The University of Virginia

Of course, not everything was perfect when I arrived this year. The school is desperately trying to remake its image from a prominently white school to a diverse one; this has been successful to some degree, but many students of different races tend to "self-segregate" themselves. This lack of interaction has also led to very strong stereotypes of minority groups, making it hard for a diversity of interactions. However, the school has a wealth of culture for those willing to step out of their comfort zone and experience what is out there.

In terms of academics, the school can rival that of the Ivy Leagues. Many of the faculty are very committed to their respective fields and try to endow their students with their passions. There are also a countless number of classes to fit all sorts of majors, minors, independent study, research, etc. As for the students, their academic commitments and rigor are generally stronger than those of other public schools, but this is a public school nonetheless. You won't see the kinds of students you would at, say, Harvard. However, this is not bad because the students know there are other things than just school.

Many participate in extracurriculars from intramural and club sports, to musicals, to advocacy groups, to leadership groups, to culturally diverse groups and more. This is a school balancing academics and social life and bringing out the best of them. There is, however, a strong Greek life and alcohol is a rampant problem especially in the frat parties, but isn't it always? As for the Class of 2013, we are all trying to adjust to the new demands of college life. Some first years seem to get caught up in nothing but partying, alcohol, or drugs while others do nothing but work, and many people tend to form cliques, but second year promises the openness, diversity, intelligence, and fun that struck me on my first tour of UVa. It's a matter of adjusting to the possibilities of a well rounded college experience especially here at the University of Virginia.