1530 SAT at McLean High not enough for UVA now?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:The SAT and the rigor is just fine, its the gpa.

+1 UVA consistently says that sustained performance in the classroom is the most important factor. And that no one strong factor can make up for another relatively weak one. So a kid with a 4.7 and no test scores likely has a better shot than a kid with a 4.2 and a great SAT.

My DC had 1530 and 4.7 gpa, good ec, still got rejected by UVA

Wow. That honestly shocks me.

Why is this shocking? UVA’s applicant pool is largely comprised of the top kids at every high school. High stats get you a serious look, they don’t get you in. Now, repeat 10x until you understand.

Because a 4.7 is extremely high. UVA is not weird and inconsistent. My kids are at McLean and above a certain GPA the vast majority of kids are accepted.

1. UVA doesn’t care about GPA
2. You’re confusing causation and correlation

1. Obviously false

https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

You must be new. It literally says UVA doesn’t have GPA thresholds. Dean J says on her blog that they don’t care about transcript GPA. They care about grades and rigor, NOT GPA.

If you have ever looked at Naviance or Scoir data, you will see they care about GPA a lot. Threshold varies by school but it is probably the #1 factor. GPA is reflective of rigor. You can’t get a 4.4 in FCPS without near max rigor and all As.

Oh so you know more about this than UVA does? They say they don’t use transcript GPA but according to you it’s the #1 factor. Wow, thanks for clearing that up. You’re definitely more credible than UVA. I guess AO’s lie but you are here to set the record straight.

Oops, looks like you forgot the lesson on causation versus correlation already.

DP but I think Dean J carefully chooses words and you have to know what she means. This is a good example. What she says is they don’t use GPA, which is true because all schools use different GPA scales. What she MEANS is they recalculate or they count the Bs or whatever, and HIGHLY count the grades. Our Scoire scattergram couldn’t be clearer that the grades matters most.

Of course that is all true. However, it’s also true the GPA on your high school transcript isn’t used at all. For the third time: causation vs. correlation

You keep saying causation vs correlation but you are starting to sound ignorant or intentionally obtuse. Within your school, your GPA, which is reflective of your rigor and performance, will tell you with a high degree of certainty if you will get in. Causation is really just a statistically significant correlation over time. Five years of data with hundreds of applicants at two different schools will tell you if someone from your school will get in with 90+% confidence. Everyone knows this. If you want to keep spouting whatever nonsense you are spouting then go for it.

Say whatever you want, UVA doesn’t use transcript GPA. Therefore you’re relying on a by-product to make your predictions. Not my problem. Actually, it makes me look smarter because your method will eventually fail. Good luck sweetie.

Two of my kids are there now so thanks. One more applying next year and trying to help others who are interested. Not sure what you are doing here.

Just what I expected. You’re overly confident after a little success. Good luck, you’ve been warned.

What is your warning? That GPA doesn’t matter? How is that helpful to anyone? Of course it matters. You are hopeless. Everyone else, check your data and talk to your counselor. It will confirm what others here are saying.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:The SAT and the rigor is just fine, its the gpa.

+1 UVA consistently says that sustained performance in the classroom is the most important factor. And that no one strong factor can make up for another relatively weak one. So a kid with a 4.7 and no test scores likely has a better shot than a kid with a 4.2 and a great SAT.

My DC had 1530 and 4.7 gpa, good ec, still got rejected by UVA

Wow. That honestly shocks me.

Why is this shocking? UVA’s applicant pool is largely comprised of the top kids at every high school. High stats get you a serious look, they don’t get you in. Now, repeat 10x until you understand.

Because a 4.7 is extremely high. UVA is not weird and inconsistent. My kids are at McLean and above a certain GPA the vast majority of kids are accepted.

1. UVA doesn’t care about GPA
2. You’re confusing causation and correlation

1. Obviously false

https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

You must be new. It literally says UVA doesn’t have GPA thresholds. Dean J says on her blog that they don’t care about transcript GPA. They care about grades and rigor, NOT GPA.

If you have ever looked at Naviance or Scoir data, you will see they care about GPA a lot. Threshold varies by school but it is probably the #1 factor. GPA is reflective of rigor. You can’t get a 4.4 in FCPS without near max rigor and all As.

Oh so you know more about this than UVA does? They say they don’t use transcript GPA but according to you it’s the #1 factor. Wow, thanks for clearing that up. You’re definitely more credible than UVA. I guess AO’s lie but you are here to set the record straight.

Oops, looks like you forgot the lesson on causation versus correlation already.

DP but I think Dean J carefully chooses words and you have to know what she means. This is a good example. What she says is they don’t use GPA, which is true because all schools use different GPA scales. What she MEANS is they recalculate or they count the Bs or whatever, and HIGHLY count the grades. Our Scoire scattergram couldn’t be clearer that the grades matters most.

