The University of Virginia (UVA), located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a public research university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. UVA is one of the nation's premier institutions of higher education and has a rich history, strong academic programs, and a beautiful campus. The university is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), and it has been consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.
Academics:
UVA offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its 12 schools and colleges:
1. College of Arts and Sciences
2. School of Engineering and Applied Science
3. School of Architecture
4. Darden School of Business
5. School of Education and Human Development
6. School of Data Science
7. School of Nursing
8. School of Medicine
9. School of Law
10. School of Continuing and Professional Studies
11. Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
12. McIntire School of Commerce
The university is renowned for its strong programs in fields such as business, law, engineering, and liberal arts. UVA has a robust commitment to research, with faculty and students engaged in various research projects across disciplines.
Campus:
UVA's campus, often referred to as "The Grounds," covers 1,682 acres and features a combination of Jeffersonian architecture and modern facilities. The campus is known for its iconic Rotunda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Academical Village, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. The university is also characterized by its beautiful gardens, pavilions, and the central Lawn, which serves as a gathering place for students.
Athletics:
The university's athletic teams, known as the Virginia Cavaliers or 'Hoos, compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). UVA offers a variety of varsity sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and more. The school's colors are orange and navy blue, and the mascot is the Cavalier.
Traditions:
UVA has a number of traditions that foster a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Some notable traditions include:
1. Lighting of the Lawn: An annual event during which the Lawn and surrounding buildings are illuminated with thousands of lights, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
2. Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn: A Halloween event where local children are invited to trick-or-treat at the doors of the historic Lawn rooms.
3. Rotunda Sing: A choral event featuring various university singing groups performing on the steps of the Rotunda.
4. Final Exercises: UVA's unique graduation ceremony, which takes place on the Lawn and includes a procession of graduates walking down the Lawn to receive their diplomas.
Admissions:
UVA has a competitive admissions process, with factors such as academic performance, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and personal essays taken into consideration. The university offers an Early Action program for students who wish to receive an earlier decision on their application, as well as a Regular Decision option. In recent years, UVA has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission.
