<p>I've applied THREE times for the University of Virginia (Currently at Virginia Tech, will have a 4.0 GPA after three semesters after my finals) and I am starting to believe I'm not being offered admission because I'm missing quite many of these. Being a science major, all of the classes I have taken thus far consist purely of the sciences and math. Catching this before the last time I can apply to the school, it is pretty much impossible for me to fill all of the requirements now. The most I can do without killing myself and overloading credits is to fill the history and non-west requirement and perhaps part of another requirement. I am willing to register for classes for Summer 2012 to fulfill the remaining requirements if necessary.</p>
<p>Please let me know and thank you for your time! I want nothing more than to be a Wahoo!</p>
<p>The short answer is that they do matter, though I can’t tell you exactly to what extent. This is because in addition to looking for good students, UVA wants “transferable” students–people who can come in and be basically on track with their peers as well as graduation requirements. It’s good that you’ve taken classes for your major (the first time I applied to transfer I didn’t have a major and I hadn’t taken many gen eds), but definitely start racking up general requirements. It’s a little late to advise you now, but good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for replying brishe! A huge problem is I got a lot of 4s on my AP exams. 4s are often more than enough to fulfill requirements at VT, but UVA just throws the credits back at my face, requiring mostly 5s. For example, I don’t have to take English at VT, but UVA would need 6 credits of it. I also passed out of Math, Area 2 - Ideas, Cultural Traditions and Values, Area 3 - Society and Human Behavior, and Area 7 - Critical Issues in a Global Context at VT, but as I mentioned earlier, I am lacking most of those requirements besides the Natural Sciences and Math at UVA. Unaware these requirements even existed, I just took classes to fulfill my Biochemistry/Computer Science major/minor at VT leaving me somewhat behind according to the list. :(</p>
<p>One other thing to consider is most colleges want to see your grades for general education/area/major requirements prior to giving you a decision. In your case they can see how well you have done academically in your area of interest but not as an overall student. Even if you agree to take the courses over the summer they won’t be able to see your grades for those courses before a decision is rendered. A word of advice to students in your position that are considering to transfer to another college/university is to do your research. Go online to their transfer site, go to their info/open houses for transfer students-if this is not possible then email an admissions department and ask about all requirements. I know of many students that want to go to another school and then miss this important step to make sure they can dovetail into it. </p>
<p>Also, excellent post Brishe, as usual. And great question Hazel. I thought that myself.</p>
<p>My best to you in your endeavors it sounds like you have done quite well at VT in your designated major and if you don’t get into UVa be proud of your accomplishments and your VT degree. Well done!</p>
<p>Quick question about requirements – I know UVA says you need four years of every subject in HS. What if you’re a transfer student and only took 3 years of a subject? Automatic denial?</p>
<p>I have the same question as smorgasbord…anyone know how HS courses affect admissions decisions for transfers (specifically the # of years each subject was taken)?</p>
Dean J is in the middle of reading season for first year ED and RD admissions. She comes here to answer questions as a courtesy, but has made it clear it isn’t her top priority right now. I would suggest calling the admissions office and asking to speak with the ‘Dean of the Day’ to ask your question. If you want to reach Dean J directly (rather than summoning her…) you can message her on her blog, Notes from Peabody, or email her. Your best bet is going to be calling admissions however.</p>
<p>Thanks blueiguana! I’ll email her (the admissions office phones lines are usually blocked up, so I imagine they’ll be getting more traffic in the next few days due to EA).</p>
