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Southwestern University Reviews

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Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Southwestern University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Southwestern University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Southwestern University reviews, or contribute your own Southwestern University review if you're a current student there.

  • 9 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Cheyney from San Antonio, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This school is extremely informative- classes are small, reading is crucial, student-professor relationships are personal. In such a class setting, it is difficult to let the information slide past you. Also, attendance policy is strict- you can be forcibly dropped from the course if you miss a certain amount of classes. You're there to learn, you do so, & mostly, you'll enjoy it.
    Am enjoying being here

    I have been characterized as an typical SU student by upperclassmen, professors, alumni & staff in that I am outgoing, eager to learn, well-spoken, and ambitious on a global level. I enjoy being around other students who share those characteristics with me very much. Facilities are wonderful, campus is beautiful, and help is always available.
    Bang for the buck

    The Business Office can be extremely difficult and scholarships are not always consistent or reasonable. Work Study can be very difficult to obtain. The school is worth the money, but prices are very steep. Connections with staff will get you far- they'll do the dirty lobbyist work for you so you can focus on your studies.
    Tips for prospective students

    Look for scholarships online, stick with a work study job if you get one, be prepared to read, & don't worry- this school is extremely balanced in terms of work/fun.
    Great for these types of students

    outgoing, personable, ambitious, expansive world view, right-brained, better with reading/essays, need close professor relationships, well-spoken

  • 7 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Lago Vista, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Southwestern University is an academically challenging school. One of the great things about attending this University is its size. Your professors know you by name which makes it easier to schedule extra tutoring.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a pretty expensive school. However, the facilities are nice and the professors are excellent.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you plan on attending Southwestern, I would suggest you have an idea of what you want to accomplish. You don't have to pick your major until your junior year, but it's ideal to have a general direction on which you would like to travel. Join academic clubs, play sports, and participate in intramurals, for these things can help you decide where you want to go in your life and aide in making life-long friendships. Southwestern is a very small school but the experiences you have here will be better than most any other college. As a small school, students are able to have strong one-on-one relationships with professors, easy access to career services, and many friends who will stick by you through thick and thin. If I had to pick one valuable life lesson that I have learned while attending my first year at this University, it would be that who you know out reaches what you know. Don't hesitate to talk to career services or to alumni; they know most about how to succeed in what they do. And most of all, students at Southwestern party hard, play hard, and study hard. We know that stress is not the only key to success.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone can find a place at Southwestern. We have brilliant theater and art students, all of whom are dedicated and fun to be around. For the more athletic students, we have excellent sports teams. I am a member of the inaugural softball team and we won our side of the conference and made it to the conference tournament. The volleyball team made it to regionals as well as the men's basketball team. The baseball team played well in our conference as well as our men's and women's soccer team and women's basketball team. Tennis plays hard and we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to add on a men's lacrosse program and hopefully women's lacrosse will soon follow. A lot of the athletes major in kinesiology or some sort of science. Our science program is very academically challenging. I am positive that any student who attends this school will find their place here.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Brittany

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Southwestern has a vigorous academic workload. Be prepared to study and write more than all high school years combined. It's worth it, however, because at the end of the semester/year, you will be able to look back with a sense of accomplishment at how much you learned and how much you matured in writing skills, studying skills, etc.
    Am enjoying being here

    Southwestern employs a reasonable balance of work and play. The students have the same attitude of getting the job done and then celebrating when finished. The staff, especially the janitors, are wonderful and truly care about the students. The campus itself is scenic and peaceful, easy to navigate, and always bustling with activity, usually some form of extreme frisbee or students playing instruments.
    Bang for the buck

    It can be very expensive, but their scholarship program is very helpful. AP classes and class rank play into curriculum for scholarship money, as well as financial need and any additional scholarships such as music or athletics. On the downside, dorms are mandatory for freshmen, and with that comes an expensive meal plan.
    Tips for prospective students

