<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I was accepted as an Echols Scholar during EA for the Class of 2018 and I want to learn more about the program from a less-biased perspective. UVa is not really my first choice right now and I have also been admitted to UNC Honors Carolina, UMichigan LSA Honors, and William & Mary Monroe Scholars Program. I guess I'm just looking for someone to help "sell" me on UVa because my parents really want me to consider it seriously. I'm going to Days on the Lawn in early April but I just want to find out a little more before I go. I don't know a whole lot about the Echols Program but I know it's helpful in terms of having no curriculum requirements. Socially, I do not plan on rushing and I am not a huge partier but I'm not against having a good time every once in a while so I'm trying to get a feel for the social scene as well. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>There will be an Echols panel of students at DOL, as well as a one-on-one student tour and lunch, if you respond to the invitation. Both are very enlightening. Otherwise search this forum for various opinions on the benefits of the program. </p>
<p>Congratulations on having great choices.</p>
<p>The social scene for Echols scholars is essentially the same as for everyone else; lots of admitted students seem to think that it’s all people who do nothing but study, but that’s definitely not the case.</p>
<p>Also, if you are an Echols scholar, you’ll be spending first year with many of the people that will be running student organizations in a few years, which you can take as you will.</p>
<p>I don’t know what the benefits of UNC and UMich’s programs are, but U.Va. Echols is a better program than W&M Monroe Scholars in my opinion.</p>
<p>You’re correct in that the lack of requirements is the main benefit. The other tangible benefit is Scholar housing in the newer dormitories. There’s a lot of controversy over this aspect, but it’s great for students who like to be surrounded by peers of like mentalities. There are different types of people, but you’ll click with someone in your hall at least. It was great in motivating me to get involved my first year, which I wouldn’t trade for the world. In addition, the shared housing is helpful in forming study groups (and friends) from your classes since you have dedicated spaces in your dorm with whiteboards and movable tables.</p>
<p>It’s hard to discuss the program if you don’t have specific questions (or even general ones). I think that a lot of value of the Echols Program comes through the intangibles that can’t be quantified in a list of its “benefits” if that makes sense. Feel free to ask me to clarify anything that I’ve said!</p>