University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

It's definitely on a tougher scale than high school. The classes are great and rich, but the tests and finals will get you. Study groups are common and very helpful if you work with the right people.

Most entry level classes are large lectures, but once you get into your major, or specified college, it is a more intimate setting and you can get to know your professors and gain valueable suggestions and advice from them. Participation is always encouraged, recognized, and appreciated. Most classes are tough, but it is not too uncommon to study with friends or by yourself until all hours of the night in ¨Club Clemons¨ (one of the many, many libraries on grounds).

Here's a tip: Don't take 101 classes! They're rarely required and never as interesting as higer-level stuff. I've been able to take a good mix of larger lecture classes where I can sit in the back and blend in and smaller discussion classes where I can really get into the topic. I like the mix, especially since the larger classes are easier to slack off in -- and skip when things get really hairy (just don't do it too often -- going to class really does improve your grade.) Sometimes I feel like everyone picks their classes based on which ones give the highest percentage of As or what will look best when they apply to grad school -- which can be disheartening.

Academics at UVA is certainly difficult. I'm sure somebody could take the easy route and get by with A's without hardly studying, but for the most part the classes will challenge you. I made the mistake of thinking big classes would be easier, which really isn't the case.

THe professors are awesome! Most professors (in a small class) try and learn all of their students' names and they are very helpful. They actually care about the students (but of course I can't say that for every single professor). They also ask you to call them by Mister or Misses because they want to create a comfortable relationship. The engineering course are pretty rigorous and difficult, but the professors and TAs are always available to help out.

I've taken only large lectures thus far and haven't established any solid relationships with my professors, but to do so would not be a challenge. Professors and their TAs are generally very willing to guide you, but you must be able to make the effort and stand receiving the constructive criticism. UVA students are very academically competitive, but they tend to leave the intellectual conversation in the classroom. I myself prefer unwinding with my friends with light conversation, saving the deeper topics for discussion sections or individual chats. UVA students are, generally, very well read. Everyone in my circle of friends reads for pleasure regularly. Some students seems to study only in preparation for a career, but many more study simple out of love for the field.

I had a very close relationship with all of my professors and my program felt like a little family. It was particularly close in my program, Jewish Studies, because we students would see the professors outside of class either for dinner together or even at the local synagogue. The classes are usually small and the professors take the time to learn everyone's name. A lot of my professors also encouraged me outside of academics with my film work and other interests, which really meant a lot to me.

Some good classes, but there are some awful teachers. Class participation is exactly the same in high school -- people may know the answers, but just don't feel like talking.

Some professors do know your name, others don't. It depends on how well you try to get their attention, though some do try to learn everyones name. My favorite class so far was Biological Psychology. It's a mouthful, but it's extremely interesting, and the professor is anything but boring; he's actually pretty funny. My least favorites have got to be chemistry and physics for engineers. I was so happy when I was through with them! Students study most days out of the week; it really depends on the class. Participation in class is common, although in some lectures it doesn't really happen. And of course UVA students have intellectual conversations outside of class! They can actually get pretty interesting, and sometimes their not even based on a subject for any class. The students are competitive, especially in classes where there isn't that much of a grading curve. The most unique class I've taken so far has got to be the History of African American Gospel. There's so much to learn, and the class goes by incredibly fast. And we listen to at least one or two songs each class! My major is Computer Engineering. I'm not sure if it's easy or hard yet since I'm only just becoming a second year, but the engineering classes I've taken have really been a challenge. The E-school is an intense department which requires a mass amount of work, but you would be surprised at how many "normal" people you'll meet; I came in thinking it would be me surrounded by nerds, and now I know that's definitely not the case. Education can be geared toward getting a job or learning. Many engineers graduate with really good paying jobs, while others go on to graduate school.

Academically, there is a giant spectrum of professors. While I know for a fact that all of them are brilliant in their own way, in my experience intelligence doesn't necessarily translate to teaching ability. I've had some really engaging lectures where I have walked out of lectures and called my parents to discuss, but at the same time I've had other teachers who have made me want to poke my eyes out due to boredom. UVA is definitely a challenging school academically, but I'd like to think I've finally struck a balance between a GPA my parents are pleased with and a social life I will remember long after I've graduated.

The professors are excellent. Courses are challenging, so you really need to keep up with your work and not fall behind. Most professors are great at helping out students with whatever they need. The majority of UVA students are very motivated and competitive (which kind of annoyed me sometimes..I tend to procrastinate). I was a psychology & biology double major. Double majoring isn't as difficult as it sounds. If you're interested in psychology, during your second year, look into becoming a research assistant in a psychology lab. You get credit for it (usually 3), and you don't have to do much (no tests, no studying, hardly any assignments.... EASY 3 credits!!).

