<p>"Where within the state will also play a part; it is much more difficult from Northern Virginia." I thought it was easier in NOVA? Anyway, I think my EC's and recs will put me over the top. Thanks for all your feedback. From what you all tell me, it's a reach/slight match.</p>
<p>No way. State schools aren't allowed to play that sort of game. Kids in one part of a state have no better chance than kids from other parts.</p>
<p>Sugaree, they look for geographical diversity across the state also. The undergrad population at most virginia schools is roughly 1/3 northern va, 1/3 rest of va, 1/3 out of state... but most of the strongest college applicants from virginia come from northern virginia... there are very good public schools, and the area as a whole is very well off.</p>
<p>
[quote]
They indicated that ED went pretty strictly by stats this year
[/quote]
this seems to be the case year after year, and extends to RD as well.</p>
<p>Of course schools want geographic diversity. But, I'll suggest that a dummie from southside VA is not getting in simply because they're from the country. Admission officers have to be careful about setting kids up for failure. We play some games to get a diverse class (diverse in geography, ethnicity, thought and talent), but we don't let people who clearly aren't ready in unless there's a coach involved.</p>
<p>I agree. I'm not suggesting that anyone who a school lets in won't do well. They only take people they think will do well (with exceptions given to top athletes). At top schools, at least, replacing the last 500 applicants who were accepted with the 500 who were rejected but were closest to getting in, would probably not change the makeup of the freshmen class hardly at all.</p>
<p>your use of "we" intrigues me...</p>
<p>How many times have you taken your ACT? The second and third times I took it, my score increased 2 points. So I suggest taking it 2-3-4 times.</p>
<p>Also, I agree with whoever said to take the SAT. At least twice!</p>