It is so hard this year, McLean HS boy 4.6 GPA got rejected from UVA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

Meh my nephew is a white male who got in to VT with good but lower stats than OP. VT def rejects high stat kids who they think won’t go to VT.

+1

So does UVA.

That’s why you apply ED - that is, if you’re serious about the school. If not, oh well.

Why do you think it is fair that kids who are strong students have to bind themselves in early fall? When did this become okay with people? The process is broken, especially wrt ED at private which benefits rich people and poor people and leaves everyone else cold.

Seriously? How many times are you going to repeat this nonsense, when your “points” have been refuted over and over? You want your cake and eat it too. Your kid certainly doesn’t have to apply ED. But plenty of others WANT to commit to their first choice school, and should be able to do that through ED. If you don’t, don’t. But quit whining about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UVA is overrated. So is VT. State schools that like to deny amazing in state applicants unless they fit the “diversity” profile. Too high on themselves.

ROFL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry! I hope he has other good options. What else does he have to offer aside from grades? ECs? Leadership? What is the major? If it is CS that could explain it since everyone wants CS.

This is a big part of it. Grades and class rank are not the package. No one can say if he was a strong applicant. Did he: work, take rigorous classes, have leadership and community service, how were the essays, varied and long term ECs, etc.

THIS. Only two PPs above have made this point while everyone else (only a few repeat posters, I suspect) is obsessing over GPA and nothing else. Parents on this forum often don't want to believe that their kid's ECs and essays actually might tip the scales, but it's true. So many kids have similar fantastic-sounding GPAs and test scores, but guess what? Colleges can and do still look at the rest of the application. Even for white boys from affluent 'burbs.

.

Yep. My white UMC son “only” has a 4.2 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. At a NOVA public. 1580 SAT. All 5s on APS. Decent ECs that show leadership, governors’ school last summer. For him I think it came down to ECs, essays and recommendations. In at UVA (EA) and William and Mary. So many kids have those same GPA and stats - the other stuff has to set them apart somehow.

Great that your son got into UVA - congratulations! But if he had a 4.0 unweighted (i.e., nothing less than an A in every course taken) but only a 4.2 weighted GPA, that means he took very few AP courses, or else his weighted GPA would be much higher. And that's surprising, because UVA wants to see highest rigor in all disciplines (i.e., LOTS of AP courses, absent some hook.

I think that just partly bolsters PP's point, which is that things beyond grades and test scores matter. Although I do think that a 4.0 unweighted is impressive. That's four years of getting straight As, and that isn't easy even for classes of only moderate difficulty because it means that you didn't ever not take school seriously.

Not to downplay the achievement of a 4.0 UW GPA, but at UVA - as has been said many time - class rigor means A LOT. If you're not taking the most rigorous courses (i.e., honors and, when available, AP courses) in English/social sciences AND math/science, you're most likely not getting in unless you're hooked. A great essay (which someone else could have edited the heck out of) and non-extraordinary ECs is not going to make up for avoiding AP courses.

Well, give me a little credit. I think we all know that colleges prefer to see an A in Physics to Intro to Art.

I am now curious if he had another hook. He's white, he's a man, she didn't mention sports, and it doesn't sound like he's first generation. What is his hook?

DP. Leadership in ECs and Governor’s School. There are more ways to be outstanding than a 4.7 or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UVA is overrated. So is VT. State schools that like to deny amazing in state applicants unless they fit the “diversity” profile. Too high on themselves.

ROFL

+1
Someone’s kid was rejected to both, clearly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry! I hope he has other good options. What else does he have to offer aside from grades? ECs? Leadership? What is the major? If it is CS that could explain it since everyone wants CS.

This is a big part of it. Grades and class rank are not the package. No one can say if he was a strong applicant. Did he: work, take rigorous classes, have leadership and community service, how were the essays, varied and long term ECs, etc.

