A straight answer: 16.8% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 17 actually get in. No guessing. University of Virginia is a UNIV institution located in Charlottesville, VA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose University of Virginia. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
What Students Miss When Looking at the University of Virginia Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at University of Virginia is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 16.8% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.
Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior
Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.
At University of Virginia, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.
How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately
Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.
Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at University of Virginia becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into University of Virginia
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at University of Virginia based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherSo, How Selective Is University of Virginia Really?
By the time students reach this point in their research, most are no longer just curious about numbers. They want clarity. They want to know whether applying to University of Virginia makes sense for them, not just how the university looks on paper.
Acceptance data helps frame that question, but selectivity is ultimately contextual. Some applicants encounter a relatively smooth admissions process, while others face more competition depending on academic background, intended major, and preparation level.
What This Means for Your Application Decisions
If your academic record aligns well with what University of Virginia typically looks for, the admissions process may feel more approachable than the overall data suggests. On the other hand, students aiming for high-demand programs or applying with less preparation should expect more competition—even if the university’s overall admit rate seems favorable.
This is why students sometimes feel surprised by outcomes. Admissions decisions are not random; they are shaped by how closely an applicant’s profile matches institutional priorities.
Instead of asking whether University of Virginia is “easy” or “hard” to get into, a more useful question is whether it fits your academic goals and current profile. When viewed this way, acceptance data becomes a planning tool rather than a source of stress, helping students build balanced application lists and realistic expectations.
Should You Apply to University of Virginia?
If 16.8% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore University of Virginia
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About University of Virginia Acceptance Rate
Is UVA test-optional for Fall 2026?
Yes, UVA has implemented a test-optional policy for Fall 2026 admissions, allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores.
Should I submit my SAT/ACT scores to UVA?
Students are encouraged to submit their SAT or ACT scores if they believe these scores enhance their application, as UVA practices superscoring for both tests.
What are UVA's Early Action and Early Decision deadlines?
UVA's Early Action and Early Decision deadlines typically fall in early November. Check the university's admissions website for specific dates.
Does UVA superscore SAT and ACT?
Yes, UVA superscores SAT and ACT scores, meaning they will consider the highest scores from each section across multiple test dates.
What is the middle 50% SAT range for admitted UVA students?
For fall 2024 applicants, the middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is between 1410 and 1520.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
University of Virginia isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success