Answers to Questions You May Encounter as an AAR
If you have questions that are not covered on this Web site, e-mail Alumnae Admissions Manager Jim Duffy, or call 800-745-7692
Q: Do many students go away on the weekend? (Or, is Randolph a suitcase college?) What do students do on the weekend?
A: Some students choose to leave every weekend, and many students opt to stay on campus. For the students who choose to remain on campus, this is always something to do thanks to the Macon Activities Council (MAC). MAC ensures that every weekend there is some type of entertainment on campus, whether it is a movie or a concert or a karaoke night. The Dean of Students Office also offers a free shuttle service on Friday nights and all day on Saturday to downtown Lynchburg, River Ridge Mall, and the Wards Crossing shopping center (with stores like Barnes & Noble, Target, Best Buy, lots of restaurants like Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesday, Buffalo Wild Wings, etc.)
Q: How much math will I be required to take?
A: There are courses in many departments (mathematics, statistics, economics, psychology, chemistry, etc.) that will fulfill our combined science and mathematics requirement. Placement tests will determine the level of your class and are administered in August during Orientation.
Q: Will I have to take a foreign language?
A: Yes! The General Education Program at Randolph requires every student develop some capability in a language other than her own.
Q: What sports are offered?
A: Randolph has eight intercollegiate sports teams for women, which include Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Softball, Field Hockey and Riding. Men compete in Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Cross Country, and Riding. Randolph is an NCAA Division III school and is a part of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
Q: Which states do most Randolph students come from?
A: Virginia (about 30%), Texas, California, Florida, New York, Maryland and North Carolina.
Q: How do I apply for financial assistance? Scholarships?
A: Students who submit a completed application for admission are automatically eligible for a number of merit scholarships at Randolph. There is no separate application necessary except for the Presidential Scholars competition, which does require a separate application and essay. Students eligible for Presidential Scholars scholarships are invited to the College in February to interview with faculty and compete for these awards, many of which offer full tuition, room and board, and a study abroad stipend. The deadline for the Presidential Scholars application is December 1.
To determine if a student is eligible for need-based financial aid, she and her family must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1 (Randolph encourages students to file by March 1.) This application is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and students should apply, even though they and their families may think they are not eligible for need-based financial aid. Many families qualify!
Over 90% of our students receive some type of financial assistance each year through scholarships, loans, grants, and campus jobs. And over $14 million in assistance is awarded each year.
Q: What percentages of students hold on-campus jobs? How do you get one? What types of jobs are available?
A: Over 60% of Randolph students include a campus job as a part of their weekly schedules. Positions are available in most academic departments, the dining hall, administrative offices and other offices, allowing students to become involved with many different aspects of the college community. Work study jobs are arranged through the Financial Assistance Office.
Q: What SAT or ACT score do I need in order to be accepted to the College? What is the minimum GPA?
A: Randolph is currently accepting scores taken under the “old” SAT program as well as the “new” SAT program. Basically, we are not using scores from the essay portion of the new SAT; however, we still look at the Critical Reading (formerly “verbal”) score and the Math score. Minimum scores for Critical Reading and Math are 500 (CR) and 460 (M), or a total SAT of 1050. The minimum ACT score is 21. If a student takes the SAT or ACT more than once, Randolph looks at the highest score she achieved in each area and uses this for the admissions decision.
Regarding rank or GPA, if a student ranks in the top 40% of the entire class or has a 3.0 GPA, she may qualify for immediate admission. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria above may still qualify based upon the Admissions Committee’s decision in examining the “whole student.”
Q: What are the deadlines for applying to the College?
A: For traditional-aged students:
Early Decision: November 15 (students whose first choice is Randolph. The student is expected to withdraw application to all other colleges if accepted at Randolph).
Regular Decision: March 1 (a rolling admissions plan with applications reviewed September 15-March 15. Students are notified of the decision within three weeks of submitting a completed application.)
Early Admission: March 1 (for high school juniors who wish to apply after their junior year.)
