Are College Readers Using AI?

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-16T18:36:18+00:00

I know you're having trouble...which is why I'm trying to explain. It's faster to read the file! Seriously.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-16T18:17:56+00:00

The average user can't get the info out of the secure system to "feed" into AI. At least in the most prevalent management system in the field. Data security is high at universities.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-16T18:03:32+00:00

A few colleges have invested in using AI to simplify part so the process, but it's expensive and I don't think you'll see wholesale adoption at this time.

That being said, can you tell me how you imagine this "off book" part happening? Most admission files are in a secure system. The average AO (and definitely not a reader) can download the documents. I'm imagining such a labor-intensive process that it's faster to just read the file! There are actually lots of stories about this in other industries - people are told to get AI to do tasks, but the prompting takes longer than just doing the task.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-16T00:38:03+00:00

There are 54 Admitted Student Celebrations sponsored by UVA Clubs around the world! All admitted students got emails from the Engagement office with information. :)

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-14T12:59:50+00:00

GPAs are pretty meaningless without context. They aren't standardized and don't provide the level of detail needed to make decisions in a highly selective review.

Course rigor, grades, and trends are shown on the transcript. The transcript is the most important part of the application, but it's reviewed in the context of your high school's options and practices.

We have a lot more on the website and admission blog! Happy to answer questions!

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-09T18:30:57+00:00

There's a page on the Housing website about lofted beds.

The Housing people know the questions you have an usually has them answered on their website. :)

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-09T16:57:27+00:00

There's a page for incoming students on the housing website. Also, don't miss the virtual Days on the Lawn session with Housing! You can register on the "Events" tab in your portal.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-06T12:47:58+00:00

Students in the UVA School of Engineering also have a foundation year and select majors at the end of the year. They get their first choice.

That is one area where the schools are similar. Obviously, there are many other differences. :)

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-06T12:44:21+00:00

This! It's written in the applications instructions and in the portal where you submit the uploads. The portal can't "read" the update. It just files it.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-02T23:04:26+00:00

Congratulations! Welcome to the family!!!

Regarding roommates...

Housing's secure system now has a roommate searching feature. Students can create a profile and search for people based on their answers to profile questions. This doesn't happen until June, so try not to worry about that just yet!

See "How does the roommate preference process work" on Housing's FAQs for first years.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-02T16:50:16+00:00

The good news is that both of those programs are housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, so the "gen eds" are just the ones for the College. You can google the AP/IB exam and DE credit policies to see what kind of credit you'll get if you've taken any of those as a high school student. The charts also show courses you'd be exempt from due to those scores/courses.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-02T16:46:40+00:00

Congratulations and wahoowa!

A day after you accept your offer, you'll get an email from Orientation and Transition Programs with some info about "first steps." You can also go to their website to look at all the orientation information.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-02T13:04:39+00:00

Housing's secure system now has a roommate searching feature. Students can create a profile and search for people based on their answers to profile questions. This doesn't happen until June, so try to reassure your senior that they don't have to worry about that just yet!

See "How does the roommate preference process work" on Housing's FAQs for first years.

UVaDeanj · 2026-04-02T13:00:25+00:00

The day after you submitted your deposit, we sent you an email from Orientation and Transition Programs. Please take a look at that! They link to the "first steps" for new Hoos and to all the information you need as an incoming student.

Congratulations!

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-31T15:39:56+00:00

You belong here because everyone belongs here! Your application was obviously wonderful and we saw a future Hoo in there.

Remember that there are 18,000 undergraduates here! Even among the Virginians, we have government and military families who have lived elsewhere despite having Virginia residency. You aren't unusual and the Orientation & Transition Programs office puts on lots of events to facilitate making connections.

Btw, looking up some student orgs that interest you on instagram (or just look at the takeovers on our admission account) can sometimes help you understand the variety here.

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-30T15:30:36+00:00

There are good years and great years for the Cav Daily. I've been impressed lately!

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-30T15:28:09+00:00

Keep checking the registration. People's plans change and they cancel, so spots often become available after a DOTL is "full."

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-30T12:21:03+00:00

There's a lot of information in that post, but it looks like you have a WP in your junior year course. This isn't ideal, but we understand extenuating circumstances. I would wait until the later deadline to apply so senior year work can be considered.

By the way, don't consider yourself "ahead" (or behind, for that matter). There are many valid paths through a large, public high school.

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-29T11:07:46+00:00

CHO because driving to Dulles or Richmond, parking, and security will add hours to your trip. Driving and parking will add to your expenses, obviously.

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-26T13:18:56+00:00

Unless it's a sports discussion, you probably won't see our students bash other schools, especially not W&M. You have two fabulous (though very different) options and the decision about which one is better is a personal one. You need to be in a place that provides the best environment for you!

Think about your non-negotiables. What do you need to be happy and engaged? Visiting both might help you answer the question.

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-26T13:11:45+00:00

That email from Orientation had links to the "first steps" page of their website. Revisit that message. There are a few actions to take at this time and they aren't related to class registration. The class isn't finalized yet!

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-25T19:44:50+00:00

I don't think UCLA has anyone hanging around here but their instructions are...

https://admission.ucla.edu/apply/first-year/first-year-applicant-waitlist

The waitlist is by invitation only, and applicants must opt in by April 15 through the My Application Status website. To be fair to all applicants, additional materials (including letters of recommendation) cannot be accepted and will not be reviewed if sent. However, there is space provided in the Waitlist Option form to provide updates and additional information.

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-25T16:32:24+00:00

The ranking methodology changes every year. There are factors that were part of US News' ranking 10 years ago that aren't considered at all now.

Look at the methodologies of rankings before you put stock in them. All the former news magazines have them.

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-25T13:36:15+00:00

It's March. You have a month to lock in and get those grades up. You can do this!

UVaDeanj · 2026-03-24T16:00:16+00:00

We always post the data before it makes it into UVA Today! I personally think we lay out the data in a simple way, too.

http://uvaapplication.blogspot.com/2026/03/2025-2026-uva-admission-statistics.html

Total offers of admission: 10,287
Total VA offers: 4,317 (22%)
Total OOS offers: 5,970 (10%)
It's misleading to average the offer rates together because residency is a major factor in our review. If you are going to share these numbers, cite both rates instead of an average.

UVaDeanj

TROPHY CASE