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Mary Baldwin College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Mary Baldwin College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Mary Baldwin College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Mary Baldwin College reviews, or contribute your own Mary Baldwin College review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Alexis

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The courses at Mary Baldwin can definitely be challenging. Of course some classes are harder than others and some professors are more helpful than others, but the small class size creates an environment where students can connect with their professors better. General education classes at Mary Baldwin have about twenty students. The ability to connect with fellow students and professors in small classes has been helpful to me because I can follow along to the lectures and ask questions when I need to. I really feel as though I have learned a lot this semester.
    Am enjoying being here

    Mary Baldwin is located in Staunton Virginia, which is a very call town. Being in a small town is something that was hard to get used to because it's unlike home in the suburbs. There are a number of school events put on by different clubs and organizations. This gives the students something to do on a weeknight or a weekend. I personally come to enjoy the small town environment because I feel the school is more oriented towards studying than partying. Even so, that doesn't mean we don't have fun. The school has organized carnival events, mixers, shopping trips, spa days and each Saturday night there is an event for anyone who wants to come. The clubs and organizations put together a wide range of activities for students to become involved with. If you like volunteering and being socially involved or if you like watching improve there will always be something for you to do around campus. If campus events aren't your thing then there is always a party scene at JMU, which is thirty minutes away. There are also events that happen in downtown Staunton for people who like live bands and good food.
    Bang for the buck

    Because Mary Baldwin is a private college, it comes at a pretty high cost. Whether or not the Baldwin experience is worth the money is a decision that can really only be made by each individual student. I feel that I'm getting my money's worth at Mary Baldwin. I enjoy the learning environment and the social environment at school. The dorms are nice as well. Freshmen dorms all com equipped with floor to ceiling storage and a sink and mirror. The dorms also have lounge areas and kitchens. There is also a gym that is free for students. They even offer free workout classes throughout the week.
    Tips for prospective students

    Mary Baldwin is a great school, but if you have to be fully aware that it may be a complete change from the environment that you're used to at home. This can be true for other schools as well. Mary Baldwin College is an all girls school in a very small town. Before deciding to live there you have to think about whether or not it's the right environment for you. It's important to visit and check out the dorms and all the facilities before attending any school not just Mary Baldwin.
    Great for these types of students

    Mary Baldwin is great for people who don't mind being in a small and very quiet town. If you like being out in the country then you will like it here. It's a very beautiful place to look at. If you're serious about your education then this a good place for you as well because it's a good place to get some studying done.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Jessica from Woodbridge, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I've been attending MBC since my Christmas break, and I would have to say that I have learned a lot. The facility is very up front and willing to help- IF you step up to the bat.
    Am enjoying being here

    Mary Baldwin is A GREAT school, but, if you are the type of girl who likes to party then NO it is not the school for you. But, JMU is about 45 minutes away, so it's not to far from a party school if your up for a party. If you don't like parties that's great too! You can just stay on campus!
    Bang for the buck

    While the freshmen dorms may not be as good as the upper clansmen, and some of the facilities are not 100% top of the line, they do the best they can to make sure you get the bang for your buck. It is a privet college- so it is expensive, but they do try to help! Our since center is getting ready to under go a $1.2 or so million dollar renovation. If you apply yourself, anything is worth the money.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you want a party, do not come here.
    If you do not want an ALL GIRLS SCHOOL- NO GUYS- DO NOT COME HERE.

    While some girls can handle the no party and all girls school, not all of them can. VISIT the campus first to see if you like it. While they do give out a good amount of aid your first year, that should not be the only reason you attend. Again, this school is not for anybody.
    Great for these types of students

    Girls who want to focus on SCHOOL.
    Girls who do not want boys interfering with school.
    Girls who care about the community and are ready for heavy community involvement.

