University of Virginia-Main Campus Top Questions

First, students and parents should realize who ultimately has the power in the college application process. A lot of people think it's the colleges, because after all they are the ones who read applications and send out the acceptance letters, but really it's the other way around. Students should be trying to pick a school that best fits their needs, and parents should have a vested interest in this decision too; after all, they're the ones who will most likely be writing the tuition checks. Second, students should make the most of the fresh start college provides. Chances are your peers won't know much about who you were in high school, so take advantage of the opportunity to try new things and explore. Take a class in a subject you would've never imagined learning about, join a new club, or maybe make friends from a group you would've never known about in high school. You've worked hard for four years to get to college; now's the time to reap the benefits!

Choose a college that interests you with a variety of academics, sports, extracurricular activities, clubs, etc. Choose a school in a setting that you prefer. Choose a school that you will be proud of attending. School pride is very important!

College isn?t about grades. It?s not about what you got on your Bio final, or how many hours you took each semester. It?s not about how organized you were, or how long you spent in the library. Sure, it?s important to do well and prepare yourself for later in life, but success isn?t determined solely by your GPA. Going to college is about more than just a piece of paper you can hang on the wall. Meet people, join a club or fraternity. Speak out for what you believe in, take an active role in existing organizations, or fill the holes and make your own. Go to football games, tailgate, show your spirit. Make a positive name for yourself. Go to the library and work hard, then go home and play hard. Have a snowball fight at one in the morning. Road trip to basketball games or conventions. Be safe, but make memories. So when you?re looking for the right college, look past the academics. You can study hard and receive a good education from almost any school. But you can?t have the college experience just anywhere.

College is more than just picking a place to get the degree you want. While it is very important that you go somewhere that is supportive of your career goals, it is equally important that you enjoy where that place is. It won?t matter how successful you are academically if you get stuck at a school where you are miserable. Just make sure you visit all your choices and do all your research before making a final decision. Finally, and most importantly, no matter what outside influences say (whether friends, family, teachers, ect.) make a choice that YOU want to make.

Work hard, get involved and enjoy yourself. During your first year, don't be afraid to drop out of various things you've tried--infact, thoughout your college career, it's never too late to try something new, get involved in something else. Take more classes than you're required to for your major--expand your boundaries intellectually. You're at college to learn, after all. When the studying is done, enjoy yourself--not just partying. Go to the schools museums, check out a friend's art exhibit, go for a hike a few miles down the interstate. There is a lot to see and experience, but don't get stressed about trying to do it all! Four years goes really fast...

the on e that u fit in the most and feel most comfortable with the environment around

Enjoy every moment of it.

I would advise them to look beyond their own state for a stellar education. Virginia has tremendous schools and there is no doubt that UVA is among the best of them if not the best of them. However, there is a very strong culture here and if you do not wish to buy into it then you might be somewhat dissatisfied. That being said, the social life is pretty vibrant and I have had a decent time with the friends I have made here. Honestly, I feel blessed to know them. Your college friends will be among the closest in life. Also, you do not have to drink tons of alcohol if you do not want to although it is undoubtedly available whenever you want it. Visit as many places as you can and think very carefully about where you choose. Choosing a college sets you on a path that will influence the rest of your life without a doubt.

The most advantageous college experience is an atmosphere that allows for the most growth of the individual. Sometimes in order to grow we must face people, ideas, and situations that are unfamiliar and/or uncomfortable. When looking at school it's most important to take into account what type of environment is going to provide the means of the most growth and sucess of the individual student. This means being honest about one wants from the school they'd like to attend. If academics are a primary concern then be realistic about where the student can get in. If social life if more important, than recognize which school will provide this. Honestly, when choosing a school one should look at a variety of factors in determining which school is best suited. A school is the sum of its parts, just like us as individuals. Choosing a well rounded school will help to create a well rounded individual which in turn makes one more flexible within their environment. A college experience is what you make it ;so choose a school with the most resources to mold your own educational experience.

Exploring different campuses and comparing different college environments is necessary to see what is a good fit for you. There are so many factors which comprise having a good college experience and schools should not just be purely judged based on how they rank academically in journals and on web sites. When visiting different places, there is nothing more valueable than asking a random student how they feel about the college because they can present much insight on the intricacies of the school and how college life there really is. When examining different colleges, think of who you are as an individual, what your likes and dislikes are, and what type of friends you had in high school. Your friends can reflect different aspects of your own personality which you may be unaware of so when visiting different college campuses, try to think whether or not you could imagine yourself enjoying that campus. Also, be prepared to examine the college classroom settings more closely to see whether or not the professors actually enjoy teaching.