Class of 2013
Parents Program Jefferson Scholar
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
“I went to a large public high school in the suburbs of Philadelphia. When it came time to apply to colleges, I looked for undergraduate business schools, planning on double majoring in math and business. My mom went to UPenn/Wharton for undergrad and coming from Philadelphia, I always assumed I would go there.
“I visited U.Va. in the spring of my junior year and it took less than one day to enthrall me. The grounds were not only stunning, but the people were warm, happy, and friendly. I toured the campus, and the same applied in the McIntire school of Commerce, which had recently been ranked #1 for undergraduate business schools.
“But I don’t think that I fully appreciated the differences that being a Jefferson Scholar would afford me (save the enrichment programs and financial stipends, which are by no means small) until I got to U.Va.
“Being a Jefferson Scholar means being a member of the most impressive, charismatic, and articulate group of people I’ve ever met. It is not only coming to college on a full scholarship, but it’s coming into college with a core group of friends, who by nature, will support you and invite you to share in their passions.
“It is no coincidence that Jefferson Scholars are present in leadership positions in many of the student organizations on grounds, nor is it coincidence that they flourish in their classes. I came to U.Va. as a Jefferson Scholar and immediately felt part of a very supportive network, which already had its footholds in the academic, extra-curricular, and social aspects of U.Va.
“Before the Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend, I wanted to come to U.Va. because it [boasted] the perfect balance of academics, involvement, and work-life balance. After Selection Weekend, I came because I knew that these were the people with whom I wanted to spend the next four years.”
In her second year, Andrea is contemplating majoring in Mathematics. She spends her extracurricular time as a member of the Jewish Social Justice Council and Second Year Council. Among other activities, she also volunteers her time for Pancakes for Parkinsons, Take Back the Night and Madison House. In her first year, Andrea was involved in a “First Year Players” production.
