Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:12     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:Don't want to try private? maybe a few top SLAC like Wellsesley. If just public, how about UM, UCLA?
The list is really short in today's standard.


It's short but it's balanced and she'll find out early about Pitt
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:11     Subject: How does this application strategy look?
Univ. of Florida is the only other good one which she is a very strong candidate for. Good list.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:10     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:for UVA make sure she is taking 4 years of language.


OP here. Many recent data points from our HS indicate that language in senior year was not a requirement as long as 4-5 years of language were taken (starting in middle school) and schedule was otherwise still rigorous. DD made it to 5 years (ending in junior year) but is dropping it senior year in favor of another AP science class and because she just really doesn't enjoy foreign language. We discussed the potential risk and decided to proceed anyway.


UVA is not a shoe-in with that profile.
I would ED to W&M, where ED actually makes a significant difference. RD to UVA - where the ED advantage is not that great. Also, be sure to take the most rigorous classes available - and realize that even with all the boxes checked, UVA is still iffy.
DD applied ED with similar stats and was waitlisted for College of Arts & Sciences. Was offered Year in Wise, but declined.
Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:09     Subject: How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Add UGA if you like UVa and UNC

Why are you adding schools?


Because anyone applying to UVA should be applying to UGA.


That’s silly. UGA is much farther away than any of the other schools, and OP said distance was a consideration.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:09     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:for UVA make sure she is taking 4 years of language.


OP here. Many recent data points from our HS indicate that language in senior year was not a requirement as long as 4-5 years of language were taken (starting in middle school) and schedule was otherwise still rigorous. DD made it to 5 years (ending in junior year) but is dropping it senior year in favor of another AP science class and because she just really doesn't enjoy foreign language. We discussed the potential risk and decided to proceed anyway.


that's good to know! we did a call with UVA alumni and they stressed the language part of the transcript. all the stats you mention are great, i just thought I would mention.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:05     Subject: How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Add UGA if you like UVa and UNC

Why are you adding schools?


Because anyone applying to UVA should be applying to UGA.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:02     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Don't want to try private? maybe a few top SLAC like Wellsesley. If just public, how about UM, UCLA?
The list is really short in today's standard.


No, other lists are too long. This is a smart list. She's going to get into several excellent, fun, and close by state schools. Recommending adding a single sex private liberal arts college to this list is so random it's ridiculous.

OP, congrats to you and your daughter for being so smart and level-headed about this. Your post is a breath of fresh air.

She WILL get into UVA if she applies ED.


OP here. Thanks for the vote of confidence. We talked about choosing a "better" ED school, but we've heard too many stories about reaching too far with ED and then getting WL/denied UVA in RD. DD decided she didn't want to risk it, and loves the idea of potentially knowing early in the process.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 12:02     Subject: How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:Add UGA if you like UVa and UNC

Why are you adding schools?
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:59     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Don't want to try private? maybe a few top SLAC like Wellsesley. If just public, how about UM, UCLA?
The list is really short in today's standard.


OP here. We've been reading and researching but can't really find any comparable privates that would give decent merit aid. We wouldn't qualify for need-based and while we could pay $90k a year for college, I'm just not convinced it's worth it. Especially since it's looking likely DD will want to attend some form of grad school as well. I don't know - is that a mistake? She is our oldest so this is new to us. We have the money but we are frugal by nature and I do think she'd be happy somewhere like UVA.



OP, you are NOT making a mistake. Do NOT listen to the lunatics. Stay frugal about undergrad. Do NOT even consider the Emorys and Vandys. They are no better than UVA, but even if they were if she's not getting into UVA ED she's not getting into either of them either.

You are doing this exactly right.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:59     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Looks like a great list. Maybe consider UMD EA as she would likely be accepted to their Honors program (I see PSU on your list and they would also likely offer her a spot in Honors)
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:57     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:for UVA make sure she is taking 4 years of language.


OP here. Many recent data points from our HS indicate that language in senior year was not a requirement as long as 4-5 years of language were taken (starting in middle school) and schedule was otherwise still rigorous. DD made it to 5 years (ending in junior year) but is dropping it senior year in favor of another AP science class and because she just really doesn't enjoy foreign language. We discussed the potential risk and decided to proceed anyway.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:55     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:Don't want to try private? maybe a few top SLAC like Wellsesley. If just public, how about UM, UCLA?
The list is really short in today's standard.


No, other lists are too long. This is a smart list. She's going to get into several excellent, fun, and close by state schools. Recommending adding a single sex private liberal arts college to this list is so random it's ridiculous.

OP, congrats to you and your daughter for being so smart and level-headed about this. Your post is a breath of fresh air.

She WILL get into UVA if she applies ED.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:52     Subject: Re:How does this application strategy look?
Anonymous wrote:Don't want to try private? maybe a few top SLAC like Wellsesley. If just public, how about UM, UCLA?
The list is really short in today's standard.


OP here. We've been reading and researching but can't really find any comparable privates that would give decent merit aid. We wouldn't qualify for need-based and while we could pay $90k a year for college, I'm just not convinced it's worth it. Especially since it's looking likely DD will want to attend some form of grad school as well. I don't know - is that a mistake? She is our oldest so this is new to us. We have the money but we are frugal by nature and I do think she'd be happy somewhere like UVA.

Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:50     Subject: How does this application strategy look?
OP she sounds like an extremely strong candidate for all those places.

Have you visited UVA? I think you'll find, or rather she'll find its a lot more down to earth than social media shows.

We were looking at the graduation photos of kids from Whitman in Bethesda because my DD was there until 11th grade and we moved away. We were stunned how Southern and dressy everyone looked. It was in complete contrast to reality where shorts or pj bottoms were worn to classes.

Social Media is not a reflection of reality.
Anonymous
Post 07/15/2025 11:50     Subject: How does this application strategy look?
Good luck and I wish your DD the best. All of the places on her list are great.