University of Virginia-Main Campus

The great thing about UVA is that it is a public research university - meaning its resources attract the big names in most fields of study. This is great for you, the student, because you get to learn under such academics as Rita Dove and Larry Sabato.
A caveat: UVA has a single sanction Honor Code. If you lie, cheat, or steal, you will be tried by a jury of your peers and if found guilty of a non-trivial offense, you will be expelled. Virginia expects a lot from her students academically, but if you put the time and energy into it, your efforts will be rewarded.

So many classes, so little time! Take the classes that interest you the most. To be honest, if you can't handle AP classes in high school, I suggest you look at another school. I know most of you are excited about taking notes on your laptop, but high school was right: Writing it out makes it stick in your head easier.

The University offers a wide variety of course-work and majors. I am often overwhelmed (in a very good way) by the courses being offered each semester and am faced with a tough decision when it comes to choosing which ones to take. The professors are great and are always available to listen during their office hours. Every professor I've had has shown great enthusiasm for their subject and great care for their students' well-being. Also, there is a very wide variety of clubs to join. I've been able to learn so much about different service organizations and get involved not only in the Charlottesville community but also the world. There are also tons of other fun clubs that offer new hobbies. I personally joined Baking Club and Salsa Club. Learning new, fun and relaxing things while making friends is one of the best parts of UVA.

I'm in the engineering program at the University of Virginia, and I have learned something new in each in every one of my classes so far. Engineering classes can be challenging, and so can the classes in the college. Be ready to study and ready to learn.

UVA is an amazing school, and the wide array of classes and activities will allow anyone to find a niche. Additionally, there is both a strong emphasis on academics as well as a surprisingly vibrant party scene (if that's your thing). However, due to the competitive nature of applications, academics can feel a little competitive at times; however, nobody is actively working against you.

The courses here are very rigorous and challenging, but if you love to learn and work hard, then UVA is the place for you. The professors and even the TAs are all very knowledgeable about their subjects and are always available to help you with you work. As with most colleges, there is a core curriculum that every student has to fulfill, which allows you to study things you may not have. Basically at UVA, you get as much out of the classes as you put into them.

Everyone I've met has been really friendly.

Because this is such a big school, there is a large variety of different class choices and you are very likely to be able to get into a class you want to take. I have been able to take some fun classes my high school did not offer, like Economics or Studies in Drama. I also learned a lot more in one semester of French here than I did in three years at high school.

Being in college in the first place has given me the opportunity to learn many new things about being independent and about life. I have learned many essential things about living on my own-- especially how to make many interesting and creative microwavable meals and how to do my own laundry! As far as classes go, each and every professor and teacher's assistant are very qualified to teach the classes. Many of the professors are actually the authors of their own textbooks, so you know that they really know what they're talking about!

UVA is the perfect combination of the opportunities of a big state school and the community feel of a small town! Students here really value their education but also love to socialize and have fun. We respect our honor code, our faculty, and each other!