<p>Boy, barrons really can get things stirred up around here from citing a simple report. ;)</p>
<p>A couple of thoughts after reading through five pages of replies:</p>
<p>If you have affiliations with various high schools, you find that they have traditional “favorites” where their seniors apply. eastcoast’s kids’ hs sounds like a some of the ones around here that I am familiar with (and I am a Va resident). There are pro UVA schools where seniors apply by the droves and would give their eye teeth to get in, while at others, when the college talk starts, they aren’t into the University of Virginia at all for whatever reasons and choose to apply or go elsewhere. UVA alums love their school (as can be seen by those who took time to research and post all of those numbers and facts!) and shouldn’t feel “dissed” if it isn’t for everyone. Different strokes for different folks. </p>
<p>I will say I appreciated reading the report. I wonder how much money they spent on having that one done. My question, and I think barrons also questioned this, was why was it really initiated? To feed/support the Board’s beliefs that UVA was falling behind and hence to give more ammunition to put more pressure on TS? Really, I look at some of those board members as the ultimate “wannabes”. They “wannahave” UVA be who they aren’t and for that reason can’t put a positive emphasis on who they are and what they do well. There is an old saying, “Don’t outsmart your common sense”. </p>
<p>UVA is a great school. A really fine institution. It doesn’t have to be comparing itself to anyone else. It doesn’t have to be Michigan or Vandy or whoever. It is UVA and what is wrong with that? There is a lot to be said about being comfortable in one’s own skin.</p>