For traditional-aged (under age 24) transfer students:
Fall Admission: May 15
Spring (January) Admission: November 15
For Prime Time (age 24+) students:
Fall Admission: August 1
Spring (January) Admission: December 1
Online applications are free! The $35 application fee is waived if a student applies online.
Q: What are the most popular majors?
A: Randolph’s most popular majors include English (Literature and Creative Writing), Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Economics.
Q: I’d like to teach when I graduate. Does Randolph offer a degree in Education?
A: Actually, no college in Virginia offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. However, students at Randolph can major in a discipline, such as History or Math, and apply for entry into the Teacher Certification program which makes them eligible for licensure in Virginia and many other states. Or students may enter the Curricular Studies major in order to receive teacher licensure upon graduation. These are all four-year programs, not five years.
Also, Randolph now offers two Masters programs in Education: a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Education program, with specializations in Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction.
Q: Will I need to bring my own computer? Does Randolph have wireless service?
A: It is not necessary for students to bring their own computer to campus, although many choose to do so. The College’s Information Technology department will supply students with information about PC capabilities and requirements for students’ computers to be connected to the College’s network. However, for students who do not own a computer, there are a number of computer labs on campus that are open 24 hours a day. There is also wireless internet access in many areas in the College, including the Library, the Skeller, the Student Center and others.
Q: What is the enrollment?
A: About 760 students from over 90 different states and countries.
Q: Can first-year students have a car on campus?
A: Any student can bring her car to Randolph. However, if a student doesn’t bring her car, she will still be able to get around Lynchburg as well as off campus. Buses run throughout Lynchburg daily, including a stop in front of campus. The “ride board” on the college’s portal gives students a way to connect with others who offer rides or need rides, especially during breaks. If a student does opt to bring her car, there is a $50 annual parking fee.
Q: Do you accept AP credit? Dual enrollment?
A: Both AP credit as well as credits received from Dual Enrollment are accepted by Randolph, pending review by the Registrar’s Office. Exemption, as well as course credit, may also be granted, depending on the situation. Placement tests are administered in August during Orientation. Be sure to check the catalog for exact requirements or ask your Admissions Counselor.
Q: What types of internships are available?
A: Through the Career Development Center, students can become involved with a local or a national internship opportunity. Randolph students are strongly encouraged to participate in internships. Some recent internships include:
-American Cancer Society
-Framatome
-Centra Health
-Wachovia
-The Smithsonian Institute
-Virginia Shakespeare Festival
-The National Gallery of Arts
-The Philadelphia Zoo
-Virginia Legal Aid Society
-Congressional Office of Bob Goodlatte
-The Lyric Opera of Chicago
Q: What percentages of faculty hold PhDs or other terminal degrees?
A: 92% of the full-time faculty holds PhDs or other highest terminal degrees.
Q: Are classes taught by teaching assistants or professors?
A: Professors teach every class at Randolph, including labs. The professors make themselves available to students through office hours, individual appointments and by making sure students have their home numbers.
Q: Who are Randolph and Macon?
A: R-MWC was named for two pre-Civil War statesmen: John Randolph of Virginia and Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina.
Q: What is the history of the College?
A: In 1891, William Waugh Smith at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, petitioned his Board of Trustees for the admission of women to the college. After being denied several times, he decided to establish a college for women where they could receive an education equivalent to that of men of the time. He was offered land in Lynchburg, Virginia for the establishment of such a college, and in 1893 Randolph-Macon Woman’s College opened to its first students. For a number of years, R-MWC and Randolph-Macon shared a Board of Trustees, however, this association between the two schools no longer exists—they are two entirely separate institutions with only the similar names, which frequently causes great confusion! On July 1, 2007, the College officially changed its name to Randolph College and in fall 2007 began enrolling men.
Q: How strong is the influence of the Methodist church? What worship opportunities do students have?
A: Randolph is affiliated with the Methodist Church, but we have students from all denominations and faiths on campus. Many churches are located within walking distance or short driving distance from the college; in addition, worship services are also held on campus. Some local churches even offer vans that pick up and return Randolph students who wish to attend their worship services.
Q: What is the political climate on campus?