THIS. Only two PPs above have made this point while everyone else (only a few repeat posters, I suspect) is obsessing over GPA and nothing else. Parents on this forum often don't want to believe that their kid's ECs and essays actually might tip the scales, but it's true. So many kids have similar fantastic-sounding GPAs and test scores, but guess what? Colleges can and do still look at the rest of the application. Even for white boys from affluent 'burbs.

.

Yep. My white UMC son “only” has a 4.2 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. At a NOVA public. 1580 SAT. All 5s on APS. Decent ECs that show leadership, governors’ school last summer. For him I think it came down to ECs, essays and recommendations. In at UVA (EA) and William and Mary. So many kids have those same GPA and stats - the other stuff has to set them apart somehow.

Great that your son got into UVA - congratulations! But if he had a 4.0 unweighted (i.e., nothing less than an A in every course taken) but only a 4.2 weighted GPA, that means he took very few AP courses, or else his weighted GPA would be much higher. And that's surprising, because UVA wants to see highest rigor in all disciplines (i.e., LOTS of AP courses, absent some hook.

I think that just partly bolsters PP's point, which is that things beyond grades and test scores matter. Although I do think that a 4.0 unweighted is impressive. That's four years of getting straight As, and that isn't easy even for classes of only moderate difficulty because it means that you didn't ever not take school seriously.

Not to downplay the achievement of a 4.0 UW GPA, but at UVA - as has been said many time - class rigor means A LOT. If you're not taking the most rigorous courses (i.e., honors and, when available, AP courses) in English/social sciences AND math/science, you're most likely not getting in unless you're hooked. A great essay (which someone else could have edited the heck out of) and non-extraordinary ECs is not going to make up for avoiding AP courses.

Well, give me a little credit. I think we all know that colleges prefer to see an A in Physics to Intro to Art.

I am now curious if he had another hook. He's white, he's a man, she didn't mention sports, and it doesn't sound like he's first generation. What is his hook?

DP. Leadership in ECs and Governor’s School. There are more ways to be outstanding than a 4.7 or whatever.

Leadership in ECs is pretty common among UVA applicants. It would have to be something VERY out of the ordinary and meaningful. Governor's School is helpful, but it's not going to make up for avoiding AP classes. Plenty of applicants with good leadership, etc. AND most rigorous courses available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

They said the majority admitted identified as more than one race when we attended the info session. It's pretty disheartening for Caucasian kids to basically be told 'need not apply' at every.single.info session-college tour. And every college flier we receive makes it look like all of these schools are 95% URM with the students they put on the cover. I mean if someone was up there in a room full of URMs saying 'the majority of our incoming are white (with a huge smile-isn't that great!!) there would be outrage and lawsuits...oh wait...dope!

You sound ridiculous. UVA is 56% white.

[b]


No, class of 2026 is only 47.2% white. Class of 2027, when settled, will be even lower"

Tpie chart shows that 47.3 percent of incoming students are White; 20.0 percent Asian-American; 8.1 percent Black; 7.6 percent Hispanic; 5.4 percent multi-race; 5.4 percent nonresident alient; and 5.9 percent unknown or other, which includes 0.1 percent American Indian or Alaskan Native and 0.1 percent Native ...Oct 21, 2022

The class of 2026, by the numbers - VIRGINIA Magazine

VIRGINIA Magazine
https://uvamagazine.org › articles › the_class_of_2026_b...

So in a state that is 20% African American, UVA is 8% black but the problem here is white enrollment. Ok.

I can barely visit DCUM anymore. The racism in almost every single thread is getting insane.

Same.

New poster: it’s not racism to state facts. There are Sup Ct cases on this topic: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/10/10/supreme-court-race-unc-admission/

There are stats on this topic: https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/education/577722-more-than-a-third-of-white-students-lie-about-their/amp/

URMs (among others) do get a thumb on the scale when evaluating their applications. Yes, they have to be qualified but an URM, 1st Gen, applicant from a rural area, etc DO get a leg up if they have the stats. Meanwhile, Asians rank lower in personality traits because they are Asian (a point in the Harvard case admitted by Harvard during oral arguments).

