uva math phd acceptance rate

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Is admission standard for math PhD significantly higher than that for physics PhD?

I'm a student at a small LAC, and I'm considering to apply to both math and physics PhD programs. In my school, which is top 15 but do not have large (20 students in each dep.) or well-known departments for either of these fields, students did significantly better on physics PhD admission than on math PhD admission. For math, many students go instead to master's, and only one or two students can make top 40~70 PhD program per year. For physics, some students went to Caltech, Columbia, UCSB, and other high ranked programs in the last year, which was just as usual. A similar phenomena seem to happen not only in my school. Mathgre.com and Physicsgre.com list applicant profiles and admission results for each PhD program, and they show a similar tendency. For example, students accepted to top pure math PhD programs are exclusively those who got nearly 4.0 GPA, took many grad-level courses, had a significant amount of research experience and come from an undergrad institution with a renowned PhD program. On the other hand, students accepted to top physics PhD programs have more diversity in GPA, their undergrad institution, number of grad-level courses taken and amount of research experience.

What causes this difference? Or is my view wrong? If this difference actually exists, I think the following factors are among the causes:

• Physics PhDs are funded more, and therefore more students can be afforded.
• Physics PhDs have both theoretical and applied subdivisions, while many applied math programs exist as master's programs.
• Math PhDs demand its applicants to take a significant number of grad-level courses, while physics ones don't.

Also, how about the situation when it comes to pure math vs. hep-th in the U.S.?

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• 7 Is your first sentence saying that your university 1) is a small liberal arts college, 2) is one of the top 15 universities in the country, and 3) does not have a strong mathematics or physics department? I don't think all three of these can be true simultaneously. –  Tom Church Commented Sep 23, 2015 at 2:46
• 3 I mean it's one of the top 15 LACs in the country, so it's not an university, and the ranking excludes universities. Although it has strong departments in other natural science topics, our math and physics deps are not the ones. 2) and 3) can be simultaneously true only when 1) is also satisfied. –  Math.StackExchange Commented Sep 23, 2015 at 2:51
• 15 I'm a physicist. I'm just speculating, but it seems likely to me that a physics grad student is seen as valuable cheap labor in an experimental research group, whereas a grad student is a burden in both math and theoretical physics. In an area like high-energy particle physics, a grad student is a cog in the wheel. No originality or independence of thought is required. If you're willing to pull cables and debug software, you're an asset. –  user1482 Commented Sep 23, 2015 at 23:35
• Thanks for your comment. In the U.S. is the admission for experimental hep PhD usually separated from the admission for hep-th? I'm not familiar with the process in the U.S., but many PhD programs in the U.S. seem to have the same admission process for both experimental hep and hep-th. If they are not usually separated, do students officially select their "concentration" after entering to the program? –  Math.StackExchange Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 0:31
• 2 @AranKomatsuzaki: Usually you apply to the department as a whole, but you state a likely area of research or whether you're leaning toward theory or experiment. If you say you want to do string theory, your application may be considered more skeptically than if you say you want to be an experimentalist. In the US, there is normally a lot of coursework at the beginning of a PhD program. That coursework is an opportunity for students to get a feel for whether they would be likely to succeed as theorists. –  user1482 Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 15:04

This is an attempt to gather some data supporting or refuting your hypothesis (or rather a slightly different one). Ideally, we would like a direct comparison of admission rates at top places, but I could only find limited data on admissions rates, so let me start elsewhere. At any rate, some of this data may be of interest.

The annual number of bachelor's degrees in physics is about 8000. From the AMS's annual survey , this number for math is about 28,000. This suggests there may be a lot more PhD program applicants for math. However, I don't have data separating out which math degrees are on a math ed track (or similarly for physics, though I guess the numbers are much greater for math ed), and these people are unlikely to pursue PhDs.

