Chances for a future English major?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm currently a junior at a high school in Northern Virginia that sends a good amount of students to UVa every year (approximately 10-12). Like most other UVa hopefuls, I am white, male, and somewhat wealthy. I've taken the SAT twice, and my best scores in each section are 660CR, 580M, and 740W. I signed up for the ACT in April, and will probably take the SAT one more time before applying to college this fall. My class rank after sophomore year was top 11%, my weighted gpa is currently a 4.15, and I will probably end the year with mostly A's (in AP Lang, AP Latin, AP Econ, English 11H, and Chemistry) and two B's (in APUSH and precal). I recognize that my grades/class rank/gpa alone make me borderline at best for admission, as I will be competing with classmates who have performed much better than I have.</p>

<p>However, I am holding onto the fact that other aspects of my application will demonstrate my interest in studying English at UVa--a school that, more than likely, has much more female English majors than male. I am currently the president of my school's Poetry Club, which will be publishing its third book of poetry in about a month (I have been featured in all three). An essay I submitted to a contest hosted by "English Journal" will be published this spring, and I am waiting to hear back from the UVa Young Writers Workshop to see if I can go this summer. I have more extracurricular activities on my resume than just these, but the ones I mentioned show my interest in studying English. I know that intended major isn't that important to admissions officers at any college, but I'm hoping that my passion for literature and writing will separate me from the future businessmen, engineers, and doctors that will be applying. Thoughts? Suggestions? Just trying to figure out my chances.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I’m not sure what the gender breakdown might be in the English major, and definitely the humanities trend more female than the STEM subjects, but I’m on the faculty in the English department and there are plenty of males in my classes. In my fall-semester upper-level seminar, for instance, there were 8 guys and 10 gals. </p>

<p>I’m also not sure whether the Admissions Department pays a lot of attention to what people say they will major in, since so many students change their mind.</p>

<p>In the visual and performing arts, you can submit an “arts supplement,” but I don’t believe this is an option for poets. If you do attend the Young Writers’ Workshop, though, you will be able to meet some of UVA’s creative writing faculty, and if they like your work, their support may be helpful to you.</p>

<p>Literary talent ought to be an advantage in any holistic college application process, because you should be able to write memorable essays. So whether or not you attend the Young Writers’ Workshop, work hard on those.</p>