For seniors, one of the biggest struggles of the application process is determining which school is the best fit, as there are so many colleges to consider. One option to think about is Villanova University, which has been a match for many students, including Schreiber alumni Christian Schwirzbin. 

Villanova University, located in Pennsylvania, provides a long, diverse catalog of programs that provide opportunities for students to use their knowledge, skills, and compassion to better the world around them.  The university strives to create personalized experiences that support every student’s intellectual aspiration and physical well-being.  Villanova’s academic experience, rooted in the liberal arts, forms an environment where students and professors are partners in learning.  In addition, the Villanova community helps students grow professionally and challenges them to reach their full potential, which was one of Schwirzbin’s main reasons for choosing it. 

“I chose Villanova because of the community they have built here.  Everyone cares and is passionate about the school and each other.  This includes the professors as well.  In a lot of schools, professors care more about their research than teaching, but at Villanova, you can really tell the teachers want you to succeed,” said Schwirzbin. 

Villanova is known for its beautiful campus and many outdoor spaces for students to  study and hang out with friends in.  Villanova students tend to value sports so the college has multiple basketball courts scattered around campus for those looking to play a pickup game with friends. 

“My favorite thing to do on campus is play basketball.  At Villanova, many people play basketball, and there are a lot of places to play.  There is a pickup basketball group chat to set up games all the time,” said Schwirzbin. 

Moving from recreational to collegiate athletics, Villanova especially prides itself on the success of their basketball program.  The Wildcats play in the Big East Conference and have 1,817 wins, ranking the team 19th among Division I men’s basketball teams.  Since the basketball team is so competitive, Villanova students are excited on game days. 

“Sports are pretty big at Villanova.  There is a decent showing at all the football games; however, it is not at the level of high division 1 schools.  Basketball, on the other hand, is a different story.  People here are very into basketball games, and because of that, they are more entertaining to watch.  The basketball tickets are won on a lottery system to increase attendance at other sports games.  The more you attend other sports games, the better chance you have of winning basketball tickets,” said Schwirzbin. 

Along with sports, Villanova has many clubs that enrich students’ social and academic experiences.  One of the clubs founded by the university and organized by the students is the Special Olympics Pennsylvania club.  On a global scale, this is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event, and it provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  The event is an example of how Villanova students value community service and giving back.

“The school has a wide variety of clubs to offer, whether they be social or academic.  Villanova also has great club sports teams.  In addition, Villanova has a huge part in the Special Olympics.  A lot of students, including some of my friends, participate in a multitude of ways,” said Schwirzbin. 

Greek life is another significant component of Villanova.  Being in a fraternity or sorority offers students an opportunity to branch out and connect with others. At Villanova, these organizations are housed within the Office of Student Involvement, located in Corr Hall.  Many students also enjoy going off-campus to Bryn Mawr, a lively town center full of shopping and restaurants. 

“Fraternities are off-campus for Villanova and are a great way of meeting new people that can be your friends for the rest of your life.  In addition, there is a town with many stores and restaurants about 10 minutes walking distance away,” said Schwirzbin.

As a Catholic school, Villanova has an on-campus Roman Catholic church called St. Thomas, which plays an essential role in the school’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition.  Though a religious university, the school welcomes students of all spiritual and ethnic backgrounds.

“The campus itself is beautifully set up.  There is the St. Thomas Church in the middle of the campus and the rest of the model of surrounding buildings.  The engineering building is currently under construction and will be expanded to look more modern compared to the other buildings,” said Schwirzbin. 

Although there are so many schools to attend after graduating from Schreiber, Villanova is one to consider.  With its unique campus, excellent student-teacher relations, competitive sports, and enriching clubs, this Pennsylvania school may be a fit for you.