UVa Releases Early Action Decisions

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia presented thousands of early action (EA) applicants with an unexpected gift by deciding to release decisions several weeks ahead of the posted schedule.

“We're done with the early action review,” said assistant dean Jeannine Lalonde (Dean J) in her Notes from Peabody blog. It's waaaay early, but there's no reason to hold onto these decisions.” 

Taking most applicants by surprise, UVa began the process of posting decisions on Student Information System (SIS) accounts Friday evening.   

This is only the second year UVa has offered an unrestricted early action application option, and it is proving highly popular among applicants anxious to get an early read on their applications.  So much so that Greg Roberts, UVa's dean of admission, estimated at least a 10 percent increase in applications over the first year the program was introduced.

Although final numbers won’t be provided until next week, Virginia admitted about 27 percent of the early applicants last year—almost 3200 students.  About the same percent were deferred to the regular admissions pool and the rest were denied.

“We have always been very honest with applicants, even though there is bound to be some disappointment,” said Dean Roberts, in reference to students denied during last year’s early action round.

EA applicants deferred to regular decision will get a second review and receive final decisions some time before April 1, 2013.  They are encouraged to submit midyear grades and any new standardized test results as soon as possible.

Those who receive admission offers will have until May to submit their deposits and secure places in the class of 2017.  In the meantime, admissions officials will turn attention to the applications of students who applied by the regular January 1^st deadline.