How to get into University of Virginia? Data, advice, and UVA acceptance rate

Want to get into one of the most prestigious institutions in the U.S. and be a part of the University of Virginia family? In this guide, we share key points such as UVA applicant characteristics, admission requirements, application review process, important deadlines, instructions, and scores for prospective students to review. We will also share tips on how to increase your chances of acceptance by diving into applicant data and the specific qualities and traits UVA looks for in applicants.

Is it hard to get into the University of Virginia?

The University of Virginia has a selective admissions process, holds high academic standards, and maintains a strong reputation as one of the most prestigious public universities in the U.S. The institution was founded by the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson, in 1819 and has been given the title of “Public Ivy ” due to rigorous academia and historical significance that is comparable to that of Ivy League Universities.

The institution is rated #1 Top College in Virginia by Forbes, 2023, and #5 Top Public Schools by U.S News & World Report, 2024.

UVA acceptance rate

The University of Virginia’s low acceptance rate of 19%, which appears to be steadily declining, can be attributed to a combination of factors including high demand, rigorous admission criteria, and limited space availability. This trend intensifies the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

Essentially, yes, it is difficult to get into the University of Virginia. But with enough research, preparation, and effort, you can have what it takes to become a Cavalier!

How do you get into the University of Virginia?

Applying to colleges has never been easier! Applicants can apply to the University of Virginia by using the Common Application, creating an account, and filling in information. It’s also a great idea to start as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to make any changes or add more information to your application.

It’s important to note that there are three different application rounds, the Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision round.

Early Decision

Early Decision is a binding admission, meaning applicants are obligated to attend and must be 100% sure that UVA is their first choice. However, the upside of this decision is that your admissions chances are higher. The application deadline for Early Decision is November 1st and applicants can expect to be notified by December 15.

Early Action and Regular Decision

Early Action and Regular Decision are both non-binding admissions, meaning applicants are not obligated to enroll if admitted and are able to compare financial aid offers from other colleges before making a final decision. The application deadline for Early Action is November 1 and applicants can expect to be notified by February 15. The application deadline for Regular Decision is January 5 and applicants can expect to be notified by April 1.

UVA Application checklist

Here is a checklist of necessary items in order to apply to the University of Virginia:

• Completion of the Common Application
• Personal Statement consisting of 250 to 650 words on individuality and experiences
• $75 application fee payment or fee waiver documents
• Official Transcripts and Secondary school report
• Teacher evaluation and letter of recommendation from counselor or school administrator
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• Art Supplements and portfolio (optional)

Different programs and colleges may require additional materials, be sure to check these requirements on the University of Virginia’s Deadlines & Instructions page.

What does the ideal UVA student academic profile look like?

The core components of an ideal student academic profile consist of a high GPA, strong standardized test scores, and high-class rank. The University of Virginia also utilizes a holistic approach and considers various other factors such as extracurricular activities and additional information.

GPA

While the University of Virginia has no specific GPA requirement, competitive applicants typically have an unweighted GPA of 4.32 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants can increase their GPA and demonstrate academic excellence by taking challenging curricula such as honors, Advanced Placement, dual-enrollment courses, or International Baccalaureate. If your GPA is below the applicant average of 4.32, you have the ability to submit either your SAT or ACT test score to compensate for your GPA and effectively compete with other applicants.

Standardized test scores

The University of Virginia has an optional standardized test score-sharing policy – meaning the applicant will not be at a disadvantage on the basis of whether or not test scores are shared and the institution will consider the application with respect. These tests include SAT, ACT, AP, or IB and this policy has been extended for admission for Fall 2024 and Fall 2025. There is also no minimum score requirement or preference between the SAT and ACT, though, it’s a great idea to share if possible as the majority of UVA applicants submit scores regardless and it will be one less aspect to display merit.

A UVA applicant generally has an SAT score composite of 1445 on the 1600 SAT Scale. The math section average is 735 while the reading & writing section average is 716. An SAT score at or above 1510 places you in the 75th percentile (above average) while a score of 1400 or below places you in the 25th percentile (below average). The University of Virginia will also super-score your SAT results by considering the highest scores from each section across all test attempts.

