Virginia Universities

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>What are my chances at getting into University of Virginia, the College of William and Mary, and George Mason?</p>

<p>My stats so far:</p>

<p>Homeschooled white female, rising senior
Wisconsin resident currently, but my family will be moving to VA in time so that I can apply as a VA resident.
Unweighted GPA: 3.9
SAT I: 2010 (680 M 650 CR 680 W)
SAT II: US History 690
I will be taking SAT II Latin and Literature in a few weeks (gulp). </p>

<p>Community college courses taken during my sophomore year:
Introduction to Logic, Public Speaking, College Algebra, and English Composition 102. 3.91 GPA</p>

<p>AP tests taken as junior: Biology (waiting for score, but I'm pretty confident)
AP tests next year: English Lit, Micro/Macro Econ, Calculus BC, Russian (if the test is approved in time), Psychology.</p>

<p>I have also completed the normal credits requirements for graduation-- i.e. four English credits, four math credits, four science credits, etc.-- in addition to the advanced classes listed above. </p>

<p>EC's:</p>

<p>Symphony Orchestra 2 years
Advanced Symphony Orchestra 2 years
Guitar ensemble 2 years
Riflery 1 year
YMCA swim team 3 years
Softball League 1 year
ESL tutor at a middle school
Volunteer at Salvation Army 1 year so far
Volunteer at Library (read to children, taught elderly computers, helped organize databases and classify materials)
Part-time job at Wendy's for over 2 long, grueling years... the first year, I worked 15-20 hours/week... now I put in a little over 30/week
Journalism camp at Patrick Henry College (PHC)
Political Activism camp at PHC</p>

<p>Next year, I will join a debate team and continue to volunteer with the Salvation Army and swim competitively. </p>

<p>Leadership:
Organized small group of musicians to play at a winter bizarre and arranged the music played</p>

<p>Awards:
National Merit Commended student (at the very least... I will have to wait until fall to see if I advance)
Softball team placed first in league
Best all-around newspaper (PHC)
Robert Sherman award for servanthood (also PHC... I know these awards are small, but I figure it won't hurt to mention them)</p>

<p>I have also entered a couple competitions for scholarship money. I will know how I did by August.</p>

<p>Recommendations: I do not have any letters from teachers. The only teachers I had were at the community college, and as a sophomore, I didn't know I would need them (silly me). But I do have two glowing recommendations from my bosses at Wendy's and the Salvation Army.</p>

<p>Hmmm... How do you think I stack up?</p>

2

<p>definitely into George Mason, and a good shot at UVA and W&M</p>

<p>... I don't know if you can move to a state and suddenly claim residency there, it's somehow related to where you pay taxes, but I don't really know much about it, I've lived in the same place my whole life.</p>

3

<p>I'm almost postive one can qualify for residency if he has lived in VA for at least a year before his first classes start. I hope to god I'm not wrong. </p>

<p>But thanks for answering!</p>

4

<p>Lots of EC's but what is your passion? Of all the activities that you've been involved with, which one best fits your personality? Your essay's could reflect how you have evoved from your participation in so many different things. Because William and Mary and UVA are the top schools in Virginia, I have to say that in many ways, you are a text book candidate. This is both good and bad. I think you have to find a way to make yourself stand out. Your grades and Sat's are very good. Keep that up. Just try to show in your EC's what you will bring to that particular school. The three schools you mention are very different from each other. UVA and William and Mary are both, great, great schools but you will see that each fits a different type of student's goals as well as personality. One is rather large, while W&M is small. Where do you see yourself fitting in...........a large school with a lot of activity and big school spirit and team support? Could be a great educational and social experience combinded? UVA would totally fit that bill. Or do you see yourself in a smaller, more intimate learning environment? That would be William and Mary. Visit both schools and you will know...............you will know. As far as George Mason. WOW........the pendulum kind of swung in the other direction. Big, big commuter school. Kind of Fairfax's equivalent to Norfolk's ODU, maybe. Don't know much about GMU, but visit so that you can compare. How about Wake Forrest, University of Richmond, University of Mary Washington, JMU, Tech? Virginia has such great schools. Look for finding the one where you think you will thrive. I'm going to William and Mary in the fall and it was my first choice for college for a long time. Best of luck to you. You'll do great. Oh, one more thing. Find three safeties that you could see yourself going to, just to be prudent. Keep reading CC and you will see how important this is. Also, see if you can get some of your teachers from this year to write some recs for you and then explain in your application. I'm certain that there are many teacher's from this year that would love to write a good recommendation for you. Maybe there is one or two that you could keep in touch with. Don't give up on finding some good teacher recs. You are in great shape.</p>

