<p>Well, due to the Restructuring of Virginia Colleges that allows more independence for schools like UVa, VA Tech, and William & Mary, "colleges taking advantage of restructuring are REQUIRED to come up with agreements with local community colleges, agreements that are intended to make education available and affordable to state residents."</p>
<p>It's the price UVa had to pay to get more independence from stifling and restricting state control.</p>
<p>Independence? They have handed control of admissions decisions to the community colleges. The quality of CC courses varies tremendously from school to school. Of course, this is true for high schools also. But at least with high school applicants, the admissions office will continue to consider SAT scores, class rank, essays, and school and community involvement. None of those factors will be a part of the admissions decision for CC graduates.</p>
<p>I don't see how UVA isn't already available and affordable for state residents. The school has a 2/3 quota for in-state admissions, and is in the same price range as any other state school. How does a guaranteed admissions program for community colleges make any education more affordable? Is CC considerably cheaper than a state school?</p>
<p>CC tuition less than $2500 per year plus most students live at home.</p>
<p>Jeez, you guys make me work. (I'm trying to get out of the office here.)</p>
<p>First of all, I too have reservations about this guaranteed admission. I'm intrigued to see how this will all pan out. Keep in mind that UVa can change its admissions policy if it finds that this program isn't working out.</p>
<p>Secondly, yes independence. Before the Restructuring, UVa couldn't do anything without the approval of the state legislature. When the state was slashing its financial support from 25% to 8% in the 90's, UVa couldn't hire more professors or raise tuition or build more buildings for classrooms and labs without the okay from the state, and on top of that, the state forced UVa to admit more students. Why do you think UVa has a 15/1 student-professor ratio. It's not UVA's fault. It's because the state tied UVA's hands. So, now with the Restructuring, UVa can drive its future by hiring more professors and building more classrooms and research facilities which it's doing w/ all the current and upcoming construction around Grounds.</p>
<p>Yes, CC is cheaper, but this admission policy is for people who have completed their two-year associates degree with an "A" average, have fulfilled UVA's area requirements, and want a bachelors. (I don't think CC's give out bachelors degrees.) UVa has the best financial aid program in Virginia, and through Access UVA, Virginia Community College transfer students will have access to a debt-free education at the University if they are eligible according to their FAFSA.</p>
<p>Your points are all good ones but none of them justify GUARANTEEING admission to one of the top schools in the country. UVA does not guarantee admission to high school students who took a challenging course load and earned superior grades and SAT scores. Why should CC graduates be treated differently? A 3.4 GPA at a CC is not an amazing accomplishment.</p>
<p>Believe me, I totally understand where you're coming from. It does seem strange, but again it's the price UVa had to pay to get more independence from stifling and restricting state control, which I highlighted above.</p>