The average UVA ACT score is 33 on a 36 ACT Scale. An ACT score of 32 or below places you in the 25th percentile (below average) and a score of 35 or above places you in the 75th percentile (above average).

If you believe your test scores are a great representation of yourself and your success as a student, please share your scores as it will increase your chances of admission and keep you competitive in a pool of applicants.

High School Class Rank

The University of Virginia does not have specific requirements for class rank, though the majority of applicants had a high class rank which displays a strong academic performance and provides a better chance of admission.

Here is a class rank breakdown for the 2023 school year:

• 85% of undergraduate admitted students graduated in the top 10% of their class
• 95% of undergraduate admitted students graduated in the top 20% of their class

As you can see, the University of Virginia had a considerable amount of undergraduate admission with missing or unranked class rank data meaning UVA takes their holistic approach very seriously and earnestly takes other areas into account regardless of class rank.

Applicant qualities and characteristics

The University of Virginia seeks applicants who demonstrate multiple traits such as academic excellence, leadership potential, personal qualities, and intellectual curiosity that align with the university’s mission and values. This includes students who have challenged themselves with rigorous curriculum and coursework, students who have made a positive impact and held leadership positions in school organizations or clubs, and students who are passionate about learning.

How does the University of Virginia review applicants?

The University of Virginia reviews applications with a holistic approach while also considering and evaluating other factors such as:

• State residency
• Academic performance
• GPA
• Test scores
• Personal character
• Letters of recommendation

UVA divides applicants into separate groups based on regions. These groups consist of Virginians, Non-Virginians, and International applicants. Group separation allows these applicants to not directly compete against each other but instead compete with those within their respective group and the same procedure applies to those that apply to different UVA schools. State residency group separation is done in order to ensure a balance of Virginia and non-Virginian enrollments.

How to improve your chances of admission to UVA

Here are five important things to do if you want the highest chance of admission to UVA:

Maintain a Strong GPA and Complete Challenging Curriculum

The majority of admitted students had a GPA of 4.0 and above. Taking on and challenging yourself with rigorous curriculum such as honors and AP courses can boost your GPA.

UVA also recognizes dual enrollment, meaning students aren’t just limited to honors and AP coursework. Completion of dual enrollment strengthens your GPA and provides transferable college credit, allowing admitted students to get a head start on their college journey. These factors display academic excellence which is exactly what UVA wants to see in students, a passion for learning.

Score High on the SAT/ACT

Although test score reporting is optional, it’s a perfect opportunity to present your academic performance. A large number of admitted students had scores of 1445 out of 1600 on the SAT and 33 out of 36 on the ACT. You can take the SAT as many times as you’d like until you are satisfied. UVA will super-score your SAT results and consider the best score of each section on all attempts. You can start preparing for these tests as early as possible by taking practice tests and studying content areas. Remember, UVA will still consider your application should you not report standardized test scores, though if applicable, reporting test scores can ensure you maintain a competitive edge among other applicants.

Engage in Extracurricular Activities

Participating and engaging in extracurricular activities is an excellent demonstration of interests and goals. but consistency and commitment should be the key aspects and goals when engaging in extracurriculars. UVA wants to see future students prioritize quality and stay committed to a select few extracurriculars rather than an excessive amount.

Write Compelling Essays

Essays are a pivotal aspect of your application, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the questions and begin preparing as early as possible. You can select one of the five available prompts to write and there is also an additional prompt that is specific to the undergraduate program you apply to.

These essays are used to express your personal narrative and character. It’s important to avoid repetitiveness with information provided elsewhere in your application and discuss your personality, core values, interests, and goals.

Provide Strong Letters of Recommendation

Given the significance UVA places on letters of recommendation, it’s important to obtain at least two. One of these letters must be written by a school counselor or school administrator, and the second must be written by an academic subject teacher. These letters should provide UVA with a holistic view of your character as well as offer insights into your identity beyond academic achievements.

Conclusion

And there you have it: with hard work on your transcript (grades), test scores, and extracurriculars, you too can get into the University of Virginia! UVA is a very good school and thus a challenging school to get into, but it is not impossible. Take a look at the numbers we shared above and see how you stack up, and where you’d need to improve. With enough lead time, smart decisions, and hard work, you can become a Cavalier.

Andrea Cuevas

27 Mar 2024, 9 min read