Admissions Blog: Celebrating Women Leadership at Sweet Briar

By Ailish Rhoades ’19 2020 was a big year for women leadership. Not only did 2020 mark 100 years since the ratification of women’s voting rights in the United States — we got to see the fruit of our ancestors’ labors with so many women moving mountains across the country. Amidst a global pandemic, human […]

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Admissions Blog: Celebrating Black History Month and acts of service

A Celebration, A Challenge and a Touch of Camaraderie By Ailish Rhoades ’19 We have heard it time and time again — these are unprecedented, tumultuous times. There are always people in need of help in some facet, but this year it seems that we are all struggling. I could dive down a rabbit hole […]

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Admissions Blog: Reesa Artz '22 shares the Sweet Briar experience during COVID

By Reesa Artz ’22 It would be an understatement to say that these times during COVID-19 have been stressful and unprecedented. I, for one, would never have guessed that my relaxing and much-needed spring break of 2020, would turn into such a long and extended stay back in California. That semester was one of my […]

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Admissions Blog: Abby Cahill '21 shares her experience in environmental science and summer research

By Abby Cahill ’21, environmental science major When I first made my way to Sweet Briar, I came as I was: without a reusable straw, buying the latest in trendy clothes each season and not thinking about the source of my food or drink. Nonetheless, I had long been interested in sustainability and learning the […]

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Admissions Blog: Applying Early Decision, "It's the commitment for me!"

by Ailish Rhodes ’19 Students everywhere have experienced the lack of stability 2020 has been providing and are choosing to take action to make plans for their future. One of the most exciting things high school students have to look forward to is going away to college next fall!  Many colleges offer something called an […]

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Admissions Blog: You can absolutely sit with us!

By Ailish Rhoades ’19 One of the most exciting aspects of going off to college is the prospect of gaining new and exciting experiences. College life provides unparalleled opportunities for students to meet new people and explore different interests through various clubs and organizations. What better way to find your new family than to get […]

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Admissions Blog: Why I really dig our archaeology program

By Phoenix Brown ’20 Archeology and studio art major When looking at colleges, people will often ask you what your major is going to be. If you are unsure, they will reassure you and tell you that your interests are likely to change once you get to college. During my college search, one college counselor […]

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Admissions Blog: Completing your college application

By Taylor Patterson, admissions counselor We are wrapping up a busy week of virtual and on-campus visits from prospective students and their families during the annual Virginia Private College Week, which was created by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. We held two informational sessions and tours each day and enjoyed meeting so many […]

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Admissions Blog: Why choose a rural college?

By Ailish Rhoades ’19,  admissions counselor We all know that there are a million factors to consider when choosing a college, and with thousands of schools to choose from it can be overwhelming when it comes time to search for your perfect fit. Do they have your major? Do they have your sport? How expensive […]

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Admissions Blog: Favorite spots on campus

By Ailish Rhoades ’19,  Admissions Counselor Of all the wonderful things Sweet Briar is known for, we are all exceptionally proud of our strikingly beautiful campus. With the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains serving as a backdrop for our miles of trails, rolling hills and bright brick buildings, it’s hard not to fall in love. With […]

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Admissions Blog: Young alumnae share their path to success

On Mar. 24, Career Services, Alumnae Relations and Development and Admissions hosted a Young Alumnae Career Panel. During this panel, prospective and current students had the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of six young alumnae in various professional paths. The panelists included: Lydia Fleck ’16: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science; Nuclear Engineer at Huntington […]

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Admissions Blog: What I’ve learned from being a first-generation College student

Being a first-generation college student is scary, but when you’re in a place that feels like home, it is just a little bit easier.

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Admissions Blog: Meet your Sweet Briar admissions counselors

It’s college fair season, and chances are there’s a college fair near you. Where there’s a college fair, there’s probably a Sweet Briar booth with a fierce Sweet Briar admissions counselor ready to tell you more about the prettiest 3,250 acres on Earth.

