The University of Virginia is a public research university that was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. The University of Virginia acceptance rate is 23 percent, according to US News & World Report, making the school very selective in its admissions.
This article provides details about University of Virginia admissions and tips for submitting a solid application. We’ll take a close look at University of Virginia admission requirements, plus top majors at the school. We end the article with a look at jobs that graduates have acquired after completing their degree, including their salaries and job outlooks.
Is The University of Virginia Easy to Get Into?
No, The University of Virginia is not easy to get into. UVA has a highly selective acceptance rate of 23 percent. UVA reports that a total number of 48,011 students applied to UVA for the 2021-2022 school year, out of which only 9,898 were admitted. The early decision acceptance rate for The University of Virginia is even more competitive, at 20.6 percent, according to US News & World Report.
What Is The University of Virginia’s Acceptance Rate?
The University of Virginia’s acceptance rate is 23 percent, according to both US News and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard. UVA is known to be a very competitive college to get into, especially for applying for an undergraduate program. A good SAT or ACT score may improve your chances of succeeding in the admissions process.
What Is The University of Virginia’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?
The University of Virginia’s transfer acceptance rate is 34 to 40 percent for those applying for the fall semester, according to the school. US News’ 20.6 percent figure might be factoring in transfer applications for the spring semester, which the school states is harder to be admitted into. The courses you have taken affect your chances of being accepted, and so does your GPA, which ideally should be 3.5 or higher.
What Is The University of Virginia’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
The early decision acceptance rate for The University of Virginia is 32 percent, according to the school. This number of first-generation applicants admitted early increased by 68 percent, year over year, for the undergraduate class of 2026. The early decision acceptance rate for out-of-state students was 25.1 percent, compared to 37.8 percent for in-state students.
The University of Virginia Admissions: An Overview
- Number of Applicants at The University of Virginia per Year: 47,971
- The University of Virginia Acceptance Rate: 21%
The University of Virginia acceptance rate reported by the National Center for Education Statistics is slightly lower, at 21 percent, perhaps reflecting a different year. Nevertheless, at 21 or 23 percent acceptance, admissions is very competitive at UVA. Understanding the admission requirements can help you plan your application.
They include your high school transcript, or its equivalent, to verify your GPA and class rank. SAT or ACT scores are also required. Students need high scores on the SAT’s Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections, plus a high overall score. The same goes for the ACT, with a high composite score required, plus high scores on the English and Math sections. International students must prove their English proficiency through a standardized language test.
Who Gets Into The University of Virginia?
Those who meet the admission requirements through an application submitted on time can have a chance at getting into The University of Virginia. Applicants who show high academic achievement are more likely to gain admission. The school’s Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works to ensure that UVA maintains its commitment to diversity. See the top three ethnic groups enrolled at the school below, according to Data USA.
The University of Virginia Enrollment by Ethnicity
- White – 56.8%
- Asian – 13.1%
- Black or African American – 6.48%
The University of Virginia Acceptance Rate by Major
The University of Virginia acceptance rates by major also reflect the school’s competitive admissions. The most popular majors at the school are in architecture, the arts and sciences, and engineering, and each of their acceptance rates can be found below. These acceptance rates were sourced from the school’s website.
Acceptance Rate by Major at The University of Virginia
- Architecture: 25%
- Arts and Sciences: 20%
- Engineering: 28%
The University of Virginia Application Deadline: When Is The University of Virginia’s Application Due?
The deadline to apply to The University of Virginia is January 5 for regular decisions, while the deadline for early decision applications and early action is November 1. October 1 is the application deadline for spring transfers, and March 1 for fall transfers.
The University of Virginia Application Deadlines
- Early Decision Deadline: November 1
- Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Application Fee: $70
- Common App: Yes
What Are the Major Reasons to Go to The University of Virginia?
The major reasons to go to The University of Virginia include the setting, high-quality education, and unlimited potential for interdisciplinary research leading to vast opportunities for students. The university is a hub for research in biomedical data science, computational infrastructure, and biotechnology.
Setting
The University of Virginia’s main campus at Charlottesville is a UNESCO world heritage site, with beautiful landmarks and scenery nearby. The campus is a very short distance to Virginia’s popular Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Shenandoah National Park. Virginia Beach and Washington DC are also just a couple of hours away.
