Transylvania University (TU)

For many thrilled students, Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky feels "like home" from the minute they set foot on campus. This is due in large part to its "small size," which allows "Transy" to maintain a very "supportive" environment. When it comes to academics, undergrads at Transylvania savor the breadth of courses that are available. And they rush to highlight the "inclusive fine arts program," which lets non-majors still actively participate in "music or theatre." Many also note student success with graduate school, boasting of a "95 percent" acceptance rate to medical school and a whopping "100 percent" acceptance rate to law school. Much of this can be attributed to "rigorous" classes that "require you to think deeply and critically." Transy's "brilliant faculty" is owed some credit as well. They are "highly dedicated" instructors who continually demonstrate "interest...in [their] students' lives and ambitions." Even better, "they all have open office hours multiple days a week and often will meet with students other times as well." And one incredulous student interjects, "I am close enough with my professors to join them for department dinners or [non-alcoholic] drinks with guest lecturers. It is a one-of-a-kind situation that I wouldn't trade for the world."

Transylvania manages to foster a "very safe and accepting" atmosphere. Much of that can be attributed to the "incredibly welcoming and friendly" student body. And though the university is set in Kentucky, we're told you find a nice "mix of classic south[ern] and northern attitudes." You're also likely to discover both "liberal" and "conservative" students. Unfortunately, some undergrads do caution that Transylvania is "not very diverse." But many people insist that their peers "seem willing and curious to learn about different cultures and perspectives." As one undergrad shares, "The majority of students on campus are open-minded, creative people, and incredibly accepting of others no matter their gender, race, sexual/gender orientation, or socioeconomic status. They do not hesitate to band together to aid another student in need." Students also love that their peers are "goal oriented" and "take their education seriously." They "push to excel academically, socially, and athletically." And they all enjoy being "extremely involved on campus." Of course, the best aspect of Transy's student body is the fact that "anywhere you go you can always find a friend or at least some people that are easy to talk to."

It is pretty easy to lead a fun and robust life at Transylvania. While academics take top priority, there are also "many opportunities to get involved on campus." For example, "there are frequently guest speakers and movie nights that students can attend for fun and for class credit." The university hosts "a lot of theater productions and music concerts" as well. Most "people are involved with school-affiliated organizations, like the school's "environmental conservation group" and the "Student Activities Board." Athletics are a big draw too and you can often find undergrads playing "volleyball, basketball, soccer," and "intramurals." Those looking for instant community will be happy to hear that "Greek life is extremely popular." When students are itching to get a break from campus life, downtown Lexington offers a plethora of great options including "a ton of neat places within walking distance, such as... the Central Bank Center, Triangle Park, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the Lexington Opera House." All in all, there's "so much to do, and there's always something new to discover."