How Should I Spend My Summer between First and Second Year?

Many rising second-year students ask about summer activities and how they should spend their time. The questions I hear most are about internships—should students get one, how does it look if they don’t have an internship, or what if they don’t have any business work experience to list on the application? This post will address these questions and, I hope, ease many of the concerns of rising second-year students:

· Should I get an internship?

At this stage in your academic career, it is rare that you will have the skills that companies are looking for from their interns. Chances are that if you do obtain an internship, you will be filing, making copies, shredding documents, or even running errands and making coffee. Think carefully about internship offers, and try to find out what your duties will be prior to accepting. If you do accept an offer, DO NOT go back and then decline. A commitment is a commitment, and changes of heart or better deals to travel Europe on someone else’s dime are not reasons to back out of your agreement.

· What if I want to continue working at the golf course/summer camp/restaurant?

Many of you may have held jobs in the summers of your high school years and enjoyed both the job and the money earned. In fact, maybe you liked it so much you want to continue for at least another summer, but are worried that the job will not look impressive to the Admissions Committee at McIntire. STOP RIGHT THERE! You should spend this summer doing something that you enjoy and can feel good about. If you enjoy working with children, then by all means do so. If your family owns a business and relies on your help in the summer, this is fine. Many solid business skills can be gained from varied work experiences. Lifeguarding at a pool can provide you with time management and people skills; working at the Gap can give you an insight to marketing and communication skills; waiting tables can instill the importance of customer relations and teamwork. You must remember that business surrounds us and is a part of our everyday lives. Think about whatever you do in business terms, and you will realize that you are developing business skills as you landscape someone’s yard, restock the shelves at your local grocery store, or give tennis lessons to 10-year-olds.

· My family is traveling to Asia/Europe/South America to visit relatives I have never met. Should I decline because the Admissions Committee will think that I’m goofing off this summer?

Embrace this opportunity for what it is—a chance to travel and experience another culture as you tighten family bonds. McIntire values cultural diversity, and whether you travel abroad or study abroad this summer, you will gain a perspective that will be unique and exclusively yours.

So, whatever you decide to do, do it for you (with the support of your family, of course). Make the most of your summer and take time for yourself, so you can return to school next fall ready to tackle your remaining requirements and get involved in the UVA community.

Published: Apr-18-12

Mar21

McIntire Remains #2 among Nation’s Top Business Programs in Bloomberg Businessweek Rankings

The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia was once again ranked second among the nation’s best undergraduate business programs, according to the annual Bloomberg Businessweek rankings, and it remains the only program to be consistently ranked either first or second in the seven years that Businessweek has ranked undergraduate programs. The rankings were announced Tuesday, March 20, in a live Web chat with Businessweek editors.

Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business was ranked first. Cornell University’s Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management was ranked third.

“McIntire earned A+ grades for teaching quality, facilities and services, and job placement and was rated the #1 M.B.A. feeder school,” said McIntire Dean Carl Zeithaml. He added that the School was #2 in the student survey rank and #8 in the recruiter survey rank. The School placed #7 for academic quality, determined by measuring five equally weighted components. From the schools themselves, Businessweek obtained average SAT scores, the ratio of full-time students to faculty, and average class size. The student survey supplied the percentage of business majors with internships and the hours students spend every week on schoolwork.

The School also remains the top-rated program among public institutions, with the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business falling from #6 to #7 and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School falling from #8 to #10.

“Over the past seven years, the School’s consistent top-tier ranking in a highly competitive environment is a tribute to the entire McIntire community,” Zeithaml said. “Our success is a direct result of our terrific students, faculty, and staff, as well as the extraordinary support provided by our alumni, parents, and corporate sponsors. Their investment in the McIntire School enables our world-class faculty to remain in the forefront of innovation in both teaching and research. It enables the School to attract superlative students and to produce high impact graduates. Our 2011 graduates secured excellent jobs, and our Class of 2013 is statistically the strongest ever.”

