Do I have a chance at being an Echols Scholar???

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>I feel confident that I can get into UVa, since I am in state and consider myself to have a decent application, but I would love to be an Echols Scholar, and was wondering if my stats would make me a good candidate, I know you don't have to apply or anything, but how many people are chosen each year for Echols Scholars.</p>

<p>Gender: Male
Race: Indian
GPA: Projected 4.61 W, unweighted 4.0 (end of 1st semester senior year)
Rank: 3 or 4/596
School: Math and Science Magnet Program, one of the best schools in the city, if that means anything.</p>

<p>SAT I: 2270 ( 770 CR, 700 M, 800 W) will take again to get up that math score
SAT II:Bio: 730, Math IIC: 760, US History: 800
ACT: hoping for 34+
Courses:
Toughest courses with the following AP's</p>

<p>Sophomore year:
AP Chemistry: 5
AP European History: 5
AP French Language: 3</p>

<p>Junior year:
AP Calculus BC
AP US History
AP Biology
AP English Language and Composition</p>

<p>Senior year:
AP English Lit.
AP Studio Art
AP Psychology
AP US Government
AP Physics C (recently changed to this, how much weight will this class carry, it is the hardest class in my school)
*Second Year Calculus</p>

<p>Research: As part of the Academy I am in I am doing a research project involving the Stock Market, developing a risk minimizing set of equations.</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:</p>

<p>Debate Team (4 years) Captain 2 years, Regional Finalist, 4th place in districts (09), 2nd place districts (10), various top 5 finishes in Local debate league tournaments.</p>

<p>Theater (4 years) Acting and Light Crew (2nd in district, 2nd in region, 8th in state for a one act play)</p>

<p>Scholastic Bowl (3 years) captain 1 year (district and regional champions)</p>

<p>National Honor Society (1 year, only allowed for seniors) President, I plan on coming up with at least one new community service event, possibly designing T-shirts as a fundraiser or something.</p>

<p>Other ECs:</p>

<p>Football JV (2 years)
Varsity Tennis (2 years)
French Honor Society
Operation Smile</p>

<p>Comm. Service:
Volunteer for the summer reading program at library (50 hours)
Volunteering at an aquarium. (50-100 hours)</p>

<p>Work Exp.</p>

<p>Founded a clothing company, design and selling t-shirts, I think it is pretty unique, does not having a license yet make it less worthy, planning on acquiring license when I turn 18 in November.</p>

<p>Worked as a graphic Designer for a local ad company one summer.</p>

<p>Will have an internship at a investment group over the summer</p>

2

<p>The process of choosing Echols scholars is subjective. If an admissions officer sees something that stands out on your application, then you have the opportunity to be an Echols scholar. However, what stands out is subjective for every admissions officer, so just because you’re not one does not mean that you don’t have the ability to be one. You can always apply at the end of your freshman year.</p>

3

<p>I’m sure you have a chance at it, but there really isn’t any way to be sure. I had friends who got it with nothing that seemed that exceptional on their application, and one friend who seemed like a lock for it who didn’t. I think it’s just really hard to know for sure.</p>

4

<p>Great answer from Orchidork. All students who apply to the College are reviewed for Echols. Invitations are not related to statistics. We look for a love of learning to shine through. I often see it in the overall application - recs, course selection, essays, ECs, etc. </p>

<p>I have written about this on my blog. It might help to do a little searching and reading there. :)</p>

<p>Hope that helps!</p>