These are facts. It is easier for some to get in to schools, TJ, college certain programs, etc., if you have a hook, and a hook can absolutely be your race. Race can also be an anchor for some.

the scapegoating of blacks and Hispanics who make up a small percentage of admits and students at both schools is racist. There are a host of factors underpinning your FCPS snowflake’s rejection and to single that one out smacks of racism.

Wrong. It’s the process getting blamed.

I don’t know what thread you’re reading. How many diversity comments are on this thread alone? You won’t be happy til the “process” reduces the already low numbers to zero. That’s how you will decide whether the process is fair.

+1000

Typical DCUM grievance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

They said the majority admitted identified as more than one race when we attended the info session. It's pretty disheartening for Caucasian kids to basically be told 'need not apply' at every.single.info session-college tour. And every college flier we receive makes it look like all of these schools are 95% URM with the students they put on the cover. I mean if someone was up there in a room full of URMs saying 'the majority of our incoming are white (with a huge smile-isn't that great!!) there would be outrage and lawsuits...oh wait...dope!

You sound ridiculous. UVA is 56% white.

[b]


No, class of 2026 is only 47.2% white. Class of 2027, when settled, will be even lower"

Tpie chart shows that 47.3 percent of incoming students are White; 20.0 percent Asian-American; 8.1 percent Black; 7.6 percent Hispanic; 5.4 percent multi-race; 5.4 percent nonresident alient; and 5.9 percent unknown or other, which includes 0.1 percent American Indian or Alaskan Native and 0.1 percent Native ...Oct 21, 2022

The class of 2026, by the numbers - VIRGINIA Magazine

VIRGINIA Magazine
https://uvamagazine.org › articles › the_class_of_2026_b...

So in a state that is 20% African American, UVA is 8% black but the problem here is white enrollment. Ok.

I can barely visit DCUM anymore. The racism in almost every single thread is getting insane.

Same.

New poster: it’s not racism to state facts. There are Sup Ct cases on this topic: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/10/10/supreme-court-race-unc-admission/

There are stats on this topic: https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/education/577722-more-than-a-third-of-white-students-lie-about-their/amp/

URMs (among others) do get a thumb on the scale when evaluating their applications. Yes, they have to be qualified but an URM, 1st Gen, applicant from a rural area, etc DO get a leg up if they have the stats. Meanwhile, Asians rank lower in personality traits because they are Asian (a point in the Harvard case admitted by Harvard during oral arguments).

These are facts. It is easier for some to get in to schools, TJ, college certain programs, etc., if you have a hook, and a hook can absolutely be your race. Race can also be an anchor for some.

the scapegoating of blacks and Hispanics who make up a small percentage of admits and students at both schools is racist. There are a host of factors underpinning your FCPS snowflake’s rejection and to single that one out smacks of racism.

UMC whites in NOVA need a scapegoat.

There are very academically talented URMs in the DC area.

But they don’t need the same gpa and scores as other people.

Evidence?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

Meh my nephew is a white male who got in to VT with good but lower stats than OP. VT def rejects high stat kids who they think won’t go to VT.

+1

So does UVA.

That’s why you apply ED - that is, if you’re serious about the school. If not, oh well.

Why do you think it is fair that kids who are strong students have to bind themselves in early fall? When did this become okay with people? The process is broken, especially wrt ED at private which benefits rich people and poor people and leaves everyone else cold.

Seriously? How many times are you going to repeat this nonsense, when your “points” have been refuted over and over? You want your cake and eat it too. Your kid certainly doesn’t have to apply ED. But plenty of others WANT to commit to their first choice school, and should be able to do that through ED. If you don’t, don’t. But quit whining about it.

It’s because insane parents have bought into this flawed system. It needs to be reformed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry! I hope he has other good options. What else does he have to offer aside from grades? ECs? Leadership? What is the major? If it is CS that could explain it since everyone wants CS.

