University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

People who are not serious about academics should not go to this school because it is very academically rigorous. Also, people who are very introverted and don't like big classes shouldn't go here because intro classes tend to be very big and it's difficult to get to know your professors if you don't really make an effort. Closed-minded people also shouldn't go here because this is a place where critical thinking, debate, and challenging assumptions are the norm for students and professors.

People who aren't looking to participate in activities shouldn't attend this school. This school is full of over-achievers, which has been the benefit of the university. There are dozens of organizations dedicated to any cause you can think of, and people are generally a member of at least 2 or 3. If you prefer to work on your own, spend time dedicated to studies, and find a small group of friends to be with, you'd feel out of place here.

Someone who is not enthusiatic about learning and has little motivation to study should not attend. In addition, students who are unwilling to reach out and discover new opportunities might have a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle of this school. Those who are unable to independently seek out opportunities may find themselves unhappy.

Someone who is driven.

If you like being in an urban setting with lots of diversity in then this school might not be for you.

UVA is the perfect balance between a city and a rural school. It offers vast amounts of entertainment including concerts, plays, sports games, and comedy shows just within the grounds itself, not including what the surrounding city possesses. Someone looking for a big city atmosphere should not attend UVA, nor should someone who is looking for a small school that has a five minute walk across the entire campus. UVA provides the ultimate college experience with sports, Greek life, academics, the arts to name a few characteristics. People who aren't looking for that experience should look at different schools.

There is truly a place for everyone at the University of Virginia in terms of diversity of interests, culture, religion, etc. I think that the only people who won't fit in here are students who are not serious about their work. Everyone socializes and is involved with activities, but academics usually are the highest priority.

A person who would not do well at the University of Virginia is one who lacks the simple desire to learn to think.

You should not attend UVA if you don't want to be involved. There are so many wonderful organizations and community events to be a part of - it would just be a shame to be somewhere like UVA and not use the experience to its fullest extent. There is so much more to UVA than its wonderful academics, so don't miss out!

People who are uncomfortable in large classrooms.

Someone who isn't self-motivated or passionate should not attend the University of Virginia. The University runs on an Honor System, so basically everything is student-run, and we the students are always accountable for our actions and making sure we are where we need to be and get what needs to be done completed. Students here strive to always uphold the Honor System (which basically means no lying, cheating, or stealing) to preserve the high standards of this university. The fact that there is an Honor System makes us more responsible and organized students and people.

As a student if you are not willing to spare time daily to things other than school work and studying then the University of Virginia, UVA, is not the school for you. As mentioned in the previous question we allocate lots of our time to volunteering throughout Charlottesville. More so than volunteering the student at UVA are also extremely involved with clubs and groups run through the college. If one is not prepared to live a diverse life on our campus then they should not bother to apply here!

Close-minded need not apply.

Someone who doesn't like a big school atmosphere. I feel that nearly anyone can fit in here and enjoy life at UVA.

A student that is interested in small classes with a lot of one one one attention should not attend the University of Virginia. When I was taking the courses I needed to major in psychology, nearly every class I had was in a lecture hall with an average of 200 people in the class. There was little opportunity for one on one interaction. Lectures also lacked student participation due to the large size of the classes. Student's must make deliberate effort for their professor to know their name. UVA is not the best for one on one interaction.

People who are not committed to serious learning in a competitive, focused environment. UVa has some of the best undergraduate programs in the country; class life proves so. There are incredibly high standards and expectations for everyone. Everyone was #1 back in high school, so everyone still tries to be #1 here too. The course work is very time consuming and intensive, and a lot of emphasis is put on learning material outside the classroom then coming prepared to add value and contribute to the class.

someone who is extremely intolerant of other people--especially if someone is intolerant of homosexuality. UVA supports diversity, and if you do not feel the same way, you do not belong here.

The kind of person who doesn't want to. This sounds a little ridiculous, but I think in order to make an adjustment to any new environment, people have to be open-minded. There are some stereotypes here, like anywhere, but in order to really dislike the school you really have to want to dislike it. There are so many opportunities to find a niche here, and though it may not happen right away, I think if people want to be here, they will find a way to make it work for them. Keep looking for new experiences!

People who do not take their work seriously should not attend my school. Although everyone puts a lot of effort into their schoolwork, most students understand how to balance work and fun. There is probably more emphasis on the work here than at some other schools, and students must be motivated enough to tackle all the obstacles in their paths. Addtionally, people who are not open to trying new experiences should not come to my school. If you are not interested in expanding your mind and views of the world, you might as well stay home.

The University of Virginia is a community, not only when you are an undergraduate but continues when you graduate. In order to fully appreciate UVa a student must enjoy being part of a community and an institution larger than one's self. I would advise those who do not wish to fully engage themselves in a university and all of its attributes to stay away from UVa. Mr. Jefferson and the long list of traditions towers over the student body which for most creates a community with an intangible bond, as for others it would be something to avoid.