High School Students
Thanks for visiting our high school prospective student page and your interest in the University of Virginia. While there are guidelines listed for each year of high school as well as a general document concerning the main points of applying to college (ABC’S of College Search and Application Process), please keep the following general information in mind as you prepare. We use a holistic means of evaluating applications, focusing on the following credentials:
- Excellent performance in a rigorous secondary-school program, including at least four units of English, four of college-preparatory mathematics, two of foreign language, one of social science, and two of science (from among biology, chemistry, and physics; engineering applicants must take three units of science, including chemistry and physics). These are minimum requirements; since most successful applicants exceed them, we recommend that candidates take a strong academic program in their school in all academic disciplines. Top candidates will have challenged themselves by taking demanding courses.
- Results from the SAT I or the ACT (including the writing portion). We use the highest score on each part of the SAT I and the highest composite score on the ACT.
- We strongly recommend results from two SAT II Subject Tests in any subjects of your choice.
- Recommendations from one counselor and one teacher. The Common Application allows your guidance counselor and teacher to submit their recommendations online along with other required school forms.
- Completed application. The application consists of the Common App & U.Va. Supplement, School Forms (Common App School Report, transcript, recommendations, and school profile), and Mid-Year Grade Report. We neither require interviews nor use them in the evaluation process. Admission is need blind; that is, we consider candidates without regard to their financial circumstances.
These are some general guidelines to consider throughout your high school career, but the year-by-year breakdown is listed below.
High School Freshmen and Sophomores
Welcome! Congratulations on starting the college search process early—you are ahead of the game! You're probably wondering what you need to do in order to be a successful college applicant.
There are some things that you can do in order to prepare yourself for the college application process.
Please keep in mind that the most important thing is for you to take your school's toughest courses in all five academic subjects and make the best grades possible. If you take the toughest courses and make good grades, you will have more options available to you when you apply to college.
Please read our "ABC's of College Search and Application Process" article for more information on how to best prepare yourself for college.
High School Juniors
Welcome! We are happy that you are considering the University of Virginia in your college selection process, and would like to provide you with some useful tips and information. This is a good time for you to explore the different schools within the University. If you are considering Engineering, Architecture or Nursing you may wish to schedule a tour while you are visiting. It may also be helpful to explore our Web site and see which programs appeal to you.
Schools/Arts Department Tours
Many of our undergraduate schools and departments provide tours for prospective students and their families. These tours are in addition to admission tours. Please see our admission info sessions schedule for more information. Please note that often during academic recesses these tours may be unavailable. If you have questions about the Visual and Performing Arts at Virginia email arts admission for answers.
Please read our "ABC's of College Search and Application Process" article for more information on how to best prepare yourself for college.
High School Seniors
Welcome! The University of Virginia welcomes applications from High School Seniors. In reading applications for admission to the first-year class, we value intellectual ability, academic achievement, and personal qualities that would contribute to the University community.
Applying to college is more than submitting applications and taking standardized tests. Here are some helpful guidelines for what to do this year.
Preparing for College-Senior Year
Applying to college is more than submitting applications and taking standardized tests. Here are some helpful guidelines for what to do this year.
- Review your schedule of classes before the start of the school year to ensure a reasonably rigorous college-prep program.
- Meet with your counselor to plan for the year.
- Request applications from colleges.
- Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Register for the fall dates of the SAT or ACT.
- Attend visits by college representatives to your school or area.
- Organize your applications.
- Begin your applications early.
- Submit your applications on time.
- Note additional instructions.
Please read our "ABC's of College Search and Application Process" article for more information on how to best prepare yourself for college.
As you begin your application to the University of Virginia which is accessible through Common Application, please consider our specific instructions.
