Battling for the Best: Most Selective Colleges in Virginia

Hi there, I live in Virginia and want to stay in-state for college. I thrive under pressure and want to make sure I'm aiming for the top colleges here. Any idea which colleges are the most selective in Virginia? Could you also share some insights into what these colleges generally look for in prospective students?

Sure thing! To give you an idea, the most selective colleges in Virginia include the University of Virginia (UVA), the College of William and Mary, and Washington and Lee University. Let's unpack each of them for you:

1) The University of Virginia, or UVA, in Charlottesville is one of the top public universities in the country and is also very selective with its admissions. They aim for students who show exceptional academic achievement, but they also put emphasis on qualities such as leadership, community involvement, and individuals who would contribute to the diversity of their student body.

2) William and Mary in Williamsburg is another highly selective school. It has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, so students who demonstrate a passion for learning in a variety of subjects would stand out. They also value community service and leadership experiences.

3) Washington and Lee University in Lexington is a private institution and its admissions process is holistic. This means they look at more than just your grades and test scores; the strength of your curriculum, your contribution to your community, and your personal qualities are all important parts of your application.

All three of these schools do value high grades and robust standardized test scores, but they also greatly value individuality and involvement in your community. Keep in mind that highly selective colleges such as these often look for students with a "spike," or a highly-developed specialty. This shows you’ve been successful in a particular field and are likely to continue to be successful in it in the future. It might be a good idea, then, to focus on one or two areas where you can develop deep expertise.

Also, since these are all highly competitive schools, it's worth noting that colleges assess extracurricular activities based on a 'tiers' system. Top-tier activities that showcase national or international-level achievement are favored. For example, winning a prestigious science competition would be a Tier 1 extracurricular, while being a member of your school's basketball team would likely be a Tier 4.

Finally, make sure your essays are well-crafted. Those are your opportunities to sell your personality and your potential contributions to the school's community. This can include your passion for your selected major, your commitment to service, or how your personal experiences have shaped your perspective and goals. Avoid cliche topics though, and ensure your essay offers a unique snapshot about you.

Best of luck with your applications! The admissions process may seem grueling, but remember it's all just a means to an end – landing in the college that's the best fit for you.