<p>Hii I'm finishing up my junior year and have realized that UVA is my dream school. My record seems to fit in with the middle 50% of admitted applicants, but I am oos and know just how hard it will be to get admitted. I have pretty good grades (only a couple b+s) yet go to a not so highly regarded hs so I've taken the most rigorous course-load possible. My SAT score is on the low end of the averages, I've only taken it once with little prep and hope to increase by 200 points, I have alright ec's along with working close to 30 hours a week since I was 15 to help out my struggling family. Basically, my chances are looking slim and I would really appreciate some advice as to what could really help me shine on my app. I plan to work very hard on my essay and supplements to prove I am worthy, I just do not know what UVA is looking for. Writing about having to help support my family and maintain good grades is an option, but would also reveal that I'm going to need a lot of financial aid haha. I am not asking how to write my essays, just some valuable advice to think about and guide me through this process. This is the beginning of a very stressful time for most students, as many can emphasize, and I'm trying to get a head start because this is really where I want to spend my 4 years after high school. Thank you soo much for reading my long ramble and I would really appreciate anything anyone has to offer. :)</p>