As a reminder, I'm moving to monthly updates here. Between our application volume, trying to keep people updated on Instagram and TikTok, checking in on other channels, and my other responsibilities, the blog has taken a back seat.
So here are some notes from the past month.
1. Final (For Now) Application Numbers
A record 50,813 students applied for first-year admission to UVA. The Early Decision group was the smallest, at just under 3,500 applicants. The Early Action group is the largest, at just over 31,000 applicants. The RD group is around 16,000.
When I got to UVA in 2005, our total application number was equal to our current RD round. The pace of the process has changed dramatically.
2. Early Action Notification
We changed the language we use for Early Action notification in 2019 to stating that we'd have decisions ready by the middle of February. That year, we were able to get decisions posted on January 31st. It was a huge effort. Last year, we were able to post decisions on February 5th and I think that's in large part due to the entire staff being at home (our office was closed to visitors during that phase of the pandemic).
With that background information, I can tell you that Early Action notification will definitely be in February this year.
3. Submitting Mid-Year Grades
If you are a Regular Decision applicant or you are deferred during the EA/ED rounds, you must submit mid-year grades. You can upload them yourself via your portal (a screen grab is fine) or your counselor can submit them. Please submit electronically.
4. Portal Updates
You are allowed to upload several kinds of documents via your portal. If you do not get an error, your upload was successful. The portal can not "read" what's on the file you submit and classify it. Please do not email staff members a second copy of something you already added to your file via your portal.
5. Demonstrated Interest
You do not need to send us letters of continued interest (LOCIs). All deferred students and those offered a spot on the waiting list will have a form in their portal to fill out instead of a LOCI. That is the only demonstration of interest we need. Please follow our directions on this! It streamlines the process for you and for us!
This is covered in the application instructions, our FAQs, and on the "connect" page of our website.
6. Getting in Touch with Us
If you need our assistance, we have staff members answering the phones and email during business hours. You can email undergradadmission@virginia.edu, and a staff member will direct your message to the right person!