  • 5 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Megan from Mineral, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Classes are small and there is a lot of individualized instruction.
    Am enjoying being here

    It is a very small town and campus but allows you to get to know people well. Not always a lot to do around town over the weekends. However, there is always plenty to do on campus!
    Bang for the buck

    There is a wide variety of classes but there are a lot which are not offered more than every other year. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus and plenty of leadership chances.
    Tips for prospective students

    Study and get involved.
    Great for these types of students

    Someone who wants a small campus and student body. Not a party school.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Amber from Kings Mountain, NC

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    I learned a lot attending Mary Baldwin for two years. Mary Baldwin is a school on the small side which made it perfect for education. Each class had 20-30 people and was very personal. You knew each teacher you had and they knew you by name.
    Did enjoy being here

    By far I enjoyed attending Mary Baldwin. It was difficult on my health because there are limited options for disabled students and I had an issue with walking one semester and the stairs created huge problems for me.
    Bang for the buck

    Mary Baldwin's cost rises about two thousand a year. It's expensive but its a good school. If you've got the money, go for it.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you plan to attend Mary Baldwin, don't skip classes. That's the one thing Mary Baldwin teachers don't like. They take the time to come to teach the courses and get to know each of their students, so in return they like seeing their students.

    Go to Gypsy Hill, a huge park that has amazing scenery and take every opportunity to see downtown Stanton. It may seem small, but its magical for the people who enjoy seeing old little shops that are open and homey.
    Great for these types of students

    Mary Baldwin is the center for any Physical activity/health students. They have gateways for healthy living and it's a huge campus to walk daily. Mary Baldwin also has the absolute best accessibility for theater/Shakespeare majors! The theater programs are beyond phenomenal. I didn't personally do theater as my major, but I helped out in the theater constantly because it was so warm and welcoming. Mary Baldwin is located right down the street from a Shakespeare playhouse that's stunning and it's amazing to watch the plays even if you're not looking into it as a major.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    P. from Charleston, WV

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The school is very focused on getting students involved in the school and leadership opportunities. The professors are very interested in their fields and it shows in their teaching.
    Will enjoy being here

    It has everything I wanted in a college: small, focus on learning, focus on the classic college experience without the massive parties.
    Bang for the buck

    If you worked hard in high school and take challenging courses, they will reward you for your hard work. Also, all the opportunities they offer make it worth the cost.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to work! And get active in the school, that is what Mary Baldwin is all about, being involved.
    Great for these types of students

    Women who do not mind going to an all girls school. Women ready to lead and change the world.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Ashton from Vinton, VA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    The teachers here are very helpful and want you to succeed; actually they may be a little too helpful sometimes. It really isn't like college. It is actually a lot like high school, considering there are a lot students that are accepted at MBC who are anywhere from 12-18 (they bypass high school). Furthermore, the food is dreadful for what you are paying, but there is a wide variety of cereal for you to eat at every meal along with a side of ice cream.
    Did enjoy being here

    They are horrible with matching roommates, so I had some pretty bad ones. Plus, the RAs are not really too helpful when it comes to uncomfortable roommate situations. I hid in the library for the most of my freshman year.
    Bang for the buck

    Food is horrible. They aren't really to good at keeping the paths clear of snow and ice in the winter, even though they are heated. The teachers are good. Free laundry!
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring board games, DVDs, books, and creativity because there isn't anything to do in Staunton. You'll also want to bring money for pizza because that's all you'll be ordering from Dominos.
    Great for these types of students

    LGBTQAI community, sheltered, young people, wanting an easy diploma.

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Kadijah from Virginia Beach, VA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    This college seems very focused on education, after all, you are there to learn. They have many study programs available to help find the one that fits you best.
    Will enjoy being here

    i feel like this is a place suitable to my personality. Minus the competitiveness of the boys, i think i could really focus on my schooling here.
    Bang for the buck

    I hope it is !
    Tips for prospective students

    Search around. Really get a good look at these colleges to make sure it fits you.

  • Alana from Mobile, AL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This is a college for women that has an amazing military program in it.
    Academic Rigor

    This school seems to have academics as the most important thing.
    Dorm Life

    The VWIL dorms are not the best structurally but they group is very tight nit.
    Food and Dining

