Charlottesville, VA · Admissions

University of Virginia

Acceptance Rate & How to Get In

University of Virginia has a 19% acceptance rate, making it highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. Admitted students score around 1370–1520 on the SAT. Here is what the numbers say it takes to get in.

19%
Acceptance rate
1370–1520
SAT (mid 50%)
32–35
ACT (mid 50%)
Test-optional
Testing

How hard is it to get into UVA?

With a 19% acceptance rate, University of Virginia is highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 17,000 undergraduates (small city setting) in Charlottesville, VA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

  • SAT: admitted students land around 1370–1520 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
  • ACT: the middle 50% is about 32–35.
  • GPA: admitted students average around 3.91. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
  • Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
  • Essays: at UVA's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $57,300 out-of-state ($19,800 in-state) per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Business (McIntire) · Engineering · Echols Scholars · Jefferson Scholars

See the Common App personal-statement guide

Score your UVA essays, free

Great numbers get you in the room; the essays get you in. Paste your draft into Halo for instant, rubric-based feedback. Halo never writes your essay for you.

Try Halo free

UVA admissions FAQ

What is University of Virginia's acceptance rate?
University of Virginia's acceptance rate is 19%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for UVA?
Admitted students typically score about 1370–1520 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 32–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is UVA test-optional?
University of Virginia's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on University of Virginia’s official admissions site.