Is there any other creative back-up strategy for a high performing academic student if not accepted to McIntire? In other words, if Econ and Stats are unattractive for a back-up major, how difficult is it to transfer into Engineering? And / or Is it possible, for example, to get a Comp Sci degree and graduate in 4 years? Just trying to assess the potential to position oneself, who is high performing academically and did not win the McIntire admissions gamble, but can still potentially achieve a valuable major within a 4 year period which is also in a select, âin-demandâ, high salary, job placement category (outside of Econ, Stats, or Comm certs).
Unfortunately this is a common problem not just at UVA, but at many state universities. It certainly is at mine. And the problem exists not only for business majors. As expected, at my state U, engineers have the same problem, butâs unexpectedly so do teachers! The School of Ed is one of the most competitiveon campus, and many who went ther to become teachers, comeuppance with a degree in something else.
For those who regularly recommend the cheaper option over a more expensive private college, I say factor in what happens when youâre blocked from your intended major in sophomore year. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.
I agree that this post is helpful.
I also agree with the poster who said that youâd likely get just as far as an econ/stats major given your work ethic.
As far as I know, itâs not very difficult to major in CS at UVa right now.
I think McIntire uses a holistic approach just like college acceptance. Ivy league schools turn down students with perfect test scores and valedictorian of their class. McIntire is looking for students who will become leaders, students that are involved and that have creativity. Just because a student has perfect grades does not mean they can work on a team or be creative when it comes to marketing. They post their statistics and the students who get in do have great GPAâs but they are also involved in the school and have many activities and leadership qualities. I know many of the marching band students have gotten in McIntire. Many of the students who get in have shown that they can juggle school work and activities. I agree UVA may not be the place to go to guarantee you get in the business school, but as people have said, you can do just as well from UVA with a degree in economics. With two students at UVA, I can say that the school is wonderful and they love it so much and have had many opportunities due to the school. Good luck.
March 2021 - same happened to my Son. He had a perfect 4.0 did everything in terms of requirements. Transferred from VA Tech after freshman year - which he was 100% guaranteed in Finance and Marketing (two degrees). Worked super hard, rolled the dice and unfortunately it didnât work out at UVA. Not sure what else he could have done. Heâs not interested is not in Eco/stat so now we are now lost on the next steps - School should reach out to all student to have a two path plan in case⊠one they aware of chances and two they plan or move to other schools. This was total BS from UVA - I hate the process when you did everything right. Definitely hard to find out you didnât get- worse to find out your left without a true plan⊠Not sure why they could make a honors college instead and still let kids complete the major they like to fulfill their dreams with - seems like a easy solutions. Ones that got in can get the special logo on the degree while others can still complete the degree they want⊠So those considering no matter what you do, even with a 4.0 and everything checked your still rolling the dice. - Think about it and fall back options.
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So sorry about your son. It is a great concern of mine as well for my son, current college senior. Direct admit to the business school is not to be underestimated, particularly when you look at percentages admitted at various schools without direct admit. UVA specifically states on its website it is trying to build a very diverse class, and stats are roughly half women, a quarter minority and almost 20 percent international which is a laudable goal. Clearly grades, activities, etc. are not the whole picture. In light of stories like your son (which we hear every year), he will have to have a plan B if he decides to commit for sure.
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You have to go in knowing that being an Econ or Stats major is possible regardless of what you do academically. My daughter was also rejected this week to McIntire with a 3.7 GPA, ECs (no leadership positions) and worked a part time job (only to boost her application).
Her roommate (lower GPA actually had a C in Macro) was accepted. She had leadership positions and her father was a McIntire alum. Mine surely wanted to get in but was aware of this possibility and has accepted the rejection well.
She will be an Econ major with a minor in Entrepreneurship in McIntire. As a UVA alum myself, Iâve polled 20+ McIntire alums and none (even prior to her acceptance or denial) said it was the end-all-be-all.
Unless you want to be an accountant (which if thatâs the only thing you want donât go to UVa) McIntire really is only beneficial from a recruiting standpoint for your first job. If you have over a 3.7, interview well and network to be aware of recruiting opportunities these little difference.
Also, many suggested the MS in Commerce and MS in Data Science one year programs. They felt the students were more prepared and salaries higher than McIntire alone.
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I appreciate this thread, so if it comes up among students at school I can let them know. If they want UVA, best have a Plan B - esp if they have no connections or hooks. Otherwise, look for a direct admit school for business. It helps to learn from the mistakes of others.
OP, itâs been a year now, but I hope things are going ok and best wishes to you (and others who lost out, even having done everything you could).
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Recently, Rice University announced that it will offer an undergraduate major in business. = Supply & demand.
The disappointed UVa students denied entry into McIntyre may benefit from majoring in economics and/or statistics as this combination is in high demand by employersâespecially consulting firms. If enhanced by a one year specialty degree in a field such as Data Analytics, the student opens up even more lucrative employment opportunities.
Overall, UVa is a great investment of time, money, & effort for those seeking a career in business or consulting; and it is a spectacular bargain for those able to pay in-state tuition rates.
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