This is a big part of it. Grades and class rank are not the package. No one can say if he was a strong applicant. Did he: work, take rigorous classes, have leadership and community service, how were the essays, varied and long term ECs, etc.

THIS. Only two PPs above have made this point while everyone else (only a few repeat posters, I suspect) is obsessing over GPA and nothing else. Parents on this forum often don't want to believe that their kid's ECs and essays actually might tip the scales, but it's true. So many kids have similar fantastic-sounding GPAs and test scores, but guess what? Colleges can and do still look at the rest of the application. Even for white boys from affluent 'burbs.

.

Yep. My white UMC son “only” has a 4.2 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. At a NOVA public. 1580 SAT. All 5s on APS. Decent ECs that show leadership, governors’ school last summer. For him I think it came down to ECs, essays and recommendations. In at UVA (EA) and William and Mary. So many kids have those same GPA and stats - the other stuff has to set them apart somehow.

Great that your son got into UVA - congratulations! But if he had a 4.0 unweighted (i.e., nothing less than an A in every course taken) but only a 4.2 weighted GPA, that means he took very few AP courses, or else his weighted GPA would be much higher. And that's surprising, because UVA wants to see highest rigor in all disciplines (i.e., LOTS of AP courses, absent some hook.

I think that just partly bolsters PP's point, which is that things beyond grades and test scores matter. Although I do think that a 4.0 unweighted is impressive. That's four years of getting straight As, and that isn't easy even for classes of only moderate difficulty because it means that you didn't ever not take school seriously.

Not to downplay the achievement of a 4.0 UW GPA, but at UVA - as has been said many time - class rigor means A LOT. If you're not taking the most rigorous courses (i.e., honors and, when available, AP courses) in English/social sciences AND math/science, you're most likely not getting in unless you're hooked. A great essay (which someone else could have edited the heck out of) and non-extraordinary ECs is not going to make up for avoiding AP courses.

Well, give me a little credit. I think we all know that colleges prefer to see an A in Physics to Intro to Art.

I am now curious if he had another hook. He's white, he's a man, she didn't mention sports, and it doesn't sound like he's first generation. What is his hook?

DP. Leadership in ECs and Governor’s School. There are more ways to be outstanding than a 4.7 or whatever.

Leadership in ECs is pretty common among UVA applicants. It would have to be something VERY out of the ordinary and meaningful. Governor's School is helpful, but it's not going to make up for avoiding AP classes. Plenty of applicants with good leadership, etc. AND most rigorous courses available.

My goodness, you’re like a dog with a bone. Is it bothering you that this white, UMC boy with no hook was accepted - when his ECs just don’t seem as impressive to YOU as they “should”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

Meh my nephew is a white male who got in to VT with good but lower stats than OP. VT def rejects high stat kids who they think won’t go to VT.

+1

So does UVA.

That’s why you apply ED - that is, if you’re serious about the school. If not, oh well.

Why do you think it is fair that kids who are strong students have to bind themselves in early fall? When did this become okay with people? The process is broken, especially wrt ED at private which benefits rich people and poor people and leaves everyone else cold.

Seriously? How many times are you going to repeat this nonsense, when your “points” have been refuted over and over? You want your cake and eat it too. Your kid certainly doesn’t have to apply ED. But plenty of others WANT to commit to their first choice school, and should be able to do that through ED. If you don’t, don’t. But quit whining about it.

It’s because insane parents have bought into this flawed system. It needs to be reformed.

So, because you and YOUR kid refused to commit to a school, and clearly didn’t get into the schools you feel they were entitled to get into, the entire process is “flawed” and needs to be “reformed”? And you’re actually calling other parents “insane”? Sure. Whatever you say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

Meh my nephew is a white male who got in to VT with good but lower stats than OP. VT def rejects high stat kids who they think won’t go to VT.

+1

So does UVA.

That’s why you apply ED - that is, if you’re serious about the school. If not, oh well.

