This is obviously an emotional and stressful time for all of you. While I understand that it's sometimes cathartic to blow off steam on message boards and blogs, I hope we can keep the discussion here polite and thoughtful in the days leading up to notification and during April, when many are here asking questions about Days on The Lawn, different programs at UVa, the waitlist, etc.
I posted a similar entry to this one a few years ago and I think there was a good response. I have a few suggestions for those who want to discuss topics on the blog. It's fine to address each other (in fact, when students answer each others' questions, it's very helpful!), but I hope that you'll keep a few things in mind.
1. Be welcoming of newer readers.
They might not know how to search past posts for answers.
They might not know how to search past posts for answers.
That's a baby CavDog greeting a pretty well known dog in town.2. Don't gang up on other readers.
A good discussion doesn't have to end with consensus.
A good discussion doesn't have to end with consensus.
3. Don't horde information.
Unfortunately, CavDog tends to horde tennis balls.4. Be patient when waiting for answers to questions.
CavDog as a puppy at his cousins' house5. Know when to take a break.
It's fun to talk about admission, but sometimes you need to step away from the discussion.