<p>theloangroad:</p>
<p>Your post is VERY interesting. </p>
<p>Your daughter is making a truly mature and wise decision, however I think many in her situation don’t think it through as thoroughly (or, frankly, have so many equal alternatives). I have raised the direct admission problem many times and no one (until you) agrees that causes unneeded strees. It seems that there is such an obsession here with status and rankings that no one wants to fix what ain’t broke.</p>
<p>@ltjenkins……I think plenty of people would agree with you that the McIntire admission process causes added stress for many students. I certainly do. I’m sure the decision makers are aware of the pressures, but clearly they have made an informed decision to build the McIntire student body with applicants who have a demonstrated ability to perform well in a very rigorous Commerce curriculum. This includes a strong foundation gained by spending the first two years in the College of Arts and Sciences. I also believe that the unique ICE program that McIntire employs would not be nearly as effective if the size of the student body were of the magnitude of some other programs that have been mentioned in this thread. Any student who matriculates to UVa with an eye towards McIntire must recognize and accept the risk of the application process. Ironically, setting expectations and managing risk are some of the key principles that are taught in any business school.</p>
<p>Perhaps ltjenkins can present his business case to McIntire for his “Come One, Come All Growth Plan?” Surely that would be more productive than beating this dead horse on CC. Accusing folks of being obsessed with status because we arent jumping on your bandwagon is pretty immature. I, for one, am glad that the Comm School has preserved the many benefits of a relatively small size cohort DESPITE the pressures of ranking and increased enrollment demand. I recall having amazing access to professors and other resources 25 years ago and would not be a proponent of dilluting that experience. I also respect the decision to attend another University if the uncertainty of getting a business degree outweighs other factors.</p>
<p>Programs are different at different schools, period. There are numerous reasons for why any given school administers their program the way they do. But that doesn’t make one better or worse, and it certainly doesn’t mean that the difference represents a “problem.” McIntire wants to limit admission to a smaller size and restrict to those who have demonstrated proficiency over their first 2 years. Well, that’s part of the program - why does that mean it’s a problem? They are very upfront about it. The program certainly isn’t suffering from it. Students who are admitted to the program aren’t suffering from it. It is different, yes - and adds a high level of uncertainty and the requirement for alternative planning, and it means that many who apply won’t get in - but again, that’s not the same as it being a “problem.” If this causes great stress and anxiety, then it’s simply not the right choice for that student. Some engineering schools are 5 year BS programs and some are 4 years, some have required internships or co-ops, and some do not. Some have a special 5/6 year combined MBA which you can’t apply for till your 3rd/4th year (ouch). None of this represents a problem with the programs. They do represent risks, incentives, rewards and options. Simply know what you’re getting into and then choose a school where you’ll be happy and can live with any of the options within that program. </p>
Hello,
I am a high school senior looking to eventually enter the McIntire School of Commerce. What college of UVA do you suggest that I enter in my first year to optimize my chances of admission into McIntire? Or does it not make a difference? Thanks.
Richard S.
@CBStudent you would apply to the College of Arts and Sciences and start in that College. There are a number of pre-requisites for McIntyre that you would start taking your first year. Although the posts above are a few years old…in my opinion they still hold true. Admission to McIntyre is competitive and stressful until a student is admitted. My S’18 is starting in McIntyre later this month. It is one of the things that drew him to UVA but the uncertainty was a definite downside. He had a “Plan B” and had was already working towards a major in Stats. Good Luck!