Anyone considering UVA Year in Wise VA transfer program?

[Anonymous]

Clinch Valley College.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

When I mentioned UVA Wise to college counselor they said “they can go anywhere and transfer, why do it at Wise”.

Not with a guaranteed transfer to UVA you can’t.

This. Ask me how I know.

[Anonymous]

I'm reporting back from our visit! My DS is seriously considering this option, and we visited last week for an admitted students day. The campus is nice - we saw a dorm, ate in the dining hall, saw classrooms, etc. and we were favorably impressed. My DS was really looking for larger, more rah-rah school, and Wise is definitely not that. It is small, and very remote. I think my DS would grow tired of it after a year, but it does seem like it could be a nice place to spend a year. The classes are small and students really get to really their professors. And you can really make the most of the location - student groups arrange whitewater rafting trips, skydiving, hiking, etc. We met a few current year in Wise students and they seemed happy, and the year in wise cohort seems tight. He hasn't made a final decision, but this is still in consideration for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm reporting back from our visit! My DS is seriously considering this option, and we visited last week for an admitted students day. The campus is nice - we saw a dorm, ate in the dining hall, saw classrooms, etc. and we were favorably impressed. My DS was really looking for larger, more rah-rah school, and Wise is definitely not that. It is small, and very remote. I think my DS would grow tired of it after a year, but it does seem like it could be a nice place to spend a year. The classes are small and students really get to really their professors. And you can really make the most of the location - student groups arrange whitewater rafting trips, skydiving, hiking, etc. We met a few current year in Wise students and they seemed happy, and the year in wise cohort seems tight. He hasn't made a final decision, but this is still in consideration for him.

My DS and I visited on Thursday - very similar impressions, he's leaning towards it.
It's a small but very modern and well kept campus, Apple distinguished school, every freshman gets an iPad with a pencil and a keyboard, all work in classroom is based on that.
We are from NOVA.

[Anonymous]

What did folks on this thread decide on doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can go to another school first year and “try” to transfer to UVA after one year, but it is not guaranteed. It’s a competitive process and you have to do the entire application process, including essays and letters of recommendation all over again. This is a guaranteed transfer, provided you get a 3.0 and do 15 hrs each semester. Much more clear path.

This. If his dream is UVA and he thinks he can gut it out. I haven't been there. Can you visit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What did folks on this thread decide on doing?

My DS committed to YiW over VT, UMD and Pitt. If you want UVA, this is probably your best bet.

[Anonymous]

OP, why do you believe that the academics at the southern school are so much lesser than UVA? I sincerely doubt this is true. Most colleges are actually pretty academically similar once you get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can go to another school first year and “try” to transfer to UVA after one year, but it is not guaranteed. It’s a competitive process and you have to do the entire application process, including essays and letters of recommendation all over again. This is a guaranteed transfer, provided you get a 3.0 and do 15 hrs each semester. Much more clear path.

This. If his dream is UVA and he thinks he can gut it out. I haven't been there. Can you visit?

The thing is, you don't have to "gut it out" , as most who attended report that their experience is much better than originally anticipated.
Also, based on the most recent UVA transfer stats for Virginians, getting into UVA as 2nd/3rd year is not so easy. Overall 40% acceptance rate for Virginians, which also includes guaranteed VCC guaranteed transfers, is more like 30% when trying to transfer from another 4-year college.
UVA Wise looks like the best route for those who want to end up in Cville.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know someone who is on faculty at UVA Wise. We visit once or twice a year. It's a beautiful area, but it is isolated, and it's difficult and far to get to anything resembling urban/suburban. Simply not a lot of options. Wal Mart is the grocery store. Do you want to drive an hour for Trader Joes (or name your store of choice)? At least with shipping you have access to things.

I wish the state would really invest in UVA-Wise. If they could build the student population up - double or triple - maybe it could attract more to that economically depressed area.

That said, it is a beautiful area of the country. If your child likes outdoors/mountains, they may like it. I think kids form tight groups there. It's a cute small town atmosphere with festivals and other small town events.

Your child can survive a year without Trader Joe’s.

+1. We live inside the beltway and Wal-Mart is my grocery store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heck no. Have you been there? It’s almost in Tennessee.

This what we said, also.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Heck no. Have you been there? It’s almost in Tennessee.

Almost in West Virginia, not Tennessee. Regardless, it can be a very good option if the student focuses on maintaining the required transfer GPA.

It's actually closer to Kentucky than to either of those two states.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Heck no. Have you been there? It’s almost in Tennessee.

This what we said, also.

Wise County borders WV. It is not tremendously. lose to TN. It absolutely IS a poor mountainous county in Appalachia, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Heck no. Have you been there? It’s almost in Tennessee.

This what we said, also.

Wise County borders WV. It is not tremendously. lose to TN. It absolutely IS a poor mountainous county in Appalachia, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Heck no. Have you been there? It’s almost in Tennessee.

This what we said, also.

Wise County borders WV. It is not tremendously. lose to TN. It absolutely IS a poor mountainous county in Appalachia, though.

I'm looking at a map and I'm not seeing that at all. It borders KY.