Why do you think it is fair that kids who are strong students have to bind themselves in early fall? When did this become okay with people? The process is broken, especially wrt ED at private which benefits rich people and poor people and leaves everyone else cold.

Seriously? How many times are you going to repeat this nonsense, when your “points” have been refuted over and over? You want your cake and eat it too. Your kid certainly doesn’t have to apply ED. But plenty of others WANT to commit to their first choice school, and should be able to do that through ED. If you don’t, don’t. But quit whining about it.

It’s because insane parents have bought into this flawed system. It needs to be reformed.

So, because you and YOUR kid refused to commit to a school, and clearly didn’t get into the schools you feel they were entitled to get into, the entire process is “flawed” and needs to be “reformed”? And you’re actually calling other parents “insane”? Sure. Whatever you say.

The way you know it’s flawed is because it didn’t favor her kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry! I hope he has other good options. What else does he have to offer aside from grades? ECs? Leadership? What is the major? If it is CS that could explain it since everyone wants CS.

This is a big part of it. Grades and class rank are not the package. No one can say if he was a strong applicant. Did he: work, take rigorous classes, have leadership and community service, how were the essays, varied and long term ECs, etc.

THIS. Only two PPs above have made this point while everyone else (only a few repeat posters, I suspect) is obsessing over GPA and nothing else. Parents on this forum often don't want to believe that their kid's ECs and essays actually might tip the scales, but it's true. So many kids have similar fantastic-sounding GPAs and test scores, but guess what? Colleges can and do still look at the rest of the application. Even for white boys from affluent 'burbs.

.

Yep. My white UMC son “only” has a 4.2 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. At a NOVA public. 1580 SAT. All 5s on APS. Decent ECs that show leadership, governors’ school last summer. For him I think it came down to ECs, essays and recommendations. In at UVA (EA) and William and Mary. So many kids have those same GPA and stats - the other stuff has to set them apart somehow.

Agree. Maybe the kid's essays were fantastic and gave ether AO a really good idea of who0 he is. Maybe he had off th charts recs. You have no idea. Generally, as long as you are above a certain threshold you are in the running, so a 4.7 does not trump a 4.4, necessarily. In that group of applications (which are all in the rigorous range-although not identical courses- with good grades). maybe the AO just liked the 4.4 kid better. It's holistic for a reason.

Great that your son got into UVA - congratulations! But if he had a 4.0 unweighted (i.e., nothing less than an A in every course taken) but only a 4.2 weighted GPA, that means he took very few AP courses, or else his weighted GPA would be much higher. And that's surprising, because UVA wants to see highest rigor in all disciplines (i.e., LOTS of AP courses, absent some hook.

I think that just partly bolsters PP's point, which is that things beyond grades and test scores matter. Although I do think that a 4.0 unweighted is impressive. That's four years of getting straight As, and that isn't easy even for classes of only moderate difficulty because it means that you didn't ever not take school seriously.

Not to downplay the achievement of a 4.0 UW GPA, but at UVA - as has been said many time - class rigor means A LOT. If you're not taking the most rigorous courses (i.e., honors and, when available, AP courses) in English/social sciences AND math/science, you're most likely not getting in unless you're hooked. A great essay (which someone else could have edited the heck out of) and non-extraordinary ECs is not going to make up for avoiding AP courses.

Well, give me a little credit. I think we all know that colleges prefer to see an A in Physics to Intro to Art.

I am now curious if he had another hook. He's white, he's a man, she didn't mention sports, and it doesn't sound like he's first generation. What is his hook?

DP. Leadership in ECs and Governor’s School. There are more ways to be outstanding than a 4.7 or whatever.

Leadership in ECs is pretty common among UVA applicants. It would have to be something VERY out of the ordinary and meaningful. Governor's School is helpful, but it's not going to make up for avoiding AP classes. Plenty of applicants with good leadership, etc. AND most rigorous courses available.

