How "preppy" is UVA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So preppy.

They all have the same eclipse glasses... so basic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whatever UVA is, it’s 20,000 students. It’s not a monolith. If preppiness bothers DC, then they should feel free to not dress or act preppy. There are plenty on non-preppy people at UVA. It’s too big for any particular group to dominate.

IT's actually 26,000 if you include the grad students AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM DRESSES PREPPY. Seriously, OP, you have raised a bigot. You need to open your daughter's mind. My non-preppy kid loved it there. She never participated in the greek system (only 26 percent at UVA), never partied with them, never set foot in a greek house, joined other fabulous clubs and graduated with great friends and never once looked preppy. If she has a chance of getting in, she should apply because it is a great financial deal for in-state and a great school. Also go look at W&M, although your daughter will probably say that is too preppy, too. LOL. If you really want to see preppy go see W&Lee and U of Richmond.

+1. I graduated UVA. Sometimes I felt like I was living in a sea of human Barbie dolls but I found my people, no Greek, just focused on my studies, did well, and life turned out great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC turned down UVA because they felt it was too preppy. They didn't even want to apply after the visit, but I insisted. It was a waste of time because they were adamant about not attending.

Same here. After touring lots of colleges, I can definitely confirm that they have different vibes. Kids should go where they feel comfortable.

I'm a UVA alum. I think UVA is great for some kids, it's certainly a terrific education at a great value. But it wasn't right for my kid, and I support that (even as I wish we were getting that in state tuition!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does "preppy" even mean these days ? Is there an agreed definition ?

I'm not sure but my kid sure seems to know. Ask your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD does not want to consider UVA because it is "too preppy." Is it? What is it like culturally? Is every one Lululemon wearing suburban kids? Also, is it as cut throat as it seems like it would be?

Come back once she gets in. Not a slam dunk.

FWIW, my kid is very preppy, always has been, regardless of in/out of style.
Goes to a not at all preppy school. No big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD does not want to consider UVA because it is "too preppy." Is it? What is it like culturally? Is every one Lululemon wearing suburban kids? Also, is it as cut throat as it seems like it would be?

Come back once she gets in. Not a slam dunk.

FWIW, my kid is very preppy, always has been, regardless of in/out of style.
Goes to a not at all preppy school. No big deal.

But why even apply if it's not for her?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC turned down UVA because they felt it was too preppy. They didn't even want to apply after the visit, but I insisted. It was a waste of time because they were adamant about not attending.

No loss to UVA and I am sure you'll chime in about going to a higher ranked school or something, but if that is how decisions are made in your household than good luck, life is going to be a bumpy ride for your kid.

It may not have been a loss to UVA, but at least my kid got in. Sorry your kid didn't make it in. No need to make stupid remarks about my kid's future. With a parent like you, I am sure your kid knows better than most about a "bumpy ride" Oh and they did attend a higher-ranked school with a full ride.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD does not want to consider UVA because it is "too preppy." Is it? What is it like culturally? Is every one Lululemon wearing suburban kids? Also, is it as cut throat as it seems like it would be?

The preppy portion that feels condensed is in the frats and sororities I think plus secret societies if they still have those. The same types of club folk types you would find at any school. I think outside of those types you can find a mix of people. It is a large state school btw so it is not that wealthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So preppy.

Seemingly 2/3 female. Maybe they like eclipses more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So preppy.

Seemingly 2/3 female. Maybe they like eclipses more.

The men are already in the dark

[Anonymous]

Not sure about preppy, but it's a vibe that is better for some than others.

[Anonymous]

my kids loved the vibe. Hated W and and M. It's worth spending some time on campus once the kids are around (I imagine they are gone for the summer now or leaving very soon).

Student bodies really have personalities. Sure, there are a few of all types of kids at every college but I think if you don't vibe with the prevailing culture it can be very challenging socially. Look at the post on here about kids attending college 4 years and not finding friends. OP's kid is an introvert at USC. Not a great fit on paper and it turned out to be not a great fit in reality.

Social fit is BIG.

[Anonymous]

It's a lot less preppy than it used to be, that's for sure. I attended nearly 20 years ago and those were the days when "girls in pearls and guys in ties" at football games was ubiquitous - much less so now.

As the student population has grown more diverse, the "preppy" population has largely limited itself to the Greek system, which is pretty closed off from the rest of the University. You can be a part of that world if it's for you and you can avoid it completely if it's not (for me, it was not).

For me, the coolest thing about attending UVA - having transferred there after one year at a different school in VA - was the vast array of options for student groups to join. There is seemingly a self-governing student group for just about any interest you can imagine, and that's where you find your people. From 7:00 - 11:00 PM most nights during the week, I was hanging with one of these groups, and then attending parties with them on the weekends.

Classes in the mornings (but not too early), studying in the afternoons, social time at night. It was a truly wonderful experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a lot less preppy than it used to be, that's for sure. I attended nearly 20 years ago and those were the days when "girls in pearls and guys in ties" at football games was ubiquitous - much less so now.

As the student population has grown more diverse, the "preppy" population has largely limited itself to the Greek system, which is pretty closed off from the rest of the University. You can be a part of that world if it's for you and you can avoid it completely if it's not (for me, it was not).

For me, the coolest thing about attending UVA - having transferred there after one year at a different school in VA - was the vast array of options for student groups to join. There is seemingly a self-governing student group for just about any interest you can imagine, and that's where you find your people. From 7:00 - 11:00 PM most nights during the week, I was hanging with one of these groups, and then attending parties with them on the weekends.

Classes in the mornings (but not too early), studying in the afternoons, social time at night. It was a truly wonderful experience.

Thanks! This is very balanced and helpful.

[Anonymous]

UVA has a lot of dirty pot heads.