University of Virginia: Off the Record - College Prowler (Off the Record) (Off the Record)

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Your ultimate source for honest, unbiased information, College Prowler delivers an inside look at the University of Virginia, straight from the students mouths. Complete with hundreds of student quotes, grades, stats, and reviews, this student-written guide offers a comprehensive collection of information about UVA. See how students rate their campus when it s time to look beyond the brochures and talk about the issues that really matter.

Introduction from the Author

Introduction from the Author

Ever since ground was broken in the fall of 1817, the University of Virginia has remained tied to its roots, its history, and to founding father Thomas Jefferson s ideals. Jefferson once wrote: knowledge is power, knowledge is safety, knowledge is happiness. Certainly these words of insight have been instilled into every soft red brick, every arch, and every student s mind at the University. The staff and students of UVA genuinely believe in Jefferson s principles and in the importance of intellect, but even more than that, Virginia students value one another s beliefs and cherish the ability to just relax, breathe, and take in all there is out there.

Coming into UVA, I must admit I was less than excited. I knew it was a great school academically, and I remember hearing the phrase the Harvard of the South multiple times from my father - who was also quick to point out how great a deal its in-state tuition was (and it really is). But there were things that scared me about the school: the notorious Greek life that seemed to infest the social scene, the enormous size of the student body, and the fact that my social security number was all that distinguished me from other students at summer orientation.

But not a month after graduation, I find that the longer I stay, the harder it is for me to leave. Charlottesville and UVA have their hooks in me. As I walk around Grounds and watch as the summer session students race to their classes, I wonder if they have had a chance to lie under the trees on the Lawn and look up towards the Rotunda; I wonder if they have had the chance to realize what a beautiful, inspiring place this is.

I wish you the best of luck in your college search, wherever you end up. I hope this book brings greater insight into the real experience at the University of Virginia, and, if you happen to someday find yourself walking around Jefferson s Grounds, I wish you some of the same affection and love that I have gradually gained for this place.

Miriam M. Nicklin, Author
University of Virginia