‘We’re So Proud of You’: Cheering, Happy Tears for UVA Early Decision Students

We asked, and boy, did the first members of the University of Virginia’s Class of 2029 deliver.

The Office of Admission shared decisions with the nearly 5,000 students who applied in UVA’s early decision cycle, and UVA Today asked students to send us their joyful reactions.

“Oh my God.”

“My heart is pounding out of my chest.”

“I got in!”

Those were just a few of the reactions from the approximately 1,200 accepted students, who agree to enroll in the University if accepted, in exchange for extra-early notifications.

Families, many clad in UVA gear, huddled around laptops Friday evening as their high school seniors checked the notifications in their portals. Elsewhere, a school bus packed with student-athletes erupted in cheers as one of their teammates got her acceptance.

Greg Roberts, UVA’s dean of admission, said the number of early decision applications increased by 11%.

“We are thrilled to offer admission to this exceptional group of students. As the very first members of the UVA Class of 2029, they set a high bar,” he said.

“We are grateful to all the students who applied through our early decision plan this year, and we are especially thankful to the parents, guardians, school counselors and community members who support them on their journey. With a record number of early decision applications, admission was competitive. We could not offer admission to every deserving applicant but are hopeful each high school senior who applies to college this year will find a college home in the coming months that excites them and brings them joy.”

Two admission cycles for the Class of 2029 remain. Early action decisions will be released by Feb. 15. Regular decisions will go out by April 1. Neither is binding; admitted students will have until May 1 to notify the University of their acceptance.