<p>I'm thinking of applying but the deadline is this Thursday. X(
Because you have to write two essays in the application, I'm wondering if the time will be worth it. How is UVA's SEP? Has anyone taken the program before? </p>
<p>In the website, it says the program is really competitive but my counselor says that it's easy to get in. He says he knew a student who got into the program long time ago. I'm not sure which side to believe... Do you have to be a 4.0 student to get into this program?</p>
<p>Both of my boys did the UVA SEP program from the time they were eligible through their 10 grade summer years, and absolutely loved it. They made great friends that they have kept in contact with, and also made many great memories. It is fun, enriching and a super experience. I wholeheartedly recommend that you apply!</p>
<p>It was awesome, I did it three years in a row a long time ago and I had the time of my life. It was really difficult to get in, bu, it was worth it. Everytime I went back, I saw the same people and had a blast again and again. I highly recommend this program, and if I decide to go to UVA, I think I might look in to becoming a counselor.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if I should send in the applications.. the deadline was yesturday. I'm thinking about sending it next Tuesday but I'll be waitlisted. Plus, my GPA's not that good and the essay parts are confusing. </p>
<p>BTW, which course did you guys take? I'm thinking of taking 'In Other News...'(Mainstream Mayhem) or 'What's New is Old?'..</p>
<p>It’s not for prospective students, it’s for gifted kids/teens. Your GPA doesn’t matter, as long as you can write a decent essay they’ll consider you. It’s not super-competitive, though people who aren’t in a gifted program at their school will have a harder time getting in.</p>
<p>Absolutely wonderful program. DS loved it. He went the last year he was eligible and wished he had applied in previous years. He’s a math and science kid but took a class called Myth Busters on students in other cultures. They skyped with students in other countries. It was great. They do things normal camps do, skits, talent shows etc. There is a class available about UVa if you want, however my son choose one on survival skills. Not because he’s not interested in UVa, he is! We are VA residents and he’s spent time on campus and been to information sessions.
If I can find this thread, I’ll let you know if the SEP alumni seem to be heading in next spring. I doubt it’s a hook. I think students that are selected to attend are going to be your higher achieving kids who are well rounded. Those essays are key for SEP acceptance. I would disagree that it is not ‘super competitive’, however I’m not on the selection committee :). Your essay does have to stand out as ‘out of the box’. I know that the essay is important to the UVa application process so this (along with other activities outside the classroom) would be more of a correlation, not their participation in SEP.</p>
<p>i did it the summer before my junior year of high school. it was loads of fun… and a great way to meet new people. i still keep in touch with old suite mates from that summer, and a few of them are even here at uva now. it was a good experience!</p>
<p>dzem-
S made a ton of friends too. They are on FB all the time & hope to have a reunion this summer.
It took the ‘fear factor’ out of dorm living. He now knows he can go into a dorm with 10 strangers and quickly share a small space… it’s no big deal. He also knows he won’t die without A/C (it was July). The enrichment classes were great (esp. given he studied something outside his major), but the segue into college life is going to be invaluable.</p>
<p>I’m sure you would have had the ‘chops’ for UVa anyway. SEP is just a great experience! I know you must be LOVING C’ville!!!
Peace</p>
