Brown/Princeton or UVA full ride?

jc40
Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:31:19 +0000

UVirginia is a big party school



No. Students at UVA work hard and some play hard; however, when I hear “big party school” UVA isn’t anywhere NEAR the top of the list (U of FL, U of AL, Auburn, UT, Arizona State, etc., etc.). To get into UVA, students must be toward the very top of their class. This is especially true for OOS and NOVA kids where competition is fierce. It is not uncommon for students to be accepted to schools like Northwestern, Cornell, and Vandy for instance, but be rejected or waitlisted at UVA. To stay at the school and do well, students must put forth considerable time. UVA has modest deflation, so kids have to be willing to work hard. Most of the partying for those interested starts on Thursday night but concludes early Sunday morning.

As far as the social climate is concerned…although only 1/3 of the student body is greek, I’d say that there is a definite greek vibe that prevails. The dorms are average, and first years are required to live on grounds. Now days, there seem to be as many second years who move to off-grounds apartments as those on grounds. (The off-grounds are often closer in proximity to classes.) First years cannot bring their cars but can their second year. Parking can be a challenge, though, so beware. Supposedly, there are more restaurants per capita in C-Ville than in NYC. I do know that it’s refreshing to see so many locally owned/operated businesses serving foods with locally grown produce; it’s a nice reprieve from chain after chain after chain.

One of the things that really stands out at UVA is how steeped in tradition it is. Also, even if the football team isn’t having a great season, EVERYONE comes to the game and shows his/her support. This is also true for the other sports which is really, really cool. (Lacrosse, basketball, and baseball matches are always crowded with enthusiastic supporters.) The school has a preppy feel, but with over 13,000 students, everyone can find his/her niche. I might also ad, FWIW, that UVA has some of the most attractive students I have seen.

Lastly, academics are top notch. Princeton is a great school. You’d have to really, really ask yourself, though, if it’s worth $240K v. UVA @ $0. As far as Brown is concerned…personally, I’d say most definitely not. I know students who are Jefferson/Echols/Rodman at UVA who turned down Brown.

Good luck with your decision!