Other Virginia schools ranked in the top 50 were the University of Richmond (15), The College of William & Mary (25), and James Madison University (31).

Complete rankings can be found on the Bloomberg Businessweek Web site.

Bloomberg Businessweek’s Top 10 Undergraduate Business Schools

1. University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)

2. University of Virginia (McIntire)

3. Cornell University (Dyson)

4. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

5. Emory University (Goizueta)

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)

7. University of Michigan (Ross)

8. Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)

9. Boston College (Carroll)

10. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)

Published: Mar-21-12

Mar01

McIntire School Undergraduate Admission Process: March 2012 Update

McIntire School of Commerce Undergraduate Admission Process

The McIntire School of Commerce Undergraduate Admission Committee has completed the initial reading of applications from students enrolled at UVA desiring admission to the McIntire School B.S. program for fall 2012. An increased number of applications (11% over last year) as well as a very competitive and impressive group of applicants resulted in a very challenging process. Of the 522 UVA students who applied, the School will ultimately be able to offer admission to 305-310 students. The applicants presented remarkably strong credentials, with an average UVA cumulative GPA of 3.50. Emails will be sent March 2 to University students regarding the Admission Committee's decision on their application. Of the 522 students who applied, 222 were offered admission, 159 were deferred, and 141 were declined admission. At the end of the spring semester, the Committee will review the applications and additional information of the 159 deferred students and anticipates making offers to 80-85 of those applicants. In addition to spring grades, deferred applicants will have the opportunity to submit another written essay and to participate in an interview to demonstrate oral communication skills. See 2012 Information about Deferral for additional information.

The students admitted thus far achieved an average cumulative UVA GPA at UVA of 3.73 and an average prerequisite GPA of 3.70. They also demonstrated exceptionally strong leadership, community service, and co-curricular activities. The students who were deferred also demonstrated solid academic and co-curricular records, with an average cumulative GPA of 3.47 and prerequisite GPA of 3.45.

Students or parents with questions regarding the undergraduate admission process should contact the McIntire Student Services Office at 924-3865 or Commerce-Admissions@virginia.edu

Student Services also holds walk-in hours for prospective students.

Published: Mar-01-12

Feb22

Admission Process for 2012

The McIntire Undergraduate Admissions Process (for those students already enrolled at UVA) for fall 2012 is proving to be one of the most difficult and competitive in recent history. An increased number of applications (11% over last year) as well as a very competitive and impressive group of applicants have resulted in a very challenging process.

The committee has spent a great deal of time reviewing applications since they were submitted Jan. 23. It is anticipated that applicants will be notified the first week of March. Of the 522 applications received, the committee plans to ultimately offer admission to 305–310 students, or 60% of the applicant pool. This number includes both offers from Round 1 (decisions in March) and Round 2 (decisions by first of June).

It is anticipated that approximately 220-230 of the 522 will be admitted in early March and approximately 150 will be deferred until June.

Not only are the academic achievements of the student applicants impressive, with an average UVA cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a prerequisite GPA of 3.44, but the pool includes many students who have demonstrated strong leadership, exceptional community service, and outstanding co-curricular activities.

All combined, this has made decisions extremely difficult. Early statistics indicate that students offered admission will have a mean UVA cumulative GPA of approximately 3.7, and deferred students will have a mean UVA cumulative GPA of approximately 3.5.

The McIntire Undergraduate Admissions Committee works very hard to ensure that each class entering the McIntire School of Commerce is not only solid academically, but brings a variety of experiences and skills to the classroom. Our approach is a holistic one, considering all factors available for each applicant. Although this is not an easy process, we sincerely believe that it is best for both the applicants and the School. Students with questions regarding the admission process are encouraged to visit McIntire Student Service’s walk-in hours for prospective students.

Published: Feb-22-12

Feb20

Pre-Comm Information Session

Attention rising second-year students

Interested in business?

