Admissions

College is all about balancing a full schedule of work and play so that you can enjoy yourself in all areas of life without burning out and failing, just like in real life! So, work hard and study for your classes. Go out on the weekends or join one of UVA's many clubs and organizations. Just don't let one aspect of your life affect another. If you keep it at a happy medium, you're more likely to stay calm and, well, happy!

Work hard, play hard, that's our motto. Always look up your professors online before you sign up for their class just to get an idea of what kind of work you'll be facing. Plan your schedule with alternative classes because I guarantee you, you won't get all the classes you want first semester. When you arrive, take a chance to explore the Grounds with your hallmates: they will be your life force! Don't forget you'll be living with them for 9 months! Another tip: Don't fall behind on your readings!! This is the most important thing you must learn if you attend UVA. There is a lot of reading, definitely more than 200 pages a week, depending on what classes you take (don't take literature and history in the same semester if you can't handle more than 500 pages a week). Definitely join some clubs and make friends that have similar interests. Remember: Work hard, play hard. Finish your work and have some fun!

One thing that prospective students should do is definitely visit all of the schools that they are applying to and never base your opinion of a school off of stereotypes and what they hear from other people. I had my heart set on going to another school from the 4th grade all the way through the first semester of my senior year of high school. I actually almost refused to even visit UVA. However, my mom made me visit and I took the opportunity to stay overnight to sort of see what it was like to live there, and I fell in love. I would say to definitely take advantage of any over-night stays or programs being offered at prospective schools. Make sure to ask lots of questions on tours and sit in on a couple of classes and talk to professors if you can.

Make sure you are willing to put in the work it takes to get good grades here because a degree from the University of Virginia is going to do fantastic things for your future.

- Take as many AP classes as you can reasonably do well in and participate in extracurriculars you enjoy. It's better to have a few clubs and be deeply involved or hold leadership roles in those than it is to be in twenty clubs and only be a peripheral member.
- If you have access to a wide array of AP or IB classes (more than you can reasonably take in 4 years), be smart about which ones you pick - most AP credit only converts to transfer credit and will not let you place out of specific classes. Those that do award class credit can be found [here](http://records.ureg.virginia.edu/content.php?catoid=43&navoid=3014#adva_exam), but if you are planning on the pre-health track, I highly recommend taking AP Chem and AP Bio, but if you can only do one, I recommend taking Chem. Please note that even with AP credit for chemistry, you are still required to take the chemistry lab (this does not apply for biology, however.

Come see the campus, instead of applying blind. The grounds are beautiful and a big part of what most Wahoos love about UVA.
Also, UVA is a public university and has many types of students, so everyone can find a way to fit in here.
Lastly, if you get waitlisted and really want to attend UVA, don't just sit around and wait. Make a case with the admissions office and tell them how much you want to go to Virginia. The admissions office loves to accept students who are passionate about the school.

Get involved early! At the Activities Fair in the fall, find some organizations and sign up. Go to the interest meetings and if you like what you see/hear, join the group!

Come visit the campus! I knew I wanted to come after seeing how beautiful the campus was and realizing it did not feel as big as it is. Try to come visit on a day when you can also come see a sporting event or listen to an a cappella group so that you can get a glimpse at some UVA traditions!

Don't be afraid to go to college! I know that in high school I was SO ready to get out of there and out of my house. I needed something new. But when the time came for me to actually pack my bags and boxes and head down to Charlottesville, it was terrifying! In no time though, I realized that I had nothing to be afraid of, because UVa was awesome and was everything I was looking forward to in a college :)

My biggest tip is just APPLY. As an out-of-state student, I did not even consider UVA until I was accepted and toured Grounds. I highly recommend visiting Charlottesville and seeing all of the wonderful opportunities at this school. UVA is very well-known and respected, so there's no reason it shouldn't be top on your college list!