<p>Both are quality programs, but I am sure you realize in one (VT) you will graduate with your 5 yr. BArch while the other (UVA) will need at least two more years of grad school to have your MArch to complete what you need to be a licensed architect. VT has more studio time built into its 5 years, which equals more design time. UVA has a more liberal arts focus obviously. If you look online at the breakdowns of what courses you will be taking at each, it may help you to see the differences in terms of their instructional focus. There are some really cool things happening at each school, VT has the yearly Solar Decathlon entries, UVA has a new building. </p>
<p>If you end up at UVA you could always come back to VT for grad school 
but my s wanted the design/technical side of arch and wanted to get out there to put it to use a bit quicker- thus he headed to a 5 yr program. You really can’t go wrong with either, good luck in your choice. It is a shame you can’t make a visit to Tech and see what they have going on in person- websites don’t do it justice. Walking into Cowgill Hall might really sway you when you see what those students are capable of in terms of their designs. Amazing stuff.</p>