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Joining the UVA Community: A Welcome from Data Science Students
From all of us here at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Data Science, congratulations on being admitted to the University community for the Class of 2030!
Every student arrives at UVA with a different story — and a different reason for choosing to call Grounds home. For some, it’s the academic flexibility to explore emerging fields like data science. For others, it’s the balance UVA strikes between intellectual rigor and a vibrant social life, or the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary interests across the University. And for many, it’s the unmistakable sense of community and tradition that makes a large institution feel personal, welcoming, and connected.
Whether drawn by school spirit, affordability, academic opportunity, or the promise of growth, hear from our current B.S. in Data Science students as they share what made UVA stand out — and why it continues to be a place where they’re thriving.
Matt Benson
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Montross, Virginia
My decision to enroll at the University of Virginia derives from various passions and the positive experiences I’ve had in my interactions with the university. My first ever encounter with UVA was Days on the Lawn, and from the moment I stepped on Grounds I knew it was the place I wanted to foster my future in education.
I had never anticipated data science as a personal endeavor for me until I found my role in the School of Data Science here at UVA, where I’ve come to develop my fundamental understanding and general curiosity of a skill applicable in any field, and one that has opened a clear path for me to pursue my interests.
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Jia Park
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
While the in-state tuition is great, there are also many other reasons why I chose UVA! I knew that I would be surrounded by driven and intelligent students and professors, which would push me to do my best. Not just that, but the social and academic balance was perfect.
The "work hard, play hard" motto was something that perfectly described how I wanted my college experience to go, and UVA has most definitely delivered on this. Finally, I knew that UVA was a place where I could find a diverse community and meet people with diverse perspectives and experiences.
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Max Farnham
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
When trying to find a university that felt like the best fit for me, UVA was a clear standout and my top choice from the beginning. One of the most significant reasons for this is that UVA doesn't force its students into a major and instead allows time to explore a variety of degrees. Even as I became more certain of my choice to major in data science, knowing that I had time to explore other paths if needed was comforting.
What really sets UVA apart, though, was the intense school spirit I witnessed when I visited the university in high school. Students show so much pride in the university's history and traditions, making it clear that UVA students absolutely love UVA. Considering these factors, along with the University's incredible academic reputation, it was an easy choice for me to travel from California to become a student here.
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Madeleine Cummings
Major: Data Science
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Madison, Connecticut
I chose to attend UVA because of the incredibly strong sense of community. Every time I visited Grounds, it was clear how students genuinely embrace the University and take pride in being part of it. From the traditions to the UVA-specific lingo, there’s a unique sense of connection here that makes a big school feel small, welcoming, and like home.
Learn more about the B.S. in Data Science at the University of Virginia and the undergraduate Stephenson Scholarship Program, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
