Larger schools have a lot of nooks and crannies for kids to find.

A lot of people throw around stereotypes, but you need to go beyond these sweeping generalizations and figure out if your niche is one that excites you at these places.

There are happy kids at all of our state universities. There are unhappy kids at all of our state universities. The research should be personal research, not relying on random bits from strangers on the internet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Greek life at UVA is problematic. No one wants to admit that, but it is. It'd be a much better atmosphere with WAY less greek life. If your kid can pave their own path against pressure to go Greek, great. But it's very hard for mainstream kids to stay out of and then it sort of sucks you up.

I’ve said this before on similar threads and I’ll say it again. I think UVA works best for kids who definitely want to be in the Greek system and already fit that mold, and also for kids who definitely don’t want any part of it and will confidently seek out alternatives.

The kids who come in less sure of themselves and where they fit in might have the hardest time. The social scene really can be brutal.

This is no different than any other school with both smart kids and a party scene - and there are tons of schools that fit that description.

Wrong. VT has smart kids and a party scene and it’s much more chill and inclusive.

If you are a preppy douche, it's for you.

My kid went to the UVA info session at his high school. He says they were told that admit rates for ED and EA were almost the same. So why not just apply EA with no binding commitment?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Greek life at UVA is problematic. No one wants to admit that, but it is. It'd be a much better atmosphere with WAY less greek life. If your kid can pave their own path against pressure to go Greek, great. But it's very hard for mainstream kids to stay out of and then it sort of sucks you up.

I’ve said this before on similar threads and I’ll say it again. I think UVA works best for kids who definitely want to be in the Greek system and already fit that mold, and also for kids who definitely don’t want any part of it and will confidently seek out alternatives.

The kids who come in less sure of themselves and where they fit in might have the hardest time. The social scene really can be brutal.

This is no different than any other school with both smart kids and a party scene - and there are tons of schools that fit that description.

This is written by a UVA alum and speaks to the “Virginia Gentleman” culture

https://time.com/3605000/uvas-rape-problem-will-only-be-solved-when-the-virginia-gentleman-evolves/

Anonymous wrote:The Greek life at UVA is problematic. No one wants to admit that, but it is. It'd be a much better atmosphere with WAY less greek life. If your kid can pave their own path against pressure to go Greek, great. But it's very hard for mainstream kids to stay out of and then it sort of sucks you up.

I’ve said this before on similar threads and I’ll say it again. I think UVA works best for kids who definitely want to be in the Greek system and already fit that mold, and also for kids who definitely don’t want any part of it and will confidently seek out alternatives.

The kids who come in less sure of themselves and where they fit in might have the hardest time. The social scene really can be brutal.

Anonymous wrote:The Greek life at UVA is problematic. No one wants to admit that, but it is. It'd be a much better atmosphere with WAY less greek life. If your kid can pave their own path against pressure to go Greek, great. But it's very hard for mainstream kids to stay out of and then it sort of sucks you up.

+1 Despite removing five chapters, fraternity membership is up. The “bad boy” image seems to be real.

https://c-ville.com/uva-fraternity-rush-increases-despite-termination-of-five-chapters-for-hazing/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UVA is for the high stat kid that can hack it socially. It’s very competitive in class and out of class. Exclusivity is the vibe, the brand, it’s what UVA is all about. Be ready to apply to clubs and party hard with intense drinking and drugs. This is the truth that others won’t tell you.

My UVA kid says that's in the sorority and frats, which is only 26% of the campus. He chose other activities and says drinking depended upon the activity and the individual. He never did drugs (yes, he said that - so jeer away, but that's what he said). He chose the Jefferson Society debating. It's hard to debate when you are drunk out of your mind. There are over 700 clubs at UVA to pick from

But you do know they serve/offer alchol at their meetings? I was just there, at their last Friday meeting. Incredible bright, engaging, and interesting kids. No one was drunk (that we could tell!) and my DC has said you don't have to drink - but there's an offer for sure.

Agree with the idea that it's competitive in and out of class BUT - it doesn't have to be. If your kid is a striver - going for more exclusive and/or in-demand clubs like JeffSoc, SEED, etc. YES - there are tons of clubs where you have to apply then interview, etc.
BUT there are plenty of kids there going to class, going to sports stuff, hanging with their dormmates, doing intramurals, and volunteering through Madison House and having a great time, learning a lot and loving their time there.

Anonymous wrote:My daughter has no interest in UVA but I think some of that is oppositional as that is indeed the school held up as the end all, be all at her large FCPS high school. Her preference is urban out of state.

We are at a more diverse public high school (45% low income) and there is a lot less talk about UVA. A lot of the kids are worried about not getting into Tech and don’t even consider getting into UVA. I have a high stats DD who ED’d there and I do worry that she is a bit naive about what the social scene will entail. She thinks it’s what she wants socially (fun and spirited with lots going on) but how could she really know?

I worry, but I’d worry anywhere. Are there some sororities that are “less crazy” than the other ones? Or are they all crazy? I didn’t do a sorority but she says she is interested. I wish she wouldn’t but trying to let go.

The Greek life at UVA is problematic. No one wants to admit that, but it is. It'd be a much better atmosphere with WAY less greek life. If your kid can pave their own path against pressure to go Greek, great. But it's very hard for mainstream kids to stay out of and then it sort of sucks you up.

I have a first year at UVA out of NoVa. Working incredibly hard, but also partying pretty hard. So far a perfect fit for my kid after ED’ing there. Reports being surrounded by really smart kids that happen to also enjoy a social life. Drinking, yes. Drugs, not seen so far (could be naive to believe). The first 3 to 4 weeks were dominated by efforts to apply to clubs. Sounded very competitive and stressful. Once in, pretty excited about the peer group. No grade inflation from what I’m hearing which is making it harder to get As.

My daughter has no interest in UVA but I think some of that is oppositional as that is indeed the school held up as the end all, be all at her large FCPS high school. Her preference is urban out of state.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UVA is for the high stat kid that can hack it socially. It’s very competitive in class and out of class. Exclusivity is the vibe, the brand, it’s what UVA is all about. Be ready to apply to clubs and party hard with intense drinking and drugs. This is the truth that others won’t tell you.

My UVA kid says that's in the sorority and frats, which is only 26% of the campus. He chose other activities and says drinking depended upon the activity and the individual. He never did drugs (yes, he said that - so jeer away, but that's what he said). He chose the Jefferson Society debating. It's hard to debate when you are drunk out of your mind. There are over 700 clubs at UVA to pick from

+1
DD graduated from UVA and was never involved in that type of club or interested in it.
About 70% of students are not involved in Greek life. Don’t generalize or assume all of them have the same vibe as some kids.

Anonymous wrote:UVA is for the high stat kid that can hack it socially. It’s very competitive in class and out of class. Exclusivity is the vibe, the brand, it’s what UVA is all about. Be ready to apply to clubs and party hard with intense drinking and drugs. This is the truth that others won’t tell you.

This. The work hard/play hard reputation is real.