@Senior2016M : As I may have mentioned before, I would really like to see VU in STEM update its life science curricula or teaching style (I think it does so called “softer” disciplines very well like the Peabody school programs, English, History, etc), which has been a big thing at near peers and I think is very important for training future scientists and healthcare professionals. I do not think it is great to assume that because students test well in HS, you can just teach them anyway you want and they will learn it deeply in college.
It could also perhaps benefit from more departments (mainly social sciences and humanities) requiring a senior project. This seems more common (or is becoming more common) at other schools in its tier. Basically, co-curricular activities may have to become more normative vs extracurriculars. I think that is part of Immersion VU’s goal (based upon what I read), but when you include study abroad as a potential capstone, that raises more questions than answers (because if the SA is not accompanied by a major project or capstone, those who can afford it will just do SA for a vacation, I mean education and count it lol.)