Introduction

The University of Virginia, also known as UVA, was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson himself, imbuing it with a rich historical base. Based in Charlottesville, UVA stands as a symbol of academic rigor and moral leadership—a beacon of inclusivity and enlightenment. It is globally renowned for its diverse and esteemed disciplines, ranging from law and business to the humanities and sciences. Consistently ranking in the top public universities in the United States, UVA has been shaping generations of leaders and thinkers since its inception. With its avant-garde approach to education and deep commitment to public service, the University of Virginia continues to uphold its extensive legacy while shaping the future of higher education.

Quick Numbers

• Acceptance Rate: 20.7%

• Test Optional/Blind: Yes

• Average SAT Score: 1430

• Average ACT Score: 32

• Number of Letters of Recommendation (LORs): One from a teacher, and one from a counselor

• Common Application Essay/Coalition/Questbridge: Yes

• Number of Supplemental Essays: 3

• Interview: No

• Early Decision/Early Action: UVA offers a binding early decision(ED) Program, meaning that if accepted the student is requires to attend. They also offer a non-binding Early application(EA) program, meaning that if accepted the student is not requires to attend,

• Application Deadline: ED/EA - Nov 1st, RD - Jan 5th

• Financial Aid Deadline: ED/EA/RD - March 1st

Tests

In terms of standardized test scores, the University of Virginia admits students with strong performance on the SAT and ACT exams. Typically, the 25th percentile SAT and ACT scores are around 1330 and 29, respectively. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below these figures. On the other hand, the 75th percentile scores, which means that 75% of admitted students scored below these figures, are usually around 1500 for the SAT and 34 for the ACT. These scores provide a range within which the bulk of admitted students' scores tend to fall, offering you a benchmark to aim for in your test preparation.

Essays

Common App Essay

In terms of the Common App essay, () University, like many other schools, asks applicants to respond to one of the seven essay prompts provided by the Common Application, allowing students to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences in a personal and meaningful way.

Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-24.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.(This is a very dangerous prompt, and it is recommended to discuss it with your high school counselor before undertaking it.)

In addition, students have the option to tell colleges any additional information that they might want to know. For example, extenuating circumstances that may explain a drop in grades for a certain semester.

Supplementals

The first prompt is still tied to the UVA school or college the student selects. We want students to answer the prompt in around 100 words. As always, the boxes on the Common App allow students to go a bit over, so we don’t expect students to write exactly 100 words.

College of Arts & Sciences: If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why? 

School of Engineering: How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better? 

 School of Architecture: Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.  

School of Nursing: Describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.  

Kinesiology Program: Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

Students will then write responses to two prompts out of eleven options in about 50 words each. Again, the Common App boxes allow students to go a little over the stated limit. Some of these are old favorites and some are new.

1. What’s your favorite word and why?

2. We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks?

3. About what topic could you speak for an hour?

4. Take us to your happy place.

5. You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that?

6. What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn’t bought with money?

7. What website is the internet missing?

8. After a challenging experience, how do you recharge?

9. Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself.

10. UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

11. Tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or generous listener.

Conclusion

Navigating the admissions process for UVA might seem daunting, but with the right tools at your disposal, it can be a manageable and successful endeavor. Kolly AI, with its advanced capabilities, is designed to guide you through one of the most challenging parts: writing your essays. It provides personalized suggestions and feedback, helping you craft compelling narratives that truly encapsulate your unique experiences, aspirations, and potential.

Don't let the task of essay writing stand in your way. Click the button below to get started with Kolly AI and elevate your application for UVA to the next level. Let's make your dream of studying at UVA a reality, together.