<p>Don’t be discouraged - UVa has a diverse student body when it comes to why people were accepted. Some people get in without good grades OR high scores, because someone really liked their essay. Focus on presenting the best application that you can, not on what other people’s scores are.
I think your grades look okay, especially because you have an upward trend and have done well in your AP classes. When you compare GPAs, keep in mind that most schools weight them pretty heavily (+1 for AP, +.5 for HN).
Have you thought about recommendations? They’re not just a box to check off. Search around for someone who knows you well, and give that person a summary of your achievements. Send a polite reminder letter and a thank you gift. It will help you get into college, and it’s an important skill for later in life when you are searching for jobs.
Start looking at the essay prompts NOW, and get trusted friends to look over your essays. Let your individualism show.
And take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay. I don’t know why UVa is so important to you - it’s a good school, but it’s not the only one. Bear in mind that the student body is quite conservative and religious.
If you DO get in, make sure to look up Virginia Atheists and Agnostics :-D.</p>