2011-2012 University of Virginia Application Thread

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Wow. That is fast. Where did you find this out at? Do you also know how many acceptances they have given out vs. total acceptances?

Years of experience with the admissions office. I also have had a few friends on the admissions committee. And I talk to the Dean of Admissions fairly frequently.

I have no idea how many acceptances they have given out yet. But, both the people that I hosted in January last year got put on the waitlist, and one got in off the waitlist in June (I never followed up with the other one, but she didn't end up coming here). So even if you do get put on the waitlist, it isn't a death sentence. After they grossly overaccepted for my class (we still had nearly 200 people accepted come May 15th for a projected class size of 145), they got much more cautious about their acceptance policies.
 
The interviewers will know your entire application. And I mean, they will know. The Dean who talks to you at the beginning of the day will even have a little tidbit about your file memorized to tell everyone.

So... be sure you know what's in your application.

That sounds awesome.
 
I was looking at the academic calendar for the class of 2015 and it looks like they 2 weeks of break followed by 8 weeks to study for step 1 and prepare for clinical clerkships. I was wondering if that means that a student could possibly have 10 weeks to study for this exam? Thanks
 
I was looking at the academic calendar for the class of 2015 and it looks like they 2 weeks of break followed by 8 weeks to study for step 1 and prepare for clinical clerkships. I was wondering if that means that a student could possibly have 10 weeks to study for this exam? Thanks

They have two weeks of winter break, followed by 6-7 weeks of dedicated step 1 study, depending on when they start transition week. Then they have 2-3 weeks of transition week prior to starting clerkships. So they have up to 9 weeks to study.

But I don't advise waiting until the last minute to take it anyway. I'd say most people in my class are taking at least a week (I'm taking 2) before transition week and doing some sort of light at the end of the tunnel vacation, since once you start transition week, you don't get another vacation until November.
 
UVA

why u no interview me yet??

i is checking my email daily

thx
 
Are pre-interview updates kosher? also, what about in the area emailss?
 
Not to be nosy, but I am very curious of stats for those accepted. I have a 3.5/3.6 ish GPA and that is scaring the **** out of me. I haven't taken the MCATS yet, but will be taking it early next year. Any pointers? Should I even consider UVA? I went their for a medical seminar and I love it. I love their programs, their new building, and the students seem to be very friendly. I am also in-state and UVA is one of those schools that would consider their instate students first so I don't know. All I know is I would be a depressed case until I am accepted to med school. I am currently a junior.
 
Not to be nosy, but I am very curious of stats for those accepted. I have a 3.5/3.6 ish GPA and that is scaring the **** out of me. I haven't taken the MCATS yet, but will be taking it early next year. Any pointers? Should I even consider UVA? I went their for a medical seminar and I love it. I love their programs, their new building, and the students seem to be very friendly. I am also in-state and UVA is one of those schools that would consider their instate students first so I don't know. All I know is I would be a depressed case until I am accepted to med school. I am currently a junior.
Stats aren't everything. IS 3.9+/36+ waitlisted, although I can't say I know for sure why.
 
I have not been accepted, but I have received an interview invite. Stats are important to a certain degree, but you have to remember that at top schools everyone has good stats. With schools receiving thousands of applications, you have to differentiate yourself somehow. By having interesting EC's or a compelling story, you stand out and are thus more likely to get the attention of adcoms.
 
...stats aren't everything but like the poster above me says, when 90% of people who are interviewing with you have high gpa's and mcat scores, it's really hard to distinguish yourself unless you've done something extraordinary. If you look at UVA's ranges for last year they go from 3.5-3.9 (gpa) and 31-39 (mcat), and im guessing whoever was accepted with stats at the lower end of their range probably had really good EC's. I'm 3.9/37 btw with decent EC's, accepted early November. Good luck!
 
Question for current students: I know it might be a little early, but I wanted to look at possible housing choices while I am home for winter break. Where are the most affordable and convenient places for med students to live? I was trying to use that housing site that they gave us in the acceptance letter but got overwhelmed by all the options...
 
Question for current students: I know it might be a little early, but I wanted to look at possible housing choices while I am home for winter break. Where are the most affordable and convenient places for med students to live? I was trying to use that housing site that they gave us in the acceptance letter but got overwhelmed by all the options...

There's a lot of med students living in Ashtree (we're on the verge of filling up Ashtree apartments next year), Oxford, and Cambridge. You go through MSC to rent in those housing complexes. If you're looking to buy, there are some options available in Walker Square, though that tends to be a little more expensive.

