University of Virginia Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT
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What it takes to get into UVA
UVA accepts roughly 16.6% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1370 and 1510 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 4.32.
Numbers alone don't get you in. UVA reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.
Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check UVA's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.
What UVA Weighs in Admissions
Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7
UVA Acceptance Rate
16.6% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.
How to Get Into UVA
Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.
How to Write the “Why UVA?” Essay
Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.
See Where You Stand
GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.
Practice UVA Interview Questions
AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.
UVA Admissions FAQ
What is UVA's acceptance rate?
UVA admits approximately 16.6% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.
What SAT score do you need for UVA?
Admitted students at UVA typically score between 1370 (25th percentile) and 1510 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.
What GPA do you need for UVA?
The average admitted student at UVA has an unweighted GPA of approximately 4.32 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.
Is UVA test-optional?
UVA's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.
Compare UVA with similar schools
Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on UVA's official admissions site.