UVA Admissions Information

The University sits near the top of difficult schools to get into. For out of state students, it’s even harder.  Below is advice to increase the likelihood of gaining admission. Some of the advice reaches as far as freshman year of high school; if this point has passed and the recommendations haven’t been fulfilled, keep in mind it is still entirely possible to gain admittance.
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Important Dates
Statistics
Admissions Recommendations

• The Application
• Testing
• High School Course Work
• Extracurricular
• Legacy/Alumnist

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Important Dates

Note: Applying for the class of 2015 has been closed as of 1 JAN 2011.

Click here for transfer deadlines.

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Admission Statistics (Class Entering 2010)

23,986 applications
7,823 offers of admission
3,425 students enrolling
91.5 percent of enrolling students ranked in top tenth of class

Middle 50% rate for SAT scores:
610-720 Critical Reading
630-740 Math
620-720 Writing

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Admissions Recommendations

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The Application

UVA now uses the Common Application (includes one essay) with two supplemental essays specific to the University of Virginia.

Essay
The Common Application essay can be on a topic of the applicant’s choice or a response to pre-written questions.

Most importantly, be original. The essay is an applicant’s chance to become a person rather than a statistic.  A good essay can make a huge difference on an application.

It is not recommended to write about an event that “changed” oneself (ex. a mission trip), especially if it is an obvious stretch to see this event as life altering. Though no topic is right or wrong, admissions receives countless essays of this type and “un-originalizes” the applicant. A good essay captures part of who the applicant is. It captures a moment in time. For example, describing the experience of driving around at night with friends, or the importance of a piece of jewelry and it’s story, etc. The essay should be personal and give a brief glimpse into the life of the applicant. Parke Muth, the Associate Dean of Admissions at UVA says admissions are looking for the students voice. He advises students to read their essays to their best friend. “If it sounds like a Ph.D. thesis, it’s probably not their voice, the voice we’re looking for.” Make the essay your own!

The supplemental essays should have equal originality.

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Testing

UVA accepts both the SAT and the ACT. Admissions will take the highest score of the ACT, and will take the highest score for each section of the SAT. Therefore taking the tests several times can only help you and won’t penalize you.

The middle 50% of the class of 2013 scored 1250-1430.  This does not reflect the difference in scores between in-state and out-of-state applicants.

It is HIGHLY recommended to take two SAT subject tests. There are 20 different subjects: U.S. History (especially soon after taking AP U.S. History), English, and Math are popular. If you take an AP course try and take the subject tests that corresponds to that class soon after in June. See the College Board’s website for more information.

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High School Course Work

Required:
4 years of mathematics
4 years of English
2 years of a foreign language
1 year of social science
2 years of science (3 for engineers)

Recommended:
4 years of mathematics, including calculus
4 years of English
4 years of a foreign language
4 years of science
4 years social science

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A good GPA isn’t enough – it must be paired with the correct classes. Five solid academic classes are recommended. The applicant should take the most rigorous course load offered by your high school each year AND do well in those classes. If you can’t start at the toughest level right away, increase the rigor of your schedule each year. For example in 10th grade you may be taking 4 honors classes and one AP class. Junior year you take 2 AP courses and 3 honors. Senior year 4 AP Courses and 1 honors. Do not lessen the rigor in successive years.

The question often comes up whether to take an easy class and get an “A” or take an AP course and get a “B.”  The best answer is to take the AP and get the “A.”

Some schools offer IB programs and others many AP classes. The important thing to keep in mind, whether your school offers these different sorts of classes or not, is you will be judged by what courses you completed based on your school curriculum, your school requirements and yours alone. If your school does not offer AP courses or an IB program that will not be held against you. What is important is that you are taking the most challenging courses that your school offers and are doing well in them.

Courses taken senior year should increase (at a minimum maintain) the rigor of previous years. A “senior slide” is an easy rejection by admissions.

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Extracurricular

As with types of classes, the University is seeking well rounded individuals outside of the classroom. Involvement outside of class is necessary, and leadership in these activities is a major aid. While its great to be involved in many activities, it is better to be involved in just a few and hold a position, than to be in numerous teams/groups and hold none. Find an activity you are passionate about and contribute to it.

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Legacy

Legacy applicants are highly recommended to visit the Alumni Liaison website and schedule an appointment for an individual meeting. The meeting serves to review the record of the applicant and for the Legacy adviser to get to know the applicant. The Legacy adviser can tell you more about how he/she aides in admissions.

Legacy students, regardless of location, are placed in the in-state pool.