Charlottesville, VA · Admissions

University of Virginia

Acceptance Rate & How to Get In

University of Virginia has a 19% acceptance rate, making it highly selective — a 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 selective — a 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

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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.