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Admissions Blog: 5 reasons to attend an open house at Sweet Briar this fall

For most, the beginning of fall revolves around pumpkin patches, apple picking and haunted houses. However, for high school seniors, it is marked with college open houses, campus tours, applications and stress.

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Admissions Blog: Why you should submit your FAFSA, and how

October isn’t just for Halloween. It’s also FAFSA time! As of Oct. 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open, and you should take advantage of it — even if you think you might not qualify for financial aid.

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Admissions Blog: My first time in Paris with Sweet Briar’s 3-week art history class

One of the most exciting things about Sweet Briar’s 3-week classes is that you can use this time to do an internship or study abroad. You can also take a class that takes you off campus, and maybe even out of the country. I took an art history class with Prof. Kimberly Morse-Jones, and for our final week, we all headed to Paris.

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Admissions Blog: An inside look at Sweet Briar traditions

Sweet Briar traditions are the heart and soul of our campus. They help us bond with our classmates, connect us to generations of alumnae and root us in the rich history of a college founded 118 years ago by a visionary woman and her family.

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Admissions Blog: 5 things I learned through my summer internship

One of the most recommended things to do in college is to find an internship, ideally off campus. Whether you do it during the school year or during summer break, an internship is the perfect opportunity to get a small taste of the real world.

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Admissions Blog: My first day(s) of class at Sweet Briar as dean 

Last Thursday, three weeks after my official start as dean of the College at Sweet Briar, it happened: the first day of classes. It was my first time experiencing it here at Sweet Briar. I am so excited for what the semester has in store for the students!

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Admissions Blog: 5 things to do your first year at Sweet Briar

So, you’ve decided to come to Sweet Briar College. Now what? A new chapter of your life has started, and there are so many things you can do with it!

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Admissions Blog: 3 reasons why Sweet Work Weeks is my favorite new tradition at Sweet Briar

Traditions are among the most beloved parts of the Sweet Briar experience. Recently, Sweet Briar alumnae have fiercely embraced a new tradition. For the last five summers, we have come together for Sweet Work Weeks to help prepare campus for the new school year.

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Admissions Blog: The 5 most important things to pack for college

Welcome! All of us at Sweet Briar are excited to greet you when you arrive on campus. As you wrap up your summer, you’re probably looking around your room wondering, “How am I going to take all of this stuff to college?”

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Admissions Blog: 5 things to know about orientation at Sweet Briar

It’s T minus two weeks until the BIG DAY: move-in day at Sweet Briar College! If you’re a new student, your fall semester — but really, your new life, four years of intense learning, invaluable memories and lifelong friendships — starts on Aug. 17. Are you ready?

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Admissions Blog: 5 things I will miss most about Sweet Briar

Graduation is fast approaching and the only thing I can think of is: Where has the time gone? Coming to Sweet Briar was one of the best decisions I ever made — I only wish I had come sooner.

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Admissions Blog: Highlights from my Sweet Briar field trip to Rome

When looking at colleges, I always had in mind the idea that I wanted to study abroad in some form during my college career. Upon entering into my junior year, Sweet Briar had created a new calendar system that included an intensive 3-week session.

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Admissions Blog: How do students learn best? It’s (literally) about the application

Students and faculty alike recognize the power of hands-on learning. Student engagement with content presented in class brings the material to life, drives the content deeper into students’ consciousness and is just more fun.

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Admissions Blog: A day in the life of a student-athlete

Welcome to the life of Sydney Campbell. I am a first-year lacrosse player at Sweet Briar College; this photo blog will take you on journey of the day surrounding our big rival game against Hollins University.

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Admissions Blog: 5 reasons to visit Sweet Briar’s campus now 

It’s springtime! The beautiful skies and warm weather mean fun clothes and outdoor study sessions. Walking through Sweet Briar’s campus now, you will likely see students taking full advantage of the sun’s warm rays.

