By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD
Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM) is the fifth-oldest college in New England after Harvard, Yale, Brown and Dartmouth. UVM stands for the Latin: Universitas Viridis Montis, which means University of the Green Mountains. Over 14,000 students occupy its picturesque 460-acre campus. In addition to its unique abbreviation and pristine location, UVM has other interesting historical firsts:
- UVM was the first American university to declare in its charter that no biases may be made on the basis of religion.
- The university was among the first to admit African American students beginning in 1852 and women were admitted beginning in 1872.
- UVM was the first American university to induct women into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.
- In 1985 UVM was one of the eight public universities honored as a “Public Ivy,” and it was the only one in New England.
UVM has over 100 undergraduate majors, 29 accelerated paths to a master’s degree, and a host of interesting academic opportunities. The residential Leahy Honors College has 1,000 students. Freshmen who opt for a major in the College of Arts & Sciences may enter as Liberal Arts Scholars, with an opportunity to join the honors college for their sophomore year. For students seriously interested in the health professions, the Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Enhancement Program (PEP) offers a comprehensive experience that checks off many MD, DO and PA application requirements, including shadowing and independent research. In addition, UVM Rescue, Burlington’s emergency medical services, offers one of the best patient contact opportunities for students focused on a health services career. For students interested in animal medicine, the Animal and Veterinary Sciences major offers four concentrations towards veterinary or other animal health careers.
Students drawn to business will find academic concentrations in accounting, finance and marketing; they also choose a theme such as entrepreneurship, global business and sustainability. Entrepreneurial students in any major can work with faculty to help them commercialize their research discoveries through the Academic Research Commercialization (ARC) program. There are also programs for students interested in law, politics and public policy: the Legislative Internship Program, offerings within the Center for Research on Vermont and a service-learning course with the Vermont Attorney General.
If someone called Burlington, the largest city in Vermont and home to UVM since its founding, the “Berkeley of New England,” they might be right. There are many similar options for entertainment and shopping, and more of a “foodie culture” than many college towns. Burlington offers easy access to waterfront activities along Lake Champlain and outdoorsy students who already enjoy boating, biking, hiking, climbing or skiing or who want to learn more will love this school.
Those looking for a wide variety of academic choices and the outdoors fun often associated with larger schools but want to find them in a slightly smaller package should add UVM to their college lists.
Private: 12,100 undergraduates, 2,200 graduate students
60% acceptance rate;
mid-SAT: RW 640-720, M 610-700; mid-ACT: 29-32;
1% International, 13% Diversity, 74% Out of State
Image Credit
Title: University of Vermont 8.JPG
Author: AlexiusHoratius
License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
Source: University of Vermont 8.JPG