Undecided about your major?

Not sure if the Comm School is for you?

Separate the myths from reality and learn more about the Commerce School, the prerequisites, the admission process, and the programs offered at McIntire by attending an information session:

Thursday, March 22, 2012, at 5 p.m. OR Friday, March 23, 2012, at 3 p.m.

Rouss & Robertson Halls, Room 120

Published: Feb-20-12

Feb20

Information on Transferring for Non-UVA Students

Our students transfer not only from within UVA, but from other colleges and universities as well, including the Virginia Community College System. Students not enrolled in the University must apply for transfer admission through the University’s Office of Admission (434-982-3200) and will be considered for admission into McIntire. If you have questions regarding transfer of credit, please refer to the Transfer Credit Analyzer. This is not a listing of approved courses, but only past transfer of credit from UVA's College of Arts & Sciences, and can serve as a guide for students as to what they can expect to receive as transfer credit. If you are planning to apply as a transfer student (from outside UVA), it is always good to meet with Jeannine Fields in McIntire's Student Services Office either in person or by phone (434-924-3485) to make sure your courses will transfer as equivalents to the required prerequisites.

Published: Feb-20-12

Feb20

Plan a Visit to McIntire

Building Watercolor

If you've never been in Rouss & Robertson Halls, you really have to come see these amazing buildings for yourself. If you plan to visit the Charlottesville area and the University of Virginia, make Rouss & Robertson Halls, home of the McIntire School, part of your visit. Please be aware that the building is open for public access Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

If you are a high school student or transfer student planning a visit, I highly encourage you to visit on a Monday or Friday and to attend the UVA general information session at 10 a.m. and then come over to Rouss & Robertson Halls for our 1 p.m. tour. A student-led tour provides information about our innovative third-year curriculum--the Integrated Core Experience (ICE)--and life at the Comm School.

You can also sit in on a class by contacting the Student Services Office at 434-924-3485 (allow 3-4 days to set this up). The interactive and dynamic class environment is a very different learning experience for most students, so experiencing this classroom environment firsthand to make sure it is for you is a good idea. Because you won't enter McIntire until your third year of college, you can plan to sit in on a class during your first or second year. We hope to see you soon. Dean L

Published: Feb-20-12

Feb02

What Now?

Now that you have submitted your application, you probably feel a great sense of relief as well as some apprehension regarding the upcoming decision. So what do you do between those awkward weeks of applying and learning the decision? Here are just a few suggestions:

· Do not second-guess yourself. Don’t start thinking about what you should have, could have, or would have written now that you’ve had more time to ponder your essays. It’s done – do not dwell on this.

· Be aware that we will update all SIS data prior to reviewing, so if your schedule changes, this will be reflected in your application. This includes withdrawing from courses, so be very careful when adjusting your schedule.

· Keep up with your coursework and continue to work hard academically.

· Don’t worry about the decision deadline. You will know your decision by the middle of March – there is no set date for your decision e-mail to be sent.

· Relax. The hard part is over. Enjoy the remaining days of winter as much as you can, exercise, and know that spring really isn’t that far away.

Above all, keep in mind that you are at UVA, one of the best (okay, THE best) public universities in the country, and the education you receive will provide a firm foundation for a successful future, no matter what happens in March. There are so many opportunities for you, whether or not you are in the Commerce School, and McIntire's Student Services Office will be happy to meet with you to discuss your options.

Published: Feb-02-12

Dec16

The Application Is Available – Are You Ready?

By now, most of you who plan to apply for fall 2012 know that the application is now available online. As you begin to prepare your application (after exams, please!), please be aware that some questions and concerns may come up when you start to review. Please check the following as you prepare your application:

· Make sure that your name and all contact information are correct in SIS, including both local and permanent addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and the spelling of your name.

· Check to make sure that any AP credit and/or testing credit you received are listed on your transcript, especially if these are being used to satisfy any of the prerequisites.

