AccessUVa

Take your classes seriously. It’s a privilege to attend a good school in a good country. When you play, play hard. But when you work, work hard. The most practical way I see to change the world is by working hard and making the most of the opportunities right in front of me. I believe that if the work ethic and desire are there, bigger opportunities will arise that I can take as they come. For me right now, that would mean doing my best in my classes, getting involved extracurricularly, staying on top of my scientific research, and pursuing my goal of becoming a medical doctor. If you need the money, be persistent! Apply to the many scholarships that are out there. Also, the University's financial aid office is a great resource. Meet with a counselor at the office and explain to them your situation. Chances are that they will really try to help you out.	Daniel Chang Class of 2006, Chemistry (Biochemistry), and Biology (double major) Woodbridge, VA

Don’t let anything stop you from receiving higher education and a degree. It will open so many doors and change your life. I know that I will be a richer, better, stronger and more enlightened person as a U.Va. graduate. My father, now deceased, never graduated from high school and had to work hard all of his life. He told me in elementary school, in his words, ‘I was a half-a-gallon headed, wide-eyed kid in love with learning. Education is the key to anywhere you want to go.’ I live with that every day, and it has carried me to where I am today. I've always loved libraries and have always been a nerd, in the sense of loving to learn stuff, and I always will be. This has been my dream since my first year here: to be locked in Alderman Library, our 5-level main library, for a whole day in my pajamas with no mandatory class work and baskets filled with snacks and drinks. I would read whatever I wanted, look at all the books I desired, and just think and write.	Jade Craig Class of 2006, Political and Social Thought and French (double major) Hattiesburg, MS

At U.Va. there are as many perfect days as you want. You just have to be here for them. I like the big school. I wanted to stay in Virginia. U.Va. has a great Humanities program. I knew I would not have to make academic sacrifices to attend an affordable school. I am certainly proud of earning the title of ‘goat’ on a three-day jeep trek into the Sinai wilderness. Before the trip ended, I was able to scale a cliff and take the only photos of an inscription at Wadi el-Maghara. I climbed Mount Moses in three hours alone with no flashlight at 2:30 a.m. I even spent some time crawling through pharaonic turquoise mines and the inner altar of the Temple of Hathor. It’s amazing where a childhood in the mountains of southwest Virginia and an education at the University of Virginia can take you. Advice to incoming students: ‘Gnothi safton,’ ‘know yourself,’ comes to mind. You may not be certain about what you want. The key is to know who you are. It’s okay if that takes a bit of searching, that’s part of what college is about. You’ll be the stronger for it.	Stephen Musick Class of 2006, Religious Studies Honaker, VA

Don’t come in with preconceived notions of what U.Va. will be like based on other people’s experiences. Everyone’s experience is completely different. The best advice I've ever received was to compete only with myself. There will always be someone better than you, but you can always be the best that you can be. Ask lots of questions of lots of different people. Ask your high school guidance counselor for suggestions. Contact the financial aid department of the college to which you are applying and ask them for suggestions. Consult online scholarship databases such as Fastweb.com. Apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can, even if they are only for $200- every bit counts.	Ashley Robins Class of 2007, Psychology Bellwood, IL

The idea of graduating from U.Va. is a dream come true. U.Va. is an outstanding school, and I feel it is an honor and a privilege to have been accepted. My proudest accomplishment, after giving birth to two precious boys; is being accepted to U.Va. Make the most of every semester. Favorite U.Va. class: That is like asking me to pick between my children. Every class is my favorite class.	Lissa Weathers Class of 2005, Anthropology Duluth, MN and Fairfax, VA

AccessUVa makes the opportunity of attending one of the nation’s top institutions available to any student who qualifies to study here. That’s the American dream at its best. Think BIG. Really Big! Each day presents new challenges and lessons. Don’t let your classes get in the way of your education at the University. Take the time to explore things you ordinarily wouldn’t.	Daisy Lundy Class of 2005, Commerce (Marketing) Student Council President at U.Va. Columbia, SC

I chose U.Va. because when I visited, I loved it. It felt like home. The caliber of the institution and the warmth I felt were the major factors in my decision to attend U.Va.	Laura Dougherty Class of 2007, English Yorktown, VA