The University offered admission last month to 973 early decision applicants for the Class of 2011. This year's early decision process will be the last of its kind at the University, following the administration's landmark decision last fall to eliminate the early admissions option.
According to Dean of Admissions John Blackburn, the University received 2,410 early decision applications this year. While about 40 percent of these students were admitted, 1,129 were deferred and 307 were denied, Blackburn said.
Of the admitted students, 93.5 percent rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes.
Though the admissions process for the Class of 2011 is ongoing, Blackburn's office is already preparing to adapt to admissions without an early decision option. Because of the change in the application timeline, Blackburn said, the staff in admissions is going to have more work later in the year.
Blackburn noted that while the University's decision to end early decision has been lauded for opening opportunities for students from lower-income families, the decision is also beneficial for the University.
"It will give us more time to talk to students," Blackburn said. "We're always looking for more time to do that."
Sylvia Elder, Charlottesville High School guidance department chair, said she is very pleased that the University's Office of Admissions will make a concerted effort to aid students throughout the application process.
Early decision "is a favorite way to apply to U.Va.," Elder said. She noted, however, that she believes the decision will probably not affect the number of students who decide to apply.
"A lot of our students live and breathe to go to U.Va.," Elder said.
The admissions office is also adapting to a larger class size. Blackburn said the Class of 2011 will include approximately 3,170 students. In previous years, classes have been composed of approximately 70 fewer students. The increase is the result of the Higher Education Restructuring Act in which the Board of Visitors undertook greater control of University finances in exchange for less state funding. To compensate for lost state revenue, the Board raised tuition and the size of the incoming class.
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