    Try to earn as many outside scholarships as possible. Always be friendly to the staff, and try to get to know them as well. They can help when problems come up.
    Listen to the tour of the library at the beginning of the year; that place is priceless during midterms and finals.
    Great for these types of students

    Well-rounded, ambitious students. Any student wiling to work. Any student who doesn't know exactly what their major is just yet, but wants to feel around and figure out what is best for them.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Georgia from Georgetown, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Small class sizes and good professors. You will have your work cut out for you at all times - this is not an easy school! - but you will definitely learn. If you talk directly to your professors, you get that much more out of the class: information more pertinent to your interests, and more than likely a higher grade.
    Am enjoying being here

    Lifelong friends with similar interests, fun classes, and always something to do, whether you're into parties, Greek life, volunteer work/philanthropy, theater and art... There's something for everyone here.
    Bang for the buck

    This is a REALLY expensive school. I think it's well worth it, but you will be struggling with financial aid while here, and heads up: the business office is not at all friendly. Every other staff person, though, is cheerful and helpful, the campus is beautiful, and your degree will be hard-earned and well worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be aware of your money. People come out of this school with a LOT of loans if they're not careful. Be on the lookout for scholarships at all times, and work study is a great idea (depending on where you get it). I would suggest relying as little as possible on financial aid - pay as much out of pocket as you can for books, supplies, food, etc., and leave the fin aid for tuition and housing. This will save you money in the long run.

    Also, breaking any procrastination habits would be very helpful to your workload, and learn to cook - the cafeteria staff are awesome, but the food... not so much.
    Great for these types of students

    You need to be really interested in learning. We have our parties, but you will not get away with daily hangovers here. If you love to learn and can work hard, this school is perfect for you. Bonus if you like reading and writing - there will be a lot of both.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    De Andre from NY,NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Southwestern University, although a school small in size and unheard of across the country, is a powerhouse in terms of challenging their students. Southwestern believes that a liberal arts education of its caliber should be something that is accessible to all students, but one must work hard to have. What I love most is the academic learning coupled with the other forms of learning one cannot receive in the classroom.
    Am enjoying being here

    I came all the way from New York City to Texas! Although I love New York, I knew some drastic decisions had to be made. When I arrived on Southwestern's campus, as corny as this may sound, I felt the love and genuine concern the everyone has for each other. Although I was offered better opportunities finanically and knew I would experience moments of doubt because of the distance from home, I knew coming to Southwestern was the right move. I now can say, it was the best decision I ever made!
    Bang for the buck

    As a worker in Southwestern University's Gift Programming Office and student interviewed about how scholarships have impacted my Southwestern experience, I discovered firsthand the effort Southwestern and its donors put forth to offer scholarship for their students. Here at SU, as it is affectionately known as, 92% of students receive aid.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you have support and have fun!!! Feel free find me on Facebook for more tips.
    Great for these types of students

    Southwestern is great for students who want a personalize education which includes one-on-one time with professors, meetings and study sessions with students and academic advisors, and chances for discussion in the classroom. With less than 1400 students and the average class size of 12, those chances are abundant. The sincere care and concern that abides on this campus is incomparable!

  • Kittemoore

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Progressive-- and when it realizes it isn't, it always aims to redress that.
    You'd be hard-pressed to find a mean or disingenuous person working on this campus; faculty and staff are very enthusiastic about helping you toward your personal ideas of successful learning.
    All students here, while individuals with their own tastes, respect one another greatly as equal peers and fellow human beings.
    Tips for prospective students

    Look into student organizations on under ALL the different student life organizations section on the website before you get to orientation week-- you can meet them right away rather than at the end of the year. Have the courage to go talk to ALL your professors after you have been in classes for a few weeks-- that helps more than all of us can ever say. If you need a job, don't waste any time in going to Career Services-- they're some of the friendliest people on campus and they have an amazing track record for finding jobs for students pronto. Take advantage of tutoring and the Writing Center-- we all have to, and it always helps!!
    Academic Rigor

