<p>I understand it’s a wholeistic approach, but there has to be more weight placed somewhere.
So, how would you rank importance
GPA, act, class difficulty, common app essay, Uva supplement, extra curricular, etc. </p>
<p>See the common data set and scroll down to section “C7 Basis for Selection.” <a href=“http://avillage.web.virginia.edu/iaas/cds/cds1314all.shtm”>http://avillage.web.virginia.edu/iaas/cds/cds1314all.shtm</a></p>
<p>I’ve understood that the best determinant for success in college is doing well in the most difficult academic program available in your high school. Also, being able to handle an important extra-curricular or two or a part-time job while doing well academically shows an ability to manage your time. </p>
<p>I heard an admissions rep from another competitive college say they hate to see an applicant with very high SAT scores but mediocre high school grades or a weak high school schedule. They said that shows you have high ability, but are lazy and unfocused. </p>
<p>The essays ARE also important at UVa. Put time, thought and energy into them.</p>
<p>Some competitive colleges use SAT scores as a screening mechanism. A high score helps you be considered, but it does not guarantee admission.</p>
<p>Most competitive colleges will tell you that showing leadership in one or two important activities is better than simply being a member who went to meetings of 10 different organizations.</p>
<p>Lastly, it is beneficial to show you have some empathy for other people or animals. There are too many high performing high school students who come off as self-centered braggards. </p>
<p>For the essays, unless a college tells you they want something different, I would use the essays to try to get across your personality and your interests. The essays are not designed to be college research papers, and are not designed to see how many big words you know. They should show your style. </p>
<p>Try to write about subjects that most other people are not writing about. As a U. Penn’s admissions officer said, you should only write about the Great Gatsby if you were in a rich family during the 1920s. Don’t just try to recycle an English paper that earned an A in high school. </p>
<p>Humor and satire are fine, but if you use them, test out the writing on a couple well-educated people in their 20s or 30s to make sure they get the jokes. I talked my son out of writing about the Zombie Apocalypse.</p>
<p>One more thing - if you use the word holistic, check the spelling (smirk).</p>
<p>We don’t have a point system or rubric, so people sometimes don’t like our answers to this one.</p>
<p>Course progression and grades are probably the biggest factor and the area where we spend the most time. That, along with your recommendations, gives us a sense of your academic preparation. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the answers -
@Charliesch, I was on my phone, so I didn’t catch the typo (I was trying to get this post done fast) - but yeah, I will make sure to check the spelling if I use it in my essay! :D</p>