By Maria
Hello Potential Spiders!
Hi, I’m Maria and I have one of the best jobs around—Assistant Director of Admission at the University of Richmond. Sure, things didn’t start off that way. Just like most of you, I grew up with a couple of potential jobs in mind, none of which happened to be admission officer at a top tier university. Honestly, I sort of stumbled into my first job in admission just before I graduated from college. At the time, I had no idea that I’d have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world, read applications, travel to exotic destinations recruiting the best and the brightest, participate in selection committee and plan outreach events.
Before I start pulling back the curtain on the world of admission at Richmond, I want to share a bit about myself. Where do I start? Okay, well, I’m a native Virginian—yes, that means born and raised in the South. But, most people tell me I lack that quintessential Southern accent; maybe that’s because my parents are Dutch and Puerto Rican. Who knows? Living in the South has this special allure. If you’re a fellow Southerner, you already know exactly what I’m talking about, but if you’re new to Virginia then you’re in for a treat. Growing up, my family moved around a lot which was great because I was able to meet a lot of people and see a lot of the state. That’s definitely when I developed my passion for traveling and people watching.
When I’m not in the office or traveling for the University, I love reading (I’m currently into historical fiction and memoirs), taking pottery classes, hanging out with friends, and playing with my dog. And, of course, surfing Facebook and blogging.
I hope that this blog will afford interested students an outlet for connecting with the University of Richmond Admission Office. Through honest answers and straightforward dialogue, I plan on demystifying admission at Richmond and helping to ease some of your worries.
I’d love to hear what’s on your mind, what’s going on in your world right now and any struggles you may be going through relative to the college search process. You and I are going to get to know each other pretty well.
17 Comments
Well, since you asked, The search and application process is quite gruelling. So much paperwork in addition to regular schoolwork and sports. I visited Richmond in the spring with my Mom and it is my top choice so far. I love the Business and Leadership programs as well as the campus and location.
Will,
Gosh! Sorry it has taken me so long to post a comment. Travel season has begun and I have been flying all over the map visiting high schools and college fairs. But, now that I’m sitting in my hotel in Austin, Texas I have a few minutes to respond to your post.
I remember applying to colleges during the fall of my senior year thinking the exact same thoughts. I couldn’t believe everyone said senior year was the time to kick back and enjoy your last year in high school. How could anyone “kick back” with tough classes, tons of homework and applications to fill out?! But, this too will pass. I learned to balance some of my time that fall in ways that I hadn’t had to do before; and, it was great practice for the time management skills I would need in college.
I’m happy to hear that Richmond ranks highly on your college list. UR is an amazing place to be– there are so many new and exciting things going on. From our new President, Dr. Ed Ayers, to the $9 million gift we received to build a new Weinstein International Center on campus, it’s no wonder Richmond made Newsweek’s 25 hottest campuses!
I am also happy to read this. Hope to visit Richmond too.
Thanks a lot for your help throughout this process!
Hey,
I think blogs are a perfect way for college admission to get interested students! I can’t wait to take a trip to see Richmond…..
My son graduates from high school this year and is interested in visiting Richmond.
I like your post and I’m very positive that it would help attract more students to Richmond. It’s not everyday that I see a school’s admission department being friendly with students. Hope there will be more blogs like this. Great work!
Thanks a lot for your help!
Keep up the amazing work at the admissions department. I’m talking my neighbor’s son into applying next year. Go Spiders!
Love the Spiders admissions office. I’m hoping my nephew gets in next fall!
Go Spiders!
i hope to go there..
This blog is really helpful for people trying to get into Richmond. Keep up the good work.
thanks
Hi
I am planning to attend the Preview Richmond event and will probably fly down and back on the same day. Will I be missing anything if I don’t get to campus until around 11?
Hi Aaron,
Preview is a full-day event that starts at 9:30, so you would miss the first couple of sessions (President’s Welcome, academics overview, student life panel, possibly part of the admissions/financial aid overview). But if you arrive by 11 you’ll still be in time for the campus tour, lunch, and afternoon sessions (on more in-depth topics like student life, experiential learning, academic advising/outcomes, the admissions process, etc.) You’ll have to weigh whether you think that’s worth it or not! Either way, we hope to see you on campus soon.
Tom
This blog is really helpful for people trying to get into Richmond. Keep up the good work.