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Admissions Blog: 5 things I learned through my summer internship

Last summer I was an intern at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. — thanks to the relationship Sweet Briar has with Biltmore. Without Sweet Briar, I would have never had this opportunity nor learned these valuable life lessons!

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Admissions Blog: A video tour of Sweet Briar’s residence halls

Before you settle on the college of your dreams, you’ll want to make sure everything is right for you — the academics, the campus and the community. You’ll want a place that feels like home.

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Admissions Blog: A major change

Growing up, I was always asked the same question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” After much thought, I made my big decision. I wanted to be a neuroscientist.

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Admissions Blog: My favorite spots for campus photos at Sweet Briar

Sweet Briar is such a beautiful place to call home. And with over 3,250 acres to explore, the opportunities for great photos are plentiful. Even as a sophomore, I’m still finding new and exciting places I didn’t even know existed on campus.

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Admissions Blog: If you want to be a leader, try a women’s college

Back in high school, I was very timid. I lacked confidence in myself and in my ability to take charge. But that all changed when I began attending a women’s college.

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Admissions Blog: Sweet Briar women join first LATINX LEADS conference

LATINX LEADS held its first Student Leadership Conference in Jersey City, N.J., in February. The goal: to become the largest national gathering of Latinx student leaders and campus-based advisors to address the most critical topics of diversity and social justice challenging the Latinx community in colleges and universities.

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Admissions Blog: 5 fierce women leaders in Sweet Briar College history

Confidence, courage, grit and consequence. Since 1901, Sweet Briar women have shown a fierce commitment to each of these qualities — and what better time to celebrate our most accomplished leaders than Women’s History Month?

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Admissions Blog: How I experienced National Engineers Week 2019 at Sweet Briar College

National Engineers Week at Sweet Briar kicked off on Feb. 19, when former student Sarah Cahoone ’18 came to give a presentation about the work she is doing at her job at NAVAIR.

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Admissions Blog: At Sweet Briar, we’re all in

When I came to Sweet Briar in October 2017, I remember turning off of U.S. 29, driving up the front drive and knowing that I had come home.

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Admissions Blog: 5 grads, 5 stories — How Sweet Briar impacted my life

Yes, it’s true — Sweet Briar has a track record for student success after graduation. Perhaps it’s our insanely supportive, interconnected alumnae network. Perhaps it’s our endlessly resourceful Career Services Center, where students are coached from day one.

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Admissions Blog: Shaping Black History Month at Sweet Briar

When we were given the assignment to plan events for Black History Month at Sweet Briar College, the one thing that made the task easier was the fact that I had Jeffrey Owen right here with me.

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Admissions Blog: How to step out of your comfort zone and get involved on campus

The secret to an unforgettable college experience? Get involved, say our admissions ambassadors. To do that, you might have to leave the cozy comforts of your snuggly room and jump right into the action.

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Admissions Blog: How a campus job can help you manage your time

I’m a double major in studio art and archaeology, and I’m also pursuing a B.F.A., so I find myself busy a lot of the time. I work two jobs on campus: I am an admissions ambassador, and I am also a technical assistant in the theater.

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Admissions Blog: How first-years at Sweet Briar are celebrating the holidays

There’s nothing quite like going home for the holidays — especially when it’s your first year of college. And no matter how you get there, what happens next is going to be magical and wonderful and unforgettable.

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Admissions Blog: 5 favorite study spaces at Sweet Briar

Yes, ‘tis the season: of too much coffee, countless candy bars and endless all-nighters in the library — or wherever it is you’re camping out. To figure out students’ top five study spaces at Sweet Briar, we posed the question on Instagram.

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Admissions Blog: 5 great alternatives to writing a college application essay

My favorite part of reading applications is getting to know prospective students better. I like to learn more about their interests, what draws them to those interests and what draws them to Sweet Briar!

