<p>So recently, all the Echols Scholar offers we're sent out to accepted UVa students in the College of Arts and Sciences. I was sadly not nominated as one and my decision to attend the university heavily relied on that. The website makes it seem like an incredible program in a large undergraduate population. </p>
<p>I know that I can apply in my spring semester in UVa again but I would have already committed myself to UVa by then. And it's only another chance without guarantee. UVa is going to be incredibly expensive for me and I was super excited to have been accepted, but finding out that I wasn't offered an Echols Scholar challenges the 50k+ I have to pay per year. </p>
<p>Can someone give me any thoughts on the program and my situation please?</p>
<p>^^^wirefox is correct…there is no money tied to Echols. The only merit money given is through the alumni association in the form of the Jefferson Scholarship. Echols scholars receive three things: </p>
<p>1) Exemption from core requirements (This is not an incentive for the overwhelming majority of Echols students because in order to be considered, most all Echols have NUMEROUS AP credits; hence, they’ve already completed their core requirements.)
2) Priority registration
3) Honors housing first year</p>
<p>There is a level of subjectivity for selection. My daughter is in Echols and will graduate this year. She doesn’t even really know who is an Echols scholar and who isn’t…it’s not something that is discussed among students. Therefore, I really wouldn’t let this be a factor in your decision.</p>
<p>I agree with jc40. My son entered as an Echols, but forfeited it upon entering the Comm School. Clearly, it is an honor to be selected for Echols and it recognizes high acheiving and interesting students, but it should only be used as a deciding factor if all other things are equal. For the same reason, in my opinion you should not dismiss UVa as a choice solely because you were not offered a place in the program. Make sense?</p>
<p>Yes thank you guys so much for replying. It is just that on their website, they emphasize the opportunities given to echols scholars. I am worried about class registration; such a large school must have competition when it comes to class choices and being an echols would help a lot on that. Also, the website noted that many echols become leaders in their chosen organizations. </p>
<p>I am going to clarify with some Uva alumni and the admissions office but I think I will be attending UVa this fall. I just have to work harder and show that it doesn’t matter what position you are offered, but that hard work and passion will pay off. Thanks so much for replying again!</p>
<p>It does affect class registration, but as a 3rd/4th year you will have less problems getting into your classes. It doesn’t affect leadership - you can lead whatever you like.</p>
<p>More important than Echols would be honors programs such as doing a distinguished major program, Phi Beta Kappa, etc.</p>
<p>The way I understand it, and others more in the know can correct me if I’m wrong, is that echols and rodman scholars are those who have a lot of AP, IB, and/or college credit. That’s why they’re exempted from requirements. My S didn’t get selected for rodman but he wasn’t upset about it because his high school had limited AP and no IB. It isn’t about echols and rodman kids being smarter or better, they had more options in high school and made use of them. We did not see my S’s not being a rodman as a deterrent to attending.</p>
<p>^^^^neonpinklime…….an Echols/Rodman offer is, of course, based partially on high academic achievement, however, it’s my opinion that essays play an important role. This is where the decision makers get to see something special or interesting about the applicant that make them a potential good fit for the scholar programs.</p>
<p>The essay and intellect displayed therein is the most important determinant for Echols placement. It’s UVA, of course everyone who applies (and is seriously considered for admission) is going to have stellar academic records. As a former Echols scholar, I can say that it is a very prestigious honor. Beyond priority registration (which is awesome!), the freedom from requirements is unbelievable. You can basically go in and begin crafting your own study plan by doing the Echols Interdisciplinary major…the only of its kind in the College. The Scholars are a very creative and intellectually curious bunch, from my experience, so this is a wonderful position to be in for those who truly love learning. All you need is 120 credit hours to graduate. No need to worry if you have enough science credits or foreign language classes. There is no money affiliated with it, but many students get scholarships in addition. I got a full tuition University Achievement Scholarship.</p>
<p>There is a program for non-echols to create their own major also. I came in with almost 60 college credit through AP and similar and did not get echols but my essays were less than stellar so I am pretty sure essays have a lot to do with it also. Also being in the education school I would have had to forfeit echols requirement waivers anyways because you have to take certain classes to get certified to teach in virginia anyways (mandated by the state so echols doesn’t help). you also forfeit echols if you move colleges (ie. get into comm school). it’s nice if you have it and don’t sweat it if you don’t.</p>