Academics
Along with the low in-state tuition, academic rigor is the reason many students choose UVA. “All our schools are pretty strong and we have beautiful facilities, numerous options to choose from in regards to liberal arts education, and most professors are so excited to be here and be teaching,” a sophomore reports. The school’s greatest strengths, according to one senior, “include its location in Charlottesville, the wide variety of courses and their high level of academic rigor, and the many ways to work or volunteer outside the classroom.” “Each class caters to the smartest kids and elevates everyone.” On the whole, students are very happy with their professors, who are “extremely knowledgeable, passionate, excellent teachers, with a few exceptions. The teachers are generally very accessible and responsive to emails, and are genuinely interested in helping students succeed and encouraging exploration of interesting topic material outside of class.” While students note that in large lecture classes it can be a challenge to engage, “professors are very accessible if you seek them out,” and “are genuinely interested in helping students succeed and encouraging exploration of interesting topic material outside of class.” Academics here are almost universally described as rigorous and challenging, with a particularly tough grading curve in the sciences, but students praise the available resources and academic advising. “Having a personal relationship with faculty members outside of the classroom helps with the academic experience.”
Student Body
“The typical UVA student is reasonably wealthy, white, and very preppy. Other groups can be found within the student body, but you have to actively seek them out.” This sums up how students describe themselves, though they’re quick to acknowledge that there are other types beyond the typical. Roughly two-thirds of the student body is from Virginia. Some praise the diversity of the school while others would like to see even more. “The typical student is very involved outside of academics and usually has a million things to do,” including socialize. “Your average UVA student is very well-rounded and extremely busy, but enjoys that lifestyle.” All this activity makes it easy for students to find niches within the larger community that suit their interests, and there’s no question that everyone here is very driven in the direction of their choosing.
Campus Life
Between the gorgeous campus (called “Grounds” within the community) and “the bucolic college town of Charlottesville,” students are very happy with life outside the classroom here. Studying occupies much of the week, in the many libraries and study spaces available. There’s a lot of school spirit and varsity sporting events are well-attended. On weekends, “there is a significant party culture here…but not necessarily more than at other public universities.” “Frat parties dominate the social scene” for firstand second-year students, with juniors and seniors migrating off-campus to bars and apartment parties. Roughly a quarter of the student body goes Greek. That said, “if students don’t like the party scene, Charlottesville’s adorable downtown mall is easily accessible by bus and has lots of fun activities!” For those who aren’t looking for off-campus restaurants or shopping, students also note that there’s plenty to do on the Grounds: “Head to the lawn and you’ll never be bored!” claims one student. “During the warmer months you can always find people outside tossing a Frisbee, or maybe setting up an impromptu volleyball game. There are plenty of great hiking trails in the area and the athletics facilities are great.” Students report “lots of student involvement and wide-range of opportunities of activities offered outside the classroom from research to internships to clubs,” and “community service is very popular.” Some students are eager to see the school make changes in policies pertaining to student safety and sexual misconduct; the administration is responding and has shared a lengthy, proposed new policy with the UVA community for review and comment.
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