UVA Acceptance Rate: How to Get In and What You Need to Know

With a 16.3% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, the University of Virginia is now one of the most competitive public universities in the U.S.

Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it’s ranked #4 public school in the U.S. Just based on that, you know it’s easy to get into UVA.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get into UVA, what GPA and SAT scores you’ll need, and what the admissions team really looks for in applicants.

How Competitive Is UVA in 2025?

UVA received 58,995 applications for the Class of 2028 — an all-time high. Only 9,665 students were admitted, making this year’s UVA acceptance rate just 16.3%.

That’s a significant drop from just a few years ago:

• Class of 2024: 22.6%
• Class of 2026: 18.7%
• Class of 2028: 16.3%

If you’re applying to UAV soon, know this: UVA has grown more selective each year. And as more students from across the U.S. and around the world apply, your application needs to stand out.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Admission

UVA is a public university, which means Virginia residents get an edge. For the Class of 2028:

• In-state acceptance rate: 25.5%
• Out-of-state acceptance rate: 13%

UVA aims to maintain a roughly 70/30 balance between in-state and out-of-state students. That said, out-of-state applicants are still admitted in large numbers — they just face stiffer competition.

UVA Rankings and Reputation

Ranked #4 among public universities by U.S. News, UVA attracts high-achieving students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. It’s also ranked:

• #24 among all U.S. universities (public + private)
• #3 best value public college (Forbes)
• Top 10 for undergraduate business and engineering programs

UVA’s appeal? A rigorous academic culture, strong career outcomes, and a vibrant campus community.

GPA and Class Rank Expectations

UVA doesn’t publish a minimum GPA, but the numbers speak for themselves:

• 75% of admits had a GPA of 4.0 or higher
• 85% ranked in the top 10% of their high school class
• Nearly all admitted students had taken AP, IB, or honors courses

To stay competitive, aim for a 4.3+ weighted GPA and take the most challenging courses your school offers.

SAT and ACT Score Guidelines

UVA is test-optional, but submitting strong scores can boost your chances.

SAT Score Range:

• 25th percentile: 1410
• Median: 1450
• 75th percentile: 1510

ACT Score Range:

• 25th percentile: 32
• Median: 33
• 75th percentile: 34

UVA superscores both tests — meaning they’ll take your highest section scores across multiple sittings.

Our expert tip: If your SAT is 1450+ or ACT is 33+, send it. If it’s lower, your essays and transcript matter more.

What UVA Looks for in Applicants

UVA uses a holistic admissions review. There’s no algorithm, rubric, or formula. Instead, admissions officers consider:

• Course rigor (AP, IB, dual enrollment)
• GPA and class rank
• Personal and supplemental essays
• Teacher recommendation (1 required)
• Optional counselor recommendation
• Extracurriculars and leadership
• Background, experiences, and personal growth

They also look for “fit” — how well you align with UVA’s values of leadership, community, and intellectual curiosity.

UVA Application Requirements

Here’s what your UVA application should include:

• Common App + personal statement
• UVA supplement (1 required, 1 optional)
• 1 teacher recommendation
• Mid-year transcript
• Final transcript (if admitted)
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)
• Arts/architecture portfolio (optional)

Suggested high school coursework:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math
• 2–4 years of Science
• 2–4 years of Foreign Language
• 1–3 years of Social Studies

Take advanced classes wherever possible. UVA wants to see that you’ve pushed yourself.

UVA Application Deadlines

The UVA Application Deadlines apply to both first-year and transfer applicants. Here are the dates:

• Early Decision (ED): Nov 1
• Early Action (EA): Nov 1
• Regular Decision (RD): Jan 5
• ED Notification: By Dec 15
• EA Notification: By Feb 15
• RD Notification: By Apr 1
• Enrollment Decision Due: May 1

Early Decision is binding and has a higher acceptance rate. For the Class of 2027, ED acceptance was 24.5% — much higher than RD.

Should You Apply Early to UVA?

If UVA is your first-choice school and you’re ready to commit, Early Decision gives you a better shot.

Here’s the breakdown:

• ED acceptance rate: 24.5%
• EA/RD acceptance rate: 15% or lower

But be sure UVA is the right academic, social, and financial fit — because if you’re admitted to ED, you’re committed.

UVA Essay Tips

UVA’s supplemental prompts help the admissions team understand your values, perspective, and personality.

Prompt 1 (100 words, optional):

Share any personal or historical connection to UVA — such as a family member who graduated or past involvement with university programs.

Prompt 2 (250 words, required):

Describe how your background, experiences, or identity will contribute to UVA.

College admission essay tips:

• Show how you think, not just what you’ve done
• Avoid clichés — be specific and personal
• Reflect on how your values align with UVA
• Don’t waste the optional prompt — use it if relevant

Key Stats for UVA Applicants

Empowerly’s Role in Your UVA Application Journey

UVA isn’t just looking for top students. They want thinkers, leaders, and contributors. Empowerly’s college counseling helps you build a competitive, authentic application that highlights your best qualities.

From academic planning to essay editing, our expert team helps you:

• Strengthen your GPA and course rigor
• Decide whether to submit test scores
• Craft standout personal and supplemental essays
• Strategically select Early Decision, Early Action, or RD
• Showcase your leadership, impact, and goals

We’ve worked with thousands of students applying to top schools like UVA — and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Your UVA Application Process Starts Here

With the right application strategy and support, you can maximize your odds of joining the UVA community.

With the help of our expert college counselors (the highest-rated in the country), you can increase your admission odds dramatically. 

Book a free consultation today and let’s begin the process.