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Admissions Blog: What it’s like to be a non-traditional student at Sweet Briar

My name is Julie Horton. I’m a junior majoring in history, minoring in religion and on the teaching track. I’m in the Honors Program and on the SGA. Oh, I almost forgot to mention: I’m a wife, mother of three incredible children and 49 years old.

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Admissions Blog: 7 steps to managing stress in college

College life is exciting, and it’s a lot of fun. But, who am I kidding, it’s also a lot of work! If you’re not a robot, chances are you’re going to get a little stressed out. Here’s my seven-step guide to managing stress in college.

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Admissions Blog: The power of a single story

A vibrant, passionate brown girl sits in her ninth-grade honors English class, and she is enraged. The class has been reading Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart,” and she is trying her best not to.

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Admissions Blog: How I got paid to do summer research (and you can, too)

If you take nothing else away from this article, at least take away one piece of advice: Do summer research! I spent eight weeks at Texas A&M University this summer doing research for sociology, and it was a life-changing experience.

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Admissions Blog: 5 questions to ask when you visit campus

Choosing a college is hard, especially when you have no idea where to start looking — or what questions to ask when you get there.

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Admissions Blog: Meet Jess Austin, assistant director of student life

“Behind every Sweet Briar woman is a team who believes in her.” This message of intense student support drew me in when I applied for my position at Sweet Briar.

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Admissions Blog: An inside look at Sweet Briar’s Student Government Association

As is the case with so many things at Sweet Briar, our Student Government Association exists because students created it.

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Admissions Blog: 12 tips for submitting your FAFSA

It’s October, and we all know what that means: It’s FAFSA time! As of Oct. 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open, and you should take advantage of it — even if you think you might not qualify for financial aid.

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Admissions Blog: My summer abroad bucket list

During the summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, for three weeks, through a program called Student-Athletes Abroad.

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Admissions Blog: What I love about Founders' Day

What I love about Founders’ Day is the ceremonial aspect of dressing in white, walking up the hill and paying our respects. It is simply beautiful to see the greenery of the campus and all of the alumnae and students who care about this small women’s college.

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Admissions Blog: 3 reasons why Sweet Briar is my happy place

I am a junior at Sweet Briar, and one thing that I have found throughout my time here is that I fall more and more in love with campus each semester.

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Admissions Blog: What every daughter should hear from her momma on the first day of college

Change. Love it or hate it, it’s going to happen. It never seems to be on my terms, so I’m going to do the only thing I know how to do: keep driving and don’t look back.

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Admissions Blog: My summer abroad in Spain

This past summer I spent two months studying abroad at The University of Granada in Spain — a place where I could not speak the language confidently, and where I would know nothing and no one upon arrival. While I was very nervous, I was also extremely excited about this opportunity!

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Admissions Blog: How to rock your first semester of college

Here it is: your first semester of college. Maybe you’re there now or maybe you’re already thinking about what it will be like next year. We’ve gathered our experts to help you crush those first few weeks and months.

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Admissions Blog: My memories from Move-in Day 2008

Ten years ago, I arrived on campus as a first-year. I was extremely excited and anxious all at the same time — I am originally from Maine and an only child, so the idea of being 13 hours away from home was a lot to process.

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Admissions Blog: Why you should study abroad with the Virginia Program at Oxford

This past summer I spent six weeks studying abroad at the University of Oxford in England through the Virginia Program at Oxford. I’ve traveled to other countries before, but never by myself. This program was a wonderful way for me to grow and learn outside of my comfort zone.

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Admissions Blog: The 5 most important things to pack for college

Welcome! All of us at Sweet Briar are excited to greet you when you arrive on campus. As you wrap up your summer, you’re probably looking around your room wondering, “How am I going to take all of this stuff to college?”

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Admissions Blog: My visit at Sweet Briar as an international student

Last semester, international student Nathalia Lima from Brazil spent a few days visiting Sweet Briar to see what makes the small women’s college in Central Virginia so special.

