<p>Hi all, I'd like to pose a question - is it really THAT hard to get in from out-of-state? I heard it was notoriously hard for OOS-ers, much to the likes of UNC-Chapel Hill and the UCs in California because they're fundamentally state schools.</p>
<p>What does UVA most look out for (in terms of OOs)? GPA? I come from nearby adjacent MD and seek to apply in 2 years :) What is UVA most known for? What can you say about their biology programs?</p>
<p>Any input is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>UVa is pretty hard to get into from OOS. Touting around OOS acceptance rates and the like doesn't really paint an accurate picture unfortunately. however, if you're curious, to apply to the college OOS (which most do) there is about a 25% acceptance rate. Figure that there are a fare amount of athletes and legacies (who get instate treatment) in there. So I'd say for the average non athlete, non legacy OOS applicant from maryland you need at least a 3.8 UW and about a 2000+ SAT. </p>
<p>UVa's biology department is pretty solid. As I'm sure with most schools, the lower level courses are weedout courses and are very difficult. Also, labs at UVa are only 3 or 2 credits, but require more than 2 or 3 hours of class.</p>
<p>I'd say UVa's strongest departments are, in no particular order, english, history, religious studies, econ, and commerce. The most popular majors are econ and commerce. If you're curious, UVa's highest ranked programs (according the NRC 1995 rankings at least) are religious studies and english.</p>
<p>Im going to be arriving in Charlottesville for my first year next week. Im also from Brooklyn, NY and one of only 2 people that got in OOS from my high school. When it comes to out of state admission, the admission rate is about 28% this year which is statistically on par with schools like Tufts, JHU, Cornell, NYU, etc. So yes, it is definitely not a cake walk to get in. UVA IS a prestigious university and they take admission seriously. A word of advice is that GPA is more important than SAT so dont stress over the SAT too much. Just get a good grade, like 2000+ and you are fine in that regard. GPA should show you really challenged yourself in high school such as lots of AP courses, and good grades in them, about 3.9 (94) is a good average. A word to the wise is that they really care about personal qualities so i would say definitely make yourself stand out through extracurricular activities that you are passionate in, along with essays that further portray your uniqueness. Think of it this way, The number of people who apply out of state is about 6,000 and honestly, in 2 years when you will apply, that number will grow because getting into the Class of 2010 was the toughest ever at any school this year across the country because our generation blossoming and applying to college at historically high numbers. So therefore, your essays should exhibit sincere interest and desire to attend UVa and a good explanation through your interests, aspirations as to why UVA is a "fit" for you. Thats really important. You need to convince the admissions officer that you truly would be a good asset to the University, because its not only about how good you are in general, but its also about how much you will contribute to the University, since its obvious they want students that will utilize their resources to the fullest. GPA is important though. Once you have the GPA and good SAT scores however, (which does not distinguish you at all from any one else in the applicant pool unless you have a 2400 SAT), its your extracurriculars and essays that make you admitted. One important thing to remember is that UVA's admission process is holistic meaning they look at you as a package not by one individual thing like your GPA. Also, you are just a rising junior. You have plenty of time! Just work hard your junior year cus its the most important, be active in and out of school, get good recommendations from teachers who love you and who would write stupendous recs for you, and always remember to keep your options open because you dont know wat will happen in the future. </p>
<p>I'll tell you that UVA is not known for biology. Its known for strong economics, politics, history, religion, languages. Basically the social sciences and humanities. The school was founded by Thomas Jefferson and produces American leaders like Senators, Congressman and Entrepreneurs. Of course it has a large population that go for medicine, biology, chemistry, etc. I personally cannot give you a description about the biology programs. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>At UVA, the acceptance is 2/3 in-state and 1/3 out of state. However, the number of people that apply are 2/3 out of state and 1/3 in-state. So your competition is very high, but not impossible! Good luck!</p>