Applying to UVA’s College of Arts & Sciences; interested in data science and business
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
Unweighted HS GPA: approximately 3.5
Weighted HS GPA: 4.08
Class rank: School does not rank
ACT: 36 composite, 35 Science
HS Coursework
9 AP courses and 1 dual-enrollment course; remaining academic coursework primarily honors
English: Honors English, AP English Language, and senior-year Dual Enrollment English
Math: AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, and AP Statistics
Science: Biology 1 Honors, Honors Chemistry Honors, AP Physics 1, and AP Environmental Science
History and social studies: Honors Virginia/U.S. History and AP U.S. Government
Language other than English: Spanish through Spanish 3
Visual or performing arts: None
Other academic courses: AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and Economics
Awards
Two-time state qualifier in business competitions
AP Scholar recognition
Extracurriculars
Completed a mentored machine learning project analyzing a large loan dataset to predict credit risk.
CMO of a restaurant website startup; led outreach and acquired 5+ clients & generates 4 figures a month.
Completed 380 volunteer hours tutoring younger students in math and reading.
Coauthored research on evaluating AI uncertainty methods; submitted to a computing conference, with a decision expected Nov. 20.
Second author on an economics/ML workshop submission; contributed to theory, experiments, and writing. Received positive reviewer feedback but was not accepted.
Competitive events co-chair for a business club; mentored approximately 17 members.
Worked a paid car-washing job.
Lift regularly and help family members with training.
Competed in swimming through ninth grade; now swim recreationally.
Play pickleball recreationally and have won four local competitions.
Essays/LORs/Other
My personal statement follows my journey from being bullied about my weight to finding confidence in the gym, where I eventually struggled with comparing my appearance and strength to others. It explores how I learned to value the process over visible results and recognize less measurable growth in my independence, consistency, and patience, both inside and outside the gym.
I cannot objectively rate my essays or recommendation letters.
Schools
University of Virginia — Early Decision, College of Arts & Sciences; unsure how to classify my chances.
My main concern is my GPA compared with my course rigor and ACT score. How competitive does this profile look for UVA ED? I’d appreciate realistic feedback.
I would absolutely apply ED to University of Virginia if this is your top choice. They admit approx 25% in the separate ED & EA rounds. One issue here is that standardized test scores are Considered which is two categories below Very Important. Your UW GPA is about 3.5 which is likely not in the top 10% (estimated). I think your ACT scores of 35-36 will outweigh this. Submit the ACT Science score, if accepted.
Q: Do you plan to apply to any other schools in VA or outside of VA or just UVA?
Do you think I have a chance to get into UVA? Im a bit worried that I will get rejected due to my lower GPA, but I toke hard classes and did struggle, As and Bs.
I think your odds are pretty good whether you apply ED or EA to UVA. Place emphasis on the awards & the ECs, pick good recommenders, & write excellent essays that reflect your character & personal qualities - this is the written “interview” for UVA to get to know the applicant. Have you considered also applying to William & Mary as a third VA alternative?
Im not the biggest plan of William and Mary, my first is UVA, second is Vtech, and last would be VCU. Theres only 1 essay and I think i did pretty well for UVA.
No problem. This former OP from 2014 didn’t like William & Mary either.
I think the three schools you are currently targeting is sufficient.
You’re very likely to get admitted to both VA Tech & VCU.
In case you get deferred from UVA, this means they want more data from senior year. Aim for a 4.0 GPA this semester just in case. I think you’ll end up getting admitted in the spring even if deferred.
Yea I know but UVAs always been my dream school and its close to home which I like, and yes Im a first gen student. Why do you think ima no to UVA? What can i do that can strengthen my app? I dont have any budget issues as my parents are also a big fan of UVA and are willing to cover all 4 years.
There are no dream schools. Sorry. It was just last year - your cousin was a UNC dream - and hated it and was desparate to transfer.
Guess what - all schools have bad food, roomies, profs, whatever. There are no dreams. UVA is great - but guess what - so are others that are closer to your profile - whether a Penn State, U Del, U of SC, WVU, Purdue if not engineering, SUNYs- wherever.
I just think your GPA is a bit low.
But apply and see - if they say no - like I said - oh well.
You could, for example, go to Bama, for $15K or so less than UVA in state - some schools buy kids in. You could potentially get into a U of SC or Ohio State or UMN but def the ones I mentioned above and other great schools. Pitt would be solid for you too.
Not sure Data Science is a great major - the data scientists I work with build a lot of dashboards and do little analysis.
I think you should have a second major or minor at least.
I hope you get into UVA but I’m just saying, if you don’t life won’t end. The sun will still come up the next day and you’ll have every similar chance to be successful in life.
was a UNC dream - and hated it and was desparate to transfer.