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Admissions Blog: Why you should visit Sweet Briar during Virginia Private College Week

Just starting to shop for colleges, or still haven’t found the perfect match? You’re in luck: Virginia Private College Week offers the ultimate campus visit marathon.

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Admissions Blog: 5 things to know and do for transfer students

Thinking about transferring to Sweet Briar? Or perhaps you’ve been accepted but aren’t sure what else we might need from you? Here’s a list of things to know and do now — so you can be ready to hit the ground running when classes start in August.

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Admissions Blog: Sweet Briar College graduation moments we won’t forget

Few moments in your life will be as emotional as your college graduation. The culmination of four years of hard work and personal growth, it’s also a new beginning full of excitement and uncertainty.

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Admissions Blog: How to survive finals week

It’s that time of year: Finals are here, and across the country, high school and college students are cramming for exams. If you’re one of them, you’re likely in a bit of a frenzy right now.

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Admissions Blog: Studying at Sweet Briar is rigorous and rewarding, says visiting engineering student

It didn’t take Megan DeRidder long to feel at home at Sweet Briar. The liberal arts and sciences college in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains was perfect for the Wilton, N.Y native.

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Admissions Blog: Smart study habits for college

One key to success in college is developing study habits that will make you successful — without making you a workaholic. In other words, you’ll have to figure out how to study most effectively.

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Admissions Blog: 5 things to know about your first year at Sweet Briar

First of all, know that I am incredibly jealous that you are just starting your journey at Sweet Briar. I do not regret my choices, but instead wish I could go back and do it all over again.

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Admissions Blog: Summer internship success stories

There’s only one way to gain experience in something, and that’s to actually, physically do it. Yes, we’re talking about internships. At Sweet Briar, 80 percent of students intern at least once during their time here.

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Admissions Blog: 5 fierce Sweet Briar women leaders 45 and under

Sweet Briar alumnae are pretty amazing: They’re explorers, innovators and leaders. They’re collaborators, community builders and change-makers. Here are some recent Sweet Briar women leaders you should know.

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Admissions Blog: How Sweet Briar grads are winning at outcomes

If you’re a Sweet Briar engineering major, chances are you’ll land that first job long before graduation. Not a math whiz? Don’t despair. Sweet Briar students across all disciplines have a strong track record of getting into coveted graduate programs or securing a full-time job before they graduate.

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Admissions Blog: If you’re a junior in high school, do these 5 things now

Your junior year of high school is an important time in your college search. Here are five tips from the admissions staff at Sweet Briar College to help you get organized and prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.

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Admissions Blog: How to get the most out of Sweet Briar’s riding program

Whether you choose to ride or not, horses are quintessential to the Sweet Briar experience. The friendly animals and serene setting make the barn nearly impossible to resist, which explains why nearly 30 percent of students are involved with the riding center.

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Admissions Blog: I might have been an engineer

When I was in high school, I was a girl who was good at math. I soared through AP calculus, I scored higher on the math section than the verbal section of the SAT, and I was even on the math team (although not the only female, proudly).

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Admissions Blog: Building bridges to South Korea

One of my favorite things about being an admissions counselor is getting to travel to new places and talk about Sweet Briar. I was ecstatic when I was given the opportunity to travel to South Korea to attend the American International Education Foundation Spring 2018 Education Fair.

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Admissions Blog: “I’m a minority student. Why should I come to Sweet Briar?”

Having found a home at Sweet Briar, sophomore DaZané Cole and first-year Ajhani Oxendine have a million answers to the question we often hear at college fairs.

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Admissions Blog: My day at the United Nations

In September, I attended a United Nations panel discussion on youth innovation. It was an experience I will never forget.

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Admissions Blog: Why I’m glad I’m attending a women’s college

When looking for a college, I wanted a place that felt like home. I wanted a place where I would not get lost in a sea of students, and where my professors would notice if I skipped class.

