My daughter is not a fan of UVA, unfortunately. She feels like it is tough being out of state from a social standpoint. (We live in Florida). It definitely feels like a big state school. She would prefer a more intimate setting with smaller classrooms and students from all over the country.
Another complaint is that the students at UVA are extremely liberal. The problem is a lack of mutual respect or civil discord on grounds. We understand that elite schools are more liberal. But, she feels that the atmosphere is toxic. Her friends have no clue that she is conservative because she fears being ostracized as she has witnessed it happen to others. (I would love to put myself in her non-confrontational 19 year old shoes and test the system).
She does not like Charlottesville, and prefers a bigger city with shopping, direct flights home, etc. She could not secure any research opportunities as a 1st year despite contacting many professors. She likes that Vanderbilt is smaller, private, more academic, more research opportunities, intimate class sizes, loves Nashville, and seems less cliquey as students come from all over. She also feels like she is smarter than the average UVA student. She likes to be surrounded by smart people. I did not take the time to soften my reply, so I apologize if it sounds unkind. Just trying to communicate her experience. Her friend from home is also looking to leave UVA. Sadly, neither of them had a good first year. But, other friends love it. Very different vibes.
this is such a great perspectiveâŠtotally understand your daughterâs reasoning in leaving and currently face the same problems w/ lack of common ground and mutual respect at my current institution
KaraMichele, I am feeling your frustration. My son had a somewhat similar profile (35 ACT, 3.8 GPA from accelerated math classes, 4 year varsity sports) from similar school to UVA. I was really surprised to see him waitlisted, esp since I am an active alum. He was accepted to the Ivy League but not Vanderbilt. I think this year in general was truly the toughest ever. Everyone always says that but I saw things this year (really more with other kids) that shocked me. Wow- your daughter was premed with a solid 4.0-amazing.
I am in the same boat. Admitted to an Ivy but waitlisted by vandy. Vanderbilt is still my #1 choice but I might end up withdrawing and stick to my enrollment at Dartmouth.
Accepted today. Kind of late for me since Iâve already heard in the affirmative from Northwestern, Georgetown, Rice, and Michigan. But glad to finally hear from them.
I was waitlisted two weeks ago does anyone know when theyâd start making decisions on waitlist? Ik some people on Reddit were saying they heard back today after being waitlisted during previous waves but not much evidence supporting it.
I think itâs very unlikely they did. There may have been discrepancies with the wording and may have misled ppl to misreport on polls. Most would agree that there has not been any movement on the wl at this moment.
