<p>I’m currently attending the Northern Virginia community college (NVCC) and by next spring, I plan on receiving roughly 50 credits with a 3.9-4.0 GPA, consequently applying as a transfer student in the College of Arts and Sciences at UVA to pursue either a History or Philosophy degree. I am also planning on attending law school immediately upon graduation from my undergraduate studies.</p>
<p>I’ve had an easy time at the community college, but did not fare so well in high school due to a lack of motivation. I graduated high school in 1998 with a low GPA (~2.5) and spent the next few years goofing off. In 2002, I moved to Korea, originally to study my native language, but ended up working in the private education industry specifically relating to test preparation. (SAT, SSAT, LSAT, GMAT, etc.) After achieving success as an instructor, I took on more responsibilities that ultimately accumulated in serving as the academic director for a leading private academy based in downtown Seoul. My primarily responsibilities consisted of organizing curriculum, planning schedules, overseeing the recruitment of new teachers, and teaching various classes. </p>
<p>I woke up one morning in South Korea thinking about prospective careers. One thing led to another and I ended up in Fairfax, Virginia. I am extremely motivated and interested in pursuing future prospects in the legal field.</p>
<p>I am doing well at NVCC and wish to transfer to UVA.</p>
<p>I’ve exhaustively looked through the transfer applicant information pages at the university’s website and have come up with a few questions.</p>
<li><p>Is the SAT necessary? UVA’s website states that an addendum can be attached with the transfer application stating that for whatever reason (e.g. time conflicts), the applicant could not take the SAT examination.</p></li>
<li><p>How heavily will my high school GPA be weighted given my situation? </p></li>
<li><p>Can anyone, who successfully transferred to UVA from Northern Virginia Community College, post a reply detailing their particular experience?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I'm sorry I didn't catch you in time to be of help.</p>
<ol>
<li>You'll have to check with them</li>
<li>Not very, but somewhat,given the number of credits you've got</li>
<li>I got in last year</li>
</ol>
<p>Stats:</p>
<p>4.0 community college, 66 credits
800 V 640 M SAT, Nat merit semi
School awards, Best Bio student 2003, Best Psych Student 2004
Won Nat contest sponsored by APA
Ton of ECs, lots of church stuff
Full-time worker throughout</p>
<p>The admissions folks were very nice, fielded all my queries with genuine kindness. I hope you have (had) the same experience.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>PS: I'm going into law afterwards too! If you get in we should meet!</p>
<p>I am impressed that you have entered such a "focused on education" chapter in your life. I write to encourage you to be positive and go directly to UVa to get your questions addressed and use the guidance dept at your community college to generate other ideas as well. Perhaps there is a school looking for diversity and eager for you. I also think you should open up your mind to other less selective but still excellent schools in Virginia. Comparing them to UVa or UCalBerkeley is really not fair because they are schools that can stand alone and also help you make a great LSAT test score with good references from professors. Mary Washington wants to get to a 50/50 place in gender and still has 60 percent females. It is easier to stand out there than at UVa. Students there are very Northern Virginian and Middle Atlantic state. James Madison is a good school. Va Tech is a good school and you could be their strongest prelaw guy. You should consider GW and see if they would meet your financial need if they took a shine to your uniqueness. My point is that being nontraditional and older than the typical coed, and applying to a very selective school like UVa may limit you some, and you should recognize that getting admitted is the key because you have the drive to do the work well now. Don't get too hung up on a prestige undergrad name and be ready to be the best student you can be where you get in.</p>
<p>Your high school grades will not hurt your Law School application but first you have to enter a school where you can earn an A average if you want to go to Law School. You can get admitted to Law School from any decent college where you earn the respect of your professors with diligence and commitment The Law Boards are also a level playing field after Law School. It is true that a prestige name helps at first, but I know that it is your reputation that will make your future in law just as in engineering once you get in the work force. So expand your options past UVa only thinking...and then make your four years wherever you choose stellar. Another thing I would mention is that borrowing to get through grad school is worth it in my experience. If you can tolerate a decade of shabby chic living as a student, the payoff re income will come later. You have carved out a seven year goal and it is worth the outcome! best wishes</p>
<p>nkim, are you considered a Virginia resident? If so, you stand a great chance. Don't worry too much about your HS grades. I don't know if your SAT will hurt. They'll look closer at what you're doing now at NVCC. Diversity is key at UVa. Foreign language is also a pre-req. Any volunteer work?</p>
<ul>
<li><p>I taught English directed programs for disadvantaged kids in Seoul, South Korea for almost a year. </p></li>
<li><p>My recent spouse is a virginia resident, making me one as well. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Also, how many years of foreign language do I need? I studied 3 years of Spanish in high school.</p>
<p>nkim - Get with your transfer counselor at NVCC. Complete as many UVa transfer requirements for your desired major as possible. Is english considered your first language or second? This will probably affect how you must apply, and possibly your foreign language requirement as well. Check with counselor. My understanding is the foreign language req is 2 years college level. </p>
<p>Take heart, 25% of the transfer students accepted last year were non-traditional. 30% were Va residents.</p>