University of Virginia Admissions 2024-2025
The University of Virginia recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, providing valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this prestigious public institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into UVA and what factors matter most in their admissions process.
UVA's Remarkable Selectivity
UVA's admissions statistics reveal an increasingly competitive landscape:
Total applicants: 58,951
Admitted students: 9,909
Enrolled students: 3,961
Acceptance rate: Approximately 16.8%
With fewer than 1 in 6 applicants receiving an offer, UVA has become one of the most selective public universities in the country. The sheer volume of applications demonstrates the university's tremendous appeal to students nationwide and internationally.
It's worth noting the significant differences in selectivity for in-state versus out-of-state applicants:
In-state applicants: 16,464, with 4,269 admitted (25.9% acceptance rate)
Out-of-state applicants: 35,526, with 4,912 admitted (13.8% acceptance rate)
International applicants: 6,961, with 728 admitted (10.5% acceptance rate)
As Virginia's flagship state university, UVA clearly prioritizes Virginia residents in its admissions process, though competition remains fierce for all applicants.
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
The academic credentials of UVA's admitted students are extraordinarily impressive:
Test Scores
SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1410-1520
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-760
SAT Math: 710-780
ACT Composite: 32-35
ACT Math: 30-35
ACT English: 34-35
It's worth noting that 45.6% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores and 13.8% submitted ACT scores, indicating that UVA's test-optional policy has been embraced by a significant portion of applicants.
GPA Distribution
The data shows an extremely academically accomplished class:
90.5% had a perfect 4.0 GPA
6.8% had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99
2.1% had GPAs between 3.50 and 3.74
0.6% had GPAs below 3.50
These statistics demonstrate that virtually all UVA admits have excellent high school academic performance.
Class Rank
UVA admits are overwhelmingly at the top of their class:
84% were in the top tenth of their class
97% were in the top quarter
99% were in the top half
Interesting Demographic Information
UVA's first-year class shows considerable diversity:
White: 46.3%
Asian: 20.2%
Black or African American: 9.0%
Hispanic/Latino: 7.2%
Two or more races: 5.6%
International students: 5.2%
Race/ethnicity unknown: 6.3%
American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: Less than 0.1% each
Additionally, 31% of first-year students come from out of state, highlighting UVA's strong national appeal. Nearly all first-year students (99%) live in college-owned housing, creating a strong community environment.
What Matters Most in UVA Admissions
UVA's Common Data Set provides valuable information about what factors weigh most heavily in their admissions decisions:
"Very Important" Factors
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Character/personal qualities
"Important" Factors
Standardized test scores
Application essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
First generation status
"Considered" Factors
Class rank
Interview
Geographical residence
State residency
Alumni/ae relation
Volunteer work
Work experience
Level of applicant's interest
"Not Considered" Factors
Religious affiliation/commitment
What These Ratings Mean for Applicants
UVA's ratings reveal their holistic approach to admissions:
Academics are paramount: The rigor of your curriculum and GPA are rated as "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available to you and perform excellently.
Character and personal qualities are critical: Uniquely, UVA rates this as "very important," placing it at the same level as academic factors and underscoring UVA's interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.
Extracurricular involvement matters significantly: Both "extracurricular activities" and "talent/ability" are rated as "important," suggesting that UVA values significant achievement and contribution outside the classroom more heavily than some peer institutions.
Essays and recommendations are key: Both are rated as "important," confirming that UVA values the qualitative aspects of your application alongside your numbers.
Test scores remain important: Despite the test-optional policy, for those who submit scores, standardized tests are considered an "important" factor in admissions decisions.
First-generation status is significant: This indicates UVA's commitment to increasing access for students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
Class rank is considered: Unlike some peer institutions, UVA does consider class rank in admissions, though not as heavily as other factors.
Notable Observations
Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:
Exceptional retention rate: 97.9% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.
Impressive graduation rates: 95.6% six-year graduation rate for the 2018 cohort, demonstrating strong student success.
Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1, offering students excellent access to faculty.
Early Decision option: UVA offers a binding Early Decision program with a November 1 deadline and December 15 notification date. For the Fall 2024 class, 1,245 students were admitted through Early Decision out of 4,461 applicants (27.9% acceptance rate).
Early Action option: UVA also offers a non-binding Early Action program with a November 1 deadline and February 15 notification date.
Significant waitlist: For the 2024 cycle, 10,470 applicants were offered a place on the waitlist, with 6,759 accepting and 242 ultimately admitted.
AccessUVA financial aid program: UVA has expanded their financial aid program to make education more affordable for Virginia students, with full coverage of tuition, fees, housing, and dining for families with income of $50,000 or less, and other significant aid for families up to $150,000.
What This Means for Future Applicants
For students aspiring to UVA, these numbers highlight the importance of:
Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them is absolutely critical. A perfect or near-perfect GPA is the norm for admitted students.
Character development: UVA places unusual emphasis on personal qualities, suggesting that how you conduct yourself and impact your community truly matters.
Meaningful engagement: Developing genuine interests and making significant contributions in areas that matter to you is important, as extracurricular quality is rated higher at UVA than at some peer institutions.
Strong writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective is important for standing out among nearly 59,000 applicants.
Compelling recommendations: Building relationships with teachers who can speak to both your intellectual curiosity and your character is vital.
Test scores (if submitting): While optional, strong test scores remain an important factor for those who choose to submit them, and admitted students' scores are exceptionally high.
Considering Early Decision: If UVA is your clear first choice, the significantly higher acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants suggests this may be a strategic path to admission.
Remember that while these statistics provide insight into UVA's admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. UVA seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.
Need help applying to the University of Virginia for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today!
