My recent visit to Villanova started with a near campus lockdown due to some fumes coming out of one of their buildings. So, it was a rather unusual start.  With 6,500 undergraduate students, it is a medium-size school.  Known for their school of business, Villanova is rising in distinction with some key metrics:  96% retention rate, 90% graduation rate, and an impressive 97% placement rate after graduation.  The campus is relatively modern despite its longevity,  being founded in 1842.

I Love the "Holy Grounds" coffee bar, with a not to their Catholic roots.  

1. Their underlying mission is Service to others, and they have a deep commitment to "community".   students are advised to "Become what you are not Yet"

2. Their school of business is ranked #1 nationwide (Bloomberg Businessweek) and engineering #11 (U.S. News and World Report)

3. AT LEAST ONE VILLANOVA ATHLETE HAS COMPETED IN EVERY Summer Olympics since 1948.

Final Notes:

vILLANOVA IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A "JOCK" SCHOOL. despite being known for its strong national leadership position in sports, VILLANOVA ATTRACTS STRONG ACADEMIC APPLICANTS.  LAST YEAR'S ADMITS FELL INTO THE 25-75TH PERCENTILES AS FOLLOWS: 31-33 ACT RANGE/1310-1440 ACT.  146 STUDENTS had PERFECT SCORES.