    Professors expect a lot, but are also aware of SU students' high level of participation in learning OUTSIDE the classroom. I've also never found a professor who wouldn't work with a student who was honestly struggling, sick, etc. They're all really genial people with immense amounts of knowledge and connections, and if they don't know an answer, the campus is small enough they know all the other professors who can give you one! Use their open door policies, some of the best things my friends and I have gotten opportunities to do came out of those (conferences, internships, scholarships, etc.)!
    Dorm Life

    The dorms here really are phenomenal compared to other universities, but the residence life policies almost drive us nuts. Also, while it is definitely a blessing your first year to have room service (we're one of the few universities spoiled in that way!), by sophomore and junior year privacy becomes something you crave...enough to make most of us move off campus. If you can live with it, though, you won't find a better dorms and university apartments in Texas' private schools!
    Food and Dining

    The dining service on campus is generally awful, with the exception of days when prospective/new students, alumni, or board of trustees members are in attendance. (Thankfully, though, their catering service is better-- student organizations are able to order this for their events.) For regular dining, I'd advise saving money and starting off with the lowest meal plan available: you can always increase it later if you find you need more meals, but you'll never get back that money you lost with a bigger plan!
    What to do for fun

    Go to Austin. :)
    No, but more seriously, while Austin is awesome, the university really does have fun events on weekends (Friday Night Live, Cinematic Saturday). There are also 4 fraternity houses on campus that typically trade off hosting parties 3 weekends a month. Try checking the campus calendar near the cafeteria exit, as well as the kiosks around campus for other events!
    But really, have you BEEN to Austin? :)
    Bang for the buck

    Southwestern is EXTREMELY expensive, there's no doubt about it, and many of us go through really tough times making sure our tuition gets paid...But along with having a financial aid office that really does help us out any way they can, we all stay for a reason: Southwestern is tough in the very best of ways, with the very best and most loving people you could possibly imagine. I have learned more and come to a better place in my personal and scholarly life than I ever thought possible in an undergraduate program.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    A lot of us agree here, we're mostly those kids in HS who didn't really follow a lot of traditions, and that's how most of us like it! :) But even we can't resist getting into Midnight Breakfast during midterm/finals week, or the Barcus Society starting random dance-offs in the middle of the Commons. We're also pretty sentimental about yellow bikes and squirrels (you just have to see that one for yourself!). People believe superstitiously that the university seal in front of the chapel, if stepped upon, will doom your finals. There's also this really odd horse-skull statue in front of the library-- nobody is really sure why it's there, but people always weirdly leave food and flowers in front of it regardless. The best annual thing isn't really a tradition at all, but it's the way the campus is decorated during the holiday season-- I'm no Harry Potter fan but even I can agree that it feels like Hogwarts, and I'm not going to lie: it's pretty damned awesome.
    Great for these types of students

    Nerdy-cool kids. Friendly people. People who really enjoy stepping outside their comfort zone. We know how to study hard, but we can still set the book down and soaking up sun, shop/jam in Austin, or even party hard when we want. We're Dr. Who fans, tumblr fangirls/guys, fabulous people, lumberjacks, models....... I'm playing into the stereotype of the SU student with that last sentence, but I promise everyone is welcome and would enjoy it here; there's a really great niche for everyone and yet we're all friends with each other due to the small size (all at the same time!!!).
    Clubs and Activities

    My personal favorite part of SU. The organizations here are stellar, very student-driven, and the students are all very driven too! If you don't find it, you can make it, and there's tons of resources to do so, even with budget cuts in our economy. There's too many awesome clubs to cover them all, just check out the student life section of SU's webpage.
    Greek Life

    I'm not personally in a sorority, but the sorority girls here are all really sweet and super involved. There's also several frats and service sororities/fraternities. A lot of people who are in frats/sororities still have time for awesome grades and other organizations if they want, too.
    Campus Safety

    I would like to give this a 10 star. My best friend's sister at UT laughed when THE bike thief hit the front news of our school paper...bike theft is petty news at UT, but we're all pretty proud that 6 stolen bikes are big news to us. With our honour pledge here, people just don't mess with others' things, period. Our campus police are our dream-come-true law enforcement unit who ensure that personal safety here at school doesn't even NEED to cross anybody's mind, and if it does, they're already on their way.

