<p>About the NOVA argument…I understand what people are saying…but is it really a matter of people being shut out because of where they live? When I was in HS, the college reps said that they compare applicants based on their area. I don’t know if that applies everywhere still…but that’s what we were told as HS seniors. If it IS true though, that means most qualified applicants from NOVA, Richmond, Hampton Roads, etc get in to certain schools. It would make the most sense if it was that way.</p>
<p>Another thing to think about in that article is that there’s a GPA mentioned, but it isn’t that big of an indicator of the student’s ability. The grade weighting for school systems vary so much…and a 3.99 in NOVA is much easier earned than a 3.99 in other school systems (like the one I went to HS for). And you also have to take other things into consideration with admission, like major. That also has a big role in whether a student gets admitted or not. Just my opinion, though.</p>
<p>On the “I stole a spot” argument…is that really the case? Colleges offer admissions to SO many students, it’d be hard to say that an OOS is taking the place of an IS student. Wouldn’t an IS student be rejected because they aren’t qualified for admission, not because there isn’t enough room or whatever?</p>
<p>There just seem to be a lot of factors that affect whether students get into the competitive schools…if only admissions would reveal what REALLY goes on.</p>