<p>Thanks for providing more info. </p>
<p>First, I do want to amend my statement in response to pam-b’s post…I/we are talking in sweeping generalizations. I believe that at almost all universities, especially larger ones, there are lots of kids with a broad spectrum of interests and “styles” - I think almost anyone can find their niche at UVA or most other U’s. I also think that schools do have a feel or culture to them and the best way to get a sense of what might fit is to make some visits. Some of the schools my boys expected to love, they did not, and vice versa. </p>
<p>I totally understand about kids wanting a broader experience if they’ve grown up in a fairly homogenous setting… we are moderate to liberal Jews from the north and our kids have been raised in a smaller, more southern location(VA). As two of only a couple of Jewish kids in their school (DS2 is a senior and the ONLY Jewish kid in his class of over 250), my kids each looked for a more diverse blend of folks and school “feel” - one is at a big U and the senior is looking at smaller to mid-sized schools (but is not applying anywhere south of VA). </p>
<p>What is your home state? Does your D have any idea what she may want to study? Not that she should but some kids know if they are more into the humanities, or business, or engineering, for example, and that can help narrow down potential choices. Also, is mid-atlantic/southeast location absolute? If you have not already done so and cost is a concern, you may want to run some financial aid calculators to see what your expected costs (EFC) will be - it will help determine whether you may be eligible for good financial need-based support or if you will need to focus on merit aid or in-state options. Know how much you can/will spend and factor that into your search. </p>
<p>It is great that you are starting early. I am sure your daughter will wind up with some terrific fits and choices. :-)</p>