  • Robert

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It is a small liberal arts school with a tight-knit community of students and faculty located on a beautiful campus. I can attest from personal experience, and I am sure many of my peers would agree with me, that the professors care about you, remember you and are interested in bringing your ideas to life. The best way to take advantage of what Southwestern has to offer is to NOT go through the motions or put blinders on, but reach out and explore the side trails as you go down your path.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would recommend taking a tour of the campus and talk with the professors from various departments if possible. The professors are not trying to recruit you, so you won't get a sales pitch from them. Definitely get more than one student opinion and visit the different dorms. You can find your own niche at Southwestern, but I recommend not getting too tightly wedged into it. If you put the blinders on for your whole stay you will have spent the not small amount of money on an experience you could have found at a community college. Remember that although the bare price tag may seem daunting, Southwestern is quite generous with scholarships both during the application and while you study there.
    Academic Rigor

    I have no studies to support my claim, but I have heard that it is one of the most academically rigorous programs in Texas. Some have said it is the second-most, only behind Rice University. I can say that the introductory courses are pretty demanding but nothing to sweat over as long as you do your work. The upper level courses are certainly more demanding, and if you plan on doing well you really need to set aside time for academics. Many students are involved in multiple organizations and they still find time to do well. This suggests that the curriculum is not so demanding as to take away from your other interests, which is exactly what Southwestern is about: the liberal arts experience.
    Dorm Life

    Most everyone likes their arrangements here, and the university is very accommodating if issues arise. The RAs are excellent, and there is a definite sense of community instilled from the very first day. The dorms differ a lot, and I would recommend visiting them if possible to get a sense of which fits your social style best.
    Food and Dining

    I personally like the food; I was pleasantly surprised at the quality when I arrived. I will admit that it gets a little tiring from time to time, especially since there is only one main dining area. However, the food and dining staff are very responsive and there is a focus on green recycling.
    What to do for fun

    Southwestern is located a mile from Georgetown's town square. There is a nice park and river nearby and a Blue Hole for swimming. The SIRA program at SU offers many programs including Tango, Yoga, MMA,and many other fitness classes for extremely affordable prices. They also host the intramural sports tournaments. Every Friday night there is a Friday Night Live event. They invite musicians, comedians, slam poets, etc. There are many clubs and organizations always doing something fun. (e.g. - the Physics Club goes paintballing). There is also the Greek life. Southwestern is one of the few colleges that guys are let into the houses free even if they do not bring a girl. There are many plays and concerts that students get in for free throughout the semesters. Also, the RAs host events throughout the year for their residents.
    Bang for the buck

    It is an expensive ride, but the generous initial scholarships cushion the costs quite a bit. That does not take into account the scholarships offered during the years there. It still is expensive, but I will say it is worth it. But, you have to look around and take advantage of all the services offered. There are grants for research projects, summer research, work-study positions, as well as internship fairs. Definitely spend time with the Career Services department. If you just focus on your major, the experience is not worth the money. But, if you talk to the different departments and inquire just a little you find programs and internships everywhere.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    I do not know about any campus wide traditions, but there is a nice little eclectic joint called the Korouva Milk Bar. There is also the Pirate Bike program. There are free bikes that you can ride anywhere on campus. It is really convenient.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who have a natural curiosity for the world and are willing to take advantage of everything offered them. They have an interest in exploring things that are not their primary interest. They want an experience that intermingles the Sciences and the Humanities even if they are focusing on one specifically.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are too many clubs to list them. You will almost certainly find a club that interests you, but if you don't, you can submit a proposal to start your own. This is a really good way to take charge. Just be prepared for the effort and time it takes to manage a club.
    Greek Life

