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.