University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a top research institution that offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Students may choose to participate in traditional classroom instruction as well as online classes and travel abroad opportunities. The school has several rich traditions including the the painting of the “N”. Nearby Peavine Peak sports a large, white “N” on its face and each fall, students make the trek up the mountain to give it a fresh coat of paint.

UNR also has an extremely competitive athletics organization that participates in the mighty Western Athletic Conference. School spirit runs deep and games are often intense as the school has established itself as a fierce rival, especially in basketball.

There is an active student life on campus that includes Greek sororities and fraternities as well as student organizations, club and intramural sports, and numerous social clubs. Because of its location, students benefit from both the cultural and social opportunities available in nearby towns as well as the practically unlimited outdoor recreational activities available to them. Life as a student at the University of Nevada Reno is rich, culturally diverse and filled with a mixture of academia and fun.

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Information Summary

Ranks 1st in Nevada and 526th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	86.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$25,039
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	26 / 1280
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	21 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	81% / 33%
Enrollment Total (all students)	21,463

Academics

Undergraduate Programs

Students wishing to pursue an undergraduate program at UNR may choose from nearly 100 bachelor’s and certificate programs offered via eight different colleges. There are numerous outstanding programs available, including the agricultural program and the expedited medical program that provides unique opportunities for students to pursue careers in areas that are crucial to the independent industry, the community and the world. As a leading research facility, UNR offers students the opportunity for hands-on learning and rare educational opportunities regardless of areas of interest.

Graduate Programs

The University of Nevada’s graduate program is one of the most advanced and affordable programs in the country. Students may choose from more than 60 master’s programs including both traditional programs and unusual areas such as land use planning, natural resource and environmental science, hydrogeology, biomedical engineering, and atmospheric science. The graduate program also offers doctoral degrees in nearly 40 areas. UNR has its own medical school as well as a clinic and also offers the opportunity for students to fast track a degree in medicine via a special program offered to undergraduate students. With many programs such as medicine, anthropology, atmospheric science, hydrogeology, biology and geophysics it is entirely possible to complete an entire post-secondary education at the University of Nevada Reno.

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Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Because the University of Nevada wants to make obtaining higher education possible for everyone with the desire to do so, the only requirement for admission is that each student take specific courses, preferably with a good GPA. Students who do not meet high school GPA requirements may be admitted with higher SAT or ACT scores and students who do not meet either requirement may apply for special consideration to determine if they show potential for success via test scores, GPA, special talents such as visual or performing arts or athletics, or have shown significant improvement in high school.

In order for an application packet to be considered complete, students will need to submit the application and fee along with high school and other higher education transcripts, SAT or ACT scores and vaccination records showing MMR and DT vaccinations. Students born prior to 1957 are exempt from the MMR vaccination requirement. Students wishing to apply for financial aid should also submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when they apply.

Graduate Admissions

Students who wish to apply to University of Nevada’s Graduate School will need to meet both the university and graduate program admissions requirements before being admitted. The minimum requirements for admission to any graduate program include the completion of a bachelor’s degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA and completion of all prerequisite coursework as dictated by the university and the individual program. In addition to these minimum requirements, students will also be required to meet additional requirements such as graduate school admissions testing, letters of recommendation, personal responses or higher GPA requirements. Students wishing to apply to any graduate program should work closely with their program of choice to make sure that all application requirements are met.

Application to both undergraduate and graduate programs require that students create an account with the university. As a courtesy, UNR will notify students when application packets are received and will also let them know if there is anything missing. In the case of graduate students or students seeking admission to special programs, once the application packet is complete it will be forwarded to the appropriate program for consideration.

Other Admissions

Transfer and international students or students with other special circumstances may have additional requirements and should contact the university to determine what exactly is needed for consideration for admission.

Financial Aid

Because of its reputation as a top research institution, and because UNR wants to provide an education to all who seriously seek one, financial aid is available in many forms for both undergraduates and graduates. For baccalaureate students, there are both need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships as well as federally subsidized loans and work-study programs. For graduate students there are grants, assistantships and loans. Students wishing to be considered for financial aid eligibility should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is available online when completing the application packet. Graduate students may also want to discuss assistantship opportunities with their programs of choice.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4569th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Nevada.

Athletics

The Wolfpack athletics organization is an NCAA Division I team that participates in the Western Athletic Conference. Students have the opportunity to participate in several different sports including men’s and women’s basketball, rifle, golf and tennis. Men may also choose to participate in baseball and football while women have the additional options of cross country, softball, swimming and diving, track and field and volleyball. Because of its membership affiliations, the games are frequently against such “big dog” schools as Notre Dame, Missouri and Louisiana Tech. Games are sure to be filled to capacity with enthusiastic fans.

Bibliography

University of Nevada, Reno. University of Nevada, Reno. 2011. Web. 14 July 2011.

The Official Site of the University of Nevada Athletics: NevadaWolfPack.com. CBSSports.com College Network. 2011. Web. 14 July 2011.

University of Nevada-Reno