<p>I got accepted to both schools for political science. I was just wondering what your opinions of these schools were, and which one you would choose based on the basic criteria (academics, campus, athletics, city, etc.) Thanks!</p>
<p>I would say UVA for a couple reasons. For one, it is a top public school, and if you are in state it’s a great price. I don’t know the rankings of each program, but if I had to guess I would say UVA is higher. UVA is more prestigious nationally and would probably help get you into the door of an interview easier.</p>
<p>I can’t comment on either campus or city because I have not been to each, but I bet Miami is pretty cool. It has nice weather obviously and you can get to the beach pretty easily, however it’s probably more urban than UVA. Also I have heard that Miami’s campus is not very traditional either. Either they don’t have a lot of parties on campus or its a commuter campus. I think a lot of people just go to clubs there.</p>
<p>Athletics are ok at each school, Miami is a football powerhouse, but has not been that great as of late. UVA has a more established basketball program and has had a couple pretty good football seasons as of late.</p>
<p>Overall I would choose UVA for the superior academics and good school spirit.</p>
<p>UVa is a major academic institution in one of the most livable small cities in the nation. It has substantial name recognition and prestige, first-class faculty, and students have fun as well as receiving an excellent education. I don’t know much about the University of Miami firsthand and don’t wish to disrespect it, but unless there is a pressing financial or family reason for you to go to Miami I don’t know why there would be much hesitation about choosing UVa.</p>
<p>Since neither of the posters above knows anything about UMiami, I"ll add some information since I actually visited the campus. The campus is in a beautiful suburb of the city of Miami called Coral Gables. It is a traditional campus yet right outside the city so you have the advantage of internships and jobs during the school year to supplement your coursework. It is a rapidly up and coming school since the new president took over about 4 years ago. The business school dean is from UPENN and the business program is strong, the marine science program is #1 in the nation. The sciences are solid and there are many premeds. The communications program and music and theatre programs are top-notch. There is an architecture school. Fraternities are available but not a huge presence. There is lots of spirit for athletics. The students are diverse with a good proportion of Hispanics and internationals mixed in. It is not a commuter school and a large proportion of students are top of their class. People hear Miami and think of things related to a vacation, but that is a faulty impression. You didn’t say what was important to you in a college, so I don’t know which school would be best for you.</p>