Questions from a potential first year!

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>Hi Everyone!</p>

<p>UVA was generous enough to accept me into CAS for the Class of 2016, a class I will likely join, pending decisions to come March 29th and my experience at DOTL (which I'm sure will be great!). Before I make any decisions, however, I have a few questions that I'm hoping someone might be able to answer. </p>

<p>I'm from California, in a competitive region where UVA is exceptionally popular (how I was accepted, I have no idea). I originally applied at the recommendation of my friends and counselor, and though I've been to Charlottesville a few times, I have never officially visited the school. Does being an 'outsider' amongst a student body that is 2/3 Virginian taint the UVA experience? </p>

<p>In that same vein of socializing, I recognize UVA houses a particular kind of student body. I'm sort of quirky; I am into fashion, fitness, art, and many 'normal' things, but I prefer intellectual conversations over those regarding say, sports, and I don't really party. I'm an adaptable, easygoing person, but does the aforementioned niche exist at UVA? </p>

<p>With regards to academics, I intend to major in English and or Econ, with plans to apply to Mcintire. In this vein, how feasible is double majoring? If by some miracle I were to be accepted into Mcintire, would it be possible to manage work there as well as pursue English? Also, is it possible to become an Echols/other Scholar if not originally selected for the program?</p>

<p>Any recommendations regarding housing? That is, is there a 'best' housing, and do you recommend finding a roommate beforehand or allowing the system to choose? </p>

<p>I apologize for all of the question; I really just want to ensure this is the right place for me. I appreciate your time and look forward to seeing you all at DOTL :) (if you have any advice regarding DOTL, that would be great too!)</p>

2

<p>UVa is more diverse than in the past - with many many more international students and more students from outside the mid-Atlantic states. I’m sure you will find a crowd with which you are comfortable. In any case, many of the students from the DC area are originally from other parts of the country and other countries. My son’s roommate’s parents are immigrants from South Korea, for example, even though his roommate is a “Virginia resident.”</p>

<p>There is apparently an official facebook group for the UVa class of 2016. Many people last year found roommates through that group, but it is not necessary. To be matched with a roommate, both persons need to put in the same request before the deadline.</p>

<p>As of last year, a first year student could not choose their residence hall.</p>

3

<p>One of my best friends was from Washington state. Others were from Chicago and Raleigh; another was from Kentucky and one was from Texas. I had plenty of friends who didn’t drink, and plenty of friends with great wardrobes (although, they began to look more favorably on jeans and sweatshirts once they had to manage to find time to do their laundry, and enough machines and dryers to get it all done, then iron!). One of my very favorite things about UVA was the philosophical talks we had regularly- often at 11 PM over greasy pizza! I can’t imagine there will be any issue with finding someone to work out with either. In the end, I actually think you will fit in exceptionally well. I remember wandering around, seeing familiar faces from my high school in abundance but only truly spending time with one of them during the four years I was there. This was almost 30 years again (sigh…). If anything I think UVA is more diverse now, and my friends and I constantly commiserate that we would never have been accepted had we applied with today’s pool so I think the intellectual community will be fine! I wish you luck with your decision, and I do think you will love UVA should you choose to accept their offer. I think you will be a great addition, too.</p>

4

<p>I appreciate the encouraging words about the social climate–it seems I wouldn’t really have anything to fear! Thanks for both of your time. </p>

<p>Is there anyone with insight into my questions regarding academics? Thanks!</p>

5

<p>Other people are more qualified to answer your question about academics, however, I would imagine a double major would be difficult with Comm School, because there is not as much room for flexibility in course selection. </p>

<p>The more AP credit you have, the easier it is to do a double major. However, UVa is not real permissive in granting AP credit.</p>

6

<p>I have a 5 on the Lang exam, 4 on the Lit, which I believe exempts me from a few English classes. I intend to place out of a History and or Econ and or Government and or Psych credit, but I will definitely not come in with any science or math credits. Does this impact matters?</p>

