Spotlight on: The University of Virginia

   Founded by the nation’s third President—Thomas Jefferson—the University of Virginia is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the country. According to Niche.com, the University of Virginia is currently ranked as the third-best public university in the country and is on the list of the top 50 Best Colleges in the nation, coming in at 27th overall. It also has the distinction of being ranked as the #1 college in the state of Virginia. The University of Virginia is also home to several graduate and professional programs. Standouts among them include UVA’s Darden School of Business, its School of Education and Human Development as well as the UVA School of Law; all three programs are highly ranked and well-regarded in their respective fields.
 
   UVA has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 18,000 students and a graduate student body of approximately 8,500 students. The undergraduate student to faculty ratio at UVA is 14:1 with 48% of its classes holding less than 20 students. The most popular undergraduate majors at UVA are: Liberal Arts & Humanities, Economics, Criminal Justice & Safety Studies, Management Science & Information Systems, and Biology. Niche.com ranks UVA as the fifth best school overall in the nation for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, 13th for Business, and 14th for Architecture. UVA’s undergraduates have a choice ranging from 82 possible majors, 32 minors and six certificate programs.
 
   According to its website, the University of Virginia aspires to be a community of learning that:

• seeks to be a leader in higher public education;
• build strong communities through its support of artistic initiatives as well as its NCAA Division I Athletic programs;
• is dedicated to advancing human knowledge, educating leaders and cultivating an informed citizenry;
• continues to be a pre-eminent institution in the nation for research initiatives; and
• maintains its status as one of the most affordable options among selective programs.

 
   Also from the website, here is the University of Virginia’s mission statement where it highlights its commitment to being an institution of higher learning dedication discovery and innovation:
 
“The University of Virginia is a public institution of higher learning guided by a founding vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of talented students from all walks of life. It serves the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world by developing responsible citizen leaders and professionals; advancing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge; and providing world-class patient care.
 
We are defined by:

• Our enduring commitment to a vibrant and unique residential learning environment marked by the free and collegial exchange of ideas;
• Our unwavering support of a collaborative, diverse community bound together by distinctive foundational values of honor, integrity, trust, and respect; and
• Our universal dedication to excellence and affordable access.”

 
   So, what does it take to get in to UVA? Here is an overview of its admissions statistics:
 
ADMISSION BY THE NUMBERS
   For the class of 2029, the University of Virginia received 64,463 applications for its incoming freshman class, an 8.5% increase of applications from the previous year. From those applications, UVA selected 15.37% of them for admission. 66% of the students for the Class of 2029 were from Virginia. 97 countries outside of the United States are represented in the Class of 2029 as well.
 
AVERAGE GPA & STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES
   The average GPA for students admitted to UVA is 3.85. Admitted students will have taken the most rigorous coursework possible in high school with a strong showing of AP/IB courses on their transcripts.
 
   The average SAT score for applicants admitted to UVA for the Class of 2029 was 1470. Though UVA does not require the submission of standardized test scores for admission, potential applicants should have at least an SAT score of 1470 to be thought of as serious contenders.
 
   The average ACT score for applicants admitted to UVA for the Class of 2029 was 33. Though UVA does not require the submission of standardized test scores for admission, potential applicants should have at least an ACT score of 32 to be thought of as serious contenders.
 
REQUIRED COURSEWORK
            Applicants admitted to UVA are required to have acquired the following credits in high school:

• Four (4) credits of English;
• Three (3) credits of math;
• Three (3) credits of a laboratory science
• Three (3) credits of a history and/or social science;
• Two (2) physical education credits; and
• Two (2) credits of a foreign language, fine arts or technical education.

 
APPLICATION DEADLINES
   The University of Virginia has three admissions deadlines. Applicants seeking to apply to UVA during the early round must apply Early Decision or Early Action by November 1st. Regular Decision applicants must apply by January 5th.
 
   Early Decision applicants are generally notified by December 15th. Early Action applicants are generally notified by February 15th. Regular Decision applicant are notified by April 1st.
           
MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
   UVA also has numerous merit-based scholarships for its applicants. For many of its merit-based scholarships, candidates are automatically determined upon applying to UVA. Please see a list of these scholarships by clicking on the link below:
 
UVA Merit-Based Scholarships

   Could the University of Virginia be a right-fit school for you or your student?
 
   Students and families seeking a competitive public option would do well to consider UVA among such list of candidates as part of the review process.