A couple years ago, my grandfather (who went to UVA) told me I should start thinking about an activity I really like to do because UVA likes to see commitment and passion to one activity (talent/ability) such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument, and many other talents. I’m now a sophomore and I can’t quite discover something I am good at and like to do. I danced competitively for many years until I quit in the 7th grade because it got too overwhelming. I played lacrosse this year and my freshman year, but I don’t know if I want to play next year because I’m just not excellent at it (I’ve never really been that good at sports). I think I’m going to take photography next year as a junior, but I know taking a photography class isn’t going to be enough because of course I would have to get awards for this talent, and be recognized, etc. I’m worried that it’s too late and that not having this “talent/ability” is going to mess up my chances of being accepted… how important is this talent/ability? and what kinds of activities count in this such category? Also, I’m an OOS legacy with a 4.357 GPA (straight A’s and 1 AP class because my school only offers one sophomore year). Next year I plan on taking AP World history, AP English 11, AP Psychics 1, AP Calc 1, possibly Photography 1+2 or Art 2 or test prep, and Spanish 4. Any advice on this talent/ability, the admissions process or anything at all?
If you end up having above like a 3.7 uw gpa and decent sat scores you will get in, special talent or not. Oos is definitely alot more competitive, but being a legacy basically means you’ll be treated like an in stater by the application committee(so I’ve heard at least).
I’m sure Grandpa’s heart is in the right place, but he’s wrong. You might want to read the posts I’ve written over the years related to activities on the admission blog:
You should chat with the legacy services folks at the alumni association. They do a great job giving kids at your level very candid/helpful feedback. Which is useful in considering UVA or, frankly, just about any other selective college.
P.S. Legacy at UVA, I believe, means mom or dad went to UVA. Not grandpa.
http://alumni.virginia.edu/admission/admission-liaison-program/legacy-services/