NOBODYILI

I am currently a freshman in Peking University in Beijing, China. As a girl majoring in Hebrew and Jewish Studies, I am also greatly interested in Architecture. I applied as a 2012 transfer student to the School of Architecture in UVa and WashU, and fortunatly got accpetedby both.

WashU gave me a morphey scholarship of more than 20,000$ in the first year while UVa did not gave me any FA since no FA is offered for international transfer. But fortuanely I can afford both, so I would like to choose and pursue the best education.

I compared the two schools carefully but feel that I need more subjetive opinions about them since I have never been to the States and only knew these schools through internet or a few friends. But I have to confirm UVa or WashU really soon(in May.12th..) Would you pls give me some suggestion?

In terms of the location, some suggested me that UVa is at an advantage since it's in the south east and is closer to some big cities in the east coast. This will do good to an Architect majoring student since they could see more buildings and cities with ease. And Virginain students will have more opprotunities for both interns and jobs since the economic is more developed in the East Part comparing to the Central America where St Louis locates. So is it reallt true that location does matter so much?

While on the other hand, I prefer an Architectural education that is not too focused early in the freshman year, in other words a liberal arts architectural education. Some said that one can get exactly a liberal Arts Architectural education in St Louis. But I believe that one could also get the same liberal Arts Architectural education in Uva. Is it really so?

Lastly, could you pls tell me something that attracts you most in UVa? And perhaps some disadvantage also?

Thank you so much!!

vc08

oook i'll try since no one else has responded much

First off, both UVA and WashU are great schools. So you aren't going to make a "bad" choice. Secondly, I'm going to UCLA, so I'm not a biased WashU/UVA student.

If it were me, I'd go to UVA. The history behind the architectural program there is SO rich in tradition; Jefferson remains to this day one of the most revered figures in American history, and the fact that he drew the original plans would be an inspiration to any architect lucky enough to attend. The campus is beautiful, and VA as a state is just typically nicer than Missouri. UVA also has a more renowned reputation nationally and internationally; WU is fairly new to the "big stage" of prestigious universities. Some professionals say that WU is overrated, as in that it shouldn't be ranked that highly...while I'm not a fan of calling universities "overrated," the stereotype does exist, rightfully or wrongfully so. WashU has a more regional reputation, whereas in my opinion, UVA has a more national one.

Also, UVA is a close-knit community, due to the rich history and athletic success the school enjoys. There's just a certain feeling one gets at UVA that I think is very unparalleled. It's so unique. As an international student, no university could represent the American dream, ideals, and work ethic better than UVa. It's simply America's university.

But again, both schools are very, very good. I'm sure if you went to WashU, you'd get a great education there. But at UVA, you'll be part of a special environment. And, you can take liberal arts courses as well, to supplement your major.

Good luck!

barboza

Haha, great post vc08. I find it warming that you like UVA so much, despite the fact that you're now a Bruin!

brkr

^ hahaha
vc08: u say all this amazing stuff about UVa and then u turn down their offer..interesting ....

powderpuff

vc08, you are such nice person, and always kind. "America's university"--oh, you make me blush!
Good luck to you at UCLA! I have confidence in you, no matter where you go. Try to stay in touch from time to time.

vc08

haha brkr! There's something called "finances" for some of us lol! Honestly if the in-state/OOS costs weren't so different, I would be 100% happy to attend UVA! Best of luck to you and the Class of '12!

But I AM looking forward to that grad school app

And powderpuff/barboza: you're the people who make UVA great. Thanks so much for your confidence in me, it did wonders in the application process!

Go Hoos!