Introduction
The University of Virginia (UVA) is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. It is also one of the most selective, with an acceptance rate of just 22%. As a result, many students wonder if they have a better chance of getting into UVA if they have a legacy connection.
What is Legacy Status?
Legacy status is a term used to describe applicants who have a family member who has graduated from a particular university. At UVA, legacy status is considered a “demonstrated interest” factor, which means that it can give applicants a slight edge in the admissions process.
How Much Does Legacy Status Help?
The impact of legacy status on admissions at UVA is difficult to quantify. However, a 2018 study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that legacy applicants are 45% more likely to be admitted to their first-choice college than non-legacy applicants.
How to Get Legacy Status at UVA
The most obvious way to get legacy status at UVA is to have a parent or sibling who graduated from the university. However, there are a few other ways to qualify for legacy status, including:
- Having a grandparent who graduated from UVA
- Having a great-grandparent who graduated from UVA
- Being the child of a faculty or staff member at UVA
- Being the child of a donor to UVA
Other Factors that Affect Admissions at UVA
Legacy status is just one of many factors that UVA considers when making admissions decisions. Other important factors include:
- GPA
- SAT/ACT scores
- Class rank
- Extracurricular activities
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
Tips for Applying to UVA as a Legacy Applicant
If you have legacy status at UVA, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting admitted:
- Make sure your application is strong in all areas. This means getting good grades, doing well on your SAT/ACT, and participating in meaningful extracurricular activities.
- Highlight your legacy status in your application. In your essays, you can mention how your family’s connection to UVA has inspired you to apply. You can also ask your family members to write letters of recommendation that emphasize your legacy status.
- Apply early. UVA has an early action deadline of November 1. Applying early can give you a slight edge in the admissions process.
Conclusion
Legacy status can be a helpful factor in the admissions process at UVA. However, it is important to remember that it is just one of many factors that the university considers. To improve your chances of getting admitted to UVA, make sure your application is strong in all areas.
