Ranked alongside esteemed institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, and the College of William and Mary, the University of Virginia is renowned as one of the esteemed “Public Ivies.” These universities, including UVA, offer exceptional education to high-achieving students at a fraction of the cost compared to top-tier private schools. Consequently, the UVA acceptance rate has steadily declined over the years.
Established by Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s, the University of Virginia has maintained its reputation as a prestigious academic institution. However, akin to its counterparts, its level of selectivity has soared over the past decade. In 2005, UVA admitted 38% of applicants; today, that figure has plummeted by more than half. Prospective students from out-of-state face an even more daunting admission process.
What is The UVA Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
Opting for Early Decision (ED) at UVA offers a distinct advantage. The UVA ED acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 stood at 25.9%, notably higher than that of the non-binding Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision rounds. For the Class of 2025, ED applicants enjoyed an even more favorable 32% acceptance rate.
Breakdown of UVA Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2027:
- In-State Applicants: 31%
- Out-of-State Applicants: 17%
What is The UVA Acceptance Rate?
For the Cavalier Class of 2027, the University of Virginia received 56,439 applications, extending acceptance offers to only 9,522 individuals. This results in a UVA acceptance rate of 16.2%. Notably, gaining admission to UVA is considerably more challenging for out-of-state applicants. In the regular decision cycle, out-of-state applicants were accepted at a rate of just 8%, while Virginia residents had a slightly higher acceptance rate of 13% for the 2022-23 cycle.
Historical University of Virginia acceptance rates are as follows:
- Class of 2026 UVA acceptance rate: 18.7%
- 2025 University of Virginia acceptance rate: 21%
- 2024 UVA acceptance rate: 21%
What is The University of Virginia SAT, GPA, and Class Rank?
Based on the latest available data (Class of 2026), the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled students at the University of Virginia (UVA) was 690-750 for the Reading and Writing section and 710-790 for the Math portion. Meanwhile, the ACT range fell between 32-35. Impressively, 86% of first-year students admitted in the 2022-23 academic year ranked within the top 10% of their high school class. On average, incoming UVA freshmen typically boast an unweighted GPA of around 3.9.
What is The Admission Insights at The University of Virginia?
Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2027
- The University of Virginia (UVA) welcomed students from 49 states and 77 countries into the Class of 2027.
- There was a slight decrease in the number of admissions to the Colleges of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
- Notably, 390 Virginia high schools had at least one student admitted to the Class of 2027.
- The university received a record-breaking 56,439 applications for the Class of 2027.
- Additionally, 1,167 students had their application fees waived.
- Legacy admissions accounted for 14% of enrolled students in the Class of 2026.
What is The Admission Criteria at The University of Virginia?
UVA considers six factors as “very important” in the admissions process: rigor of high school coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendation letters, character/personal qualities, and state residency (with Virginia residency being particularly advantageous). Additionally, the university deems application essays, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability as “important” elements.
Despite the overwhelming volume of over 50,000 applications received annually, each application undergoes a thorough and comprehensive review. The admissions staff at UVA meticulously examines every aspect of an application, emphasizing a holistic approach to admissions. There are no predetermined cutoffs; rather, each file is carefully scrutinized multiple times to ensure a fair evaluation.
In the eyes of UVA’s admissions officers, an application is akin to a puzzle, with the transcript serving as the central piece representing four years of academic achievement. Beyond academics, involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and unique talents can also significantly enhance an applicant’s profile.
Recruited athletes are afforded a substantial advantage in the admissions process, reflecting UVA’s commitment to its 27 NCAA Division I sports teams. Currently, the university boasts approximately 750 student-athletes, underscoring the importance of a well-rounded application beyond academic achievements.
What is The University of Virginia Demographics?
Let’s delve into the demographics of the current undergraduate student body. Geographically, the majority of Class of 2026 members hail from Virginia, comprising 62% of the student body, while non-residents account for the remaining 38%. For out-of-state applicants, competition is fiercest among those from states with large pools of qualified candidates, particularly in the Northeast and the West Coast. Conversely, applicants from less densely populated regions such as the Deep South, like Alabama or Mississippi, or states like Wyoming or North Dakota, may enjoy an advantage in the admissions process at UVA.
Examining ethnic diversity, the breakdown of the Class of 2026 members reveals a varied composition:
- Caucasian/White: 47%
- Asian American: 20%
- Hispanic: 8%
- African American: 8%
- Nonresident Aliens: 5%
In terms of gender distribution, the Class of 2026 was notably skewed towards female members:
- Men: 43%
- Women: 57%
What is The UVA Yield Rate?
UVA’s yield rate, which reflects the proportion of accepted students who choose to enroll, stands at 42%. This rate is slightly below that of other renowned state universities such as the University of Michigan, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UCLA.
The University of Virginia Application Process Key Tips
If you’re aiming to be one of the 50,000+ hopefuls vying for a spot at UVA in the upcoming admissions cycle, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- UVA does not conduct interviews as part of its evaluation process.
- If one or both of your parents attended UVA, you’ll receive special consideration during the admissions process.
- UVA does not take “demonstrated interest” into account, so factors like campus visits or contact with admissions officers won’t affect your application.
- Be sure to allocate enough time and effort to craft compelling responses to the main Common App Essay and the two short supplemental essays required by UVA.
Conclusion
Gaining admission to the University of Virginia is becoming increasingly competitive, with acceptance rates declining each year. However, with a clear understanding of the admissions process and diligent preparation, prospective students can enhance their chances of joining the esteemed community of Wahoos. From understanding the importance of state residency to crafting standout essays, thorough preparation is key to navigating the admissions process successfully. With dedication and effort, aspiring students can strive towards achieving their academic goals at UVA.