7

<p>My major (back in Medieval times) was history. The Comm school was well-loved, and still seems to be today. The English department was great, and had a lot of interesting options. I just don’t know how much is required each of the first four semesters to prepare for Comm School application (which you do second year, to enter third year) and what space would remain in your schedule for a second major with their requirements. I had a double major (French & History) but obviously was not dealing with too many required classes. I think with the AP credit you may be able to pull it off, or perhaps minor anyway (18 credit hours needed). I would consider a minor anyway because there are just so many incredibly interesting options in departments you’ve never likely thought much about that truly, four years isn’t enough to take them all! : ) I had art history, law, anthropology, psych, econ, music, astronomy, philosophy and English classes, in addition to a ton of classes for my degree of course. So, explore what you need for each major, and then have a look at the course directory (which is bound to be online now rather than paper like it was for me) and see what you can make happen. Also, staying in C’ville for the summer was fun- i did it one year because I wanted one history class I was having a tough time getting during the regular semesters and it was great. People love being there in the summer, its relaxed and plenty busy. If you end up renting an apartment down the road, its money you’re already spending anyway since the leases are a year in length regardless of the school schedule. That could be a way to pick up some extra classes to get both majors completed. Good luck. I’m jealous of what may be ahead of you. My daughter is a junior in high school hoping to attend UVA. I have to remind myself of that sometimes, when I get caught up in the memories and forget I’m supposed to be the parent and not the student now! : )</p>

8

<p>Thanks for the information, 89wahoo! I would like to avoid summer classes in favor of internships, but it’s great to have the option nonetheless. Good for you for delving into so many subject areas! Hm, I may just have to follow suit and pursue minors instead, pending an acceptance to Mcintire. </p>

<p>I’m very (emphasis on the very) fortunate to have the opportunity to attend such a wonderful school, and I hope for the same for your daughter :)</p>

9

<p>My son will be entering McIntire next Fall and plans to double major in Econ. I think the key is to get as much of your English major completed in the first two years. If you can do this and complete the Comm School pre reqs as well, you should be able to do it. I’ll also add that the business world could use some more english majors…bean counters aren’t always the best writers or communicators (I speak from experience!).</p>

<p>PS 89Wahoo…if 1989 was Medieval Times, then my time in the Comm School eleven years earlier must have been the Stone Age!</p>

10

<p>It’s very challenging to double major in the comm school… A lot of people are asking about this, and it’s not really the point of the comm school to double major in the college or otherwise when you get into the comm school… You could always do english/econ. Comm school 3rd year is your entire schedule basically (12-15 credits each semester) and 4th year you’ll be trying to get hired so I don’t see the point in double majoring if you get into the comm school anyways…</p>

<p>Moving on from that point, you should research Brown college, and clubs… Maybe Jefferson/Washington Society. The UVA breakdown is 1/3 out of state, 1/3 northern va, 1/3 rest of va. You’ll fit in fine, it’s a state school.</p>

<p>Enjoy DOTL :)</p>

11

<p>Like everyone else has said being an outsider doesn’t really matter once you get here. You might feel a little out of place since your new friends might have old friends and you won’t, but that’s about the only thing that I can think of.</p>

<p>I’d say your personality would fit in really well. You can always find the right group of friends to fit your interest. I know plenty of people who fit your bill. As for the partying thing, don’t worry about it too much. People change in college. I was never drank in high school, but now I go out once or twice a weekend. I mostly do it because I have a friend group that I enjoy being around and there’s no pressure to drink. There’s a couple in our group who don’t and they have fun too. Regardless of whether you party and/or drink you’ll find people who you enjoy being around and respect your decisions.</p>

<p>You can apply to the Scholar programs after your second year, but if you’re planning on going to McIntire it doesn’t matter much since you have to fulfill the requirements anyway.</p>

<p>I think I hit the highlights… Let us know if you have anymore questions!</p>

12

<p>Thanks you two :slight_smile: it’s comforting to know that you think I would fit in and could find friends with my interests. And I realize the goal of McIntire is not to coextensively pursue majors in the college…but after a career in Business, I really want to develop a writing service for children one day, a job I think would be aided by the possession of an English major. </p>

<p>Ahh I could go on forever with questions. Here’s another: Hazel, I understand you’re a big fan of Brown College…do you or anyone else think the Residential System is worth giving up the first year experience for?</p>

