Limited viewpoint... I would love to live in Virginia just to have UVA as an option for in-state tuition. Between that and Chapel Hill in NC, they probably have the best in state schools of anywhere in the country, IMO.
Of the two daughter's of friends who attend UVA, they are indeed of the pearls set (and have become more and more so as the years have gone by). In fact, every time I see them they are more dressed up in going to a lacrosse game than I would tend to get in going to a cocktail party. However, it does seem to fit them very well. And while I don't want to pay for a similar wardrobe, I do so wish my younger D was more fashion conscience.
Taking son shopping today. He's gotten thinner (probably just less bulky) and we'll see where his tastes lie. We're going to the outlet mall where we'll probably hit up Polo, JCrew and a few others. He's not nearly as prep as he used to be, probably because at his school there's a tendency to go double-popped collar or hemp.
My great-grandmother was a huge stickler on grammar and manners. I mean HUGE. Unless you were older or the same age, you stood when an adult entered the room (which is a habit I've never seemed to break even though I am the "older" one). You were always "finished" with your meal, as only food is "done." You don't "talk", you "speak". And on the phone, if someone asks to speak to you and it's you, you're to answer, "this is she" vs this is her. Twice a month we would go to my great grandmother's house where she would have the table set with every piece of silverware, fine china and crystal laid out on linen, where course were served by her housekeeper (frieda) and lemon-infused finger bowls were used. (She also had one of those HUGE roller irons built especially to press sheets and tablecloths perfectly). She was, without doubt, the most graciously wonderful woman I've ever known. Therefore, I know manners. I just don't always choose to use them in all cases. My kids give me a hard time, but this is what I tell them: For those to whom manners and graciousness are not important, they won't care one way or the other. But for those for whom they matter, they will notice even if they understand things aren't perhaps the way they used to be and will therefore, appreciate yours all the more. In other words: Never underestimate the value of good grammar, respect for your elders and a graciousness in manners. As my Grandfather once said, "You should know how to dine with kings even though you'll spend most of your time eating with jesters."
So DTE: Beside UVA, what schools have her greatest attention at this point?