University of Vermont | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Tyler

Class: Freshman
Major: Pre-Medical
Gender: M

High School:
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

The best thing at UVM is that there are a million things to do. Each week, our Senate approves of new clubs, which are funded by the Student Government Association (SGA). In addition, the teachers- even of large introductory biology classes- are receptive and willing to talk about almost anything; you just have to approach them. Many teachers do go out of their way to talk to students, as well. We also have a Teacher-Advisor Program (TAP), which are classes that are taught by your advisor in small, discussion groups (usually 10-20 students). Another great thing about UVM is that we're in Burlington (well, it's sorta great... Burlington has their own Fire/Rescue so that puts a dent in our rescue's call volume). But the town is one of the best college towns in the country. Church Street, which is the main street in Burlington is also quite famous. The biggest recent controversy was a resolution that came before our Senate that would have mandated that the Red Cross not be allowed on campus due to their discriminatory policies towards "men who have had sex with men" and other groups. We had the NY/PA director, NE director, two local reps and a national rep come to talk with us about their position. We also had 3 TV stations and numerous papers covering the event. One thing that caught me off guard about UVM was that we're right on Lake Champlain (perfect for boating or trips down to the water/beach in the summer/fall), which means there can be wicked (another strange thing about us New Englanders... we say wicked) strong winds. If you're coming to visit, bring a windbreaker.

Academic Life

All but one of my professors knows my name. This is a testament to how hard the teachers try to get to know everyone of their students by name. My sociology professor has an introductory class of 160 and already (6 weeks in to the semester) knows everyone who raises their hand or talks to her after class. My favorite class is biology... I'm not fond of lecture-style teaching (in fact, I'd never had to sit through a lecture until my first semester here), but it somehow works. Because we have 9500 undergraduates, there is a mix of everything. If you want to party every night of the week, you can. If you want to study every night of the week, you can. There's always something going on during the week and weekends, but there are also plenty of people studying. The reason that I'm at UVM (aside from in-state tuition) is that it is one of the best preparatory universities for medical school in the country. I had to decide between UVM and University of Rochester (waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy more expensive) and chose UVM because it also has a terrific reputation for getting students into medical school. An added bonus: the medical school/Fletcher Allen Health Care (a level 1 trauma center) is a two-minute walk from most dorms. The academic requirements are really easy to fill. I know everyone says that when you're visiting schools, or they don't have a "core"/gen-ed requirements... But, as a second semester freshman, I'm done (with the exception of my P.E. requirement, which they're thinking of getting rid of) with the requirements.

Student Body

I don't think that anyone really feels left out at UVM. Like I mentioned, there are so many people that a common-interest is nearly impossible not to be found with someone. As for attire, most wear business-professional to every class, except on casual fridays... yea, right. Really, getting up, rolling over in sweatpants (that say VERMONT on them of course) and throwing on a "University of Vermont" sweatshirt is absolutely normal... and so is wearing a polo with jeans, slacks, w/e. you name it, it's been worn... and we have the "Naked Bike Ride", so yes, the birthday suits have been worn. Surprisingly, (actually not so surprisingly if you follow the VT State Legislature) most students are from out of state. I remember the Provost citing something to the tune of 70% out-of-state and 30% in-state students for 2011 graduation. Overall, the ratio's about 60% out of state, 40% instate: mostly NE, but plenty from the mid-west and California and Oregon as well.