| Topic Name: |
Virginia vs. NYU |
| Message Name: |
Don't generalize |
| Date Posted: |
08/10/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
I have a slightly different twist on what the last writer wrote. Clearly it seems that BOTH NYC and Charlottesville have plenty to offer, depending on what your interests are! If you like nature and the outdoors then that's a point in favor of UVA, and if you like urban living and having everything available 24/7, then that favors NYU.
That said, let me tell you that I had a very similar decision when it came down to choosing law schools, because I had to choose either UVA or Columbia. I chose Columbia, for a variety of reasons; like, for example, I wanted to live (at least for a while) in a more urban setting. But undoubtedly the biggest factor that turned me away from UVA was demographics. The UVA law school is somewhat known for being a largely white, male, fraternal school. Their heavy interest in softball is one indication of that. Being an Asian myself, I chose Columbia because of its greater demographic diversity. So, although I am a big nature fan and would have loved to spend 3 years of law school in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the end, I felt that Columbia was a better choice for me. |
| Message: |
It's very easy to speak in generalities about each school (e.g U.Va. is full of white males, Columbia is funky and diverse). While many stereotypes are based on at least someone's reality, often they are not accurate once you look more closely.
My experience has been that I liked Charlottesville, not because of the hiking and other outdoor activities, but because it is a vibrant and exciting small city. No, there aren't "parades" and "cultural festivals" every day, and I would be willing to bet that those in NYC do NOT go to one of these events every day either, regardless of their availability. There are tons of fun, artistic, diverse things to do if you look for them. C'ville, and U.Va. especially, is a very friendly place. Yes, there are fewer minorities at the law school than there are at Columbia, because many are understandably wary of the small town atmosphere and choose not to attend. But the male/female ratio is virtually 50/50. And please don't assume that everyone who looks alike thinks alike. My classmates, even those who might have been written off as white male frat guys, had remarkable and divergent life experiences and thus points of view.
I'm sure I would also have liked NYU or Columbia. It's important to go somewhere you believe you will be happy, make friends and be in a good mindset to appreciate the luxury of studying law for 3 years. I am a city person, but found Charlottesville to be stimulating, different and fun.
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