The University of Virginia

I'm not your typical UVa student - at least, that's the impression I get reading other reviews of UVa. The truth is, there is not typical UVa student, and thats why I love it here. We're a huge school, with a pretty diverse group of people. Students for Objectivism, College Republicans, College Democrates, ACLU@UVA, NORML@UVa, Queer and Allied Activism, Christian Hoos Exault, and Hoos for Israel are all active clubs here. I have friends in all of them. As students at UVa, we are united by a commitment to our education - and by generally honorable, courteous behavior. I can't believe how friendly the people here are.

I'm not saying that there is nothing to the "fake tan/ rich and snobby" sterotype. What I am trying to say is that we are a school with 13,000 undergraduates, 1/3 of whom are involved in greek life. That stereotype applies only to a fraction of that 1/3. If you choose to attend UVa, you're going to meet a lot of people you don't like. Hopefully, you'll also meet your best friends. My advice is to be as involved as possible your first semester. There are so many clubs where you can meet people with your interests, and so many things to do on a friday night other than hit up a frat party. I've been to exactly one football game and one frat house, but I never stay in on weekends.Get to know an RA in your building, at least one professor, and if possible, a dean. I also recommend specifying your intended major when you enter. It's fine to change your mind, but this will help you get an academic adviser in your field. My adviser is great, but don't sweat if yours doesn't know a think about the subject you are interested in. His job is to make sure you are on track to graduate, don't let the presence of a formal adviser stop you from seeking advice elsewhere!

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Innovation: B

The University of Virginia presents a special case in university selectivity. While nearly everyone here achieved high standardized scores and GPAs, numbers are simply not enough to survive here. While here, I have met the most interesting people and seen the most interesting things thanks to UVa's commitment to diversity. I attended a small private school that did not always foster my academic and extracurricular hunger, but the students and the school setting is incredibly inspiring which lends to the difference in expected work load and actual course difficulty.

For the most part, the faculty are passionate about their fields and are extremely resourceful and open. In this short half-semester, I have developed a personal relationship with every one of them through office hours and discussions.The party scene at UVA is also quite interesting. It is not uncommon whatsoever to ear lingering comments of partyers stumbling home on a Friday night debating the possibility of a God based off of our limited understanding of Higgs boson. On the other hand, those who seek an extremely "hydrated" weekend can do so pretty much every night of the week. The social scene includes your standards: athletes in jumpsuits, band kids, Christian chicks that make free pancakes, and the like. Over all, there is an excellent balance of work and play for any one who looks for it.

1st Year Male -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: A-

2nd Year Male -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B+