    The food was very good and they help you eat healthy

  • Victoria from Upper Marlboro, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    MBC gives a well rounded education experience. They will give you challenging work and push you to do your best. Don't give up and get help when needed and you should do very well here.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep in mind that MBC is an ALL WOMEN'S COLLEGE in a small town. Unlike most single sex institutions, there is NO brother school. So in short, there is not much to do and you will not see a lot of guys on campus. If you like to party, this is not the place for you. There is always something you can get in to but MBC is very strict on students when it comes to noise and activity. HOWEVER, MBC provides a lot of events for you to be apart in. There are a lot of mixers and you can see a lot of guys there. Also, MBC does UNPROCTORED EXAMS. This means that you can take your final exam WITHOUT a teacher WHENEVER YOU WANT during exam week. There are a few rules of course that go along with this, but as long as students keep up integrity, we should be able to keep this unproctored exam schedule. This also allows you to start breaks early if you take all of your finals early. Also, keep in mind that MBC has a LOT of hills and walking. Pack a lot of walking shoes and cut down on the high heels. Heels on hills do not mix.
    Academic Rigor

    You will be challenged. Even some of the general education classes are a little difficult. It is college. So it will be hard. Also keep in mind, since it is a very small college, professors keep attendance as a grade. If you skip too many classes, you will lose points on your overall grade or possibly fail the course. However, keep in mind that if you just go to class, you practically get free A's. Also, there are a lot of resources made available to students. The writing center and tutors are there to help you with papers and subjects you do not understand. Also, most professors are VERY helpful when it comes to explaining concepts in and out of class. Since it is a small college, teachers will stop and explain concepts because there are not a lot of people in the classes. Most classes run about 20-30 people MAX. There are a few exceptions, of course.
    Dorm Life

    Freshman dorms are not the great, but they are nice. Compared to other schools, they are awesome. Freshman dorms have sinks inside the rooms are a good size larger than other first year dorms in surrounding colleges. However, the school is very picky about noise and quiet hours. You will be written up if you make too much noise. However, this does not happen to often.
    Food and Dining

    It could be better. It could be a LOT worse. Because it is so small, there are not a lot of choices, but the food staff is very nice about working around your diet and giving options that are healthy and good for you. Some days are just bad. So keep a stash of food in your room.
    What to do for fun

    Honestly, there is not too much to do for fun. HOWEVER, the school has a lot of options. Roughly, once or twice a month, there is a mixer. Go to those. They are usually free for MBC students and are a lot of fun. Downtown Staunton is also a lot of fun. It is a very safe town that closes fairly early. Go to the park, Mug Shots, Coffee on the Corner or even Hookah Dookah. There is a lot of things to do downtown if you just look for it. I promise. HOWEVER, the best thing that MBC does is DOWNTOWN MOVIE MADNESS. Once a month on a Thursday, the school buys out TWO movie theaters. Then they allow the students to go to a movie for FREE. You can also get a free popcorn or drink. Keep in mind, these are NOT old movies. THESE ARE NEW MOVIES. There is no catch. Just go twenty mins before the movie starts and BANG you get a free movie. The school also does first Friday events. Once a month they'll do a free or cheap event (usually under $10) and take students off campus for snow tubing or a water park or something fun like that.
    Bang for the buck

    You get what you are paying for. Tuition pays for FIVE academic terms. Fall term, Spring term and May term. May term is an extra three week term that ends by the usual time other schools ends. You will take up to four credit classes and only take them for three weeks. Fun classes are given during this term. So in short, you get a lot of classes done. My Freshman year I finished 39 credit hours. This is considered a lot, but you have the opportunity to get a lot of classes done in a short time period.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Apple Day. This is usually the first day off from classes you will get. However, it is SO MUCH FUN. Apple Eve and Apple Day is just about the biggest event on campus. Apple Eve the school throws a big party for us. Food, drinks, fun, bonfire and a party. It is almost like the school's homecoming. Apple day you can go out and pick apples that are donated to charity. Sounds boring, but it is a lot of fun. After is a huge breakfast and then a fair. NEVER SKIP THIS EVENT.
    Great for these types of students

    MBC is perfect for people that do not mind a small community with all women. If you want to get your work done and get a quality education, this is the place to go. If you are looking for a party scene, do not come here.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a lot of clubs you can get into. Most clubs sponsor fun activities campus wide and are a lot of fun to go to. So you do not have to be actively a part of a club to have the perks and fun that they have.
    Greek Life

    There is none.
    Campus Safety

    You will feel very safe on campus. Like any other campus, you should be very aware of where you are going and when you go out. However, there are usually no problems on campus with this. Campus Security is awesome. They will help you whenever you need it.

