Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:My daughter is taking AP French this year just because UVA wants four years of language in high school. She hates French and had other classes she wanted to take but didn’t want to give up the post of UVA. Very frustrating.

It is frustrating. My daughter stuck with French even though there were other classses she would have much rather taken. It’s dumb that they require kids to waste their time with something so useless, when there are now a million other (rigorous) courses they could choose that would benefit and interest them more.

You’re missing the point which is UVA decides what matters most for their community, not you. If you think their requirements and the subjects they value are useless you should seek a different college that is a better fit.

Yeah, but requiring four years of a FL seems to be universal among all top colleges, not just UVA. And yes, it’s outdated and dumb.

Only 2 years of language required at MIT. That's the easiest path to a solid engineering or comp sci education, for anyone missing the required 5 years for UVA. "MIT doesn't have a strict foreign language requirement for admission, but it does recommend that applicants take at least two years of a foreign language in high school. However, not meeting this recommendation won't necessarily affect your chances of admission."

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I don't know why this is so hard to grasp, or why this needs to be parsed nine ways to Sunday:

1) UVA is a competetive school for which to be admitted.

2) Given 1), the way to make yourself stand out is to have a stellar résumé.

3) The way to have a stellar résumé is to take the most challenging classes your school offers and do well in them.

4) And yes, that may include pursuing a foreign language as far as you can.

That's it, that's the formula.

But why a foreign language, why not take another 5th class as far as you can?

It is not foreign language over another core. It is in addition. Many high schools allow 6 core courses: the kids take the 5 main ones then “double up “ with a second science or second history. There are top10 colleges that expect this and say it in their literature, if it is an option at the high school. Prep schools have over 1/3 of students doing this starting 10th grade. The governors schools and the stem magnets have 6 core courses taken by many students. Foreign language for all 4 yrs of HS is not eliminating the option to double something else.

True, but its difficult if you also take 4 years of say, Choir or Band. Which ALSO look good on college apps. Also makes you look well-rounded and shows dedication to something artsy. In the end, its a bit of a crapshoot.

Every high school I know of in Virginia has 7 class periods. Some have 8 (zero period). The band/choir orchestra students take that all4 yrs and can still take 6 core courses. Sure a lot of students take a study hall but many do not. Same with theater kids. Having an art does not preclude one from taking 6 cores at most schools. .

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep seeing this thread pop up and every time I can't help but think who the hell does UVA think they are? You are a state school in a podunk town with a mediocre football team - basically a virgin who can't drive. AP's in all five or you're not good enough for us? Ok! I will make my way to all of the other amazing state schools in VA and not even apply to your boring, overrated school. Sit and spin, UVA.

You have to be a kid. Have a hard time imagining an adult taking their time to write this. Appreciate the amusement though.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep seeing this thread pop up and every time I can't help but think who the hell does UVA think they are? You are a state school in a podunk town with a mediocre football team - basically a virgin who can't drive. AP's in all five or you're not good enough for us? Ok! I will make my way to all of the other amazing state schools in VA and not even apply to your boring, overrated school. Sit and spin, UVA.

You have to be a kid. Have a hard time imagining an adult taking their time to write this. Appreciate the amusement though.

Anonymous wrote:I keep seeing this thread pop up and every time I can't help but think who the hell does UVA think they are? You are a state school in a podunk town with a mediocre football team - basically a virgin who can't drive. AP's in all five or you're not good enough for us? Ok! I will make my way to all of the other amazing state schools in VA and not even apply to your boring, overrated school. Sit and spin, UVA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep seeing this thread pop up and every time I can't help but think who the hell does UVA think they are? You are a state school in a podunk town with a mediocre football team - basically a virgin who can't drive. AP's in all five or you're not good enough for us? Ok! I will make my way to all of the other amazing state schools in VA and not even apply to your boring, overrated school. Sit and spin, UVA.

Ok bye . Pretty sure UVA expecting students to have challenged themselves and done well in all core areas is because they want the best group academically that they can get, and they are being fair-ish to all high schools by expecting the best within the context of the hs. They want the cream of the crop and they get all but the top sliver (who go to ivies/t15). They are by academic metrics of students and faculty one of the top handful of public schools in the country, and their compete well with other 20-30 ranked privates. They want the best. It is not about sports good grief. Mine do not go there —they picked ivies—but our whole family recognizes that UVA is a top school and has every right to be picky and want the best academically ready kids they can get.

Anonymous wrote:I keep seeing this thread pop up and every time I can't help but think who the hell does UVA think they are? You are a state school in a podunk town with a mediocre football team - basically a virgin who can't drive. AP's in all five or you're not good enough for us? Ok! I will make my way to all of the other amazing state schools in VA and not even apply to your boring, overrated school. Sit and spin, UVA.

Anonymous wrote:Just curious, how do colleges know if the class was taken online or in-person. DD has taken a few online classes through the county school system and her transcript doesn't say whether it's online or in person

Anonymous wrote:I keep seeing this thread pop up and every time I can't help but think who the hell does UVA think they are? You are a state school in a podunk town with a mediocre football team - basically a virgin who can't drive. AP's in all five or you're not good enough for us? Ok! I will make my way to all of the other amazing state schools in VA and not even apply to your boring, overrated school. Sit and spin, UVA.

Anonymous wrote:Are they staying test optional?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why this is so hard to grasp, or why this needs to be parsed nine ways to Sunday:

1) UVA is a competetive school for which to be admitted.

2) Given 1), the way to make yourself stand out is to have a stellar résumé.

3) The way to have a stellar résumé is to take the most challenging classes your school offers and do well in them.

4) And yes, that may include pursuing a foreign language as far as you can.

That's it, that's the formula.

+1

Only thing I would add is to be in top 5% of class, and yes, UVA figures it out even if your school doesn’t rank.

Signed,
Mom to 2 current Hoos and one who recently graduated

That 5% seriously stresses us out. DD is in band and since it's unweighted, it will bring her weighted GPA down and might take her out of the top 5%. She's otherwise a straight A student with APs in all core subject including foreign language. 1500+ SAT. Does she still stand a chance if not top 5%?

Yes, I think so. My recent Hoo graduate was in the exact same position. And the UVA marching band is a fantastic activity to join! My Hoo loved it.

Anonymous wrote:Just curious, how do colleges know if the class was taken online or in-person. DD has taken a few online classes through the county school system and her transcript doesn't say whether it's online or in person