There are a few housing options available closer to the school, including The Wedge, the Monroe, etc. Quite a few people live at 1800 JPA as well. And then there are always the independent housing options, various rooms available in houses with med students or other grad students, etc.
 
I know it might be a little early, but I wanted to look at possible housing choices while I am home for winter break.
It's never too early to look at housing in Charlottesville. Leases are signed much earlier than they were at my undergrad.
 
There's a lot of med students living in Ashtree (we're on the verge of filling up Ashtree apartments next year), Oxford, and Cambridge. You go through MSC to rent in those housing complexes. If you're looking to buy, there are some options available in Walker Square, though that tends to be a little more expensive.

There are a few housing options available closer to the school, including The Wedge, the Monroe, etc. Quite a few people live at 1800 JPA as well. And then there are always the independent housing options, various rooms available in houses with med students or other grad students, etc.
Thanks so much! I will plan to check out those apartments when I'm down there next weekend! So exciting 🙂
 
It's never too early to look at housing in Charlottesville. Leases are signed much earlier than they were at my undergrad.

While this is true, don't feel bad if you aren't signing a lease now. I didn't sign a lease until May/June before my first year for a lease that started in July. You may not live in the most desirable locations, but you'll be able to find housing.
 
While this is true, don't feel bad if you aren't signing a lease now. I didn't sign a lease until May/June before my first year for a lease that started in July. You may not live in the most desirable locations, but you'll be able to find housing.

Thank you! That's something I've been worrying about. If people aren't super close to campus (walking distance) do they take the bus?
 
Thank you! That's something I've been worrying about. If people aren't super close to campus (walking distance) do they take the bus?

Yeah, the bus system is pretty good. I think most people ride the university bus system, but as long as you have your ID, you can ride the city bus system for free as well. The Trolley, 4, 7, and 9, I believe, all stop within some proximity of the Health Center.

There's also a few housing complexes further out (Eagle's Landing, for instance) that has a shuttle running to the school as well. Not always the most convenient, but it allows you to get to class without driving.
 
since decisions go out friday afternoon, about what day do most people get the letter? Monday? Tuesday?
 
II invite!! Very excited--- top choice! Mr. Jefferson- I'm coming for you!
 
Is it recommended or okay to call the admissions office to ask why waitlisted and what specifically one can do to improve chances of getting off the waitlist?
 
II this morning. I was complete on 12/02/2011. Out of State. High MCAT and solid GPA.
 
omg! i got an II too. i'm seriously floating up to heaven right now haha. IS, 3.7/33. i'm on teh lower end for uva but i guess that's whyy it took them so long to get back to me. complete back in start of august.
 
omg! i got an II too. i'm seriously floating up to heaven right now haha. IS, 3.7/33. i'm on teh lower end for uva but i guess that's whyy it took them so long to get back to me. complete back in start of august.

Awesome!! This school is simply amazing.
 
Waitlisted. OOS 3.98, 40M.

This was my top choice so I'm super disappointed.
 
Waitlisted. OOS 3.98, 40M.

This was my top choice so I'm super disappointed.

*sigh*

I understand that you all want to get in right away. Believe me, I do. But the waitlist is not a death sentence. Lots of people get in off the waitlist. They're super careful about handing out too many acceptances, since they overenrolled for my class.
 
*sigh*

I understand that you all want to get in right away. Believe me, I do. But the waitlist is not a death sentence. Lots of people get in off the waitlist. They're super careful about handing out too many acceptances, since they overenrolled for my class.

Thanks. I'll wait it out. Do you think I should write a letter? Get another letter of recommendation?
 
*sigh*

I understand that you all want to get in right away. Believe me, I do. But the waitlist is not a death sentence. Lots of people get in off the waitlist. They're super careful about handing out too many acceptances, since they overenrolled for my class.

How does one get in off the waitlist? Suggestions?
 
Thanks. I'll wait it out. Do you think I should write a letter? Get another letter of recommendation?

How does one get in off the waitlist? Suggestions?

I would suggest writing an update letter in the next few weeks with your recent accomplishments/activities. I would trend away from updates about grades because if you were able to get an interview, then your numbers are good enough for admission. But if you are a borderline applicant (numbers-wise), then an updated transcript can't hurt.

