The University of Virginia

I certainly enjoyed my year and a half at UVa and I look forward to the remaining years. Something to consider is that academic advising before you declare a major is awful. I have met some of the most useless advisors who did not have a clue about science programs because they were history professors. You should have some idea what you want to do before you come here or you will get lost in the liberal arts atmosphere. Seek out people in the fields that interest you...these professors/TA's/upperclassmen are much more helpful than your assigned advisor.

Second, try something different. College is a time to experience. I initially had my doubts about joining a fraternity, but after being dragged out by some first year suitemates to some frat parties and rush, I found a frat I liked and made so many good friends that I never would have met otherwise. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made my first year. You can pledge a fraternity and do well in course work (esp. 1st year) as long as you budget your time properly.

When second year rolls around, do not take 3 "weed-out" courses in a semester. It is possible to do well, but you will have no life outside of schoolwork. Pre-med is competitive so be prepared to encounter some cut-throat behavior. Get involved in as many activities as you can without overextending yourself. Try to enjoy every second of it because it's already second year and I am still wondering where first year went. Take a chance, streak the lawn, explore the underground tunnels, apply for echols, ask out that pretty girl in your chem class...you fail 100% of the time if you never try.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2011

Individual Value: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B-

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

I'm a Korean-American who has lived my entire life in Colorado. When I first visited the grounds on a tour(or "campus" for non-Wahoos) I was struck at how open and friendly the students seemed towards each other. Everyone seemed bright, the campus was beautiful, and there seemed to be a diverse student populace. I was hooked.

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.

1st Year Male -- Class 2013

Scholastic Success: A+, Individual Value: C-