5

<p>my bad didn't realize that she was homeschooled. In that case, I'm sure colleges understand the homeschooled students situation with regards to teacher recs. I still think you have a very good shot at W&M and UVA. But most importantly, look at many schools and find the one that best fits what you want in a college, and what learning environment you think best fits your personality and educational goals. Don't just think "well, I'm a good student, better go to William and Mary or UVA". I mean give it a lot of thought. Shoot for what you want, but don't forget the safeties!</p>

6

<p>I'd say you are pretty much guaranteed in at GMU, and really would have a great shot at any of the non-'big three' VA schools (UVA, WM, Tech). As for those, I'd say you have a pretty good shot especially if you do manage to establish state residence. What Pedsox said is right though; all of the schools in Virginia have a very different 'feel' so be sure to visit them and look into their programs to make sure you are getting what you want.</p>

<p>If you don't manage to get residency, UVA and W&M especially become a bit more of a reach because they are notoriously difficult to get into out of state.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

7

<p>I know my EC's could use a bit more... oh, what's the word I'm looking for... pizzaz? For none of the things that I've done so far, except swimming and ESL, I could say I've felt a strong passion. Not that I don't have any passions... one does stand out: learning Russian language and culture (my future major). But my town doesn't offer any activities along those lines. <em>Sigh</em> When you live in the middle of nowhere, you just have to make due with what's available. Once I relocate, though, I hope to volunteer at the Russian Cultural Centre, where I'll be taking language classes. If not, I am sure other opportunities will present themselves.</p>

<p>As for my choice of schools, UVA I like because of its size and because it offers more slavic languages. W&M I am kind of nervous about because the campus is smaller and it is in a smaller city. But Williamsburg seems like an alive enough place to keep me from ripping my hair out of boredom. You're right though, I will have to visit both those campuses. George Mason, on the other hand, caught my eye mainly because of financial reasons. I could live at home while studying there, which would allow me to graduate debt-free and save up for more studying abroad. The only problem is that I've been reading the student blogs on campusdirt.com-- the reviews for GMU's profs/curriculum aren't as nice as the reviews for UVA and W&M's. The other schools you mentioned sound great, but they don't have my major. I'm rather limited in that respect.</p>

<p>Thanks again, you guys! You've given me hope. :)</p>

8

<p>Oh!!!! does writing a book count as an EC? even if it is not published?</p>

9

<p>I think you need 2-year residency in VA before you qualify as in-state. In any case there's an application form for them to determine whether you qualify.</p>

10

<p>Right after the other post, I quickly rechecked the laws and found this:</p>

<p>"To be eligible for in-state tuition, you must be domiciled in Virginia for a minimum of one year before the first official day of classes (excluding restricted INS classifications). "</p>

