Where exactly is the University of Virginia located?

Hey guys, I'm a rising junior and just beginning my college search. I've heard a lot about the University of Virginia but I'm not too sure where it's located. Can anyone fill me in?

Sure, happy to help with that! The University of Virginia, often abbreviated as UVA, is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This city is in the central part of the state, known as the 'Piedmont' region, and is approximately 70 miles west of the state capital, Richmond. Charlottesville is also approximately 115 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

Charlottesville provides a scenic backdrop for UVA with rolling hills and close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city itself is known for its lively arts scene, distinctive local cuisine, and rich history—evidenced by Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

UVA's campus, known as "Grounds", is quite picturesque, featuring Jeffersonian architecture. Central to the campus is the Rotunda, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you eventually end up applying to UVA and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-virginia-essays/. In college admissions, the essays are a great way to set yourself apart by showcasing what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

I hope this overview gives you a good sense of where UVA is and what the surrounding area is like!