<p>This is a general common app question (I've posted it there too), but since UVA is DS's dream school, I'm hoping Dean J will pipe in. DS has written The Big Essay on another paper he wrote several years ago. He quotes the original paper several times, one of which includes his name. All of a sudden it occurred to me that I think I've heard admissions committees are not supposed to know whose application their reviewing. True? Does he have to delete his name?</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure it doesn’t make a difference. In fact, when I put in my UNC app, they asked me to put my name and date of birth at the top of all my essays. Unless your child is a movie star etc. I really don’t believe the Adcoms will base their decision on your childs name. If they do that is very, very strange.</p>
<p>Oh not that they would base a decision on it; just that the applicants were only supposed to be a number. (Not sure where I got that idea.)</p>
<p>I’ve gotten several responses on the common app forum from people who used their name in their essays. (And one who said they show the applicant’s name on the bottom of the essay anyway.) Thanks for the response.</p>
<p>Every document that comes in through Common App already has all of the applicant’s information embedded in it (that’s to ensure accuracy in filing). Even if a school tried to do this (there isn’t a reason unless the applicant has a household name), it would be pretty difficult.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that recommendations use the student’s name repeatedly. This is totally fine.</p>
<p>I personally try not to read the files of students I “know” because of my blog, College Confidential, Twitter, etc.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the Deans who know the students at UVA are supposed to pass the application onto another dean who does not know the applicant. I can see both positives and negatives to this decision. </p>
<p>Positive: The Dean who knows the student, knows him or her as more than a piece of paper. Not that the dean has a full recognition of the applicant, it is just that the applicant is a little more than just a number.</p>
<p>Negative: If the dean knows the student, it could make their decision bias. At a school like UVA where “demonstrated interest” isn’t factored into their decision and a personal connection with the applicant could make admissions unfair. </p>
<p>Although your not reading my application Dean J, I’m going to be to let you read my essays (not as part of the decision but I just would like to see what you think) after my app is submitted and such. </p>
<p>P.S. I wrote my essay on Michael Jackson’s song “Beat It” - Do you think this would be interpreted wrongly by the Adcoms? I don’t want them to think I’m joking around on their application but my essay is somewhat comical yet strongly conveys my point.</p>
<p>UVA: it’s not a wise idea to pressure Dean J into reading your essay for the heck of it. She’s going to be incredibly busy until decisions are released, and then dive right into transfer applications. At the very end of things, the last thing she should be doing is reading another essay. </p>
<p>Trust me, if you attend UVa, she’ll reach out to you at precisely the right time and say a few words. I hope you’re able to experience that, it’s nice knowing an administrator at UVa sees you more than being just another student. It’s the little things about college that make the experience</p>
<p>No shoebox, I’m going to send it to her after all of the admissions are over - whether I’m accepted or not. Hmm maybe your right, maybe, if I’m accepted, I’ll just meet her in person and have her look at it. Also Shoebox, while you attended UVA, did you get to know people who worked there? Or were you just another number who attended classes and such.</p>
<p>BTW, Shoebox, do you know how complicated it is to get a job working in the admissions office. My best friend’s sister did it at John’s Hopkins and enjoyed it and I was wondering if positions are available at UVA. I’m not talking about someone who actually reads that Apps because they have proffesionals for that, I’m talking more about someone who just helps out.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response, Dean J. Not sure where I got the idea. (Maybe it’s my 20+ years with the federal government?)</p>
<p>You’re*</p>
<p>After you’re accepted, you won’t give a hoot, most likely. I dug up my transfer essays the day after graduation and re-read them…all I could fully relate to was the fact I thought UVa was the better school for me and I would benefit from the transfer, and UVa would benefit having me. Both points are true, but everything else was life as I knew it then and things change and now those heartfelt essays that seemed like life or death are just another fleeting movement in life.</p>
<p>At a state public, everyone is a number in some way. I wasn’t a number to many of my professors, and there’s still a few that check in every once in awhile, which means I really am a person with a life to them. But there were plenty of administrators there, other eschool teachers, and even other people that I was just another name, and I was perfectly fine with that fact. </p>
<p>Admissions: I suggest you maybe look into giving tours. I did e-school tours for all three years and had a blast and I think a lot of tourees enjoyed it (or at least they said so. I ran into one dad at Mellow once and he liked my tour so much he bought me a pizza and a beer hahah). But yes, I think they have student spots, I thought about doing that also but ended up with the tour gig instead. Most schools do so wherever you end up, you’ll have the chance I’m sure.</p>
<p>Hmm being a tour guide sounds like a fantastic idea. I’m not really a shy kid, but I definitely not the best public speaker. By doing a tour I can both work on my speech / tell kids why UVA is the best. On the college tours I went on, the tour guides that I met were really nice and vibrant and I think that was a large factor in how I looked at the school.</p>
<p>Mmm, just a sly secret: I joined partly because I wanted to work on my public speaking skills. I have a habit of getting overwhelmed and my brain works faster than my vocals can and I stumble, also partly due to some childhood speech problems that have carried over. I knew I needed to learn how to present my ideas, facts, and opinions to large groups who I’m unfamiliar with. Did it work? Eh, I was in love with giving tours so that’s all I really took away from it. But I’m sure it did help and I had a blast doing it and that’s what counts. Speaking is still coming around, even at this age 
I are an engineer after all!</p>
<p>Also, I met someone my fourth year, it was his first year: he basically ran me down in the middle of Thornton and said he remembered me from a tour and that tour sold him. That was one of the best days of UVa, by far :)</p>
<p>Shoebox, no lie, that is exactly what I what has been happening to me. I’m a very good writer and I’m a good speaker but when I get in front of a croud my voice always falls apart. Stumbling, cracking, it’s just horrible. I feel like I could be a fantastic tour guide once I overcome my voice issues. I love the school and would be able to show it in my tours. </p>
<p>However, can’t jump the gun. I’m not even in yet…</p>
<p>My voice does just fine, it’s just pronunciation issues some times. A good tip is to never try to memorize a speech, not even close. Know a few key points and bullets and form your speech from there. I’ve knocked presentations out of the park with this method, although you need to be able to think quick on your feet. And when in doubt, just keep talking confidently.</p>
<p>Remember, you’ll love whatever school you end up at and could be a guide/help in the admissions off anywhere and do just fine. Once again, I remind you to take a chill pill on UVa…</p>