13

<p>I believe you can apply for Brown College second year if you wish. That allows you to mix with the first year social crowd.</p>

<p>I’m not a big fan of double majors. When I went to UVa, I took at least one course in almost every dept. It worked out well, except the Sociology class was worthless.</p>

14

<p>Just remember that there are 14,000 students at UVa. There are all sorts of people. Everyone find their niche…some niches are large and some are small. :)</p>

15

<p>Brownford congrats on UVa! S1 has been accepted to Comm School and is double majoring in Economics. Most of his friends that were accepted are also having a major in the College and Comm school. They figured out their schedules ahead of time and even took some courses they had an interest in that had no bearing on either major. The students able to do this are those that come in with pretty much all of their area requirements completed. It definitely can be done!</p>

<p>As far as Echols, you can apply to the program during your first year. I know of several students that were accepted as first years. Here is the link to read about it. </p>

<p>[Echols</a> Scholars Program Admissions | The Undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences, U.Va.](<a href=“http://college.artsandsciences.virginia.edu/echols/admissions]Echols”>http://college.artsandsciences.virginia.edu/echols/admissions)</p>

<p>Scroll all the way to the bottom for the first year application information. </p>

<p>S2’s best friend at UVa is from CA. He loves UVa! He said many of his friends that went to other east coast colleges have transferred or say their choice of school has been okay. He and others from CA couldn’t imagine leaving UVa he has stated. I asked him why he thought that was and he said the climate in VA makes a huge difference than those that attend schools in the Northeast corridor. He also said the people and grounds at UVa as well as the Charlottesville community as a whole make it all worthwhile being that far from home. </p>

<p>Hope this insight helps!</p>

16

<p>Thanks, Woosah! I’m very excited. Congratulations to your son as well; that’s amazing! It’s nice to know he’s been able to pursue a major in the college while acquiring his McIntire requirements. I appreciate the Echols information. </p>

<p>Hearing about your son’s friend has comforted me immensely! It’s fantastic that he has enjoyed himself so much at UVA, especially in relation to other friends on the east coast. </p>

<p>Your insight is invaluable, Woosah, and Dean J and Charlieschm as well! All of this information is helping to make my decision much more clear. Thanks so much :)</p>

17

<p>I gave up the first year experience without a second thought. I didn’t even understand what the first year experience was until my 2nd or 3rd year when I went with some of my Brownie friends to OHill for breakfast and saw a bunch of the 1st years from my CS labs (I was a TA for 7 semesters). How they could eat together like this all the time. But in Brown you can eat together for four years, plus the community is fantastic. I think that if you feel you will regret not having a first year experience, live in first year dorms and apply second year (know it is much more competitive to get in after first year). If you don’t think you’ll regret it, or rather, feel Brown is a great fit, you should apply and live there first year (and onward).</p>

18

<p>I don’t know about English, but economics doesn’t require many classes (10 <em>including</em> the intro courses), so it’s definitely feasible to double major in commerce and econ if you’re willing to use up most of your electives.</p>

<p>You can apply to be an Echols scholar once you’re already here, but be aware that you lose Echols status if you enroll in the school of commerce.</p>

19

<p>Econ and Commerce seem to work together because their requirements overlap. I would think Commerce and English would be much more difficult, unless the student comes into the U. will large amounts of AP.</p>

20

<p>I want to second Hazel’s recommendation of Brown College. My son, a charming and sociable but aggressively nonconformist geeky-intellectual person, absolutely loves it there. I think it’s the first time in his life that he has felt entirely accepted by a community. and certainly the first time he has been elected to leadership roles in any kind of social group.</p>

<p>As for English/commerce, you don’t need to decide right away. It might be possible to (barely) do a double major if you have advanced placement in English and do the major in a disciplined-but-minimalist way starting as soon as you get here, but this might not be the wisest use of your time. In your first couple of semesters, take the McIntire prerequisites along with the prerequisites for the English major–there is considerable overlap, and the same courses will also fulfill College distribution requirements. Your experience in those courses will probably help clarify what you want to do later in your college career.</p>