For individuals interested in the University Of Virginia, the article includes a comprehensive guide with all the necessary details about the University Of Virginia Acceptance Rate.
The University of Virginia, commonly referred to as UVA, holds a prestigious position among the esteemed “Public Ivies,” a group that includes prominent institutions such as UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, and the College of William and Mary.
These universities, including UVA, offer an exceptional education to high-achieving students at a significantly lower cost than top-tier private schools. Consequently, it is no surprise that the UVA acceptance rate continues to decline with each passing year.
Steeped in history and founded by the visionary Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s, the University of Virginia has maintained a longstanding reputation as a world-class academic institution. Nevertheless, like many of its academic peers, UVA has witnessed a rapid escalation in its degree of selectivity over the past decade.
A notable illustration of this evolution lies in the fact that, in 2005, UVA extended acceptance to approximately 38% of its applicants; however, presently, that figure has been drastically reduced by more than half. For out-of-state applicants, the uphill climb to securing admission becomes even more daunting.
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UVA Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
The University of Virginia, in its pursuit of assembling the Cavalier Class of 2027, was confronted with an astonishing number of 56,439 applications. Alas, only a mere 9,522 of these aspiring individuals were granted the coveted opportunity of acceptance into this prestigious institution. As a result, the UVA acceptance rate stands at a notably competitive 16.2%, underscoring the institution’s stringent admissions process.
It is of paramount importance to recognize and acknowledge the formidable challenges faced by non-Virginia residents aspiring to secure admission to this esteemed university. For these out-of-state applicants, the path to acceptance was riddled with even greater obstacles, as they were granted acceptance at a meager rate of a mere 8%. In contrast, their Virginia-resident counterparts experienced a slightly more favorable acceptance rate, but still a demanding 13%, reinforcing the distinct advantage enjoyed by in-state applicants in the regular decision cycle for the 2022-23 academic year.
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%
UVA: Early Decision Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
There exists a clear-cut edge to applying Early Decision to UVA. The UVA ED acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was 25.9%, significantly higher than for the non-binding EA or Regular Decision rounds. For the Class of 2025, ED applicants enjoyed an ever more favorable 32% acceptance rate.
2027 UVA Acceptance Rate (Breakdown)
- In-State: 31%
- Out-of-State: 17%
University of Virginia Admissions – SAT, GPA, and Class Rank
According to the most recent statistics available (Class of 2026), the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled students was 690-750 on the Reading and Writing section and 710-790 on the Math portion. The ACT range was 32-35. Among enrolled 2022-23 first-year students, an exceptional 86% hailed from the top 10% of their high school class. The average unweighted GPA for a UVA freshman is typically around a 3.9.
Admissions Trends & Notes – Class of 2027
- Students were admitted from 49 states and 77 countries.
- Fewer students gained admission to the Colleges of Arts & Science and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
- 390 Virginia High School had at least one student accepted into the Class of 2027.
- The 56,439 applicants were an all-time school record.
- 1,167 students had their application fees waived.
- 14% of 2026 enrolled students were legacies.
How UVA Rates Applicants
UVA rates six factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, class rank, GPA, recommendation letters, character/personal qualities, and state residency (again, being from VA is a major advantage). Items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are: application essays, extracurricular activities, and talent/ability.
You can rest assured that despite receiving in excess of 50,000 applications each year, your application will receive a holistic and in-depth review.
Important Information From the Committee:
The esteemed admission staff at the University of Virginia (UVA) meticulously adheres to an exhaustive and comprehensive approach in the evaluation of applicants. They exercise an unwavering commitment to review each and every application in its entirety, without succumbing to any rigid and artificial cutoffs that are inherently unsuitable due to the non-standardized nature of GPA in Virginia. The admissions personnel undertake an arduous process of perusing the files repeatedly, striving for the utmost fairness and justice in rendering their holistic decisions.
A seasoned admissions officer at UVA astutely articulates the essence of holistic admission by drawing an evocative analogy, likening the application assessment to a complex puzzle. Within this metaphorical framework, the academic transcript emerges as the most prominent and pivotal piece of the applicant’s puzzle, signifying not only academic accomplishments but also encapsulating four years of relentless dedication to scholastic development and intellectual growth.
It is incumbent upon us to highlight that recruited athletes are bestowed with a considerable edge during the admissions deliberations at UVA. Such a privilege is rooted in the institution’s deep-seated pride and unwavering commitment to its illustrious lineage of 27 NCAA Division I sports teams. At present, the hallowed halls of UVA reverberate with the spirited presence of around 750 student-athletes who grace the campus with their athletic prowess and unwavering dedication to their respective disciplines. While this athletic advantage is indeed salient, it is equally crucial to underscore the fact that other multifaceted and diverse out-of-classroom pursuits can also synergistically bolster an applicant’s profile and lend it a distinctive and compelling dimension.
Who Actually Gets Into the University of Virginia?
Let’s look at the demographics of the current undergraduate student body. Geographically, the greatest percentage of Class of 2026 members are Virginia residents.
- Virginia: 62%
- Out of State: 38%
Among non-residents, competition is stiffest among those hailing from states with endless streams of qualified applicants (the entire Northeast & the West Coast). If you hail from the Deep South like Alabama or Mississippi or a less-populated state like Wyoming or North Dakota, your location is more likely to provide a boost to your admissions chances at UVA.
Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the Class of 2026 members was:
- Caucasian/White: 47%
- Asian American: 20%
- Hispanic: 8%
- African American: 8%
- Nonresident Aliens: 5%
Looking at the gender breakdown, the Class of 2026 had significantly more female members:
- Men: 43%
- Women: 57%
UVA’s Yield Rate
UVA’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 42%. This figure is just a shade below other powerhouse state universities like the University of Michigan, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UCLA.
Tips for Applying to the University of Virginia
If you plan on joining the 50,000+ Wahoo hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:
- ===>UVA does not use interviews as part of their evaluation process.
- ===>If you have a parent (or two) that attended the university, you will get special consideration in the admissions process.
- ===>UVA also does not consider “demonstrated interest.” Therefore, you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
- ===>Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the main Common App Essay and two short supplemental essays required by UVA. For the 2022-2023 cycle, they are as follows:
1. We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to the school/program to which you are applying in a half page or roughly 250 words.
- ===>College of Arts and Sciences – What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way?
- ===>Engineering and Applied Sciences – Describe an engineering feat that serves the common good and why it inspires you to study engineering.
- ===>School of Architecture – Describe significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.
- ===>School of Nursing – Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.
- ===>Kinesiology Program – Discuss experiences that led you to apply to the kinesiology major.
2. Answer one of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words.
- ===>What’s your favorite word and why?
- ===>We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
- ===>Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?
- ===>UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?
- ===>Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “…there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good.
Should I Apply to UVA? | All You Need to K now!
If you want to apply to the University of Virginia (UVA), having decent SAT/ACT scores and doing well in high school can make you a strong candidate for admission.
However, it’s important to know that the chances of getting in are different for Virginia residents compared to those from other states or countries. If you live in Virginia, it might be easier to get accepted. But for non-residents, it can be more challenging. They may need higher test scores or unique skills to stand out from local applicants.
When applying to UVA or any prestigious university, students should plan carefully. It’s a good idea to have a list of schools that includes both “target” schools where they have a good chance of getting in, and “safety” schools as backups.
This way, they can have more options that match their goals, even though the admissions process can be uncertain and unpredictable.
