The University of Virginia

Coming into college I was unsure of my field of interest. I didn't have as much support from advisors as would have been helpful in determining my curriculum at UVA. In fact my first advisor was "asked to leave UVA" and no one told me so I didn't have an advisor for some time. My degree ended up being in biology with which I did not have many options upon graduation without teaching or med school. I went to another state university for a second bachelors degree and my masters degree as well before completing my internship at UVA hospital. I had my closer relationships with the professors at my school I attended after UVA. There are two professors that I knew while in school here at UVA that I can say I really enjoyed and who I can tell truly enjoyed teaching. The rest even though I went to office hours and made attempts to know them, I don't think they would have recognized me outside of class (or in class, for that matter). Of the two that I did know, one in particular I still keep in contact with consider him to be a mentor and friend to this day (Thanks for everything, Dr. Garrett!!!). If you know what field you are going to pursue and know that program to be offered at UVA, locate an advisor within that department as soon as you enter UVA and plan, plan, plan. Otherwise, because of the liberal arts nature of the school you may find you have wasted 4 years without much direction after graduation. True, I learned about myself and made many friends but I can't say that the degree itself did much for me other than the name on it. The fact that I graduated from UVA probably helped me get into my second school with ease but I had to start over in my degree program of dietetics because very few of my biology classes, as similar as it may seem, applied to the second degree. I spent a lot of money during the 4 years at UVA that I wish I would have spent going to the other school because UVA did not have the program I wanted. All in all, I don't regret my decision because I met my husband there and things worked out fine but without that in mind, I wish I had had an advisor that expressed interest in my career choice so I could have been more efficient with my time and money. If you choose UVA, it is a school with a great reputation. Most people who work very hard do well, some don't work at all and it shows in their grades, the majority fall in the middle somewhere. There are some genuinely good and even great professors that can be wonderful mentors but a lot seem to be more interested in their own research and endeavors if they are even available. Think hard about what area you might see yourself pursuing in your life and consider if UVA offers that as a major. If so, like I said, find someone who can help you early on. College is never a bad decision but I would advise having some idea of what you are interested in before entering so that you don't end up having to repeat your college education somewhere if your first degree doesn't lead you anywhere. Good luck to you all!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000