<p>UVa is really competitive for everyone but being OOS makes it tougher. The essays are an important part of the application process- UVa posts specific advice about good essay writing: </p>
<p>[Essays</a>, Admission Information, Undergraduate Admission, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html]Essays”>http://www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/writingtheessay.html)</p>
<p>Dean J also posts an admissions blog, [Notes</a> from Peabody: The UVA Application Process](<a href=“http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com%5DNotes”>http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com), which is very, very helpful. You might want to take a look at that and review some of her tips and some of the questions others have had about the application process. </p>
<p>Of all the activities you participate in, I would think about the ones you enjoy the most and think of further ways to distinguish yourself in those areas. Find a contest/competition where you can use your debate skills to further your interest in government/law. Any chance you could lose the Walgreen’s job and intern for a local attorney? Check with a prosecutor’s office- they may allow a high schooler to volunteer in the office. You’ve got plenty to work with - just think of what you enjoy and allow that to shine through rather than focusing on resume padding. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>