<p>I really think it depends on what you're looking for... in my experiences, I've encountered just as many successful adults in Virginia that attended UVA as I have that went to Radford. I think most all of Virginia's colleges, public and private alike, really are great institutions.</p>
<p>That said, I'm personally not applying to Virginia Tech AT ALL, because I'd prefer to be in a setting where I'm not just a number, but a valuable addition. Class discussion just isn't going to happen in classes with five hundred to three thousand students; this years freshmen at Tech have to take Calculus online. If I were strong in math and science- a future doctor or engineer- my feelings would probably be different.</p>
<p>UVA and William and Mary are easily the most selective institutions in Virginia, public or otherwise, but if you want to go into a medical field, UVA is your place (though everyone feels this way, hence it being easier for a physics major to get into WM). WM is super strong in the humanities. </p>
<p>I'd say, putting it broadly...</p>
<p>UVA- Science/math
W and M- English/history
VCU- Arts/ medicine
Tech- Science/math
JMU- Business/music
Radford- Education
GMU- Political science
UMW- Humanities
CNU- Theater
Richmond- International Relations</p>
<p>I may be biased ;)... because I teach at JMU, but I would look at JMU for Theatre and Musical Theatre if you meet the academic requirements for admission.</p>
<p>I would also look at VCU for Theatre and Dance. VCU is a BFA program. It is in Richmond, great resources.</p>
<p>There are other schools in VA tha also offer strong theatre arts.... Radford, and Longwood jump to mind....I also know people who have been very happy and challenged and Mary Baldwin, and William and Mary, and GW, and VT as well as others. VA is blessed with many terrific state schools! </p>
<p>When it comes down to it is all about "fit" finding the school where you will receive the academic background and training that you desire, within the academic/ social/ community environment you want.</p>
<p>From what people in my NoVa school talk about, here is how i would rank the most popular schools people are applying to in terms of how desirable they are to attend:
1. UVA
2. W&M
T-3. VT
T-3. JMU
5. UMW
6. VCU
7. GMU
UVA and W&M are generally equal, but more people are interested in UVA and the people i know that have visited both campuses have preferred UVA. I know somebody that turned down a full ride to W&M and an acceptance at Harvard to go to UVA.
Between VT and JMU it depends on the major. Most people interested in engineering/sciences have VT as their top choice (even the ones that could get into UVA will likely go to VT). Most of the business/marketing and social science types prefer JMU.
UMW, GMU, and VCU are mostly safety schools. GMU is probably better academically than either, and for political science/gov't (my intended major) could probably beat out most other VA schools, but most people see GMU as that close commuter school, a more academic alternative to NOVA community college.</p>
<p>^ That's really interesting, turning down a W&M full ride for UVA... I had a friend who literally cried when she was wait listed at W&M, and eventually went on to her second-choice UVA. I suppose it's different strokes for different folks!</p>
<p>WM<- my dream school :D
UVA
VCU<- bias b/c parents went there. and they do have best art program in state
VT<- huge classes, pretty much just regular state college
JMU<- too much partying
CNU/Regent
Radford/W&Lee
URichmond
GMU
ODU<- if u live in the ghetto, go to old dirty
Norfolk State</p>
<p>But my rankings are based off of reputation in Northern Virginia so people should take that into consideration.</p>
<p>There's noway VCU is ranked higher as an overall school, surpassing all of the schools you mentioned. They're considered one of the top art schools in the country, and have solid med. fields, but as a whole they are definitely at the near bottom. If it was based off of "coolness" factor, VCU hands-down. :)</p>
<p>I based it pretty much on word of mouth. <strong>Living in VABeach</strong></p>
<p>I put my reason for why I dont think VT and JMU are that good. Though its "popular" among 90% of my class, I find nothing special about neither one of them. Not too mention anyone who applies can practically get in [atleast around here]</p>
<p>CNU and Radford are very good colleges, but I dont think they have a very college feel. Along with Regent. </p>
<p>And then the last few are pretty much commuter schools.. Rather go to TCC than any of them.</p>
<p>^ I see where you are coming from now. But from my understanding, Radford is a far cry from a top school. Infact, it's definitely more of a party school then JMU. People that go there can attest that they did so for two reasons, 1. thats the only college they got into and 2. they want the night life. Admissions into Vtech and JMU, are profoundly selective, then the Radford, CNU, and ODU. CNU is a school on the rise though, but it is and will most likely always be a small liberal arts school with little reputation as of right now. The only thing it has going for it is smaller classes and school size which inturn causes more and more academically sound students to apply each year if it keeps up on its positive path.</p>
<p>Bacon, I have to disagree with you about your list. VCU and Radford are DEFINITELY too high. I am an ODU student, and I know it is not a top college whatsoever in VA(we do have a good dental hygiene program), I feel we are higher than those two schools in different aspects. I got accepted to VCU, but I decided not to go there and I am very happy with my decision. With all that said, I am debating about trying to transfer to JMU lol</p>
<p>Hmm, updated list:
1. UVA
2. W/M
3. VT
4. JMU - bumping it from tied 3rd because so many people use it as a safety school for UVA/WM, while people who apply to VT often have it as their first choice
5. Mary Washington - Many people seem to be put off by the skewed M/F ratio
6. VCU - I know a few people who are going to go here that don't belong in college at all (not that they're dumb, more like very anti-intellectual but with a good SAT score)
7. George Mason - Local college for people who want to stay close to home, commuter school. Last resort for UVA/WM and some VT applicants in case they get rejected everywhere else.
8. CNU - Nobody really talks about it, but when they do it seems fairly well-regarded
9. Marymount - Private, but still a local commuter school.
10. ODU - A few people talk about it here or there
11. Radford - People go here to party that don't give two sh.ts about school
12+: URichmond, Washingon-Lee, etc. Nobody wants to stay in VA but pay out-of-state level tuition, even for a good school.</p>
<p>"I put my reason for why I dont think VT and JMU are that good. Though its "popular" among 90% of my class, I find nothing special about neither one of them."</p>
<p>mephist...i think VCU is too high on your list lol..I was accepted to both VCU and ODU as well as some other schools, but I decided to go to ODU. VCU is better in some things, but I'd go with ODU as far as overall school.</p>
<p>Pats, I think you need a change in attitude. Unless you have stellar stats, you might want to get used to the idea of going to one of these fine VA schools and get rid of your UVA arrogance towards them. VTech is not a joke school, thank you.</p>
<p>I believe GMU is ranked in the top 150 now if I can recall correctly. Nonetheless, GMU really is on the rise in both national reputation, and overall programs.</p>