<p>All, I was accepted to both Villanova (Business) and UVa, and am having a tough time deciding. I live near Villanova and like the fact that it is fairly close, and I love Philly. Clearly, both UVa and VSB are reputable business schools, BusinessWeek ranks UVa's McIntire #2 and VSB #7. I am in the honors program at Nova as well as the Global Citizenship Program, while at UVa I would have to attend the Arts and Sciences School for 2 years then apply to the business school, which I am not really a fan of. Does the national recognition and other benefits of UVa outweigh what Nova offers for me, especially in terms of job placement, interships, co-ops, etc.? Any insight is appreciated.</p>
<p>What great options! Our child has both choices as well, but fin aid/scholarship is probably going to make our decision for us. You really should visit both and see which feels better. Also think about where you may want to work after graduation (or even during summers). Ask the career services folks about internships and job placement – success rates, what companies recruit, what parts of the country recruit. One thing to consider is that admission to McIntire is not guaranteed, but you’re already in VSB. Good luck!</p>
<p>My son faces the same choice, except not for business. There are many good things about both schools. </p>
<p>UVa offered him better financial aid - they meet 100% of need, even for out of state. By the way, UVa’s out of state tuition is going up 3K this year.</p>
<p>Some people complain that they don’t get to take business courses in the first 2 years at UVa, and that makes it harder to get really great summer jobs after 1st and 2nd years. As noted above, entry into UVa’s business program is competitive. Most people who don’t get in end up with economics degrees. You may want to research the percentage who are admitted.</p>
<p>I think there are fewer non-academic distractions at Villanova and a more supportive environment. However, I think most students would say that UVa is more fun, with more happening on grounds at any one time. Part of that is because UVa is twice the size, and part is because of an active system of fraternity and sorority houses and a culture with much alcohol. </p>
<p>You should also factor in the pros and cons to you of the required religion and ethics classes at Villanova. Some people love them, while others don’t like the limited electives first year.</p>
<p>UVa has a higher graduation rate and a much more diverse population. That not only involves a much higher Latino and African-American population, but also huge Asian population and students from 130 countries. If you want to study international business, I think you would get more of an international perspective at UVa.</p>
<p>I have kids at both places so I know how difficult it is to choose. UVA is a wonderful place, but you need to ask yourself what you’d do there if you didn’t get into McIntyre. Not only is it competitive to get in, but if you get tripped up in some of your classes during your 2 years it could be effectively eliminated as an option. Also, there are a lot of students who go to UVA with other plans but later decide to apply into McIntyre which only adds to the competition. I don’t remember what the admit rate was when my D was there but I I want to say it was something like 65%. You could probably get more accurate information with a little digging. </p>
<p>So, I think it depends on how comfortable you might be with a plan B at UVA if things don’t work out as planned. The upside is that I’ve known plenty of UVA students who didn’t matriculate into McIntyre that still got great interviews and positions after graduating, and of course, several went on to get an MBA as well. Nonetheless, if that prospect bothers you and you really want to have a sure bet, then Nova would be the obvious choice. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>One other factor: UVa has a much higher average endowment per student. You can see evidence of this in the new buildings. Walk inside UVa’s new Aquatics and Fitness Center across from the first year dorms if you want to be impressed. Or take a look at the new “South Lawn” academic buildings south of Jefferson Park Avenue or the huge new research and science buildings that are back behind the older science buildings.</p>
<p>Food and housing are $2K a year cheaper at UVa. However, people say the food is better at Villanova.</p>
<p>The first year class sizes in most programs will be much larger at UVa. After the first 2 courses in a major, the class sizes at UVa become more reasonable. You may be able to skip over the large intro classes if you have AP credit or if they don’t require a prerequisite for a mid-level class.</p>
<p>If you want to work or go to grad school outside of the Middle Atlantic US, I believe a UVa degree will get more recognition.</p>
<p>UVA just announced that, beginning with the class of 2013, it will charge a $3000 differential tuition for McIntire, whether you’re in-state or out-of-state. For OOS students, that’s in addition to the $3000 (8.9%) tuition increase for the upcoming school year.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your input, it was very helpful. I ended up sending in my deposit to Villanova a couple of days ago. I have been to both campuses many times and am always impressed with both. I received a merit scholarship from Villanova that evened out the costs of the two schools, so that wasn’t a factor. I think Villanova has a better fit for me in what I’m looking for. I would like to work in the northeast, and I live near Philly so it seems like Nova would be a better option for that. Good luck to all the parents and students!</p>
<p>Never thought I’d say it, but now it seems like Villanova would ultimately be cheaper for me too. Thanks 578920!</p>
<p>Great decision mcd. Good luck with everything at Nova. I’m sure you will have an excellent experience.</p>