Accepted...but torn. :[

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
21

<p>Ruruster (and others as applicable):</p>

<p>The next three to four weeks are a time for narrowing your college choices down to a select few (typically two), and then using whatever process you deem advisable to settle on the school that’s right for you. </p>

<p>This process usually involves additional information gathering and visiting to get an enhanced “feel” for how the school “fits” you, and better understand how it will facilitate attainment of your academic goals; estimating college attendance costs and projecting alternative methods of payment; and finally, sifting through all the facts, figures, feelings and friends you have accumulated and deciding where you believe you’ll be comfortable spending the next four years pursuing an undergraduate degree.</p>

<p>It’s no longer an issue of whether you’re qualified for the school; rather it’s a question of which school is “best” for you. Not which is the “best” or most “highly rated” college; instead you’re looking for the school that’s “right” for you and your future: academically, socially, emotionally, financially, etc.</p>

<p>The quality of the education you’re likely to receive at any given school is much less correlated to the selectivity of the college’s admissions process than it is to the effort you’re willing to make to be successful in your studies at college once you’ve enrolled. Regardless of where you choose to go, you’ll need to focus on your academics and consistently work hard if you expect to receive outstanding grades. Yes, the competition in some programs of study may be more intense at more highly selective colleges, but to do extremely well grade wise you’ll likely need to diligently focus on your schoolwork no matter where you attend.</p>

<p>In short, choose the school where you believe the overall educational experience best suits your needs, talents, temperament and academic objectives. For some students that’s UVa, for others it may be Virginia Tech, W&M, JMU, GMU or wherever. Pick the place and program you believe is RIGHT for YOU!</p>

<p>And then, resolve to make the most of the opportunities your new college offers once you’re there.<br>
[Fade to black for HHD]</p>

22

<p>Ruruster...how fortunate you are to be close to your family! I hope you choose UVA because it is a wonderful school, in so many ways. I guess I would ask, how will you feel if you don't give UVA a chance when you could have...you may still have an excellent experience at GMU, don't get me wrong, but will you look back and say "what if..."? We are from the Fairfax area and my family, including my D who is a first year, thinks it's a perfect distance away. Good luck with your decision!</p>

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<p>my parents live in kuwait and my family are residents of NJ..i chose to go to UVa even though it's far away from family and really really far away from my parents...UVa is a great school and i personally don't think the distance will matter that much...good luck in your decision!! :)</p>

24

<p>I'm also from an Asian family, with a strong emphasis on family ties. </p>

<p>UVA is 11 hours (minimum! it's probably closer to 14-15 hours, or even a 3 day trip) from my home -- I live all the way up in Maine! I'd do a lot to be only 2-3 hours away! (I won't say "kill," cuz murder'd be a violation of the Honour Code.) </p>

<p>Plus with the digital age, facebook and skype, being away won't be that bad; I know it's not the same as physical time together, but you're much luckier than your predecessors before you!</p>

25

<p>Hi Ruruster,
I live in Herndon, VA and I am also closely tied to my family members. Everyone in my family immigrated from China a good 15-30 years ago and so we have such a strong tradition. I know you probably already have decided by now on to where ever you are going; but to ease your thought of mind, UVa offers such a great experience and a successful future. It is a beautiful campus with a great atmosphere; you will definitely get that family "atmosphere" alone with new friends that you could easily call family. I am currently a Junior in High School and UVa is my dream school. Everything from the education, social life, and the athletic perspective fits into almost every student's list. I hope you are/will be happy with where ever you go, but at the end, it all comes down to you. How you feel what's best for your life is all up to you.</p>

<p>(Herndon/Vienna is "extremely" close to UVa, compared to those out-of-state students who travel hundreds of miles to be there. I have visited UVa a couple of times and the trip is really not that bad. The fastest one way trip I ever had was about 1hr 30min, but my brother was driving. So you could easily visit your family members probably once every two weeks, or if you really are that close, then every weekend if you would like. Just a thought)</p>

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<p>to the op, </p>

<p>don't worry man, these are others like you too. Im also asian and will be dorming at uva, the only difference is that ill be coming from new york city. When i began to go on retreats for weekends and sometimes a couple of weeks with my church, yeah i missed my family and such a lot. But after a couple days, you realize how good independence can taste, and you will appreciate your friends that are around you :). If you need help or anything, just pm me. Im going into UVA not knowing anyone at all, so itd be nice for us both to make a few contacts beforehand so the transition is easier</p>

<p>pat</p>