<p>If I’m not mistaken, the point of the likely letters may be this: these are kids who have demonstrated in their application that they are not only great UVa material, but possibly great material for other top schools and possibly Ivies. Because UVa recognizes the possible loss of these students from their matriculating students, the likely letter is a way of reaching out to them and saying we really want you to choose UVa when it comes time to make your decision. That’s just my take on it.</p>
<p>My son did not compete early for the Jefferson and other scholar programs at UVa because they were only open to those willing to apply early with binding and commit to UVa. This is the practice that I don’t understand at Virginia, because it certainly closes the door to other great schools for these students. If he didn’t get the Jefferson, he’d still have to attend UVa, even if he could have gotten a similar program elsewhere. It would be great if it was understood that if you didn’t get the scholarship you would be free to attend elsewhere. But will this be cleared up with the doing away of Early Decision? Perhaps this is a topic for another thread.</p>