I would go to Duke which has the excellent programs and stellar reputation. UVA sees itself as the Princeton of the south - but tries to do it on the cheap. Undergraduate classes are getting larger as in engineering for all four years and where do you think the undergrads money is going - to pay for research programs etc for foreign graduate students.
The Batten School of Public Policy is raising the grad tuition by 39% and admitting it is trying to "emulate" comparative programs at Georgetown, Duke and Michigan. It is always pushing for something better rather than realizing it needs to work on what it has to start with.

Anonymous wrote:And as long as anyone is going to explain, can you also explain Echoll's (sp?) scholar?

Rodman Scholar is for School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, whereas Echols Scholar is for school for Art and Sciences. Both scholars provide the same benefit, but no $$$. Jefferson Scholar provides full ride if selected.

And as long as anyone is going to explain, can you also explain Echoll's (sp?) scholar?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know how much a Rodman scholar pays but a friend was offered a free ride "Presidential scholar" at UVA and picked Princeton over UVA. She's very happy.

There is no Presidential Scholar. You mean Jefferson Scholars.

You're right. Sorry. Not a UVA type. What is difference between Rodman Scholars and Jefferson Scholars?

Anonymous wrote:I don't know how much a Rodman scholar pays but a friend was offered a free ride "Presidential scholar" at UVA and picked Princeton over UVA. She's very happy.

There is no Presidential Scholar. You mean Jefferson Scholars.

I don't know how much a Rodman scholar pays but a friend was offered a free ride "Presidential scholar" at UVA and picked Princeton over UVA. She's very happy.

No one outside of UVA knows what a Rodman scholar is and both schools are in the same general ranking. So if money is not an concern, just let DC decide which one is a better fit. It's not like having to choose between full cost at Stanford or a full ride at Rice.

Anonymous wrote:UVA has had, though not all its fault admittedly, a very rough year. I would go with Duke, but only if money is not an issue.

Same here.

UVA!

I'd pick Duke (and my DC desperately wanted to go to UVA).

This was many years ago because I am 42 years old, but I chose UVA Rodman scholar over Duke and many other programs. I have no regrets.

UVA has had, though not all its fault admittedly, a very rough year. I would go with Duke, but only if money is not an issue.

Anonymous wrote:Duke, definitely.

+1. We were there on Saturday for a tour and info session. DC loved it and fortunately there were a lot of activities going on including Saturday classes and the library in full swing so DC could see Duke in real time.

Duke, definitely.

Put the cost aside, which one would you pick?