<p>These past few weeks I've been wondering if I should remove UVA from my list colleges that I am applying to - for a variety of reasons. I am limited to the number of schools I can apply to (by parents), and really want to add a different college - which I won't name, to my list. </p>
<p>My concerns with UVA:</p>
<p>UVA is the most expensive school on my list according to the net price calculator (3k more per year than Northwestern, another school I am thinking of getting rid of - and around 10k more than the average school I am applying to).</p>
<p>UVA is prestigious, but not as much so as Northwestern.</p>
<p>UVA's name has recently become marred by the media due to the recent uncovering of their "rape culture" - I don't want to graduate from a school that will elicit thoughts of rape (btw I'm a guy). Yes, other schools have rape - some much more so than UVA, but UVA is the one being blasted (some would say unfairly) in the media right now. How long will this perception of UVA last?</p>
<p>Lots of students from Virginia - would rather go to a school where originally no one knows anybody else.</p>
<p>What I like about UVA:</p>
<p>Amaaazing campus.</p>
<p>Warm weather.</p>
<p>Potentially some merit money (Jefferson)?</p>
<p>I realize as I am writing this that I might as well list what I like and dislike about Northwestern (the other school I am seriously considering axing off my list).</p>
<p>What I like:</p>
<p>Prestige...</p>
<p>Slightly cheaper than UVA, with potential for scholarships.</p>
<p>When you are applying to extremely competitive colleges, you should not be preparing a short list before you apply.<br>
You should apply to them all, and then hope you have a choice later.</p>
<p>Secondly, the net price calculator is a rough estimate. It could easily differ at any college by a few thousand dollars, based upon specific family financial issues and the college’s own formulas. Therefore, look for colleges in the range of affordability, but don’t skip applying to one because you think it might end up costing $3,000 than another college that might not offer you admission. . </p>
<p>My list is of colleges is already long - so that shouldn’t be a worry, and my parents REALLY don’t want me to apply to even one more school. The price of UVA really isn’t what I considered to be a differentiating factor from NW - but a reason why I’m questioning my decision to apply to either. For example, according to the net price calculator, UVA and NW are 2x the price of Vanderbilt, as well as the “match” school I am replacing either NW or UVA with. While it is true that I don’t know how much more UVA could offer, I am being forced to estimate the probability of UVA offering an affordable net price for my family.</p>
<p>Another interesting note: My school does very well with admissions at NW (35% acceptance rate) and UVA’s is around the same. So while both are difficult to get into, both are among some of the “easier” colleges I am applying to.</p>
<p>I guess what I am most concerned about is the hit UVA’s reputation is taking right now and how long that will last.</p>
<p>My son chose UVa over Northwestern, Cornell and Johns Hopkins along with several others. Coming from the Midwest he loves the weather and has found a healthy and happy environment. Joined a fraternity of nice kids where it seems both guys and girls are treated with respect. He has not experienced the culture exposed in the recent RS article. Despite the negative publicly, he loves UVa and we are impressed with how the students are reacting are very hopeful that the result will be UVa taking the lead in creating a place where there is zero tolerance for sexual assault.
As for cost, we have found it to be less expensive than the schools listed above and he even earned an academic scholarship through the alumni association for his 2nd - 4th years.
I’d encourage you to apply to as many schools as you can rather than rule out too many, especially schools of the caliber of NU and UVa. Good luck!</p>
<p>Jefferson Scholarships are EXTREMELY selective, approximately 1% of the incoming class. It’s something like 1600+ nominees nationwide, 100+ get invited for interviews, 30+ actually selected. It’s easier to get into HYPS than to be selected as a Jefferson Scholar.</p>
<p>Not to say you shouldn’t go it, just saying it’s very unlikely for ANY particular nominee to win one. They are all highly qualified, and most don’t.</p>