Full Ride to UVa, Yet Disappointed?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>I’m aware that I’m in a situation that many would love to have, and I’m even more aware of how ungrateful I might come off. UVa offered me a full ride (I’m assuming because of me being a minority) on Friday, which basically threw a wrench in my decision process.</p>

<p>I was waitlisted to Yale, which was my first choice, and accepted into Penn, which was tied with Yale in my love for each college. UVa was an afterthought for me, as I only applied there due to my parents forcing me to apply to an in-state school. I had no desire to stay in state, nor did I really ever consider going to UVa. Yet, by some cosmic irony, I’ve been offered a full scholarship. </p>

<p>The entire problem stems from the fact that my parents are nearing retirement, and I honestly believe it would be unreasonable for me to ask them to pay ~$50K a year just for my undergraduate college, especially when I have a college that they both love, offering me a full ride. They’ve said that it’s my choice, and they would support me with any decision I made, but I just can’t justify asking them to pay UPenn’s tuition. As much as I love the Penn, I’ve just started to realize that it’s not likely I’m going to be going there, which has pretty much depressed me for the week.</p>

<p>I guess I’m just asking for a wake up call and some advice. There are many advantages to going to UVa; my parents not having to worry about my college tuition, translating to me being adequately funded throughout in terms of my allowance. Also, getting a macbook and possibly a new car. The disadvantages though, I’m stuck in VA for another 4 years. This is colossal for me, as I’ve dreamed of venturing out for my college years, meeting new people, a new location, etc. </p>

<p>So, I’m going to visit UVa next monday, hopefully that might ease my disappointment. Just some questions for those who are more knowledgeable about the University.</p>

<li><p>What’s the student life like? One of my cousins who graduated basically told me that it’s a great place with a great social life, as long as you’re not a minority. He told me about how oppresive it is towards minorities (acts of racism while he went there), especially blacks, and since I happen to be mixed, it might not be a great environment for me.</p></li>
<li><p>Academically, how does UVa compare to Penn? I’m planning on going into business, and I’ve basically been told by my guidance career that Wharton will open doors for me. (I applied to CAS - Economics, but I might either try to transfrer into Wharton, or apply for my graduate degree at Wharton). Philadelphia is ripe with internship opportunities, I’m not sure about Charlottesville. I’m not sure whether or not going to UVa would place me at a slight disadvantage or not, getting into a graduate school.</p></li>
<li><p>Is the prestige of an ivy worth it? Again, my guidance counselor basically told me that I’d be silly to give up the chance of going to an ivy league, especially with all of the work I’ve done in high school. She said that while UVa is a great college, it’s unfair to place it on Penn’s level. (She’s a UVa alumni however)</p></li>
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<p>Sorry for such a long post, but I’m just confused and depressed and felt that CC would be the best place to go. Thanks in advance.</p>

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<p>don't be depressed...but confused is normal...and I fully support confused.</p>

<p>are you also Echols?</p>

<p>check out Business Weekly's review of undergrad business colleges...and see that UVa undergrad business majors are getting jobs as prestigious and well paying as Penn for a much better outlay in tuition...UVa is almost equal to Penn in rankings.
Unless the money compares..I would NOT advise spending 170 thou on Penn if you are clear about your vocation...and it is truly business in your future...you will be offered fantastic jobs straight from undergrad from UVa if you concentrate and excel...</p>

<p>as for meeting up with 70% instate students..I sympathize that you were ready for an adventure..make your own adventure at UVa is my advice..go abroad, do wild summer internships...pick up a language.. And you know those NOVas are not exactly from VA don't you..so UVa really does have diversity that makes it unique...nothing wrong with Penn but I know some people who prefer Charlottesville to some of the issues in Philly.
Promise yourself you will go far away for grad school..you won't be broke after all..and think seriously about UVa for a free ride...give it some serious look next week...
congrats on your choices...
also I recommend that you call ahead and meet up with the dean that is in charge of minority programs...I saw a good article about him in the Cav Daily..hear him out in person..and draw your own conclusions but minority retention at UVa is quite good...ask to meet someone in your shoes and ask them straight up questions since your social life does count.</p>

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<p>If it helps, the coolest person at my school is in the same boat. he got offered a lot of money at his top picks, but not a complete ride so he's going to UVA. He is African American, brilliant beyond belief, and had almost a full ride to other schools. But for him the extra few thousand made the difference. He is very low income. He did not want to stay in VA but is okay with it. It's a huge school with more diversity than you'd imagine. The kids going to UVA from my school are amazing. You'll find your spot.</p>

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<p>Penn is amazing, but it is not 200K better than UVa. Go with UVA.
My D is a student volunteer at DOTL for Echols scholars. There will be Echols scholar volunteers on Monday. Talk to them.</p>

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<p>Go to UVA.</p>

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<p>My mom was pretty high up on the corporate ladder (worked in business for 20yrs) and she went to Wharton, but she said she and the company she worked for exclusively hired UVA (Darden) grads over Ivy League grads because they historically just proved to be better at the business world. The company was based in DC. So you'll have plenty of great career opportunities. The undergrad business school is ranked just behind Wharton too I'm pretty sure.</p>

<p>If you're going to go to graduate school, a full ride undergrad is a GREAT opportunity. My boyfriend has a full ride here; he's studying Econ. He is a minority also (Colombian), and also applied here only because of location/in-state. He says a lot of the people here do treat him somewhat poorly or that they're just somewhat snobbish, but it's a full ride and in the end 1. it's worth it financially and 2. he's been able to seek out and find close friends and really that's all you need anyways.</p>

<p>If you go into this with a bad attitude, you'll have a bad time. If you go into this with a good attitude, you'll be able to have a great time. Honestly, after your first year, every college is the same anyways; it just boils down to college. So the fact that you're questioning the price tag of Penn now means that in a year or two you'll highly regret spending that much when you could probably be happy at any college.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision. :)</p>

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What did you do to get a full scholarship? Did you apply for something or what? I want to apply to UVA, so I would love some tips

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*how

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Very old thread…not likely the OP will reply.

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I hesitate to respond to 9 year old threads but it should be understood that right now, the only full ride merit scholarships are the Jefferson Scholarships, which are awarded by a separate organization. They are extremely competitive.

The UVa Board is setting aside some money to start merit scholarships, but I don’t believe they will be available this year.

Some American students do receive need-based aid that pays part or almost all of the cost of attending UVa. Those students are expected to take out federal loans, do work study, and hold summer jobs. The loan amounts are higher for oos than in-state students.

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Gosh I read through this whole thread and didn’t realize it was from 2008. I’m wondering who walks away from a full ride at UVA unless there’s something better on the table (?). :slight_smile: Wish we knew what happened with this student!

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Reading later posts, they went to UVA.