The University of Virginia

This school is amazing. i came in as an out of state student, and was blown away by the greatness of this public school. might i mention, public school, again? the academics at this school are unparalleled in many departments- try history, foreign affairs, economics, commerce, religion, mostly any department, and you'll find some great classes with great professors. yes, some of the ta's dont speak great english... but you learn to deal. classes are hard here. being naturally smart won't get you A's. work hard, and you'll be rewarded. athletics here are great, what other school was top 25 in academics, football, and basketball this year? UVA! social life is great, regardless if youre greek. from house parties to frat parties to bars to movie nights to art gallery openings to film festivals and so on... if youre bored its your fault. make the most of what the university has to offer you. and yes... uva is quite preppy. an overall good looking student body, but more people are normal than you think. the frat boy with the pink polo is a minority here (but still visible)... oh and minority relations? this school is very diverse, self segregated like most schools, but sustained dialogue is a great program to promote diversity at this school. youd be surprised how many white, wealthy, preppy kids are friends with people different than them. dont be as close minded as you accuse uva students of being. WAHOO WAH, WAHOO WAH, UNI-V, VIRGINIA! HOO-RAH-RAY, HOO-RAH-RAY, HEY HEY, UVA!

3rd Year Male -- Class 2006

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: B+

I LOVE THIS UNIVERSITY!!As a member of the recently graduated Class of 2007, I can say with pride that I have worn the Honor of Honors. I could not be happier with this University. This University is so enriched by tradition I couldn't imagine not going to the Lighting of the Lawn (when all the columns along the Lawn are wrapped with Christmas lights and a capella groups peform) or sitting in Julian Bond's class learning about the Civil Rights movement from a man who led it, or singing the Good Ole Song (WAHOO-WAH UNI-V VIRGINIA!). I couldn't imagine not having a secret society deliver pizzas to the libraries during finals week, or tailgating on the Lawn with alumni, or knowing ever notable Thomas Jefferson (TJ) quote. Students here are crazy about their school... just ask the alumni. Would alumni donate millions of dollars to a University that didn't shape their futures? Would my class have donated $3.4 million in Class Giving? But don't be deceived, this University demands hard work if it's going to give back to its students. You'll find many UVA students have balanced academics and a social life with finesse. It might take some time, and you might have to sacrifice a game or two of beer pong to study for that exam, but in the end you can always ask yourself "When will I ever have this opportunity again?" I have taken enlightening classes and have kept many of the books I was assigned in my religion, anthro, and philosophy classes. Take advantage of the liberal arts curriculum and take a random class! And most importantly, I have never seen a more involved student body. Students truly love UVA and they work in all different capacities within the University and the Charlottesville Community on behalf of UVA. Oh, and Grounds is beautiful and historic and the Blue Ridge Mountains are breathtaking. I've gone hiking, fly fishing, wine tasting, tubing on the James River, snowboarding, been to a polo game, and camping in the surrounding areas. The Downtown Mall, which is outdoors and quaint, offers upscale shopping and dining. Some of the restaurants even reminded me of home (Manhattan) with a swank, hip vibe. The bar scene down there is much classier than the more affordable college scene of the Corner ($2 pitchers at the Biltmore on Tuesdays). The athletics here are top notch too. Our basketball team made it to the NCAA tourney, our women's and men's lax teams are National Champions, the men's soccer team was in the Final Four, the women's soccer team dominates, the men's baseball team is Top 5, we have the men's NCAA Singles Champion in Tennis, our men's swim team won 8 straight ACC titles, and we upset Florida State in football (and subsequently rushed the field). All in all, if you have an opportunity to go to this University take it! And then take advantage of everything it has to offer!

4th Year Female -- Class 2007

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B+