Is it important to show interest?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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<p>“If you’re from around here, admission to UVA is not guaranteed unless you have a 4.0 and a 2100+ SAT, with the exception of certain minorities and athletes. Nobody likes to hear that, but from what I’ve observed, it’s true.”</p>

<p>I think that’s an exaggeration. I know plenty of people at UVA who did not have those stats, especially my in-state friends, where admissions may vary significantly from out of state applicants. Honestly, I knew more OOS Echols students than In-state (Not to say that statistically more Echols are from OOS). I had a 1090 on my SATs as an out of state student – not a minority, or a legacy (unless you count sibling), and I don’t have a library named for me on Grounds. My method? I transferred. I went to a mediocre PA state school, memorized the Gen Ed requirements and fulfilled as many as I could and got a 4.0. I had personal reasons for staying close to home right out of high school and SATs did not matter much. My essays were good, I had a couple of EC’s and I had a professor write me an optional LOR that was amazing. </p>

<p>I don’t know what all the make-or-break fuss is about first year admissions. If UVA is where you really want to go and you don’t feel confident about being able to get in right out of high school, look at transferring. If you are a VA resident, go to a VA Comm. College and go to UVA under the GAA. If you are an OOS resident, save yourself some money: attend a state school, grab up the scholarships and grants and then transfer after a year or two. </p>

<p>In the end, it’s all the same diploma. Is mine worth any less since I spent a year at a less prestigious university? No. I still had to compete against students from Harvard and Yale with 4.0’s as well and vastly better HS records and test scores.</p>

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<p>Is the cutoff much higher for out-of-state? I see alot about the SAT, but I was planning on using ACT score from junior year. 32 (math 34/reading 36). This summer taking science/math program at a top program, so I should complete a college level ccalculus class, etc. My weighted GPA 4.6+ and probably will be AP Scholar with Distinction (they don’t make annoucements yet, but I have the scores. I may take the ACT again, but we will see.</p>

<p>Curious, I am doing real well in the summer program. The professor mentioned giving me a recommendation for the school I am attending, as well as others (assuming I maitain the high grade). Has anyone used a recommendation from professor (non-high school teacher).??</p>

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<p>There are no cut offs. :)</p>

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<p>I heard the same thing from a friend who was an admissions officer at Georgetown. Grades mattered but they were only ever a piece. Georgetown was far more interested in your potential as a Hoya. Would you ge a good citizen there? Would you take an active role in the community?</p>