<p>I've heard UVA is very preppy and superficial compared to other places</p>
<p>Thanks Harri for the information on UIUC, and I'm sorry Sean if my constant bickering about rednecks in virginia is bothering you - I have not been to the East so I'm worrying. </p>
<p>What is the math department at UIUC like? Harri, i'm not James whatever scholar you implied I was.</p>
<p>I don't know much about the details of the math department here, but I can say that the faculty size is quite large and the list of classes it offers is comprehensive. Plus, it offers certain programs that aren't traditionally offered by mathematics departments. For example, the math department offers a program in acturial science, and the department makes it fairly easy for a student to double major in computer science and mathematics. Every summer, there are also a few Research Experiences for Undergraduates that you can apply for. </p>
<p>Unless you're a total wiz at math, you'll find that the math classes are challenging in a good way. Also, I've noticed that math professors really like it when they find students who are actually interested in mathematics. They will take the time to give you more attention if you need or want it. It's often the case that a large majority of the students taking calculus are engineering majors or pre-med track students, so they're only in the class because they need to fulfill a math requirement. </p>
<p>Even though you're not a James Scholar honors student, you can easily apply for it after your first year. The main benefits of it are that you get priority registration and you can graduate with honors. But considering that you're a math major, you probably won't find too much trouble trying to get into the upper level math classes you want because mathematics isn't a very common major.</p>
<p>thanks! :) I certainly will consider my choices carefully - I have 5 more days left. Are the courses at UIUC tailored in such a way that they are flexible to other areas of learning?</p>
<p>bump - 10 characters</p>
<p>"That's so cool, thanks for the info guys. Is Charlottesville the only 'safe' place from rednecks in virginia? because I heard that the southern part of virginia is horrible."</p>
<p>Who do you get your information from? As a transplanted NY'er who moved to VA in the 80's, I can tell you that there are no more rednecks in Southern VA than there are in Upstate NY, suburban LA or Rural IL. Rednecks know no geographic or ethnic boundaries -- its all about attitude. Sounds as though you may have a touch of "regional bigotry".</p>
<p>Don't be too hard on Tenniscraze. He's an international student, so he's not aware of regional differences in the U.S. </p>
<p>Tenniscraze, you should contact someone from the International Center at UVa to get an honest perspective of student life from an international student's perspective. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.virginia.edu/iso/ic/%5B/url%5D">http://www.virginia.edu/iso/ic/</a></p>
<p>I have enough info on UVA, and yeah I am not familiar with things in the east of the US because I haven't been there.</p>
<p>I would love to hear more about UIUC.</p>
<p>God, count me as another person who is just shocked that people think Charlottesville is hick, redneck, and backwards. Where do these ideas some from? Charlottesville is a very nice place to live by all accounts. Of my friends who live there, one is an interracial couple.</p>
<p>I guess what's really funny is the implication that Urbana-Champaign would be so much more hip, progressive, and urban. </p>
<p>People who know universities think very highly of UVa, and for good reason.</p>
<br>
<p>In general, UIUC is probably considered a little better than UVA when it comes to the biological, physical, and quantitative sciences. On the other hand, UVA probably provides a better education for the social sciences and humanities. </p>
<br>
<p>I think this is pretty much spot on. If you aren't sure what you want to major in, and you might end up outside of math/science, I'd pick UVA.</p>
<p>I'm an Illinois native dating a UIUC grad, and I am really not a fan of Champaign. Other than getting into bars when you're 19, my bf feels the location offers virtually nothing. UIUC is a good school and a terrific bargain, but downstate is basically corn, chain restaurants, and more corn.</p>
<p>Between UVA and UIUC, I would go to UVA.</p>
<p>UVA sounds cool.</p>