What UVA looks for OOS

[Anonymous]

Looking for intel on what UVA is looking for in candidates OOS - assume ED:

- challenge yourself in HS (high rigor/top curriculum for major)*
- grades
- test scores (if submitted)
- passion for something (academic or otherwise)
- leadership in clubs, sports, or community projects
- polished thoughtful and compelling essays
- only 1 teacher LOR (make it count)
- no demonstrated interest

* But don't double up on one subject at the expense of another. If you have a particular field of interest, you’d be better off exploring it in a sixth class or through a course at a local college.

The admissions team often asks, “Will the University of Virginia be a better place with this person on Grounds?” They are looking for ppl who will contribute meaningfully to both academic and social communities.

According to CDS:
- Very important: course rigor, class rank, GPA, recommendations, character, and state residency.
- Important = test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and talent.

What am I missing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looking for intel on what UVA is looking for in candidates OOS - assume ED:

- challenge yourself in HS (high rigor/top curriculum for major)*
- grades
- test scores (if submitted)
- passion for something (academic or otherwise)
- leadership in clubs, sports, or community projects
- polished thoughtful and compelling essays
- only 1 teacher LOR (make it count)
- no demonstrated interest

* But don't double up on one subject at the expense of another. If you have a particular field of interest, you’d be better off exploring it in a sixth class or through a course at a local college.

The admissions team often asks, “Will the University of Virginia be a better place with this person on Grounds?” They are looking for ppl who will contribute meaningfully to both academic and social communities.

According to CDS:
- Very important: course rigor, class rank, GPA, recommendations, character, and state residency.
- Important = test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and talent.

What am I missing?

Rising senior parent.

This doesn't look any different from any other top school?

[Anonymous]

They like 4 years of language.
They like first generation college applicant.

link to their common data set :
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ira.virginia.edu/sites/g/files/jsddwu1106/files/2025-03/CDS_2024-2025_508.pdf

[Anonymous]

Money! $92k COA for OOS engineering student
https://sfs.virginia.edu/financial-aid-new-applicants/financial-aid-basics/estimated-undergraduate-cost-attendance-2025-2026

[Anonymous]

You should follow DeanJ on Instagram because she’s about to do deep dives on each part of the application. The only thing I think they care about more than other schools is the vs 5 core subjects every year, including foreign language. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

They are Test Optional. Does anyone know if they breakdown submitteed SAT averages by in state and out of state?

[Anonymous]

Ca$h

[Anonymous]

Assuming stats are comparable, this really lays out what makes the difference:
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

Plus second language proficiency.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assuming stats are comparable, this really lays out what makes the difference:
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

Plus second language proficiency.

summary?

[Anonymous]

Money

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assuming stats are comparable, this really lays out what makes the difference:
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

Plus second language proficiency.

"We are deeply interested in students who show kindness, care, and compassion to others and demonstrate character and integrity in all they do."

This is another top school explicitly focused on kindness (Dartmouth and Yale are two others).....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Assuming stats are comparable, this really lays out what makes the difference:
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

Plus second language proficiency.

summary?

Lazy? You can't even read one page?

[Anonymous]

Checking Notes from Peabody, the OOS ED acceptance rate was 21%. Do your best, but expect the same outcome as the 79%.

[Anonymous]

UVA is like UNC and UGA. Apply and hope for the best, but expect nothing even for a top kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Assuming stats are comparable, this really lays out what makes the difference:
https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

Plus second language proficiency.

"We are deeply interested in students who show kindness, care, and compassion to others and demonstrate character and integrity in all they do."

This is another top school explicitly focused on kindness (Dartmouth and Yale are two others).....

Interesting. I have degrees from Dartmouth (professional school) and Yale and some of my best friends went to UVA. The people I know from the 3 schools are all very similar and I know multiple admissions officers who have 2/3 of those schools on their resume.