The University of Virginia

My first thoughts once I entered UVA as a first year, the Fall of 1998...I was intrigued and excited to be a part of such a seemingly "wonderful" institution of higher learning. Its beautiful campus, or "grounds" as it is called there, was what made me really lock in my decision. I felt I would feel "at home" in a place that I would call home for the next four years. However, I really knew nothing of the true environment, its people, and the overall faculty, until I began my first year, and became disillusioned more and more through each passing year.

Over the past four years that I've spent there, my views have only worsened. I can enumerate one thing after another, and the following are some of the biggest examples: 1) For the most part, its snobby and condescending student body--where looks are everything, and people are so divided--racially. Even in its application--the ONLY school I know that asks for a photo. Why?! A means to judge a person based on their physical appearance--preposterous! Racism thrives vibrantly throughout its student body, and their ignorance is what causes disgust amongst those few who DO NOT think in this way--because as a University of Virginia student, they are all marked the same. 2) When you have an opinion, there will be so many to shoot you down, as being wrong and will try and convince you to think only their way--if you don't follow them, then you are nothing in their eyes. Freedom of thought and expression, with knowledge and NOT through ignorance, is something that EVERY university should promote...However, it is the student body, and many groups--most especially those who are involved in the Greek System--that try to limit opinion and thought, to only what THEY believe to be true and correct--it's DISGUSTING. 3) The level of competition in the Engineering School, is good to have to a certain degree, but on the level that exists at UVA, it is unhealthy. I have seen and known too many who simply see their classmates as their competition, and nothing more. Their friends are outside of this realm--frankly, classmates should be considered colleagues, and one would hope, on some level friends--especially those with which you might find yourself working so closely with as you get deeper into your specific major. 4) The prize of my review--UVA's pride and joy...what it thrives on: its Honor System. It is despicable to know just how tainted and flawed this system is--it is by far NOT what it originally was, when Thomas Jefferson established his University--through its purpose, ideals, and way of running things. There will be students who day in and day out will commit an Honor Offense, and won't even think twice about doing so, and they will have friends to protect them, and prevent them from getting caught--what a "community of trust" eh...?! Others, who are completely innocent or on most grounds should be let go, are asked to leave its community of trust--no matter what, the odds are against them, as it is the JOB for the University to try and sway the jury who will decide the fate of the accused, so that its system can continue to eliminate students who even if INNOCENT, MUST be found guilty to protect the “integrity” and “high reputation” of the system—that they would like people to believe. There is no justice whatsoever with this system. I know too many people that feel the same way as me, that have become so embarrassed to associate themselves with UVA, and many have considered transferring out--some already have, and I will be one to follow...yes, even after four years in attendance. It simply isn't worth it to me to have this be my alma mater...I wouldn't be proud of the degree that I would attain from UVA. There are much better schools out there for me, and that will accept me in truth, for the individual that I am.

I will not argue that its campus in appearance is one of the most lovely that I have ever encountered. As I stated--THIS is what locked me into my final decision of schools to choose from, once accepted, and I know for me, this was the worst choice.Just think about it--I am one opinion out of several you might read through this system, and through various other means. However, sometimes just one opinion can really change one's outlook. I only share with you my own personal experience--four years as an undergraduate student, through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which up through now, isn't even ranked with the top programs, for undergraduate education...It is up to you to decide.

4th Year Female -- Class 2003

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Individual Value: D

Expectations of UVA: When I started college I thought it would be a positive environment, where I would have the opportunity to meet new people with different backgrounds and acquire a new perspective. I knew academically UVA would be challenging. I was excited to be around such bright people who were ambitious as me. Reality: I feel it is my duty to relay my experience at this place in order to warn others what exactly they are subjecting themselves to by attending UVA. While I was at UVA, I encountered an environment that was full of tension, hate, and down right ugliness. At UVA you are on your own. Other students will not help you because your success will hurt their grade. TAs and professors will not help you if you go to office hours because it has to be "challenging." It has been two years since I graduated from UVA and my animosity towards this place has only increased. The comment below, that states the school robs people of the essential college experience, is 100% right. I did not have a good experience here. I came out of this place more cynical and self-doubting than when I entered the University. The only good thing that came from attending UVA was it forced me to question what I wanted in life and the superficial existence that perpetuates this place is absolutely not for me. I attempted to enjoy the school by joining various organizations but failed to become more than an acquaintance to most people. I have never encountered a more socially hostile and cut throat environment. It has only been within the past year or so I have regained some since of clarity on the whole situation and been able to move on. Last year I asked a teacher for a letter of recommendation and he recommended that I ask another professor because I did not perform well in his class and he would be obligated to state that in the letter of recommendation. (I received a B in his class) I really want to look back on my experience and be reminiscent...or think that it wasn't so bad, but I cannot. I tried to make UVA work for me. If you value independent thought, happiness, and your own self worth do not attend this school. UVA may look good on your transcript or job application but the high gpa (and other opportunities) you could potentially have at another school could more than make up for it.

4th Year Female -- Class 2015

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Individual Value: F