    It is both crazy and friendly. It is not extreme like UT or LSU and there are only 4 fraternity houses. There are no sorority houses. One universal recommendation: Do not prioritize the Greek life over everything else. I have seen too many of my peers fall into that hole. It is extremely difficult to get out.
    Campus Safety

    The campus is safe. There are few instances, but when they happen the police are very responsive. The RAs are good at dealing with any dorm disputes. Also, if a fire alarm goes off, whether it be for an actual fire or someone burning a cookie, the fire department is there within minutes.

  • Shelby from Rowlett, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Southwestern University is a spectacular university largely because of its size and close-knit community. You will feel at home knowing that not only your fellow students are there to support you, but the superbly talented and intelligent faculty are eager to help you with your academic and career goals. Despite its general obscurity, Southwestern is a very prestigious university and has a very challenging but valuable course-load.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get as much college credit as possible in high school because not only will this affect what classes you'll have to take for your degree, but in addition, the number of credits you have will also determine your order in choosing your classes and dorms. Also, don't procrastinate in your application process so you have as much time as possible for the unexpected. But, in general, Southwestern is spectacular about taking care of your needs.
    Academic Rigor

    I took the hardest classes I could in a public high school and didn't expect it to be too much harder in college. I was definitely surprised when I had to relearn how to study and write essays. The course work is very challenging and really pushes you to the limit, but in the process you will not only learn the material, but become a pro at managing your time, coping with stress, and writing an effective thesis.
    Dorm Life

    While the dorms themselves are not of the highest quality (largely due to the age of the buildings) and certain aspects such as internet speed and sound proofing are not always the best, in general, living in the dorms is something that I would recommend to everyone. The interactions with people daily and the comfortable, homey spaces make up for the size and age. They can be rather pricey though.
    Food and Dining

    There are two places to eat on campus: The Commons and the Cove. The Commons is a buffet style cafeteria with a lot of food to choose from. However, it is general campus knowledge that the food is not particularly good, but you can always get by with a burger, a salad (which are quite good), the rare vegetarian lasagna, and a tasty desert bar. The Cove, on the other hand, has a very delicious grill and coffee bar (I love their smoothies and shakes) but it tends to be more pricy.
    What to do for fun

    Georgetown in general is a very quiet, conservative suburb town, therefore there is not much in the immediate area. However, being so close to Austin, it is really easy to drive or carpool down to the capital for entertainment, especially 6th Street. If you are more of a homebody, there are still lots of fun things to do on campus such as Wednesday and Friday night live events, monthly movie nights, dances and the annual mega concert.
    Bang for the buck

    Southwestern is very expensive but the education that you receive makes it all worth it. In certain departments (such as Psychology) you will receive skills on par with graduate school.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    We ride Pirate Bikes around campus! These are bright yellow campus bikes that you can just grab and ride anywhere around the school. We also have a new addition of a horse skull statue, but already this had become an integral part of the university as students have taken to offering sacrifices of fruits and sodas to the horse statue every time exams come around.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for people who want an intimate education. You will learn so much but you will get the best for the price if you build relationships with your peer and professors because these networks are PRICELESS. Independent and responsible students will thrive in this kind of environment.
    Clubs and Activities

    Southwestern has lots of prestigious clubs and you can't navigate the campus without encountering the constant activities and fundraisers for various interest groups and clubs.
    Greek Life

    Sorority life at Southwestern is slightly handicapped because of a grant restriction not allowing for Sorority houses, but the Sororities are still loud and proud. More notorious are the Fraternities with 4 houses. They dominate the campus night life mainly on Fridays and Saturdays but also on Wednesday nights for Study Break. As opposed to many universities, our Greeks are significantly nicer and open to outsiders. They focus more on having fun but still manage to keep some excellent grades.
    Campus Safety

    Every campus has drinking, but Southwestern has an excellent campus police. Southwestern policy leans towards safe drinking in an effort to keep students from driving to other locations to party, taking a significant amount of danger out of the picture. In addition, the campus police are always easy to contact and keep everything from cars to Pirate Bikes in order. The entire campus is notoriously safe because of the intimate nature of such a small campus. When there is any semblance of disorder, police notifications via email and texts instantly alert students of the situation and how to stay safe.

