Thoughts on UVa?

[aquaboy]

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I am going to UVa tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone has interviewed there yet? I have checked interview feedback and it was somewhat helpful. What were your impressions? Was it a "low-stress" interview? I am flying into Richmond and then driving to Charlottesville, how long is the drive? What did you think were the strengths and weaknesses of the school? Plus any other input would be appreciated. I would love to go there but don't know how good my chances are since I am an out-of-state applicant. Thanks in advance!🙂

 

[tryingagain]

Why don't you check interview feedback on this site. That will answers all of the questions you just asked.

 

[Jessica37]

Aquaboy,
Congratulations on your interview! I hope I can help answer some of your questions. I loved UVa so I might be a little biased. The drive from Richmond is about an hour, depending on traffic. As for the interview, it is very "low-stress." They just want to get to know a little bit about you and your motivation for pursuing med school. There are two 30 minute interviews. One of the biggest strengths of UVa, besides the reputation, is the fact that you are done with class by noon three days a week. It will also be pass/fail next year, which eliminates a lot of stress. There is also no competiton between students, which provides a peaceful and relaxing environment in which to learn. The professors are also really into getting to know their students. Plus, the city of Charlottesville is a beautiful place to live. The only disadvantage is the fact that you do have to travel your third year to nearby hospitals for some of your rotations. They do, however, provide room and board for the 6 weeks you are away. Good luck with your decision. You are in a good boat now that you have an interview. They accept about 50% of those interviewed, so your chances are great!

 

[Rapid Decomposition]

I'd like to offer a contrasting viewpoint. It is true that Charlottesville is a very nice place, and the main campus and med school (which are adjacent, a nice plus) are lovely.

However, I think UVa students are in class considerably more than students at most of the other med schools I've been at. The student tour guides were talking about how they spend "all day" in the lecture halls sometimes. It's not the traditional 9-5 5 days a week deal that is virtually nonexistant now, but it's a little too much lecture time for my tastes.

The admissions officer also talked about how UVa likes the "no-stress" interview when I was there (early october). But, I got the short straw. I had two VERY uptight, condescending doctors. I felt like both had decided before I even got into the room that I was worthless, and one even misread my application and said I had virtually no clinical experience!!! It was seriously my worst interview day (I've had 12), and I was waitlisted (I am also out of state, which was probably a slight factor, even though as state schools go they are nice to out-of-staters). But this can happen at any school, to anybody, and doesn't represent the most likely possibility, which is probably what Jessica is describing. I just wanted to add my very bizarre experience in Charlottesville.

 

[Dr2B2009]

I did a MMEP summer program at UVA a couple summers ago and my family is from a city near Charlottesville, so although I can't give interview insight, I can tell you about the town. Very large and beautiful campus. Social life consists of renting vidoes on the weekends, playing board games, etc. there isn't much going on in Charlottesville or neighboring towns. Medical students there said sometimes classes were in the same lecture hall from 8-5, or maybe it was 9-5. They all enjoyed the school and said that students are willing to help one another rather than engage in cut throat competition. Weaknesses include possible travel for rotations, high cost, and lack of diversity within medical class. I shadowed in the emergency room, and not much happened (not to say that's bad). Most of the doctors and deans I interacted with were very helpful.
hope this helped

 

[caferine]

I disagree with what Dr2B2009 said about the lack of things to do in Charlottesville. I'm a 4th year undergrad at UVA, and I have found PLENTY of things to do in the area. The downtown mall is full of bars that are packed on the weekend, and they often have live music. Miller's is especially popular on Thursday nights for live jazz. Then, the "Corner" is lined with bars that are packed about 6 days a week with fraternities and sorrorities. If you're not into the bar scene, there are several live theatre groups in the area. And, if you're still bored, there is plenty of room for hiking, camping, fishing, and even skiing in the nearby mountains. Charlottesville may be a small city, but there is an abundance of things to keep you busily entertained!