  • Sky from Virginia Beach, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Mary Baldwin College is a close community and a beautiful campus. The faculty and staff are wonderful. Everyone you come in contact with wants you to succeed.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do not allow your friends to keep you from reaching your goals and your full potential. Your college experience is what you make it.
    Academic Rigor

    There small classes where everyone knows everyone and your professors really do know you by name.
    Dorm Life

    Having a commuter bathroom is a lot to handle when you are use to having your own bathroom.
    Food and Dining

    The food can be way better but there are other places to eat on campus and close by campus if you do not always want to eat at the dining hall.
    What to do for fun

    Visit downtown. It is a historical area. Get involved in the community because the people you meet will make your experience even better.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Unusual traditions on campus is Apple Day. You get the entire day off from classes and everything you eat will have apples. It is a nice size carnival that we have on campus.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many different clubs you can join. So get involved.
    Campus Safety

    We have our own security guards

  • Ash from Chesapeake, VA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    nice school.

  • Nicole from Roanoke, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it is a very good school to attend if you are interested in attending a small college rather than a large university. the professors hear care tremendously about their students and they work hard on insuring the best material they can provide. this is an amazing college to attend, because of all the opportunities they can give to you.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you look at all of the majors and minors that are given, so you can have an idea of what you are looking at. also come and visit the campus because the atmosphere might not be for everyone.
    Academic Rigor

    i feel that the academic is hard, but it is suppose to be and as long as you organize your assignments then you will do great in class. also they have free tutoring provided, you just have to make the effort to attend.
    Dorm Life

    there are some facility problems since the buildings are so old. for example, there is no air conditioning, but the rooms are nice and spacious.
    Food and Dining

    the food service works very hard to insure that everyone is happy with what they are eating and paying for. they have suggestion boxes where any student can put their request in, and for the most part the dining hall pulls threw.
    What to do for fun

    there is a beautiful downtown area that is great to visit. also the school sets up a lot of activities that people can attend, such as mixers and movie night on campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    one unusual tradition is we have a holiday that we miss school for it is called apple day. and during this day we don't have school and there is a huge carnival for the students.
    Clubs and Activities

    i can't really name all of the clubs on campus but there is a lot.
    Campus Safety

    could be better

  • Mykael from Richmond, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors here really do care about their students success in the classroom. They are willing to work with students outside the classroom and even after hours to ensure that students are grasping the information.
    Am enjoying being here

    The women that you meet here are going to be apart of your life for a very long time. Especially since Baldwin has gateways that fits the personality of each student accepted. In these gateways you will build close knit friends and even feel like family before the years are through.
    Bang for the buck

    Baldwin may be on the expensive side on the Internet, but many grants and scholarships are provided to students who maintain good academic standing. Also the financial aid office is known for helping students and families with payment plans that make college affordable.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't knock it 'til you try it. Baldwin is not a party school, but it does have it's own social atmosphere. Try everything and don't tip your nose at something new and unknown. You'll be surprised at the many things you lean from just getting out of the dorm and trying something new.

  • d from Staunton, VA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    If you are serious about art, DO NOT ATTEND MARY BALDWIN!!! I was an art major at Mary Baldwin and DECRIED my art courses. (However, I did love my general education courses.) My opinion holds validity because I am not a slacker; MBC gave me a yearly $10,000 scholarship for ALWAYS maintaining above a 3.5.

    The Flawed Aspects of Mary Baldwin's art program:

    *The painting and drawing courses DO NOT HAVE REAL CLASSROOMS because they are in a gymnasium size room with cubicles. While my recent teacher tried to explain methods,oftentimes rock music and hammering from the other cubicles drowned her voice. This teacher admitted that she couldn't even hear her students when they asked questions.

    *The classes are infiltrated with immature, noisy 14-17 year olds due to the steadily growing PEG program.

    *There are no standards to grading methods. One teacher just put a random letter grade on art pieces without any explanation.

    *I have heard that Professor Sconyers (the only photography teacher) doesn't know photoshop too well. I have also heard many people who are serious about photography claim that he comes off too lax which is why the program attracts individuals who are lazy and not creative. One girl admitted her high school photography course was more rigorous, and that after attending Mary Baldwin, she never wanted to do photography again.

