University of Virginia Reviews

"Wonderful experience with close group feel and welcoming environment"

"University of Virginia's renowned historical academical village coupled with its breathtaking history with Thomas Jefferson and his unique worldview lends students the opportunity to experience world-class knowledge at a public school price. The demographic is quite homogenous and the school can appear quite large and at times, overwhelming. The psychology department had overall competent professors; however, the large lecture classes and over-involvement of teacher assistant in grading an classroom management leaves the student with feeling impersonal as well as just a number in a large crowd. My viewpoint of the world expanded tremendously throughout my four year at college, and I am immensely grateful for the bright intellectuals that comprised UVA's classroom and campus."

"UVa is full of high-achieving students. Even the supposedly easy classes are challenging; however, I would say that I have learned that teachers and peers are all willing to help you out if you reach out. It is about taking an initiative to improve. In terms of diversity, it is majority white, but you will definitely meet people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds."

"The curriculum at UVA is rigorous, and the academic competition between students is absolutely cut throat; this also applies to ALL extracurricular activities and fraternities/sororities. While the actual UVA grounds and surrounding Charlottesville, VA landscape are absolutely breathtaking, the faculty and students BOTH leave MUCH to be desired. Nearly each student believes they are the next JFK, and every professor a modern day Einstein, both of which are far from accurate. The faculty is very hands off towards students, unapproachable, and extremely hard to converse with before and after class, even during their posted supposed "office hours." They clearly DO NOT want to help students succeed, and see their job as simply a title and resume booster since UVA is very historic and academically prestigious. For all non-STEM majors, the grading is EXTREMELY biased, and professors make it blatantly obvious who their individual favorite students are (as in who is a brown noser), and who agrees with their personal worldview. Any sort of grading rubric or standard is non-existent, and they DO NOT reward hard work and well thought out papers, unless their personal philosophy happens to align with yours that is. I received a 3.87 cumulative GPA, but only after learning the hard way that EVERY professor ONLY wants to read essays, term papers, and tests which coincide with their viewpoint; and that is un-arguably reflected in your grades. The students... now they are some of the most self entitled, pretentious, fake people you will find virtually anywhere. I am currently at the Harvard Kennedy School for my Master's, and the typical students here is exponentially more down to earth, sociable, and rational than any student you will find at UVA... and even though UVA is a top 25 university... it isn't Harvard, but don't you dare tell them that."

"I absolutely love attending the University of Virginia. The first time I set foot on the grounds, I just knew it was going to be home. The nursing school there is one of the best in the country and I'm so proud to be associated with it. I have had wonderful instructors and learned so much from doing my clinical rotations. I even got a job in the STBICU (Surgical Trauma Burn Intensive Care Unit) so that experience plus my classroom instruction will hopefully help me on my journey to becoming a trauma nurse."

"The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy continues to prepare me for statistical and analytical analysis necessary for a career in public service."

"The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy is quickly rising in the ranks of the best public policy graduate schools in the country. The small cohorts encourage bonding between the students and allows for special attention from professors. The workload is demanding but provides us a strong foundation to advance our careers. Although out-of-state tuition is considerably expensive, consider the high quality of the overall program, the University of Virginia, and city of Charlottesville."

"I was diagnosed with a chronic illness my first semester of graduate school and my program has been extremely supportive and accommodating throughout my degree. When I was taking classes all of my professors were very approachable and helpful. Now that I am in the research phase of my degree I am always able to talk to my boss about my project. In addition I have been able to interact with many other physical chemistry professors for help with ideas and equipment."

"I love Darden! Everyone is so friendly and always willing to help each other. The living costs is not the most expensive one but the school is expensive. The education is amazing. I'm learning everyday! But it's super intense! We have many things to do all the time! No time to rest! hehe Charlottesville is beautiful! I cant complain eheh!"

"Pros: Good learning environment Cons: teaching quality should be further improved."

"Pros: Faculty and staff genuinely care about each individual's success. Admissions does a great job selecting a diverse group of students with a range of experience which leads to great class discussion. Assignments add value to the material being taught and impactful guest speakers."

"Graduate program is very intensive and research oriented. Faculty are really good at teaching and helpful during office hours. Campus placement opportunities are good. One needs to take 12 credits per semester to qualify as a full time student which results in high workload."

"Three things: Case Method, the Darden community ( Trust the process! ) and the world-class, extremely involved faculty. You do work harder than probably everyone else on the top 20, but you receive support from every corner, from second years dropping by with snacks and breakfast biscuits and ice-cream sandwiches, to Career Development staff scheduling mock interviews with you on Sundays. And Charlottesville's charm cannot be overstated."

"Darden is a phenomenal place. Great students, faculty, and experience!"

"One of the most dynamic of top-20 world business schools. Extremely high level of faculty. Difficult, but manageable learning process. Amazing location. Nice people."

"Pros: Amazing people and academic rigor define the Darden experience. My teachers truly care about my development as a business leader and person. And unlike some other top business programs, I am challenged to learn by my classmates each and every day. I am being pushed and I'm growing. Cons: the Darden brand name is not as well known as it should be"

"It is a tremendous amount of work, but the best MBA academic experience in the world."

"Great network, amazing faculty, massive workload. Town is easy navigate."

"I wouldn't choose any other school for my MBA. Fantastic people, education, and job opportunities. Collaborative and family-like."

"Pros: good facility, nice professors, variety of course works Cons: too much time spent on teaching, insufficient financial support for the senior students"