it is hard, i know really good kids who got waitlisted

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Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Sure, it is low, but still got in ED. No amazing ECs either, just regular, doable things: club sport, varsity sports, summer job, community sports coaching. Their essays, I thought, were honest, funny and unique. Kids with similar stats got in from their high school. Graduated HS in 2023

Forgot to add: APs in all five core subjects, mostly 5s on AP exams. Attended low performing high school - fcps

The low performing HS is the key part

Yes, that context matters a lot, but it also was combined with enough good AP *test scores* to show the student is capable.

I'm sure your kid is perfectly capable. Good for them for getting in. But getting 5s on AP exams isn't a difference-maker at the high performing schools. Coming out of a low performing school certainly helped - kids with those stats just aren't getting in to UVA from higher performing schools.

There is an easy solution then, you can always move your kid to a lower performing high school. That is a good way to “beat the system”.

But then some may not be ready for a top college.

The high school average test scores are low. The high achievers at those schools, are still getting 5s on AP exams and 1500+ on SAT.

+1 I have a kid at a school like this and the top performers do well wherever they go.

Yep! Too many in NOVA are obsessed with buying into a top school district. College placements at those high schools are impressive, because the parents are wealthy and value education. FCPS curriculum is the same at all high schools. Some schools might have ten sections of AP Calc BC, others might only have one section. Those kids are still learning the same content. As a parent though, you have to really be involved in their social and acadmic lives.

I agree with most of this but I'm confused by the "As a parent though, you have to really be involved in their social and acadmic lives." My kids graduated from one of these "lower performing" schools. I don't think I was involved in their lives any more or less than my friends with kids in McLean, Langley, Yorktown, or private schools. We have great teachers who care deeply about our students and a fantastic principal. Outside of class, kids can easily join sports, participate in clubs, and perform in plays. It's not nearly as competitive as it is in other schools. And finally, socially, there are a lot fewer wealthy students, so there are not as many parties and shenanigans. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's not a big part of the culture of the school, unlike others.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Why would you say this response? Her kid already got in?

In 2023 (see previous posts). Not sure a 1470 would be enough this cycle, but maybe?

NP here. I know a kid with high 1300s who got in ED this year - did not submit score, but was very impressive in all other areas.

Anonymous wrote:from Meridian easy--many mid candidates get in

From the college map, I think about 10% of the senior class went there last year and that is not an exaggeration. Wasn't it around 20 students? Those are the ones who put their info on it.

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Why would you say this response? Her kid already got in?

In 2023 (see previous posts). Not sure a 1470 would be enough this cycle, but maybe?

My kid with less than a 1500 was admitted to into an ivy unhooked this year. So yeah, I think UVA would
Also take applicants like that.

Some Ivies and UVA are still test optional, no?

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Why would you say this response? Her kid already got in?

In 2023 (see previous posts). Not sure a 1470 would be enough this cycle, but maybe?

My kid with less than a 1500 was admitted to into an ivy unhooked this year. So yeah, I think UVA would
Also take applicants like that.

Yes. I think the essays really come into play for kids with lower stats. These schools want to have some kids with fun/interesting personalities, that will bring different points of view and life experiences in discussions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Why would you say this response? Her kid already got in?

In 2023 (see previous posts). Not sure a 1470 would be enough this cycle, but maybe?

My kid with less than a 1500 was admitted to into an ivy unhooked this year. So yeah, I think UVA would
Also take applicants like that.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Sure, it is low, but still got in ED. No amazing ECs either, just regular, doable things: club sport, varsity sports, summer job, community sports coaching. Their essays, I thought, were honest, funny and unique. Kids with similar stats got in from their high school. Graduated HS in 2023

Forgot to add: APs in all five core subjects, mostly 5s on AP exams. Attended low performing high school - fcps

The low performing HS is the key part

Yes, that context matters a lot, but it also was combined with enough good AP *test scores* to show the student is capable.

I'm sure your kid is perfectly capable. Good for them for getting in. But getting 5s on AP exams isn't a difference-maker at the high performing schools. Coming out of a low performing school certainly helped - kids with those stats just aren't getting in to UVA from higher performing schools.

There is an easy solution then, you can always move your kid to a lower performing high school. That is a good way to “beat the system”.

But then some may not be ready for a top college.

The high school average test scores are low. The high achievers at those schools, are still getting 5s on AP exams and 1500+ on SAT.

+1 I have a kid at a school like this and the top performers do well wherever they go.

Yep! Too many in NOVA are obsessed with buying into a top school district. College placements at those high schools are impressive, because the parents are wealthy and value education. FCPS curriculum is the same at all high schools. Some schools might have ten sections of AP Calc BC, others might only have one section. Those kids are still learning the same content. As a parent though, you have to really be involved in their social and acadmic lives.