A: Like many college campuses, there are all types of students at Randolph and they all hold differing political views. Here at Randolph you are going to find students who hold very conservative views as well as students who are extremely liberal. The college’s chapters of the College Republicans and the Young Democrats are also very active throughout the year within the school and the community.
Q: How heavy is the workload?
A: The workload is challenging, but tolerable. Through close contact with professors and resources such as the Writing Lab, the Learning Resource Center, the Ethyl Science Center, and the Library, students are able to mange their workload and still have time to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Q: Do many students go on to graduate school?
A: Approximately ⅓ of our graduates continue on to graduate school following graduation. the College ranks in the top 20% of all colleges and universities nationwide whose graduates go on to earn PhDs. Within five years of graduation, 60% of our graduates move on to graduate school, which is twice the national average. Information about what graduate schools our alumnae have attended is available in the Admissions Office.
Q: Is there a department on campus that can help me find a job after graduation?
A: Yes! The Experiential Learning Center (ELC) assists students and alumnae with the job search process. The ELC can help students research job opportunities using their website and the ELC library. The ELC also provides information and feedback on writing a resume; students can also practice their interviewing skills by participating in a mock interview and attend career workshops. Students are also encouraged to use the Career Network to talk with alumnae who have agreed to help students and other alumnae with career choices, job search, and graduate/professional school advice. The services of the ELC are open to students and alumnae alike!
Q: Who are some of your notable alumnae?
A: Just to name a few…
Pearl S. Buck ’14, the first American women to win the Nobel Prize for Literature
Emily Squires ’61, award-winning director of Sesame Street
Candy Crowley ’70, Senior Political Correspondent, CNN
Susan Webber Wright ’70, U.S. District Court Judge, Little Rock, ArkansasBlanche Lambert Lincoln ’82, U.S. Senator, the youngest woman elected to Congress
Mrinalini Lhila '99, research associate at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Q: What foreign languages are offered?
A: Foreign languages that are offered include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.
Q: Are the first-years all housed in the same residence hall?
A: No, the population of each residence hall, with the exception of Webb Hall, is made up of first-years, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Be sure to mention the in-depth housing questionnaire that every student fills out in order to be paired with a roommate. Beginning this fall, all admitted students will receive a letter from Terry Hall with a housing form. They will be invited to visit Bell, Wright, and Main Hall and can request their top 3 choices. Deposited students will be guaranteed housing in one of their top two choices.
Q: Are the residence halls non-smoking?
A: All of the residence halls are non-smoking. There are designated smoking lounges in the residence halls, and students are permitted to smoke there, but only with the doors closed. Smoking is not permitted on the porches, steps, or entrances or exits of any campus building.
Q: What is the policy on alcohol?
A: Randolph abides by the Virginia State law concerning alcohol, which states that persons under the age of 21 are not allowed to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
Q: Do I have to live on campus?
A: Yes, all students are required to live on campus unless they live with their parents or other guardians in the Lynchburg area, they are married, or they are classified as a Prime Time student (age 24 and older).
Q: What are the Tri-College Consortium and the Seven College Exchange?
A: The Tri-College Consortium, involving Randolph, Lynchburg College, and Sweet Briar, allows undergraduate students to enroll in a course at any of the other institutions without having to pay for additional tuition. The Exchange, comprised of several liberal arts colleges in Virginia, including Randolph, Hampden-Sydney, Hollins, Mary Baldwin, R-MC, Sweet Briar and W&L, allows students to spend their junior year at one of these institutions.
Q: How safe is the College? In what sort of area is it located?
A: Randolph is located on 100 acres within one of the beautiful historic districts of Lynchburg and is surrounded by many lovely homes, a number of which are owned by faculty and staff of the College. Recently, a new Card Access System was installed on campus, which requires an encoded photo ID card to gain access to any of the residence halls and some of the academic areas, thereby enhancing the security of students and staff. There is 24-hour security on campus, as well as call boxes placed in many areas around campus, particularly in parking lots. Students may request an escort to or from a building or parking area if desired.