High-Quality Education
The University of Virginia is ranked among the top three public universities in the US, often competing with the University of California-Berkeley for the third spot, according to UVA’s website. The school is on the unofficial Public Ivy list, with a well-respected biomedical data science department for innovative research at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Interdisciplinary Research
UVA’s main campus has 12 colleges with many different departments offering opportunities for interdisciplinary research. The School of Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine, and engineering schools are located near each other. This encourages students to take classes outside of their discipline and explore areas of interest in departments other than their own.
Tips for Applying to The University of Virginia
Some tips that might come in handy while applying to The University of Virginia include submitting high standardized test scores and a good high school ranking, writing a compelling personal statement, and participating in extracurricular activities for a well-rounded strong application.
Good High School Rank and Test Scores
It might seem like a no-brainer, but high academic achievement is a critical factor for getting accepted into The University of Virginia. Prospective students need a New SAT 1 score of around 690 to 700 in both Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. A good ACT score is 32 or above. According to UVA, 99 percent of students admitted are among the top 40 percent in their high school class.
Compelling Personal Statement
A personal statement, statement of purpose, or personal essay is a crucial part of any college application. The University of Virginia also pays it special attention and asks all prospective students to answer one of five application essay prompts each year. This is your chance to show your personality, how driven you are, and why you would be a good fit for your program and the university overall, plus your communication skills.
Extracurricular Activities
UVA is very particular about its students having interests outside of academics. The school categorizes extracurricular activities into four specific tiers. If you’re a nationally recognized athlete or a winner of a national competition, you belong to tier 1. Tier 2 demonstrates leadership abilities, like those of a student body president. Tier 3 is for minor leadership positions, or a varsity sport captain. Tier 4 is for volunteer work and participatory activities.
The University of Virginia Admissions Requirements: First-Year Applicant Checklist
For gaining admission to The University of Virginia as a first-year undergraduate student, you are required to submit your secondary school record, proof that you have completed a college-preparatory program, and letters of recommendation. Other recommended admission considerations at UVA include your secondary school GPA, secondary school rank, and SAT or ACT test scores.
- Secondary school record
- Completion of college-preparatory program
- Letters of recommendation
- Secondary school GPA
- Secondary school rank
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
The University of Virginia SAT Requirements
Below we show you the SAT scores required to get accepted into The University of Virginia. A 25th percentile figure shows that 25 percent of students scored at or below that number, while a 75th percentile figure tells us that 25 percent scored above that number.
- Students Submitting SAT Scores: 52%
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 690 (25th percentile); 750 (75th percentile)
- SAT Math: 690 (25th percentile); 750 (75th percentile)
The University of Virginia ACT Requirements
Below you will find the ACT scores needed for getting accepted into The University of Virginia. Just like the SAT scores above, the 25th and 75th percentiles of each type of ACT score required for admission are provided.
- Students Submitting ACT Scores: 21%
- ACT Composite: 32 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
- ACT English: 33 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
- ACT Math: 30 (25th percentile); 35 (75th percentile)
Acing Your University of Virginia Application: What Is the Best Way to Prepare for the SAT and ACT?
Guides and Resources
The most thorough way to prepare for any competitive test is to find the best prep books and guides. There are many free and affordable resources out there to prepare for either the ACT or SAT. For example, Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus or Barron’s ACT Premium Study Guide are good for both tests overall. You can also get subject-specific guides, like the Ultimate Guide to the Math ACT or The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading, 4th Edition.
Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is a great way to prepare for the SAT and ACT. It is best if you simulate the same conditions that will exist on the actual test day while taking these practice tests. This might include timing yourself and taking scheduled breaks according to the actual test schedule. This proves to help students get used to the testing conditions, which can help manage test anxiety.
Targeted Preparation
One of the best things you can do to improve your test scores is to study intelligently, which includes targeted preparation for your exam. A useful technique is to review your practice test answers to see which areas you are weak in and then give added attention to those areas when you study. Don’t waste precious prep time by studying concepts you already know.
The University of Virginia GPA Requirements: What GPA Do I Need to Get In?
You may need a weighted GPA over 4.0 to get accepted into The University of Virginia. Applicants’ average GPA is 4.32, according to PrepScholar. However, The University of Virginia does not have an official minimum GPA requirement for its students. Keep in mind that students who are accepted are almost always in the top 40 percent of their high school class.
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UVA also focuses on the courses you’ve previously taken as a high school student. For example, getting a good grade in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in the sciences, math, or language acquisition can increase your chances of getting in.
The University of Virginia Tuition: How Much Does it Cost to Attend The University of Virginia?
The average annual cost of attending The University of Virginia is $22,006, according to College Scorecard. However, each program has a slightly different cost of attendance, and the cost of attendance for in-state and out-of-state students is different.