· Review any waivers you have been given. The more common of these are foreign language through placement exams and English writing through SATs or portfolio reviews. If you believe that you have received a waiver(s) for a requirement and the requirement is showing up as missing, contact the Comm Admissioner for further information.

· Remember that all prerequisites MUST completed by the time you would enter the School should admission be offered. If you are missing a requirement, please make note of this on the application where provided. You will need to complete the course in the summer; if you do not and are offered admission, the offer can be rescinded.

· Spring courses should be on your transcript so that the committee will know what courses you are planning to take. Some of you may still be adding or changing courses; if your schedule changes after you have submitted the application, please be aware that we receive updated copies of your transcript and will be able to review these changes.

· Do not make the mistake of getting hung up on courses that you think will look good to the committee. You should challenge yourself in your course selection, but also make sure these are courses that you will enjoy and learn from.

· Check your essays, and do not rely on spell-check. This feature, wonderful as it is, can suggest a wrong word. Proofread more than once and have someone review all of your essays.

· Do not hit submit too soon. The review of applications will not begin until after the due date of Jan. 23, 2012, so submitting early does not benefit you. Make sure you have everything taken care of, reviewed, listed, and completed before you click on that icon. Most importantly, make sure your grades from fall are listed and correct.

More information about the admissions process and awaiting the decision is coming soon.

Published: Dec-16-11

Oct26

Course Registration Tips for First- and Second-Year UVA Students

Registration for spring courses is coming up very shortly, and many of you may be wondering about what courses you should be taking. You might be torn between two classes and worrying if one course will look better to the Admissions Committee than the other; but what if you are REALLY interested in the ‘other? Below are just a few suggestions we hope will help:

1. Stay on track with your area requirements. Completing courses in all these areas will benefit you no matter what your major and provides an excellent broad based educational foundation.

2. Take courses you are interested in or curious about; it’s okay to explore.

3. Challenge yourself but don’t go overboard; don't enroll in a 4000-level courses unless you have a solid base for the material that will be covered.

4. Plan ahead. As move forward in your academic career, so should your difficulty of courses. Once you are a second-year, your coursework should consist mainly of 2000-level courses.

5. Don't overanalyze courses to look for "business-related" courses. Business is everywhere, whether you look for it or not. A politics course can be very valuable because politics influences business and vice versa. Sociology courses can help you develop critical thinking skills as well a deeper understanding of social environment – which has an impact on business. Just because "business" isn’t in the title doesn’t mean the course is not applicable to a business career.

6. Don’t worry too much about what will look better to the Admissions Committee. Take courses that interest you.

7. Choose courses that go along well with your area of interest: Marketing? Take some psychology or sociology courses or media studies courses. International? Take courses in foreign affairs, or continue in a foreign language or courses that emphasize global issues. Finance? Consider additional math or economics courses.

Finally, remember that College is your time to explore and broaden your perspective; take full advantage of this time and the opportunities before you. Below are some tips from Dean Leonard’s recent advising presentation that might help you further with course selection for spring.

Admissions Information – Academic Advice

Take full loads with challenging courses from various areas (e.g., quantitative, oral and written communication, ethics and moral reasoning, global perspective).

Stay on track to complete your area requirements in the College of Arts & Sciences, and explore possible majors in the College.

Spread the prerequisites out; don’t take more than two mini GPA courses in the same semester.

Get involved outside of the classroom.

Published: Oct-26-11

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How Should I Spend My Summer between First and Second Year?

McIntire Remains #2 among Nation’s Top Business Programs in Bloomberg Businessweek Rankings

McIntire School Undergraduate Admission Process: March 2012 Update

Admission Process for 2012

Pre-Comm Information Session

Information on Transferring for Non-UVA Students

Plan a Visit to McIntire

What Now?

The Application Is Available – Are You Ready?

Course Registration Tips for First- and Second-Year UVA Students

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