University of Virginia: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 19% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1510 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 34 |
| Location | VA |
| School type | Public |
The University of Virginia is a public flagship university in Charlottesville with a distinctive honor tradition and a long history as one of the country's leading public institutions. It accepts about 19% of applicants. Like other selective public universities, it gives preference to Virginia residents, though out-of-state competition is still very stiff.
Calculate your chances at University of Virginia free →How hard is it to get into the University of Virginia?
UVA's 19% overall acceptance rate reflects a highly competitive applicant pool. Virginia residents are admitted at higher rates than out-of-state applicants, who are competing for a smaller share of seats. Even for in-state students, the process is far from automatic.
The school also reviews applications by school rather than just as one overall class, which means acceptance rates vary depending on which college you apply to. Programs like the McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering tend to be harder to get into than UVA's overall rate suggests.
Test scores that make you competitive
The 75th-percentile SAT for admitted students is around 1510, and the ACT equivalent is 34. Those are solid marks that reflect the academic strength of UVA's admitted class. The university has offered test-optional policies in recent years, so students who do not submit scores are reviewed on the rest of their application.
What the University of Virginia looks for
UVA is known for emphasizing character alongside academics, which shows up in how its essays are structured. The school asks questions that probe your sense of self, your values, and how you engage with the world around you. Generic or formulaic answers do not serve applicants well here.
On the academic side, the school expects strong grades in a rigorous curriculum. Students who pushed themselves in high school, took harder courses, and still performed well are the norm in UVA's admitted class. What you did outside of class, and how consistently you committed to it, also factors into the decision.
Estimate your chances at the University of Virginia
CollegeCalcAI offers a free calculator at collegecalcai.com that lets you estimate your chances at UVA based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. It is a fast, no-cost way to get a clearer sense of how your application might be received.
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Virginia's acceptance rate?
UVA accepts approximately 19% of applicants overall, with Virginia residents admitted at higher rates than out-of-state students.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for the University of Virginia?
The 75th-percentile SAT for admitted students is around 1510, with a 34 ACT. The university is test-optional, but strong scores strengthen your application.
Is the University of Virginia hard to get into?
Yes. A 19% acceptance rate and a strong applicant pool make UVA competitive for both in-state and out-of-state applicants. Some schools within UVA are even more selective.
See your real odds at University of Virginia
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.