My goodness, you’re like a dog with a bone. Is it bothering you that this white, UMC boy with no hook was accepted - when his ECs just don’t seem as impressive to YOU as they “should”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not “news” and isn’t a troll. It’s ok for a parent to enter an anonymous forum to express frustration. I do want to know if this is a white male. I worry about increasing racism as a result of this shift in the game. You assume you are too ranked based on measurements that, some argue, put some at a disadvantage. Schools try to create a student population that more adequately represents the world on a global scale, not just a historically white male dominated educational institution.

Meh my nephew is a white male who got in to VT with good but lower stats than OP. VT def rejects high stat kids who they think won’t go to VT.

+1

So does UVA.

That’s why you apply ED - that is, if you’re serious about the school. If not, oh well.

Why do you think it is fair that kids who are strong students have to bind themselves in early fall? When did this become okay with people? The process is broken, especially wrt ED at private which benefits rich people and poor people and leaves everyone else cold.

Seriously? How many times are you going to repeat this nonsense, when your “points” have been refuted over and over? You want your cake and eat it too. Your kid certainly doesn’t have to apply ED. But plenty of others WANT to commit to their first choice school, and should be able to do that through ED. If you don’t, don’t. But quit whining about it.

It’s because insane parents have bought into this flawed system. It needs to be reformed.

So, because you and YOUR kid refused to commit to a school, and clearly didn’t get into the schools you feel they were entitled to get into, the entire process is “flawed” and needs to be “reformed”? And you’re actually calling other parents “insane”? Sure. Whatever you say.

The way you know it’s flawed is because it didn’t favor her kid.

Precisely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry! I hope he has other good options. What else does he have to offer aside from grades? ECs? Leadership? What is the major? If it is CS that could explain it since everyone wants CS.

This is a big part of it. Grades and class rank are not the package. No one can say if he was a strong applicant. Did he: work, take rigorous classes, have leadership and community service, how were the essays, varied and long term ECs, etc.

THIS. Only two PPs above have made this point while everyone else (only a few repeat posters, I suspect) is obsessing over GPA and nothing else. Parents on this forum often don't want to believe that their kid's ECs and essays actually might tip the scales, but it's true. So many kids have similar fantastic-sounding GPAs and test scores, but guess what? Colleges can and do still look at the rest of the application. Even for white boys from affluent 'burbs.

.

Yep. My white UMC son “only” has a 4.2 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. At a NOVA public. 1580 SAT. All 5s on APS. Decent ECs that show leadership, governors’ school last summer. For him I think it came down to ECs, essays and recommendations. In at UVA (EA) and William and Mary. So many kids have those same GPA and stats - the other stuff has to set them apart somehow.

Great that your son got into UVA - congratulations! But if he had a 4.0 unweighted (i.e., nothing less than an A in every course taken) but only a 4.2 weighted GPA, that means he took very few AP courses, or else his weighted GPA would be much higher. And that's surprising, because UVA wants to see highest rigor in all disciplines (i.e., LOTS of AP courses, absent some hook.

I think that just partly bolsters PP's point, which is that things beyond grades and test scores matter. Although I do think that a 4.0 unweighted is impressive. That's four years of getting straight As, and that isn't easy even for classes of only moderate difficulty because it means that you didn't ever not take school seriously.

Not to downplay the achievement of a 4.0 UW GPA, but at UVA - as has been said many time - class rigor means A LOT. If you're not taking the most rigorous courses (i.e., honors and, when available, AP courses) in English/social sciences AND math/science, you're most likely not getting in unless you're hooked. A great essay (which someone else could have edited the heck out of) and non-extraordinary ECs is not going to make up for avoiding AP courses.

Well, give me a little credit. I think we all know that colleges prefer to see an A in Physics to Intro to Art.

I am now curious if he had another hook. He's white, he's a man, she didn't mention sports, and it doesn't sound like he's first generation. What is his hook?

DP. Leadership in ECs and Governor’s School. There are more ways to be outstanding than a 4.7 or whatever.

