<p>listen. if you work hard, you'll be successful no matter where you go. The school doesn't make the student; the students make the college. If you aren't at a certain college, then you give up the opportunities given by that school to take advantage of what another school has to offer. Basic econ 101: opportunity costs. </p>
<p>So, instead of thinking OMG I NEED UVA, be confident in yourself and rememeber that it's UVA's loss not to have you. Contribute to another college and make your college experience unique and rewarding. </p>
<p>If you still feel that UVA isthe absolute right place for you, add yourself to the waitlist. If the chances of you going to UVA are remote, then take yourself off the waitlist and give someone else a shot. And for those of you admitted that are quite certain you will not be attending, please let the university know quickly to give more students a chance.</p>
<p>And hey, if you don't get in, then cure cancer, create a Fortune 500 company, cure AIDS, or all of the above and thank the colleges that rejected you when you win the Nobel Prize for rejecting you. And then thank the college that accepted you for the amazing opportunities it provided. I know that's my plan. 8)</p>
<p>For all you poor souls on the waitlist, I hope you realize that getting to UVA off the waitlist is a lot like winning the lottery. Many people stand in line to buy lottery tickets, but very few people actually win the lottery. </p>
<p>If UVA is really where you want to go to school, work hard to show UVA that you are really worthy of admission for reasons other than "I've want to attend UVA since I was an infant." Also come up with a Plan B. Make sure that Plan B involves selecting another school. Make sure you select your Plan B school with the idea that you will attend that school. Embrace your Plan B school with open arms. Don't enroll thinking that you will simply transfer to UVA after one year. </p>
<p>I speak from experience. Both of my Ds ended up on the UVA waitlist one year apart. One was accepted off the waitlist; one was not. Forget what you hear about this person being a shoo-in or this person not having a chance. I can't tell you why D#1 got in and D#2 did not. Both worked hard to get in off the waitlist. Both called the Admissions Office, both wrote letters, both got additional teacher recommendations, and both told the Admissions Committee about new honors and achievements. They had equivalent records. D#1 got in. D#2 did not. </p>
<p>Both girls selected a Plan B school. It was not easy. D#2 cried bitter tears over her ultimate rejection letter from UVA (encouraging her to apply as a transfer student), but she is thriving at her Plan B school (W&M) and has not looked back. She also has absolutely no interest in tranferring to UVa. I don't want to start a big debate about which is the better school, but I have to say that D#1 (who is happy at UVA) is impressed by the ease with which her sister registered for classes. D#2's classes are also smaller and all taught by professors, not TAs. Many of D#1's classes are taught by TAs, and she's had a rough time getting her schedule set each semester. </p>
<p>Always have a Plan B and embrace your Plan B.</p>
<p>Prior to doing anything else, you must send a deposit and communicate your intent to enroll at another school that did offer you an acceptance by that school's deadline, usually May 1 (but check your acceptance info). There is no need, however, to tell the accepting school that you have been waitlisted at UVa.(If you are accepted at UVa, you will lose the deposit at your enrolling school) Next, most schools, including UVa request that you return a postcard inidicating your interest to be placed on/remain on the waitlist. Do this immediately, i.e., on or before the due date, assuming, of course, pursuing admission will be worth the time , energy, effort and in certain cases, agony. Of the approximately 4000 waitlisted students last year, a fraction (maybe half or so) decided to remain on the waistlist. Of that number, approximately 150 were offered admission off of the waitlist. I don't recall the actual figures, but they can be viewed on UVa's website listing its common data set. If UVa is indeed your first choice, one or more or the following should be done no later than mid-April (you must be proactive). Direct a letter to admissions communicating your unquenchable desire to attend. This should include a thoughtful discussion about why UVa is the right fit, etc and updates on any new honors and achievements. The letter should standout and leave an indeliable impression. Another recommendation from a current teacher showcasing your achievements in senior year or a sample of your recent work may be of assistance. Since UVa typically does not conduct interviews, a phone call from your guidance or college counselor outlining your third quarter grades and re-emphasizing your willingness to attend if accepted may bolster your application. GOOD LUCK!</p>
<p>my s was a waitlisted at UVA two years ago. Wrote a great letter but it ended up not being enough. He is at the honors college at his flagship state U and is very happy. Early registration, small classes and the fun and excitement of a big school. Lots less $ too so he has extra money for study abroad and grad school. So move on and look at your other options...seriously. My s was a TOP OOS student with top grades, scores and ECs. Who KNOWS why he didn't get in? Hard to figure. But after two years, he doesn't give it even a second of his time.
So for those of you out there with waitlists and rejections...their loss....reallly. Give a shot if you want...but don't count on it. Move on...</p>