I also believe UVA gives kids from lower performing schools a “hardship” bump in admissions.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Sure, it is low, but still got in ED. No amazing ECs either, just regular, doable things: club sport, varsity sports, summer job, community sports coaching. Their essays, I thought, were honest, funny and unique. Kids with similar stats got in from their high school. Graduated HS in 2023

Forgot to add: APs in all five core subjects, mostly 5s on AP exams. Attended low performing high school - fcps

The low performing HS is the key part

Yes, that context matters a lot, but it also was combined with enough good AP *test scores* to show the student is capable.

I'm sure your kid is perfectly capable. Good for them for getting in. But getting 5s on AP exams isn't a difference-maker at the high performing schools. Coming out of a low performing school certainly helped - kids with those stats just aren't getting in to UVA from higher performing schools.

There is an easy solution then, you can always move your kid to a lower performing high school. That is a good way to “beat the system”.

But then some may not be ready for a top college.

The high school average test scores are low. The high achievers at those schools, are still getting 5s on AP exams and 1500+ on SAT.

+1 I have a kid at a school like this and the top performers do well wherever they go.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Sure, it is low, but still got in ED. No amazing ECs either, just regular, doable things: club sport, varsity sports, summer job, community sports coaching. Their essays, I thought, were honest, funny and unique. Kids with similar stats got in from their high school. Graduated HS in 2023

Forgot to add: APs in all five core subjects, mostly 5s on AP exams. Attended low performing high school - fcps

This sounds similar to mine who just got in EA with an even lower SAT. Pretty basic ECs, but her essay was very clearly written by a 17 year old and showed her personality, and I imagine her teacher recommendations were really good, too.

Anonymous wrote:It is hard - I have heard a 4.4 is the minimum GPA from a NOVA public (McLean, Langley, etc), and I think you're almost forced to ED.

While a PP said "tons" of kids have already committed, when you're talking about a class size of 600-625 at McLean in 2026, 16 kids is not a ton (Less than 15 of these were ED). And, it is not guaranteed every year. Last year (2025), McLean sent 17 of a class of 625 (I think less than 5 were admitted ED). Again, wouldn't call that a ton.

In all fairness, how many actually chose UVA as their ED. We make the assumption that all 625 students chose UVA as their ED when we know that can't be true. I think these stats can be shaped in many ways. Unless you know how many kids applied to UVA as ED or EA or RD, the numbers admitted from any one high school sort of lack true meaning.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Sure, it is low, but still got in ED. No amazing ECs either, just regular, doable things: club sport, varsity sports, summer job, community sports coaching. Their essays, I thought, were honest, funny and unique. Kids with similar stats got in from their high school. Graduated HS in 2023

Forgot to add: APs in all five core subjects, mostly 5s on AP exams. Attended low performing high school - fcps

The low performing HS is the key part

Yes, that context matters a lot, but it also was combined with enough good AP *test scores* to show the student is capable.

I'm sure your kid is perfectly capable. Good for them for getting in. But getting 5s on AP exams isn't a difference-maker at the high performing schools. Coming out of a low performing school certainly helped - kids with those stats just aren't getting in to UVA from higher performing schools.

There is an easy solution then, you can always move your kid to a lower performing high school. That is a good way to “beat the system”.

But then some may not be ready for a top college.

The high school average test scores are low. The high achievers at those schools, are still getting 5s on AP exams and 1500+ on SAT.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Why would you say this response? Her kid already got in?

In 2023 (see previous posts). Not sure a 1470 would be enough this cycle, but maybe?

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 that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Sure, it is low, but still got in ED. No amazing ECs either, just regular, doable things: club sport, varsity sports, summer job, community sports coaching. Their essays, I thought, were honest, funny and unique. Kids with similar stats got in from their high school. Graduated HS in 2023

Forgot to add: APs in all five core subjects, mostly 5s on AP exams. Attended low performing high school - fcps

The low performing HS is the key part

Yes, that context matters a lot, but it also was combined with enough good AP *test scores* to show the student is capable.

I'm sure your kid is perfectly capable. Good for them for getting in. But getting 5s on AP exams isn't a difference-maker at the high performing schools. Coming out of a low performing school certainly helped - kids with those stats just aren't getting in to UVA from higher performing schools.

There is an easy solution then, you can always move your kid to a lower performing high school. That is a good way to “beat the system”.

But then some may not be ready for a top college.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not that difficult, judging from the huge numbers from many NOVA public’s.

+1

Just look at the Insta for Commits pages for NOVA schools. Tons already got in form Langley, Oakton, McLean, etc. even Justice.

What’s more: only a few post on Insta; others get in and never even post.

My kid was WL a couple of years ago. Take the hardest classes in core subjects. My kid elected to only take honors English and NOT AP Lang and Lit. "Maxed out" every other subject. 3.98/4.5, 1560

This! Max out in all five core subjects, AND do well in them. That’s what my kid did: 1470 SAT and 4.3 gpa. Admitted ED.

Sorry for being blunt, but 1470 and 4.3 is low.

Why would you say this response? Her kid already got in?