    *In the printmaking courses, Professor Sconyers teaches the methods out of order, which is confusing. Also the area is waaayyy too small for the work that has to be done.

    *Most art courses are only offered once a year. Art courses are only 3 credits but have 6-8 hours of classtime. The aforementioned results in students sometimes having to take two courses simultaneously! Yes, you read right...MBC art faculty expects students to possess Hermione Granger powers.

    *Many art students are rude and socially inept. When I tried to do photoshop in the art computer lab there was ALWAYS a group of 6-8 girls who ALL had on different music videos and television with the volume turned up. Sometimes the girls would even dance in the lab. In many of my classes, the girls talked loudly while the teacher lectured.

    *Many of the courses, particularly printmaking and photography, have the aforementioned chaos...even when people are trying to take tests. The crazy thing is that the teacher never discouraged this.

    *There must be low standards for hiring/keeping staff. One teacher has consistently received bad reviews from ALL of her students and yet she is still a part of the faculty. The past graphic design teacher (not the current one, who is actually good) was so terrible that she gave up halfway through a couple of her lectures and admitted things like, It's been a while since I used flash. Plus that past teacher was really mean.

    ***The senior art project critiques were the most disorganized part of the whole system.
    *They are at a set time a few times each semester. For me, this time was always when I had another class, which I HAD to skip in order to go to the senior critiques. Unfortunately, there is no rule that this counts as an excused absence, so as a result my attendance grade in that one course suffered.
    *There are so many art students that each student had less than 10 minutes devoted to her project, which resulted in not enough to no feedback.
    *Professor Sconyers didn't give me any advice during my year of senior critiques. However, he slammed all of his critiques on me when he graded me at the end of the semester. (I was very upset by this lack of support.)
    *There was no method to grading senior projects: no written evaluation, or even a verbal explanation of the grade. The grading was based on pure opinion. My poor roommate never discovered her grade until it was posted online because the faculty claimed they needed more time to think about her grade.


    *Mary Baldwin only offers a B.A. in art as opposed to a B.F.A. which is frankly not enough courses in art to excel to full potential.

    I could continue my list. However, I will conclude by declaring that after attending Mary Baldwin College, I no longer have a passion to create art.

    Bang for the buck

    I got a decent financial deal but it wasn't worth it because I was miserable at that school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't go to MBC if you are an art major. If you are into sociology, MBC is probably a good bet though because Cary Usher is awesome.
    Great for these types of students

    LGBT community, high schoolers wanting to go to college, women who are very sheltered

  • Candice from Baltimore, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Mary Baldwin has a reliable academic environment. Whether you need help with assignments or need advice from your adviser, the faculty at Mary Baldwin are always on hand to offer support.
    Am enjoying being here

    What more can a student ask for then the great views of the Shenandoah valley from Cannon Hill at Mary Baldwin College. Whether it be in the fall, winter or spring the environment around you always gets better.
    Bang for the buck

    Mary Baldwin offers classes that area colleges don't offer. In the Spring of 2011 I was able to take a History of Furniture class for Art History. This is a class that you would not be able to take at any other college. Here you can expand your learning for the same price as any other class on campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do not worry about distance from home and other colleges. Amtrak and local airports are close to Mary Baldwin so that you are able to journey home with no problem. With James Madison University only 30 minutes from campus, access is very accessible to students.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that want creating life long friendships and create new experiences should apply.

  • LaTaivia from Hyattsville, MD

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The reason MBC was my dream college was because they are a private school that offer many majors that are rare to the east coast. Because the campus is so small I would imagine that everyone is more friendlier. This would include the professors whom I was told are close to all their students.
    Will enjoy being here

    Mary Baldwin is a nice school. The entire campus streaches over hills and grass covers more than buildings do. There is a small city walking distance from the school. I'm talking directly across the street.
    Bang for the buck

    This school was very costly for an out of state student like myself. I would have been paying more out of pocket than I would get compared to financial aid. Then there is the books and the cost of transportation to get to and from the school during breaks.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply for scholarships if you dont plan to attend any other colleges. As well you might want to get a car because there are no walmarts and city like shopping centers.
    Great for these types of students

    Female students, this is a private school for girls. Also many international students attend this school. I think they enjoy the atmosphere.