Besides the update letter (sent in Jan-Feb), I would send a letter of intent during the first week of May. This is the critical 2-3 week period where applicants begin withdrawing from schools (May 15th deadline) and waitlists potentially move. I would say something along the lines of "If selected, I would undoubtedly attend." But I really must emphasize that this should be the TRUTH and not to send this type of letter to more than 1 school.

If UVA has spots in the class to fill after May 15th (which they definitely will), the admissions people are more likely to accept those who continue to express interest.

I hope this helps!
 
Yeah, we can't say for sure that they'll actually help, but I can't see update letters hurting. Just don't try to update them with fluff, maybe highlight any possible area of weakness. Like mvenus said, stating UVA is your top choice (if true) would be good to include around waitlist movement time.
 
...stats aren't everything but like the poster above me says, when 90% of people who are interviewing with you have high gpa's and mcat scores, it's really hard to distinguish yourself unless you've done something extraordinary. If you look at UVA's ranges for last year they go from 3.5-3.9 (gpa) and 31-39 (mcat), and im guessing whoever was accepted with stats at the lower end of their range probably had really good EC's. I'm 3.9/37 btw with decent EC's, accepted early November. Good luck!

I know for a fact these stats are wrong. I go there now and got a 41 on the MCAT.
Likewise, I know people who had a GPA lower than 3.5...
 
Same here...II from UVA for Christmas would be perfect!!!
 
Thanks! I have been complete for a VERY long time (so long I can't even remember.. I think August or September sometime)..so clearly there's still hope..keep your heads up!

Yeah I have been too so that's good to hear! I was complete in aug and am IS. fingers crossed!
 
yeah seriously me too. i was waiting since aug 4 with two update letters to them too. =\
 
Thanks! I have been complete for a VERY long time (so long I can't even remember.. I think August or September sometime)..so clearly there's still hope..keep your heads up!


+1

Was also complete for about the same time, OOS. Invites are still happening, so keep positive.
 
I would suggest writing an update letter in the next few weeks with your recent accomplishments/activities. I would trend away from updates about grades because if you were able to get an interview, then your numbers are good enough for admission. But if you are a borderline applicant (numbers-wise), then an updated transcript can't hurt.

yeah seriously me too. i was waiting since aug 4 with two update letters to them too. =\

This goes to both sets of people (those on the waitlist and those waiting for an interview).

Don't send an update letter unless you really have something to update about your application. It should follow, of course, that you're actually doing something to add to your application since you submitted it this summer. If you're not, and you don't end up getting in anywhere, you'll be in a world of hurt (been there, done that). And, again, if you're borderline numbers wise, an updated transcript when all your final grades from the semester are on it, won't hurt. Unless, of course, your GPA drops as a result.

That said, for people on the waitlist... you're not going to see any movement until May. So make sure you cross your t's and dot your i's (include UVA on your FAFSA, make sure you have all your parent's financial paperwork together, etc). You can send update letters, but, again, make sure it's something important. That means that if you interviewed a week ago and were waitlisted, you should probably hold off on sending a letter for a couple months.

Come May, if you're still really interested in coming to UVA, send a letter of interest/intent. A lot can happen in that time.

For those who have not yet interviewed... treat every single interaction you have with the students and staff as an interview. The tour guides, your hosts, and the people who come in to talk to you have no real say in the ultimate decision that comes down. But, if you act like a complete jerk to one of the tour guides, they might let it slip to one of their friends on the admissions committee, who does have some say in the final decision. Similarly, if you really impress your host, they might pass on a good word for you, which can have some impact on their decision (especially if it's a waitlist decision). I'm not saying this to frighten you or make you into a complete brown-noser, but I speak from experience.
 
oh i should actually follow up that i did get an II haha. but it took me a few months to get it.

thanks for the advice mvenus about the interview!
 
II today! figured it was a rejection email but i was in for a surprise!
OOS, 3.7 gpa, 35+, complete sometime late july :luck:
 
I got an invite yesterday! Super excited!

Only problem is that none of the dates they offered work for me, and now they're not in the office again until the 27th, but I'll worry about that next week. 😀

OOS, and I was complete July 12 (which seems like a lifetime ago...) so don't lose hope!
 
Alternate list. OOS, 36, 3.7.

Not my absolute top choice, but I guess I'll stay on.

I'm not sure what to write my update letters on, as both of my interviews touched upon what I will be doing between now and the summer. Maybe how much I liked the school? Or perhaps since I'm on the lower end of things academically they'd like to see upward mobility in my GPA? (I'm a midyear graduate.)
 
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