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Hello world.

My story begins in a small town where I was a wee little high schooler in a wee little class of eighty-eight students. I must admit I was a little apprehensive at first. UVa has close to 20,000 students!

The main reason I applied to UVa in the first place was because of it's academic reputation. I must admit I didn't even tour the campus before applying. Upon my arrival, I truly fell in love with the beauty of the campus and of Charlottesville. Coming from some city blood of New York City and having grown up in a small town, I felt Charlottesville had much to offer people of both worlds. Entertainment offered by Charlottesville/UVa ranges from bars (a few clubs), frat parties, the theater (both on and off grounds), sports (uva sports were really really wonderful even when we were terrible), intramural sports (I played mostly all of them and the gym facilities are WONDERFUL) outdoor activities (hiking, tubing, kayaking, etc), and wine tasting (too many that to date I still have not visited them all).

Of course the academic reputation of UVa preceded itself. I was a little worried having come from a smaller school with little study experience. I found UVa to be competitive in some regards although I was a premedical student, so by nature we tend to be vicious. I would call the curriculum competitive, and not so much the students however. Some courses are more difficult than others and the goal is to challenge students. The professors and TA's (and fellow students) were always very willing and available to help (on average). It took me a little while to figure my study habits out, mainly because I was enjoying everything else that the university had to offer. Even so, I did fairly well and I have no regrets.

As for the people...again I had come from a small school where everyone knew everyone. I was afraid I might be lost at UVa. Uva, although large, feels small. You are able to meet many people through dorms, through classes (because there actually are many small classes offered), through sports, through clubs (soooo many that I enjoyed), through volunteer activities, through just walking to class, to eating at the dining hall (the dining halls are tasty for the most part and are numerous...I lived on grounds for 3 years), etc. Contrary to rumor, people at UVa aren't pompous? I met many people at UVa and infrequently, if ever, came across anyone who I'd consider pompous. Most people are down to Earth trying to have the best time of their life while also trying to pass their classes. And of course you always choose who you want to hang out with?

I would say visit UVa and check it out. So in a nut shell...If you want to be challenged academically, UVa is good for you. If you want to have fun, UVa is also good for you. As for me, I found that delicate balance which all college students have to find I believe, and I can't really say anything bad about UVa. Wahoowa

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