<p>Code of Virginia, 23-7.4</p>

<p>So I'm in the clear.</p>

11

<p>ceecee, your passion for Russian comes through loud and clear. Regardless of the opportunities you've had to pursue it, you sound determined. Your interest could be conveyed in a great essay............at this point try to get in touch with someone from UVA or W&M that may be able to hook you up with a prof or student contact. This will show "demonstrated interest". Call the admissions office, tell them a short version of what you've just told us about your goals and interests. Also don't believe everything you read on Campusdirt..................There is good and bad at every college, I'm sure. George Mason is known for it's diversity and it's proximity and connections to DC...........maybe you could get in their Honor's Program? They would love a student like you. Just the thought of living at home for the next 4 years doesn't sit too well for me............just ready to be more independant! But hey, go for it if it's the best situation for you. You are all set to have several very good choices. Good Luck!</p>

12

<p>Yes, writing a book makes you stand out, even if it was not published. How many "text book" applicants can say the same thing? Now elaborate on that book in an essay. Quote an exerpt (my spelling totally sucks, sorry).....................tell why and what subject matter motivated you to do so. I hope I'm conveying that the adcoms want to get a grasp of who you are and what your personality and interests will offer their student body.</p>

13

<p>Quote an excerpt (I think that's how it's spelled... but I suck too, so who knows :)... great idea! I wish I could keep you on hand. Haha...</p>

<p>Thanks for all the f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s advice and encouragement. And good luck with your studies @ W&M! I'm sure you won't need any luck. You'll be just fine. Maybe I'll even see you there someday. :)</p>

14

<p>I'm a sophmore in HS and i really want to go to UVA, but everyone that hears i want to go there makes it seem like i have an ice cube's chance in hell of getting in. </p>

<p>I haven't taken any PSATs or SATs but i've always 'tested well' so I'm pretty sure I can manage at least a 1300. My gpa is 4.1 (weighted...dont know the unweighted). When i graduate my ECs will have been as follows :2 years as Student Council President, 3 year member of Habitat, 4 year Student Embassador, Peer Educator (Juniors teach the health class curriculum to freshman in place of having their 11th grade phys ed. class), various leadership training programs, 3 year part time job, summer camp counselor 2 years, and earning my Gold Award (girl scouting). I hope to also establish a young republicans club in my county, as well as volunteer at the local library. </p>

<p>I'm from NJ so i know i already have that working against me. But on the other hand, I'm pretty confident in my teacher reccomendations. </p>

<p>Do I have a shot?? Please let me know, and none of what i just wrote was intended to be full of myself or cocky. i swear.</p>

15

<p>yesidolovepink </p>

<p>you have a chance at UVA. You'll need almost all A's, and a 1450 would be nice. 1300 is the lower half of their SAT scores I believe, and more lower scorers come from instate than out.</p>

16

<p>Hi Jersey- NY mom here. My d was also in love with UVA and applied ED. It is extremely hard for OOS kids (especially from NY/NJ) to get into UVA. 3 kids from her HS applied ED. All National Merit Commended--All 1400+ SAT's--All top 7 % of class or better. None of them got in. 2 of them are at Cornell (d just completed her freshmen year) and one at UNC. My d did get into Wm. & Mary though. I do not want to discourage you as you definately have a good shot- but please broaden your look at colleges and DO NOT get fixated on UVA. And CeeCee- as you will be considered instate- I think you have a great chance too. My younger d will probably apply to GMU. We saw the campus recently and it is really very nice. I think a lot of VA. kids take it for granted as it is "too close to home". But to an OOS family, it is really a great campus. The proximity to DC and internship possibilities makes it a strong contender. And Hi Soccer315!! You gave me good advise on Va schools a few months ago. I think we are still keeping GMU and VCU on our radar. Hey we are city people. We liked Richmond. But my d didn't like ODU campus- so I think that is off the list. Again thanks for your info.</p>

17

<p>Hey SoccerGuy- </p>

<p>I do have all As (which is 93 and above at my HS) with the exception of spanish 4 which i really screwed up and got an 89 :-/. 1450 SAT is going to be pretty near impossible for me i think. I havent taken any psats or sats so i dont know for sure, but my brother only got a 1370 and he's a certified genius...although he does get Cs at school so who knows. Thanks for the reassurement!</p>