Roanoke College and U Richmond will be visiting soon!

Roanoke College's Office of Admissions warmly welcomes prospective students with individualized tours that exemplify the small, close-knit community of this liberal arts college in Salem, VA.  The college is reading and writing intensive - across the curriculum - and in the spirit of its Lutheran tradition, encourages students to expand their intellect by questioning everything.  It's a bit unusual for a liberal arts college to boast such a notable business program but Roanoke's is top notch, as are education (with an emphasis on teaching in a diverse classroom), sociology, history and biology and biochemistry.  This diverse family of 2,000 undergraduates have been likened to "explorers" rather than "tourists" who want to roll up their sleeves - either in the cadaver lab or the on-campus organic garden - and really experience and take advantage of the rich opportunities available.  Another unique offering is the undergraduate research assistantship program with provides a multi-year track beginning in freshman year.  Finally, Roanoke is in an elite group of less than 300 colleges nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa honor society chapter.  To learn more, talk with Courtney Penn, TN recruiter for Roanoke, at GPS' first college night on August 31.  


The University of Richmond is often overlooked by high-achieving GPS students: a fact that needs to change! With a more palatable acceptance rate than other selective schools of 30%, Richmond's 3,000 undergrads are intellectually curious and capable, embracing collaborative learning and encouraging positive group dynamics.  Think: deep conversations which continue from the classroom

to the quad, onto the dining hall and dorms.  Only 18% of students hail from Virginia with large concentrations coming from both coasts.  The school values diversity: 25% minority, 14% first generation and 10% international students and it also values accessibility: operating on a need-blind admission basis, meeting 100% of students' demonstrated need.  "The Richmond Guarantee" ensures every single undergraduate a paid (up to $4,000) summer internship or research experience and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies trains developing leaders to look at leadership through a variety of lenses including critical thinking, public speaking and group dynamics. All students apply to Richmond as "undeclared" but designate an area of interest.  I loved everything about UR and downtown Richmond reminded me of a larger, more grown-up Chattanooga.  Michael Richardson will be at the August 31 college night to share more insights about this gem of a school.