UVA vs University of Richmond vs American - International Relations / Chinese

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys, I'm basically stuck between these two schools. I had applied for JHU and Claremont McKenna, but got rejected by both, which sucks because I was banking on their programs. Anyway, here's what I think:</p>

<p>American - I dont really wanna go here, mainly because </p>

<p>Cons:</p>

<p>1) It was my safety, and it'd just be a pride issue
2) I already live in the DC Metro Area, and I want to get out
3) They dont have a Chinese Program (Though I could always find a tutor in the city, etc)</p>

<p>Pros:
Thing is, their International Relations program is superb, and my parents' friend's wife is the assistant professor at the School of International Studies, and she said she'd mentor me. It looks like a great option, save the 3 reasons above.</p>

<p>Uni of Richmond - </p>

<p>Pros:</p>

<p>1) Nice campus (at least it looks like it, visiting this month), rated one of the Hottest International Relations Schools by Newsweek (but does that mean its good?)
2) Has a decent Chinese Program
3) Got an invitation to join the Honors Program, which would allow me assured enrollment in the Grad School program in the Uni of Richmond School of Law, which I guess could give me a Law Degree (which would be great for the foreign service)</p>

<p>Cons:
Thing is, I dunno how this compares to UVA. U of Richmond is pretty much unheard of on all the Ranking Stats, etc (Though I know that shouldnt be my decider) and I dunno if I could do better at UVA simply because of their name recognition.</p>

<p>UVA - </p>

<p>Pros:</p>

<p>1) #1/#2 Best Public Uni in the Nation
2) #23rd Best Uni in the Nation
3) Has a strong Chinese Program (at least I'm pretty sure?)
4) The whole name recognition it has mentioned above ^
5) Nice looking Campus (yet to visit though)</p>

<p>Cons:
...They DO HAVE a Foreign Affairs program right? I mean, I was looking around their site, and the more I research it looks like International Relations is only for their Graduate School. Is that true - is it just for Grad Students? Or can Undergrads also take it!? Cause that would really suck / I'd be a real idiot for even applying there. </p>

<p>Sorry for such a long post, and thanks for reading it / your responses!</p>

2

<p>I live in Virginia and personally I would have to say UVA. One major factor is tuition. I'm sure you have plenty of scholarships, but UVA is indeed a public university and won't cost as much. Also, Charlottesville was rated the #1 City to live in in America. The campus is beautiful. Good luck and congratulations.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your opinion! But I'm still really confused over the whole International Relations / Foreign Affair major for Undergrads. Does anyone know if UVA offers Undergrads this major??</p>

4

<p>Richmond is not a bad option at all, neither is American.</p>

<p>But go w/ UVA.</p>

<p>Richmond ranks ahead of American by a hair, methinks.</p>

5

<p>UVA UVA UVA - not a close contest in any respect unless you hate idea of bing in a relatively small town.</p>