For example, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education and Human Development at The University of Virginia have an annual in-state tuition of $14,878 and out-of-state tuition of $50,348, according to the school’s website.
Similarly, the annual tuition for the School of Architecture is $15,964 for in-state students and $51,474 for out-of-state students. The School of Commerce (McIntire), which is only for third- and fourth-year students, has an in-state tuition of $25,986 and an out-of-state tuition of $61,870. The tuition for School of Engineering and Applied Science in-state students is $24,650 and $60,452 for out-of-state students.
The School of Leadership and Public Policy (Batten), also only for third- and fourth-year students, has an annual tuition of $25,930 for Virginians and $61,782 for others. The annual tuition to attend the School of Nursing at UVA is $19,142 for in-state students and $54,728 for out-of-state students. These figures are for undergraduate students, and tuition rates may vary depending on your year in school.
Common Majors at The University of Virginia
The most common majors at The University of Virginia include the liberal arts and sciences, general economics, and other management sciences and quantitative methods. Other popular majors include general biological sciences, international relations and affairs, and general psychology.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
A liberal arts and sciences degree is geared toward developing critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills in a mostly knowledge-based and non-technical environment. UVA has one of the best liberal arts and sciences schools in the world. You can study over 100 subjects, such as art history, anthropology, and sociology.
Best Jobs for Liberal Arts and Science Graduates
- Advertising Representative
- Technical Writer
- Events Director
General Economics
An undergraduate degree with a general economics major opens up a lot of doorways to lucrative careers. An economics degree program teaches students important concepts like supply and demand, opportunity cost, allocation of resources, and inflation. Students can go on to get very high-paying jobs in various fields.
Best Jobs for General Economics Graduates
- Market Analyst
- Economist
- Economic Consultant
Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Management sciences and quantitative methods majors focus on teaching students statistical methods, data analysis, forecasting, and operations research methodologies. Prospective students need to have a strong mathematical background or skill to succeed in such degree programs.
Best Jobs for Other Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Graduates
- Operations Manager
- Actuary
- Statistician
The University of Virginia Attendance Outcomes
The most common jobs for people who attended The University of Virginia are lawyers, financial managers, and postsecondary, middle school, and elementary school teachers. Other common jobs include judges, magistrates, chief executives, and legislators.
The highest-paying jobs for the alumni of The University of Virginia are physicians, surgeons, dentists, and financial managers. Others include securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians are also among the highest-paid jobs for UVA alumni.
Most Common Jobs for People Who Attended The University of Virginia
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | $127,990 | 9% |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 | 17% |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 | 12% |
| Middle School Teachers | $61,320 | 7% |
| Elementary School Teachers | $61,400 | 9% |
The University of Virginia Alumni Highest-Paying Jobs
| Position | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians and Surgeons | $208,000 | 3% |
| Dentists | $163,220 | 8% |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 | 17% |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $62,910 | 4% |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $60,570 | 8% |
Should I Apply to The University Of Virginia?
Yes, you should apply to The University of Virginia because it is among the top schools in the country. It’s a prestigious school with world-class departments divided into different schools for the liberal arts and sciences, commerce, engineering, architecture, and nursing, to name a few.
The campus itself is breathtaking, and interdisciplinary research is encouraged during your studies. UVA also costs less than an Ivy league school, while maintaining a similar standard of education and exposure. Even if your GPA is not above a 4.0, you can still gain admission because the school also takes into consideration things like test scores and extracurricular activities.
The University of Virginia Acceptance Rate FAQ
You need a really good GPA to get into UVA, as most of its accepted students have a GPA above 4.0. The school accepts students who are at the top of their high school class, with 99 percent being in the top 40 percent.
Yes, The University of Virginia is the most prestigious school in Virginia and one of the most prestigious in the country and in the world. It has a prolific history and was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who served as a two-term president of the United States and also wrote the Declaration of Independence. His vision for UVA was to design a public university dedicated to the growth of human knowledge, cultivating an informed citizenry and educating future leaders.
Yes, UVA is a top school. The University of Virginia has a US News & World Report ranking of number four among all US public colleges and universities. It is also ranked number 25 in the national universities list. UVA is a leader in higher education, with not only a great research orientation but a focus on arts and athletics as well.
It’s difficult to get into UVA but not impossible. Prospective students require a high GPA, good SAT or ACT scores, and a compelling personal statement to be considered. The school also considers extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
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