  • David

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Southwestern is a difficult school, but it is worth the amount of work, both for the future and learning opportunities. It has a friendly community of faculty and staff, as well as students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be dedicated to staying caught up on work and reading.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are tough, but professors are ready and willing to help. The work definitely is doable.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is good, the rooms aren't too small and they are kept clean.
    Food and Dining

    Everyone always complains about the commons, but it really isn't that bad, especially compared to other schools.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is a very diverse group of clubs and activities available at Southwestern. Just about everyone is able to find one they like.
    Greek Life

    The Greek life thrives with four fraternity houses and a number of sororities.

  • Lea from Georgetown, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Southwestern has a small town feel but it has everything you could need nearby. Austin is thirty minutes away for a more city feel, but there is what people call the square; its walking distance from campus and it's basically like a small city. The atmosphere and people are great; they are always willing to help!
    Tips for prospective students

    When moving in be sure to communicate with your roommate to figure out what you are going to bring and what you will need. Don't over pack because moving each year will become hectic. When applying for a job on campus make sure to go and talk with the bosses early because a lot of students want jobs on campus. If you have bike you should bring it with you because even though the campus has Pirate Bikes they are not always around, and it allows you to jet to class if you need to (I'm not a morning person).
    Academic Rigor

    The Course work is heavy there is no lie there, but you do not have to bite off more than you can chew. You have to take up to a minimum of 12 hours/3 four credit classes to be considered a full time student. Also the course work is manageable just don't procrastinate too much and you will be fine. I always like a challenge so it suits me I like keeping busy so I do course work and then do what I love to do as well.
    Dorm Life

    The living areas here are in great shape. When you room here the first year they match you with someone they feel you would be compatible with, then the years after that you will more than likely have friends that you will want to room with!
    Food and Dining

    Unlike most universities we do not have fast food places; the food is what ever you want to make it to be. You can have what you like from any line and its buffet style so eat and drink all you like ( just be careful not to do that too often). They even have an ice cream machine! There is another place with a restaurant type feel it's called the cove and you can order food from there and they have name brand drinks and ice cream.
    What to do for fun

    The cove has pool tables and there are cove concerts every Friday. The frats have parties basically every weekend, and Austin is 30 minutes away! Also there are performances in the theater musical and performing arts. The park is also right by campus!
    Bang for the buck

    You will definitely get what you pay for. Good education, professors always willing to talk things over who are very understanding and accommodating.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    We have an observatory so when there are clear nights they have viewings.
    Great for these types of students

    People that like one on one time with the professor for questions or explanations and examples or even tutoring. Also people who like small classes and getting to know everyone on campus instead of being just a number. If you don't show up to class your professors will worry.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is a club for everyone! I am in 6! What ever you like there is a club for it!
    Greek Life

    I'm not much into this part of college but the frats are nice, and have good parties. The sororities are nice as well and they are very structured.
    Campus Safety

    There is SUPD always making rounds day and night.

  • Maria from Jarrell, TX

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    southwestern is a phenomenal university. it provides every student with great resources to be successful. attending southwestern university was the best choice i ever made.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't be afraid to ask questions. ask any question that you want to be answered.
    Academic Rigor

    the academic rigor at southwestern is intense. there is a lot of reading to do but it is worth it.
    Dorm Life

    i love living in my dorm. there is so much camaraderie.
    Food and Dining

    the food is not necessarily as bad as people think. all of the employees in the commons are wonderful.
    What to do for fun

    georgetown is full of fun and awesome places to go to for fun. the square is walkable distance and it has a lot of little shops.

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