Best Commerce school in the country! Great teachers, a lot of famous teachers and well respected professors within their industries. Class can be very competitive, but it makes you actually feel like you're in college and not high school all over again. Professors can be reached all the time and the school actually pays you to go out with them if you want! Education at UVA can be whatever you want it to be, from job oriented to artsy/out-of-this-world education.

The academics at UVA are tough and competitive, but completely manageable if you stay on top of your work. Students study hard, but also escape and enjoy Charlottesville/the greater college experience in general. I was a history major, so most of my classes were lectures with smaller discussion sections of 10-20 people. I've had only a few professors who have known my name, but the TAs are great about really getting to know and care for students and their academic needs.

Professors of smaller classes know students' names. Favorite class? Too many excellent classes for me to have a favorite. What about favorite classes: Art History: Renaissance to Modern; Greek Civilization; The Book of Job; Intro to Hebrew Bible. students study 3/4 of the time when they're not in class or partying. Class participation is often not as eager as one would hope, but it happens. I think students are afraid to speak because we all feel we have to say something impressive, innovative, deep. Intellectual conversations outside of class occur occasionally, in my experience. Students aren't so much competitive as want to do well. So, your classmate isn't going to lie to you, or cheat you, but everyone is very motivated to do well. The chemistry department at UVA is very well funded for the number of researchers there. Many professors focus their efforts on research instead of teaching, though they express an interest and joy in teaching, they often send the signal that they don't have very much time for you, and you should ask the TAs questions instead. The curriculum for a BS is challenging. The department is not very large, and if you take the honors chemistry classes from 181-282 (the first two years of chemistry) you will see the same ~90 people in your chemistry classes from first semester through fourth, and often in later classes as well. Trying to solve problems in groups is encouraged, but each person must do his/her own work. Exams are often very challenging and there is usually quite a curve. Without the curve, only a few people would pass the class with C's or better, but with the curve, grades are generally not something to worry about unless you don't do the work. My experience is that they have often poorly chosen textbooks to save students some money, at the expense of not being not very good, or worse, not very suitable for the class. TAs are generally know their stuff very well, and are generous with their time, and generally liberal with their explanations. Education at UVA, even in the science departments, is very much geared towards knowledge for knowledge's sake. Many people go on to graduate school.

Easy enough Professors accessable but won't give you back points T.A.'s can be really good

HARD. but totally worth it. i work hard. professors work hard too. students in general know how to work hard, but also how to play hard. the degree you get from the University is respected throughout the country to be really worth something. students are brilliant and competitive and smart as hell. if you are accepted to the University, you are really a force to be reckoned with. academics at UVA are for real. this isn't high school, and i'm sure your high school teachers tell you that, but you've got a whole new thing coming to you. its so worth it.

Academics at U.Va. are not as rigorous as they let on-you can take hard classes and kill yourself doing it, but you don't have to. There were a couple of times were I was breaking down under the crushing weight of work, but it was with classes that I chose to take, so there was some comeuppance to it. There's a whole range of things that can happen-you can take the easy route, the hard one, or follow somewhere in between. The same goes for professors-I did call some of them by their first name, and there were quite a few who knew me by name because I always went to their office hours (definitely a must!), but there were also some who couldn't recognize me to save their life. You make academics what you want-it's all about how much time you want to put into it.

Some professors know my name. My favorite class was a psych class. Students study very often. Everybody works really hard. Students are competitive in a healthy way in the sense that it keeps everyone striving to do their best. It's not cutthroat. I do spend time with professors outside of class. UVA's education prepares you for getting a job but is geared at learning for its own sake.

Most classes are big. I was really unimpressed. Most of the time in class I was thinking, this is supposed to be a good school?

As a student in the engineering school, my experience w/ academics is much different than other students. I usually have smaller "lecture" type classes and classes with the same people over and over again. I get to know my classmates as friends both in the classroom and outside, just because we are together so often. I've heard from College students that this is not the case at all, as you have so much more choice in classes to take in order to complete your major. I also get to know the professors because it's more likely I will have him or her again. The one thing I wish I could change about the engineering school is the ability to study abroad and get credit for classes. Also, if it were possible to have more time for HSS (elective) classes. I know that some engineering students don't really want to do that, but for those that do, I wish there was a way to get this accomplished.