A small, private, Brethren-affiliated school in the Shenandoah Valley, Bridgewater College 鈥渋s about personally developing students in every aspect of life and making each individual physically, academically, socially, and mentally fit for the real world.鈥 Many come to Bridgewater for its combination of small size and strong academic programs---including majors in more unusual fields such as equine studies and athletic training. In particular, students point out that 鈥渢he Music and Religious Departments are amazingly active and could challenge those of much bigger and specialized schools.鈥 A private school, Bridgewater offers generous scholarship packages. Plus, students say, 鈥淵ou know you鈥檙e getting your money鈥檚 worth,鈥 thanks to consistently small class sizes and ample personal interaction with faculty. A senior remembers, 鈥淚鈥檝e never been turned away from a professor鈥檚 office; they always make time for their students and advisees.鈥 Administrators are also highly involved with the student body and are generally described as 鈥渄edicated and kind individuals who assist students with their needs in a prompt manner.鈥 Depending on their own religious and political convictions, students might find Bridgewater is fairly secular, despite its religious affiliation; on the other side of the spectrum, more leftist students complain, 鈥淭here is far too little progressive thought at this college.鈥