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Admissions Blog: Top 5 campus resources at Sweet Briar

There are many perks to attending a small liberal arts college. Here’s a big one: endless resources. I have never felt like I couldn’t ask for help when I had a question, or an assignment I just couldn’t seem to wrap my head around.

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Admissions Blog: 5 things to know about applying to Sweet Briar

We love reading applications. They are a rare window into understanding who you are.

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Admissions Blog: Why I transferred to Sweet Briar from a large school

For many of our students, Sweet Briar was love at first sight — and not just because of our stunning campus. They immediately knew that our tight-knit community, small classes and dedicated professors would be just the right fit.

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Admissions Blog: How women become leaders at Sweet Briar

Imagine a place where every student leadership position is filled by a woman. A place where women are encouraged to work hard — in the classroom, in the library and laboratory, on the playing field, in the board room, and every place in between.

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Admissions Blog: 5 reasons Sweet Briar made the top of my list

I toured about 25 colleges before my senior year even started, and then applied to 16 schools. Sweet Briar blew all the others out of the water. Here are five of the categories I used to assess each school.

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Admissions Blog: My home away from home — Studying at Sweet Briar as an international student

Wanting to leave home and travel 8,000 miles for college cannot be a spontaneous decision. There was a lot that went into it for me. Would I get to study what I want? Would I be able to make friends?

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Admissions Blog: 5 things you can do right now to be ready for college

Your senior year of high school might feel a little frantic. But there are things you can do now to set yourself up for success — and peace of mind — before you get to college.

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Admissions Blog: Top 10 things I wish someone had told me about applying to college

Applying to college can be stressful, and there are so many things to think about. And then, there’s the stuff you shouldn’t sweat — like what everybody else wants you to do. Here’s what I wish I had known when I was a high school senior.

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Admissions Blog: How to write an amazing admissions essay

When I was a senior in high school, I was obsessed with getting into all the colleges to which I applied (16). As a result, I wrote college essays constantly and stressed myself out more than was ever required.

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Admissions Blog: My life in 3-D

Forty-two applications later I figured there must be at least one company that wants to hire me. I was looking to work as an engineer in the 3-D printing industry over the summer.

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Admissions Blog: My 5 favorite campus tour spots

Over the course of my time as an admissions ambassador, I have given many tours, but every tour is always a little different because I base it on the visiting students and their interests.

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Admissions Blog: What it’s like to be a student-athlete at Sweet Briar

Becoming a Sweet Briar woman is life-changing in and of itself, but becoming a student-athlete here takes that experience to a whole new level.

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Admissions Blog: Top five highlights of my summer in Oxford

This past summer, I attended the Virginia Program at Oxford (VPO) at St. Anne’s College in the University of Oxford. It was six weeks of Shakespeare, tutorials and traveling.

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Admissions Blog: How to make sure you’re getting all the financial aid you need

Financial aid comes in many shapes and forms, and it can come from several sources: federal, state, foundations, the community, or the College itself. All of them help you meet your college expenses.

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Admissions Blog: My 5 favorite Sweet Briar traditions

Sweet Briar’s traditions are the heart and soul of the campus. They connect us to the school’s vibrant history and build community.

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Admissions Blog: 100 ways (okay, maybe 10) to bond with your professors

Let’s face it. At most universities, you are a number. You are one person seated among dozens — or even hundreds — of students in every class you take.

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Admissions Blog: Why the liberal arts? Let’s start with what it really means

Among the trademarks of a Sweet Briar woman are her wide-ranging interests. This is what a liberal arts college looks like.

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Admissions Blog: Why an open house is a great way to explore Sweet Briar

So you’re looking at Sweet Briar and you’re excited to come to campus and visit — or you’re not completely sold and still have some questions.

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Admissions Blog: 11 questions with Dean Allen

Bill Allen is a numbers cruncher and strategic thinker. But there’s a lot you may not know about Sweet Briar’s dean of admissions and financial aid.

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