<p>Hey everyone I'm a rising junior and wanted to know what I should be aiming for in terms of SAT/ACT, and what my chances are so far.
I am a male NativeAmerican/Hispanic that can apply as in state because of certain circumstances. I have a 4.3 weighted GPA sophomore year (took 1 AP, AP Bio which I got a 4 on for the exam). This year I plan on taking 3 AP's along with all honors. Here are my EC's:</p>
<ul>
<li>Public forum debater (am also chaplain of the team). So far I have gotten third place at a local tourney, but I plan on doing more this year</li>
<li>Math tutor</li>
<li>Helping out at the local assisted living center</li>
<li>Part time job at a restaurant</li>
<li>Small group leader last year and this year</li>
<li>Secretary of young patriots club</li>
<li>Going on 3 years of Youth and Government</li>
<li>National Honor Society</li>
<li>Duke TIP</li>
<li>Chess Club</li>
<li>Sophomore year I got the Honors US constitution subject award and a school award (which the principal claims is the most prestigious one the school gives)</li>
<li>finally, I do mission trips in Greece over the summer </li>
</ul>
<p>So, how are my chances so far, and what can I do to better them?</p>
<p>Duke TIP is for middle school kids isn’t it? If so, there’s no space for it on your application.</p>
<p>First, your SAT. There’s no “what to aim for” in terms of in-state UVA. There are kids with 1700s who get accepted and kids with 2300 who get rejected, that’s the reality. I would say to aim at least for a 1900, preferably a 2000 so as not to raise any red flags. Truth is there are tens of thousands of bright, smart and talented kids in VA and UVA understands that, therefore your SAT is not as big of a deal as other parts of your application. However, don’t assume that just because your SAT doesn’t matter that much that you having a low one will be no big deal. A low SAT means that every other part of your application needs to be solid. </p>
<p>You only say your weighted GPA, what’s your UW? Is 3 APs a lot for your school? If you can, I would try to slip in at least 1 more. What I’ve concluded from my experiences is that UVA cares a lot about GPA. They are more likely to admit the 4.0 UW 2000 SAT than the 3.6 UW 2200 SAT. They also care a lot about class rank, if your school ranks. Around 96-97% are in the top 10th percentile, so if you’re below it will make it really difficult for you to get in.</p>
<p>Your ECs seem decent. Try to take on some more leadership activities. Try to compete more in debate and in return get more awards. </p>
<p>You should have a good chance at UVA if you maintain a good GPA, take advanced classes and get a decent SAT score. Remember that there are other parts of your application though, like essays and recommendations that will factor in for a lot. </p>
<p>Sorry I guess I forgot to mention some things. First, duke TIP isn’t only for middle schoolers, it does apply to high schoolers and I can still do stuff within the program. Second, sophomore year they only had one AP, which was bio. Junior year three AP’s is a lot for our school, with only 2 being provided in the core curriculum (the third is an online course I am taking as an elective). My unweighted GPA was 3.75 (which I guess isn’t amazing), but I plan on raising it this upcoming year. And yeah I plan on devoting a lot more time to debate. </p>
<p>Are you in state or out of state? Aim for a 2050 if you’re out and an 1800 if you’re in. A 2100 will secure your spot either way. Really strong overall so far!</p>
<p>The UVA admissions process is really really holistic from what I can tell. Work super hard on your essays, I think they’re why I got in over some other equally or even more qualified people. I had a 3.77 GPA out of state and got in EA. (This was also with 10 APs, a hard school, upward trend, and really good first quarter grades, but no hook nonetheless). There’s no absolute formula but do what’s important to you, work super hard in school especially these next few years, get your SATs/ACTs up if you can since you have time, get 2 solid SAT II’s scored and write good essays and you have a really really good chance. Good luck!</p>
<p>According to the CDS info available on UVA’s website, for Fall 2011 (the most recent year they list) the SAT middle 50% range for admitted students were CR 620-720, M 630-740, W 620-720. According to collegedata the averages for the class of 2018 (that is, the class entering this month) are M 674, CR 656, W 663.</p>
<p>According to DeanJ’s blog, they had 9014 completed applications this year from IS and offered admission to 3903 of them (43.3% admit rate). They had 22028 completed applications this year from OOS and offered admission to only 5069 of them (23% admit rate). So you basically only need to be in the top 40% or so of IS applicants. That’s selective but far from ridiculous.</p>
<p>If you shoot for the average of admitted students, about 2000, understand that is brought down a little by recruited athletes and such, but should probably be fine for IS with good grades.</p>
Good luck!</p>