<p>They look at HS and College transcript/extracurriculars. Essays are also important because they give you a chance to explain why UVA is going to be the better school for you than your current school. Recommendations are not required (at least they haven’t been a requirement). I felt the same way as you…my SAT scores were not UVA caliber as an OOS’er…so I went to a local school, did great and then transferred. Something that may help is fulfilling as many core course requirements as you can. If you are serious about going to UVA, check out the undergrad record and look through the general ed. requirements, and try to refrain from taking too many courses in your major program because usually only 6-9 credits will transfer anyway.</p>