who spent more than two years in a home school setting. Transfers and home school students generally have more complicated academic backgrounds and questions that are very unique to their individual situations. Interviews may be conducted in our office or over the telephone. We encourage all prospective students to visit the University.
Can I have a car on campus?
The University places no restrictions on who may or may not have a car on campus. Many parents, however, do. It is unusual for first-year students to have cars on campus. Since most of the social life for students takes place here on campus, you will not be at a disadvantage without a car. There is public transportation to downtown Richmond available as well as a university sponsored shuttle bus. A ride-board in the Commons helps students connect with others from places they need a ride to over breaks or on weekends.
How many students live on campus?
About 92 percent live on campus all four years, creating a very close-knit community.
How many students are from out-of-state?
About 85 percent of our students are from out-of-state. Students come from 47 states and over 70 countries. For more information on the student body and geographical breakdown see the profile.