Of course that is all true. However, it’s also true the GPA on your high school transcript isn’t used at all. For the third time: causation vs. correlation

Starting to think we’re all arguing with Dean J

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The SAT and the rigor is just fine, its the gpa.

+1 UVA consistently says that sustained performance in the classroom is the most important factor. And that no one strong factor can make up for another relatively weak one. So a kid with a 4.7 and no test scores likely has a better shot than a kid with a 4.2 and a great SAT.

My DC had 1530 and 4.7 gpa, good ec, still got rejected by UVA

Wow. That honestly shocks me.

Why is this shocking? UVA’s applicant pool is largely comprised of the top kids at every high school. High stats get you a serious look, they don’t get you in. Now, repeat 10x until you understand.

Because a 4.7 is extremely high. UVA is not weird and inconsistent. My kids are at McLean and above a certain GPA the vast majority of kids are accepted.

1. UVA doesn’t care about GPA
2. You’re confusing causation and correlation

1. Obviously false

https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

You must be new. It literally says UVA doesn’t have GPA thresholds. Dean J says on her blog that they don’t care about transcript GPA. They care about grades and rigor, NOT GPA.

If you have ever looked at Naviance or Scoir data, you will see they care about GPA a lot. Threshold varies by school but it is probably the #1 factor. GPA is reflective of rigor. You can’t get a 4.4 in FCPS without near max rigor and all As.

Oh so you know more about this than UVA does? They say they don’t use transcript GPA but according to you it’s the #1 factor. Wow, thanks for clearing that up. You’re definitely more credible than UVA. I guess AO’s lie but you are here to set the record straight.

Oops, looks like you forgot the lesson on causation versus correlation already.

DP but I think Dean J carefully chooses words and you have to know what she means. This is a good example. What she says is they don’t use GPA, which is true because all schools use different GPA scales. What she MEANS is they recalculate or they count the Bs or whatever, and HIGHLY count the grades. Our Scoire scattergram couldn’t be clearer that the grades matters most.

Of course that is all true. However, it’s also true the GPA on your high school transcript isn’t used at all. For the third time: causation vs. correlation

You keep saying causation vs correlation but you are starting to sound ignorant or intentionally obtuse. Within your school, your GPA, which is reflective of your rigor and performance, will tell you with a high degree of certainty if you will get in. Causation is really just a statistically significant correlation over time. Five years of data with hundreds of applicants at two different schools will tell you if someone from your school will get in with 90+% confidence. Everyone knows this. If you want to keep spouting whatever nonsense you are spouting then go for it.

Say whatever you want, UVA doesn’t use transcript GPA. Therefore you’re relying on a by-product to make your predictions. Not my problem. Actually, it makes me look smarter because your method will eventually fail. Good luck sweetie.

Two of my kids are there now so thanks. One more applying next year and trying to help others who are interested. Not sure what you are doing here.

Just what I expected. You’re overly confident after a little success. Good luck, you’ve been warned.

What is your warning? That GPA doesn’t matter? How is that helpful to anyone? Of course it matters. You are hopeless. Everyone else, check your data and talk to your counselor. It will confirm what others here are saying.

Don’t forget a safety!

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The SAT and the rigor is just fine, its the gpa.

+1 UVA consistently says that sustained performance in the classroom is the most important factor. And that no one strong factor can make up for another relatively weak one. So a kid with a 4.7 and no test scores likely has a better shot than a kid with a 4.2 and a great SAT.

My DC had 1530 and 4.7 gpa, good ec, still got rejected by UVA

Wow. That honestly shocks me.

Why is this shocking? UVA’s applicant pool is largely comprised of the top kids at every high school. High stats get you a serious look, they don’t get you in. Now, repeat 10x until you understand.

Because a 4.7 is extremely high. UVA is not weird and inconsistent. My kids are at McLean and above a certain GPA the vast majority of kids are accepted.

1. UVA doesn’t care about GPA
2. You’re confusing causation and correlation

1. Obviously false

https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/characteristics-qualities-competitive-applicants

You must be new. It literally says UVA doesn’t have GPA thresholds. Dean J says on her blog that they don’t care about transcript GPA. They care about grades and rigor, NOT GPA.

If you have ever looked at Naviance or Scoir data, you will see they care about GPA a lot. Threshold varies by school but it is probably the #1 factor. GPA is reflective of rigor. You can’t get a 4.4 in FCPS without near max rigor and all As.

Oh so you know more about this than UVA does? They say they don’t use transcript GPA but according to you it’s the #1 factor. Wow, thanks for clearing that up. You’re definitely more credible than UVA. I guess AO’s lie but you are here to set the record straight.

