2012-2013 UVa Application Supplement Essay Questions

The Common Application for 2012-2013 doesn't launch until August 1st.  If you want to work on something application related over the summer, I suggest you think a little bit about how you'll approach your personal statements.  You don't really need to practice filling out your biographical information, but it might be smart to do some free writing on a few essay topics so you aren't scrambling for ideas as the deadlines approach.

Here are the prompts for the two required pieces of writing you'll have to do for your UVa Supplement to the Common Application. You should be able to answer the questions in half a page.  Single spacing is preferred (double spacing is so notes can be made on paper and we're paperless). Part of being a good writer is being a good editor, so you really shouldn't go too far beyond the recommended length.

2012-2013 UVa Supplement Essay Questions for First Year Applicants

1.  We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists.  Answer the question that corresponds to the school you selected above.  Limit your answer to a half page or roughly 250 words. 

• College of Arts & Sciences:  What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?
• Engineering:  If you were given funding for a small engineering project, what would you do?
• Architecture:  What excites you about architecture?
• Nursing:  Discuss experiences that led you to choose the School of Nursing.
• Kinesiology: Discuss experiences that led you to choose the kinesiology major.

                                                                         

2.  Answer one of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words:

• What is your favorite word and why?
• Describe the world you come from and how that world shaped who you are.
• Discuss your favorite place to get lost. (This question was written by U.Va. students who live in one of our residential colleges, Brown College at Monroe Hill.)
• Discuss something you secretly like but pretend not to, or vice versa.

  Good luck!

A message from the President

If you've been following the events of the last 16 days, you might be interested in seeing our President Sullivan's address to the students, faculty, staff, and friends of UVa who were gathered outside the Board of Visitors meeting at the Rotunda yesterday.

She speaks to prospective students and parents for two minutes, starting around the 5:30 mark.

The students at WUVA interviewed a member of the Class of 2016 about his thoughts after yesterday's gathering on the Lawn.

A message from Student Affairs...

I was planning on sharing the 2012-2013 essay questions on the blog yesterday, but I think I'll save that for later in the week.  Inevitably, some of you have been following recent events on Grounds and I thought I'd share a letter that the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer sent out to parents about what is happening.

Dear Parents:

Our students, your daughters and sons, are the focus of our work in Student Affairs. For weeks now, just as we were saying goodbye to the Class of 2012, we have been preparing for the new academic year. We are looking forward, as always, to welcoming the initial group of new students to our Grounds for the first Orientation session, beginning July 5.

Many of you have been following news reports about the University of Virginia over the past 10 days. Early this morning, the Board of Visitors announced that Carl Zeithaml, a longtime colleague of mine who serves as Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce, will become interim president on August 16. This follows the announcement last week that President Teresa Sullivan would step down from her position on August 15.

This unexpected change of leadership does not alter in any way our commitment to you and to your daughters and sons. Our work remains focused on our students and on ensuring the best possible student experience for each and every one of them. I truly believe the U.Va. experience – built not only on a strong academic foundation but also on such lasting values as honor and integrity, self-responsibility, and service – meets an ideal that cannot be found elsewhere.

This summer, a number of student leaders already were here on the Grounds to prepare for a new academic year. I have been working alongside them as they have witnessed unfolding events. I admire their maturity and insight as well as the leadership they are showing to their respective organizations and to the University as a whole. They will be a positive force within the community when the new school year begins.

As we move forward during this challenging time, I hope you will stay in touch with any questions or concerns. The U.Va. Alumni Association has set up two avenues for sharing your thoughts. One website, which summarizes recent statements, offers the option for you to post public comments.

Another website is collecting confidential comments, which will be forwarded to the University’s Board of Visitors (if you choose to use this option, please enter your daughter or son’s graduation year and school of study on the form).

Along with all of my colleagues in Student Affairs, I remain grateful for your support and look forward to serving you and your daughters and sons in the future.

Sincerely,






Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

The Class of 2016 is Full

Hello all!  I've been offline for the last week and apologize for the lack of an update.

On Friday, we emailed all students who chose to remain on the waiting list to let them know that we have finished our review process and the incoming class is full.  Here's the text of that message:

After considering the size of the first-year class and the spaces available in the student body, I regret to inform you that we will not be able to offer you admission this year. Our first-year class is full and I believe it would be unfair to keep your name on the waiting list any longer.  We sincerely appreciate your interest in the University of Virginia and know that you would make a fine contribution to the University. If you are interested in pursuing the possibility of transferring to the University after one or two years in another college or university, we would be pleased to provide information to you on how this can be accomplished. Sincerely, Greg Roberts Dean of Admission University of Virginia

I know it was a long wait, but I took comfort in the fact that you all had other fantastic schools that were eager to have you on their campuses in the fall.

Thank you so much for being part of this blog.  Best wishes for a wonderful summer and exciting start to your college careers!