REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is one of the most renowned public universities in the U.S., known for its rich history, rigorous academics, and commitment to graduating responsible and engaged civic leaders. Nestled in the charming town of Charlottesville, Virginia, the institution offers a blend of traditional Southern charm and cutting-edge innovation, creating a unique environment where students are encouraged to excel both inside and outside the classroom. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating liberal arts with professional studies to prepare students for diverse careers and global citizenship. The dynamic and multifaceted campus environment, including numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs, ensures that students at UVA have ample opportunities to grow, connect, and make a significant impact in their communities. Ideal for motivated and engaged students, UVA fosters an environment in which curiosity and passion drive both personal and academic growth.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is one of the most renowned public universities in the U.S., known for its rich history, rigorous academics, and commitment to graduating responsible and engaged civic leaders. Nestled in the charming town of Charlottesville, Virginia, the institution offers a blend of traditional Southern charm and cutting-edge innovation, creating a unique environment where students are encouraged to excel both inside and outside the classroom. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating liberal arts with professional studies to prepare students for diverse careers and global citizenship. The dynamic and multifaceted campus environment, including numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs, ensures that students at UVA have ample opportunities to grow, connect, and make a significant impact in their communities. Ideal for motivated and engaged students, UVA fosters an environment in which curiosity and passion drive both personal and academic growth.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is one of the most renowned public universities in the U.S., known for its rich history, rigorous academics, and commitment to graduating responsible and engaged civic leaders. Nestled in the charming town of Charlottesville, Virginia, the institution offers a blend of traditional Southern charm and cutting-edge innovation, creating a unique environment where students are encouraged to excel both inside and outside the classroom. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating liberal arts with professional studies to prepare students for diverse careers and global citizenship. The dynamic and multifaceted campus environment, including numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs, ensures that students at UVA have ample opportunities to grow, connect, and make a significant impact in their communities. Ideal for motivated and engaged students, UVA fosters an environment in which curiosity and passion drive both personal and academic growth.
School Location:
CHARLOTTSVILLE, VA
School Type:
PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Admissions Rates:
ADMITTED: 19%
GENERAL INFO
SAT/ACT Scores:
Test Optional for 2024-2025
Admission Cycle
Class of 2027 Test Scores
Middle 50% SAT: 1400-1540
Middle 50% ACT: 32-34
Dates/Deadlines:
Early Decision (ED): November 1
Early Action (EA): November 1
Regular Decision: January 5
School Information:
Undergraduate population:
11,786
Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Interviews Considered:
No
UVA TIPS & GUIDE
How difficult is it to get into UVA?
Admissions at UVA is competitive for in-state applicants and highly competitive for out-of-state applicants. The Class of 2027 saw a 16% acceptance rate, with a record-breaking applicant pool of 56,439 students. During the regular decision round of applications, in-state applicants had an admissions rate of 13%, while out-of-state applicants were accepted at a rate of 8%.
What is the campus like at UVA?
UVA’s campus, also known as Grounds, is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, approximately 120 miles southwest of Washington, DC. UVA is distinguished by its Jeffersonian architecture and The Academical Village, which was the first collegiate World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. Located just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville has a rich culture and offers endless activities for students to explore. Whether it be hiking through the mountains, shopping around the historic Downtown Mall, or visiting James Monroe’s Highland, Charlottesville offers a small town feel with all of the culture of a metropolis.
With 700+ student clubs and organizations, 17 recreation centers, and numerous intramural teams, there is something for every student at UVA. Founded to promote the public good, public service is a staple of campus life at university, and students engage in 108,ooo+ service hours each year. There are also several fraternity and sorority organizations, and nearly 28% of students choose to join a chapter.
All incoming first-year undergraduates live on campus at UVA. Housing assignments are made on a random basis, and students can choose from one of the three residential colleges, each offering unique culture, benefits, and student-driven programming.
What is UVA known for?
UVA boasts nationally ranked academics, distinguished faculty, a major medical center, and renowned research programs. In 2024, UVA was ranked as the #5 public school in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The university is particularly known for its strong programs in business, law, and medicine, with the Darden School of Business, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine consistently ranking among the top in the nation.
UVA has a long-standing honor system that is central to its student culture of self-governance. This honor code, established in 1842, is one of the oldest and most comprehensive in the nation, requiring students to uphold high standards of integrity and honesty.
Can I afford UVA?
UVA is one of the nation’s few public universities to practice need-blind admissions, meeting 100% of students’ demonstrated need. For the 2024-2025 school year in the College of Arts & Sciences, the cost of attendance for first year in-state students is $39,494. The cost for first year out-of-state students is around $78,214 to $79,574. The cost of attendance varies by the program and school, and students can find specific information regarding their approximate expenses on this page. Thirty-nine percent of first-year UVA students are awarded some level of need-based financial assistance. UVA also offers scholarships to students with specific qualifications, such as academic, athletic, or artistic achievement.
How do I apply to UVA?
UVA offers Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision options for applying. Deadlines for both ED and EA fall on November 1st, with the distinction that ED applicants are committing to attend the school if accepted, while those who apply EA are making no such commitment. The RD deadline is January 5th.
The university has a singular, streamlined application process, as it only accepts the Common Application. First-year applicants can apply to the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Architecture, School of Engineering, School of Nursing, and the Kinesiology Program in the School of Education. In addition to the school to which they are applying, students may also list two academic interests, though they will not declare a major until the end of their first or second years. A complete application for admission must include the following components:
- A completed writing supplement including two short answer essays
- Official school report and transcript submitted by counselor
- One teacher evaluation from a core academic subject teacher and one counselor recommendation
- Academic interest and school choice
- SAT or ACT scores (test optional for applicants entering in the Fall of 2025)
- Arts and Architecture supplement (optional)
- Virginia residency indication (if applicable)
- Application fee or fee waiver
Does UVA have a good athletic department?
Sports and recreation is a major part of the UVA culture and the school is regularly placed among the nation’s Top 5 athletic programs. Known as the Cavaliers or the Hoos, UVA sports teams have won 34 NCAA Team National Championships in total. With 27 varsity teams and 750 student athletes, UVA is a hub for excellence both on and off the field.
What are UVA’s core curriculum and programs?
Through its eight schools, UVA offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 30 minors for the Bachelor of Arts degree, with additional programs for the Bachelor of Science degree. For the Bachelor of Arts degree through the College of Arts and Sciences, students must meet the general education requirements by following one of two paths—the Disciplines Plus Pathway or the Engagements Pathway. Students in the Disciplines Plus Pathway take courses across two ponents: Literacies and Disciplines Plus. The three Literacies include Rhetoric for the 21st Century; World Languages; and Quantification, Computation, and Data Analysis. The Disciplines Plus Pathway includes seven categories and students must earn 3 credits in each of the categories, plus an additional 9 credits spread out across three grouped categories. For the Engagements Pathway, students take courses across three components: Engagements, Literacies, and Disciplines. Students in this pathway must enroll in four Engagement classes in their first year. Find out more about the general education requirements here!
Numerous UVA undergraduate students participate in research by the time they graduate. The Office for Undergraduate Research (OUR) is equipped with abundant resources to help undergraduates connect to research opportunities, find funding, and share their research with others. The office also houses the Undergraduate Research Network.
Each year, thousands of students participate in UVA’s expansive study abroad opportunities, enabled by the university’s generous financial aid for study abroad programs. Find out more about UVA’s study abroad programs here!
