It has been more than 18 months since my last college tour.  Like many people, I had flights booked but then the pandemic hit the US and that university tour to Wales just didn’t happen (but it is rescheduled, thankfully!). But, I am back on the college tour trail with my first stop being Sweet Briar College in Virginia.  What a gem of a school!  Here are some of the highlights of my trip (and by the way, all students, faculty and staff were vaccinated and a mask mandate was in effect – good job, Sweet Briar!):

  • President Woo – what a powerhouse! Sweet Briar has gone through tough times. But the alumnae base has shown that Sweet Briar will survive and with President Woo at the helm, I believe that it will thrive.  In her remarks, she mentioned that Sweet Briar will remain a small women’s college with a liberal arts education defined by women’s leadership.  Women are encouraged to get involved in everything from a robust endurance sports program to the ABET accredited engineering program.  President Woo emphasized that the campus helps to propagate a culture of sustainability including the students being able to sustain themselves post-graduation.
  • Greenhouse – We were treated to a tour of the greenhouse which is supervised by a dynamic professor and largely maintained by students. The amount of produce being grown hydroponically was astounding and we know it is delicious since we were served it in our salads.  The sustainability pledge is evident in the campus’s apiary and vineyard as well.
  • Outdoor program – There are over 20 miles of trails plus students have access to canoes and paddle boards and use of a rustic cabin for overnight adventures.
  • Cost of attendance – With many colleges topping out at $70,000 or more per year, Sweet Briar is a bargain at an all-in cost of $36,000. Plus many students receive merit scholarships with no additional application.
  • Three week program – Each year begins and ends with three weeks when the student takes only one class, participates in an internship or travels.
  • Equestrian Facilities – $3.9 million makeover of the equestrian facilities with one of the largest collegiate indoor horse arenas in the country. There are over 75 horses on campus with classes for all levels of riders from beginners to those competing at a very high level.