Leadership in ECs is pretty common among UVA applicants. It would have to be something VERY out of the ordinary and meaningful. Governor's School is helpful, but it's not going to make up for avoiding AP classes. Plenty of applicants with good leadership, etc. AND most rigorous courses available.

My goodness, you’re like a dog with a bone. Is it bothering you that this white, UMC boy with no hook was accepted - when his ECs just don’t seem as impressive to YOU as they “should”?

For goodness sake, I think it's great the kid got accepted. Good for him! But it's surprising, nonetheless. And if you want to think that lack of course rigor for unhooked applicants can be easily made up for by good "leadership" ECs, etc. (which many, many applicants have), be my guest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sorry! I hope he has other good options. What else does he have to offer aside from grades? ECs? Leadership? What is the major? If it is CS that could explain it since everyone wants CS.

This is a big part of it. Grades and class rank are not the package. No one can say if he was a strong applicant. Did he: work, take rigorous classes, have leadership and community service, how were the essays, varied and long term ECs, etc.

THIS. Only two PPs above have made this point while everyone else (only a few repeat posters, I suspect) is obsessing over GPA and nothing else. Parents on this forum often don't want to believe that their kid's ECs and essays actually might tip the scales, but it's true. So many kids have similar fantastic-sounding GPAs and test scores, but guess what? Colleges can and do still look at the rest of the application. Even for white boys from affluent 'burbs.

.

Yep. My white UMC son “only” has a 4.2 weighted GPA, 4.0 unweighted. At a NOVA public. 1580 SAT. All 5s on APS. Decent ECs that show leadership, governors’ school last summer. For him I think it came down to ECs, essays and recommendations. In at UVA (EA) and William and Mary. So many kids have those same GPA and stats - the other stuff has to set them apart somehow.

Great that your son got into UVA - congratulations! But if he had a 4.0 unweighted (i.e., nothing less than an A in every course taken) but only a 4.2 weighted GPA, that means he took very few AP courses, or else his weighted GPA would be much higher. And that's surprising, because UVA wants to see highest rigor in all disciplines (i.e., LOTS of AP courses, absent some hook.

I think that just partly bolsters PP's point, which is that things beyond grades and test scores matter. Although I do think that a 4.0 unweighted is impressive. That's four years of getting straight As, and that isn't easy even for classes of only moderate difficulty because it means that you didn't ever not take school seriously.

Not to downplay the achievement of a 4.0 UW GPA, but at UVA - as has been said many time - class rigor means A LOT. If you're not taking the most rigorous courses (i.e., honors and, when available, AP courses) in English/social sciences AND math/science, you're most likely not getting in unless you're hooked. A great essay (which someone else could have edited the heck out of) and non-extraordinary ECs is not going to make up for avoiding AP courses.

Well, give me a little credit. I think we all know that colleges prefer to see an A in Physics to Intro to Art.

I am now curious if he had another hook. He's white, he's a man, she didn't mention sports, and it doesn't sound like he's first generation. What is his hook?

DP. Leadership in ECs and Governor’s School. There are more ways to be outstanding than a 4.7 or whatever.

Leadership in ECs is pretty common among UVA applicants. It would have to be something VERY out of the ordinary and meaningful. Governor's School is helpful, but it's not going to make up for avoiding AP classes. Plenty of applicants with good leadership, etc. AND most rigorous courses available.

My goodness, you’re like a dog with a bone. Is it bothering you that this white, UMC boy with no hook was accepted - when his ECs just don’t seem as impressive to YOU as they “should”?

For goodness sake, I think it's great the kid got accepted. Good for him! But it's surprising, nonetheless. And if you want to think that lack of course rigor for unhooked applicants can be easily made up for by good "leadership" ECs, etc. (which many, many applicants have), be my guest.

There wasn't a "lack of rigor," as much as you'd like to claim otherwise. Good grief - he had a 1580 SAT and all 5s on his APs. Moving on...