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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I've heard several people say Charlottesville is such a college town, meaning there's not much to do off-grounds. FALSE. Charlottesville is so much more than the University. With the pedestrian Downtown Mall (including two cinemas, one theater, and its very own ice rink), two more ordinary malls, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, more restaurants per capita than New York City, and Carter Mountain Orchard for apple picking excursions, Charlottesville is so much more than your typical college town. There's something happening every minute, so schedule accordingly.
That being said, relaxing in your dorm room every once in a while will not be frowned upon.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Virginia's academic program has been described as rivaling some private universities' curricula, and you get to experience it at a public school price! The educational, social, and overall experiences at UVA are worth every cent of your tuition, but if it is necessary that you apply for financial aid, be very careful as you fill out your FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) form. Due to a complex home situation this past year, I missed out on financial aid opportunities for the upcoming 2009-10 school year.
Bottom line: UVA is worth its price tag, but it wouldn't hurt to fill out some scholarships either.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
College is all about balancing a full schedule of work and play so that you can enjoy yourself in all areas of life without burning out and failing, just like in real life! So, work hard and study for your classes. Go out on the weekends or join one of UVA's many clubs and organizations. Just don't let one aspect of your life affect another. If you keep it at a happy medium, you're more likely to stay calm and, well, happy!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
-Overachievers
-Networkers
-Partyers
-Stay-at-home-on-Friday-night-ers
-Introverts
-Extroverts
-Comedians
-Academics
-Left Brains
-Right Brains
(In short, UVA has a spot for anyone and everyone if they look hard enough for it!)
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.
I've heard several people say Charlottesville is such a college town, meaning there's not much to do off-grounds. FALSE. Charlottesville is so much more than the University. With the pedestrian Downtown Mall (including two cinemas, one theater, and its very own ice rink), two more ordinary malls, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, more restaurants per capita than New York City, and Carter Mountain Orchard for apple picking excursions, Charlottesville is so much more than your typical college town. There's something happening every minute, so schedule accordingly. That being said, relaxing in your dorm room every once in a while will not be frowned upon.
Virginia's academic program has been described as rivaling some private universities' curricula, and you get to experience it at a public school price! The educational, social, and overall experiences at UVA are worth every cent of your tuition, but if it is necessary that you apply for financial aid, be very careful as you fill out your FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) form. Due to a complex home situation this past year, I missed out on financial aid opportunities for the upcoming 2009-10 school year. Bottom line: UVA is worth its price tag, but it wouldn't hurt to fill out some scholarships either.
College is all about balancing a full schedule of work and play so that you can enjoy yourself in all areas of life without burning out and failing, just like in real life! So, work hard and study for your classes. Go out on the weekends or join one of UVA's many clubs and organizations. Just don't let one aspect of your life affect another. If you keep it at a happy medium, you're more likely to stay calm and, well, happy!
-Overachievers -Networkers -Partyers -Stay-at-home-on-Friday-night-ers -Introverts -Extroverts -Comedians -Academics -Left Brains -Right Brains (In short, UVA has a spot for anyone and everyone if they look hard enough for it!)