How to Get Accepted to University of Virginia

Is UVA an Ivy League School?

The University of Virginia is not an Ivy League institution. The Ivy League is a group of eight private colleges and universities in the northeastern United States that are known for their high academic standards and significant history.

The Ivy League schools are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

Admission Requirements for University of Virginia

With a 21% acceptance rate, the University of Virginia (UVA) is highly selective in its admissions process. To optimize your chances of acceptance, consider the following:

• Aim for a high school GPA of 3.85 or higher
• Strive for A- grades throughout high school
• Target an SAT score of 1440 or an ACT score of 33
• Rank within the top 10% of your graduating high school class
• Include teacher recommendations in your application

Applicants to UVA must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:

• Rank in the top half of their high school class
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Achieve an ACT composite score of 17 or an SAT score of 900

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UVA has adopted a test-optional policy for applications through the 2022-23 academic year. The deadline for regular admissions applications is January 5.

Application Process for University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) welcomes applications from both first-year and transfer students via the Common Application. Students are required to complete their part of the application online, while counselors and teachers have the option to submit documents either online or through postal mail. The application fee for UVA is $250, and applicants should include academic transcripts as well as GRE or GMAT scores. Admitted students generally have SAT scores ranging from 1400 to 1540, or ACT scores between 32 and 34.

Key application deadlines for UVA in 2023 are as follows:

• Early Action (Binding): November 28, 2022
• Early Action (Non-binding): November 28, 2022
• Round 1: February 6, 2023
• Round 2: April 24, 2023
• Round 3: May 22, 2023

For admission decisions, expect the following timelines:

• Early Decision: Around December 15
• Early Action: By February 15
• Regular Decision: By April 1

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for University of Virginia

• Applicants have the option to submit either SAT or ACT scores for Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 admission cycles.
• UVA has no preference between the SAT and ACT.
• Typically, admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1400 to 1540, or ACT scores between 32 and 34.
• The acceptance rate at UVA is 19%.
• Admitted students who self-report test scores must later submit official score reports from the College Board (SAT) or ACT.
• UVA considers the highest scores from each section across all test dates, without recalculation.

Scholarships and Financial Aid at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid to undergraduate students, including:

• Need-based aid: UVA guarantees to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, regardless of residency status. This aid may come in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and/or need-based loans.
• Merit-based aid: UVA offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to students with outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and other accomplishments. These scholarships are awarded competitively and do not require students to have financial need.
• Special interest scholarships: UVA also offers a number of scholarships to students who meet specific criteria, such as those who are majoring in certain fields of study, are members of underrepresented groups, or come from certain geographic areas.

To apply for financial aid at UVA, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are applying for merit-based scholarships may also need to submit additional materials, such as essays and letters of recommendation.

Here are some examples of scholarships and financial aid that are available to UVA students:

• Jefferson Scholars Program: This prestigious program awards full scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and civic engagement.
• Rodman Scholars Program: This program awards full scholarships to students who are passionate about public service and social justice.
• UVA Alumni Association Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to UVA students based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, financial need, and extracurricular involvement.
• UVA Undergraduate Research Center Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to UVA students who are conducting undergraduate research.
• UVA Athletics Scholarships: UVA offers athletic scholarships to students who compete on one of the university’s varsity sports teams.

In addition to scholarships, UVA also offers a variety of other financial aid programs, such as work-study and loans. Students can learn more about these programs and apply for financial aid on the UVA Student Financial Services website.

Top Undergraduate Programs at University of Virginia