I compiled a little chart showing the date that early applicants saw their results online. Way back in 2006, we had Early Decision and only got 2,311 applications. We had a paper application back then and our application had its own, unique website where students applied and saw their decisions. I typed "-1" six times to get decisions posted back then. Ah, simpler times.
We had a few years with just one application (Harvard, Princeton, and UVA made that move around the same time). I remember being convinced that people would applaud us for giving seniors their fall semesters back. I remember thinking that schools would follow our lead. In reality, all we got were complaints. In time, we gave in to the complaints and added an early process again. This time, it would be Early Action, which would allow students to see their financial aid packages before committing to enroll.
(2018 number is unofficial. I'll have an updated number on decision release day.)
Thoroughly reviewing the number of applications we're getting these days takes time. Of course, we've added staff members over the years (I can remember a time where there were just 13 full time admission officers here!). We aren't going to take short cuts while reading your applications.
So here's what you need to know if you applied Early Action to UVA:
1. Decisions will be posted by the end of the month.
2. All decisions are posted at once.
3. If we are able to post decisions before January 31st, I will announce the date here and on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We will also email all applicants the news.
Hang in there, folks. We still have some work to do.