<p>^^ Some schools do that, some don’t. I remember an admissions officer once surveying us at the IRC on what our opinions were – whether a judgment based mostly on numbers was desirable (e.g. being more objective) – and even then our opinions were divided.</p>
<p>The [url=<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/13/AR2009111301940.html]washingtonpost.com[/url”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/13/AR2009111301940.html]washingtonpost.com[/url</a>] ran an article on this subject on 14 November 2009.</p>
<p>The Post article has a thread here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/810365-wash-post-piece-increasing-oos-numbers.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/810365-wash-post-piece-increasing-oos-numbers.html</a></p>
<p>It isn’t really about UVa.</p>
<p>I haven’t finish reading this entire thread (I’m on page 4), but I had to counter something that Ronbo1960 keeps using this taxpayer case. If the Virginian Government contributes 157 million dollars a year to UVa and you divide that by the 4.2 million Virginians currently in the labor force, you arrive at a paltry $37.38 a year. Over 20 years you’re talking about $747.62 (nominative, if you subtract inflation from that number I assure you that UVa’s presence has cost you barely $500 if you’ve worked for 20 years).</p>
<p>If you have JUST one kid go to UVa, then you get a 19,000 reduction every year (average grad rate of ~4 years) for a $500 investment.</p>
<p>Appreciate what you have and stop complaining that ONLY 2/3 of the 12,000 person student body are allocated to Virginians. I assure you that OOS are on average smarter, that’s the whole point of admitting them. There is a reason why schools like Harvard and Stanford are better than public schools, it is not because of money, prestige, or even faculty; it is because they attract the best and brightest.</p>
<p>I would like to live in Virginia someday and I hope that it is privatized. If my child cannot get in on his/her own merit, then that is what life has dealt. </p>
<p>And honestly, a >40% acceptance rate for in-state students is extremely nice. If UVa had a 16% acceptance rate then I could give some credence to your argument, but when slightly under half are admitted, you really can’t complain.</p>
<p>**sorry for the double post, it won’t let me edit anymore (21 minutes later, 20 minute limit… XD)</p>
<p>Overall I understand why Virginians would want to keep UVA “easy” to get into for their children, but making it easier just seems ludicrous. Additionally the money cycles. I pay taxes for my state flagship (Mizzou) and the rest, and if I attend UVa then not only am I subsidizing one of Virginia’s children, I’m also supporting someone from my home state. </p>
<p>You can always find a school that you can “fit” into, you just have to look harder sometimes. Parents also need to realize that their children aren’t exceptional. Everyone has talents and strengths, but that does not make them exceptional. Some people are merely average or above-average and if these people are admitted to Virginia’s finest institution (in large numbers) than their description will become UVa’s moniker. </p>
<p>Good luck Virginians, I sincerely wish the Commonwealth luck in the coming years. Your state is blessed with a vocal electorate and a beautiful, diverse landscape and populace; continue to let it flourish by never settling for the easy way out.</p>
<p>Thank you USNA. We certainly should have more OOS students!</p>