Oops, looks like you forgot the lesson on causation versus correlation already.

DP but I think Dean J carefully chooses words and you have to know what she means. This is a good example. What she says is they don’t use GPA, which is true because all schools use different GPA scales. What she MEANS is they recalculate or they count the Bs or whatever, and HIGHLY count the grades. Our Scoire scattergram couldn’t be clearer that the grades matters most.

Of course that is all true. However, it’s also true the GPA on your high school transcript isn’t used at all. For the third time: causation vs. correlation

Starting to think we’re all arguing with Dean J

I agree! She does her best to clear things up on message boards. My best advice is for applicants to follow her on Instagram.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

Because posters like the PP couldn’t stop repeating the same thing over and over and over. It is trolling. Report them. I did on the other thread and the post was deleted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

Because posters like the PP couldn’t stop repeating the same thing over and over and over. It is trolling. Report them. I did on the other thread and the post was deleted.

Repeating misinformation over and over is also trolling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

Because posters like the PP couldn’t stop repeating the same thing over and over and over. It is trolling. Report them. I did on the other thread and the post was deleted.

Repeating misinformation over and over is also trolling.

Omg, stop. You are both correct.

1. The gpa as stated on your transcript is not what they look at, as they recalculate for every school

AND

2. It is useful to compare your gpa against those of kids at your own school and there is probably a known historical cutoff for getting into UVA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

Why? Seems like UVA alternates could be useful

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you participate in Dean J’s admissions discussions on Instagram, she has frequently mentioned that they don’t use GPA because schools vary in the weight of advanced coursework, advanced course offerings, when students are allowed to take advanced courses, etc. So the GPA itself is not a level indicator. What they do consider is your level of rigor based on what is offered (and when you are allowed to take those courses) and how well you perform in those courses/upward trajectory, etc. So folks, you’re talking past one another.

UVA has said that they do not require 4 years of a foreign language because some schools do not offer four years/ AP language classes, and others may have other mandated courses. Catholic high schools, for example, may require 4 years of religion, leaving less space for four years of a foreign language. That being said, if your school offers the language for 4 years at the high school level and your student has space for it, they seem to prefer that path (at least according to our student tour guide).

We were explicitly told by a UVA adult staff member that they expect 4 years of language. This is a person whose job is to advise alumni children on admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

Why? Seems like UVA alternates could be useful

UVA boosters detailed the thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child goes to McLean High. He got a 1530 SAT as a junior and came home saying it is not good enough because most kids are getting higher scores, so he wants to retake it a third time. Is this really where we are now, that you need a perfect SAT score?

He is already in all DE and AP classes and he is in Calc 2 as a junior. Now he is saying he needs to take summer classes at NOVA so he can take Calc 3 and then differential equations senior year. It feels insane, although he has already taken about five NOVA dual enrollment classes, so I guess we are saving some money.

I graduated in the 90s, got a 1350, felt great about it, did not take calculus until college, and I turned out fine. Is the bar just totally different now?

For those familiar with UVA admissions, is a 1530 SAT at McLean High with a 4.2 weighted GPA and all AP and DE since sophomore year actually not enough, or is this just the pressure cooker effect?

OP take a minute to do the math. Given where you son is in math he obviously took honors math in middle school. Assuming he got As both years he enters 9th grade with a 4.5 GPA. He then has let’s say 1AP in 9th grade and 4 honors courses and gym and an elective. So max GPA that year is about a 4.4. Since all AP or DE as a sophomore max GPA agin with electives/gym drag down 4.7. So max GPA of 4.56 yet sitting a a 4.2. So, needs to get all As in Junior year taking AP and DE to raise GPA to 4.4 to have shot applying as a senior. Just how the math works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was a thread on UVA alternates but the typical UVA boosters got it locked.

It was deleted.

Because posters like the PP couldn’t stop repeating the same thing over and over and over. It is trolling. Report them. I did on the other thread and the post was deleted.

What in the world was being repeated over and over in a UVA alternatives thread??

[Anonymous]

The fact that they recalculate GPA does not suggest that they don't care about it. What an absurd conclusion. They are simply trying to compare like things. Every school system weighs grades differently so in order to compare, you recalculate. If they didn't care about GPA, they wouldn't bother doing this.

UVA cares about rigor AND UVA cares about grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fact that they recalculate GPA does not suggest that they don't care about it. What an absurd conclusion. They are simply trying to compare like things. Every school system weighs grades differently so in order to compare, you recalculate. If they didn't care about GPA, they wouldn't bother doing this.

UVA cares about rigor AND UVA cares about grades.

Yes both .. and GPA is VERY important (with without the 4 years foreign language).