Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

What are your guys' opinions on Villanova University. I mean, I know its ranked #1 among schools' who only offer up to Masters in US News, but is it worth going? How are the academics and how do corporations feel about students coming out of Villanova undergrad. I ask b/c I have gotten in EA, particularly into the College of Commerce & Finance, and I really love it there. THe only thing is that I dont want to go there if its not worth it, i guess you can say. So what's everyone's feelings on this school? I am interested in knowing. Btw, I DO plan on attending grad school for an MBA. But again, whats the prestige (if any) that is associated with Villanova?

By Lvdad (Lvdad) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 03:23 pm: Edit

Several friends of ours from our church have sons and daughters that are attending or recently graduated Villanova. Also, several of my clients are 'Nova alumni. We have received very good feedback from everyone we ask, including several friends of our D who are now attending. The school seems to have a strong reputation in the Catholic school world - Philly's version of BC (though I believe BC is more selective). From our research and inquiries, Villanova seems to have a good reputation with particularly strong programs in finance/business, nursing, and some engineering disciplines. It's a nice size - about 7,000 to 8,000 undergrads so that it is large enough, but not too small, if that concerns you. Campus is beautiful, in an upscale suburban area that is close to Philadelphia if you want the city scene. Diversity on campus is limited, so this is something you'll also need to consider. The alumni that I know have a strong amount of school pride. Our D has also applied there.

Having said all this, the school is very expensive, approximately $35,000+ per year if I recall, which doesn't earn the school any places on any "Best Value" lists. Whether or not it is "worth it" for you really depends on your individual financial situation, and how the school fits you. For our D, it could be a nice fit, but only if she can get some some $$. Good luck!!

By Dumplingdude (Dumplingdude) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 03:54 pm: Edit

bump

By Angstridden (Angstridden) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 05:28 pm: Edit

I know someone whos daughter goes there. She asked for pearls for Xmas..influenced by her peer group at the school. Very upscale and nice.

By Yodisistim (Yodisistim) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 05:36 pm: Edit

Villanova is an excellent school. I was going to apply primarily because of the location. However, when I found out that they only gave $5,000 in transfer scholarships, I decided to change my mind. Villy U is really popular up here in the North (I'm from Jersey). The only two people that were accepted from my HS were members of the Top 25 out of about 250-300. They had about 1200-1300 and minumum 3.6+ GPAs. I have to add that one was Black and the other was Asian. Villanova is also a diverse school which is another plus. However, if I decided to go to Philly for the true college experience, it would be the Honors Program at Temple (pending admission into Honors)...It's a safety school, and it's lauded for its business program; but more for its journalism (my major)

By Dumplingdude (Dumplingdude) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 05:54 pm: Edit

bump

By Ctkid (Ctkid) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 06:37 pm: Edit

I know a lot about Villanova.

It's exactly what I'm looking for in a school and yet I didn't apply. When I visited there, twice mind you, I felt like I was in a prison. I don't know, but it just didn't work for me. The Campus is split into two by a big highway and contrary to popular belief, it's not located in the heart of Philly.

THe engineering school is great, but the business school was lacking.

Volunteering and community service is very big at Nova.

But as one of my friends at a neighboring school said, it's not called Villanofun for nothing.

By Dumplingdude (Dumplingdude) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 06:42 pm: Edit

oh...i dunno. i mean everyone is entitled to their opinion about what they felt on campus, but the business school there was totally redone only 2 years ago, and to me, it was the most modern I have seen. In fact, when i was at early action candidate day, they were getting the downstairs ready to put in a whole model-NYSE trading floor with trading computers and everything. As far as "villanofun"...haha i dunno, but I was down there sleeping over and I had the most fun in my life. The people there are incredibly nice and even easier to get along with and they are willing to have an awesome time without getting messed up.

By Dumplingdude (Dumplingdude) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 09:58 pm: Edit

bump

By Yodisistim (Yodisistim) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 10:40 pm: Edit

In that case, what do you think? If you do decided to go to Villy U, where would you go for grad school? Did you hear great things about their graduate program?

By Dumplingdude (Dumplingdude) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 11:51 pm: Edit

bump

By Angstridden (Angstridden) on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 11:52 pm: Edit

Since you keep bumping the discussion and you are quick to defend it as a great school..my thought is why not just admit to yourself you want to go there and go!

By Dreww2484 (Dreww2484) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 02:58 pm: Edit

"Villanova is also a diverse school which is another plus." Not particularly; it's around 5% Asian, 3% Hispanic, 3% African-American.

"The Campus is split into two by a big highway..."
It's not exactly a big highway (there are crosswalks and never have to wait more than 1.5 min or so for a light), and only about a 2 minute walk from South campus to Main campus (the areas separated by it).