What about actual numbers of PhD students? I didn't see 1st year PhD numbers in physics for recent years but this slightly dated data puts it around 3000 new grad students in physics/astronomy (with about 93% aiming for PhDs), whereas the AMS annual survey has around 3600, and around 5000 if you include masters programs. (Stats and biostats is separate with around 2000, I guess including masters.) These statistics also say the number of physics versus math phd's awarded in recent years are pretty similar (about 1500-1600 for physics compared to 1400 for math). So there may be many more "potential" PhD applicants in math, but both math and physics students seem to compete for roughly the same number of slots in grad programs. (I don't know about how many of the PhD enrollments were domestic BS/BA holders, but we might guess the numbers are comparable as about 54% of enrollments were US citizens.)

So the above data tenuously supports your hypothesis. Can we check this with some actual admission rates?

For physics schools, this website has grad school admission rates. For top schools, the admissions rate seems to be around 10-15% (though Penn State seems to be an anomaly). Unfortunately, I don't know such a nice tool for math schools, but a few math departments mention their admission rates. Northwestern is around 17% (about the same as for their physics program, 16.4%). Notre Dame's is around 20% (a little lower than their 26% for physics).

These were all I could easily find and I'm afraid it's not enough to make any real conclusions, but I might speculate that top math phd programs are only somewhat more competitive than top physics ones if at all. (And in terms of undergrad research experience, I would guess that's more common in physics than in math.)

Edit: One qualitative issue for why you're seeing what you're seeing could be that top schools in math get lots of applications and if an admissions committee isn't familiar with a department, it doesn't know how to evaluate a transcript or the letters of recommendation from there, so it will tend to play it safe and accept students from places it's more familiar with. This is one reason why it's very helpful for students at small, relatively unknown schools to do programs like REUs (or a master's first) where a letter writer from there can compare you with a wide range of students. That said, I know many people who have gone straight from small, relatively unknown schools directly to top math PhD programs.

• I really appreciate your effort to gather all these data. I'm surprised to see some of the facts you mentioned and from your link. 1) # of physics bachelor's is only 8k/y. This sounds like physics is one of a few least popular majors among the departments which exist in almost every colleges in the U.S. Maybe media is exaggerating difficulty of physics, and youngsters were discouraged. 2) Acceptance rate of physics programs are much higher than expected (I thought ~5% for top ones). While top math PhD programs enrollment are roughly 20/r, physics –  Math.StackExchange Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 4:08
• PhD seems to have more capacity. 3) Some of lower ranked programs have pretty low acceptance rate. Penn state, while it's ranked high, is probably not for me. 4) This may be a well-known fact, but about a half PhD students in math and physics can't get PhD. The following list of universities attended by math PhD students at Harvard and UC Berkeley gave me an idea of how prestige of undergrad institution matters in admission for math PhD (because better education nurtured better students). reddit.com/r/math/comments/296e60/… –  Math.StackExchange Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 4:12
• 6 That only 8,000 bachelor's degrees are awarded to physics students at American universities annually made my eyes pop out. I would have guessed a much larger figure. So a big +1 for presenting hard data. –  Pete L. Clark Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 5:01
• 3 Another point to consider is that people that end up in physics departments come from a variety of backgrounds. I'm a physicist myself but we have plenty of chemists, materials scientists, IT guys and the odd mathematician in my department. I would guess it's mostly only mathematicians trying to make it to maths PhD programs. –  Miguel Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 6:24
• 2 @AranKomatsuzaki Regarding your point 4), I'm guessing that most of the PhD students at top schools can get PhDs. At Caltech in math, almost everyone who started finished, and those who didn't were usually the ones who decided it wasn't for them during their 1st year, so I don't think that's as bleak as it seems. Also, see edit about undergrad institution. –  Kimball Commented Sep 24, 2015 at 12:29

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Gre prep online guides and tips, graduate school acceptance rates: can you get in.

Even the most qualified and confident applicants worry about getting into grad school. But don’t panic! Graduate school acceptance rates, which give the percentage of applicants that were admitted to a particular school or program in an academic year, can help you determine how likely you are to get into a given program.  But where can you find grad school admissions statistics?

In this article, we’ll first investigate the trends and factors associated with graduate school acceptance rates. Then, we’ll take a look at some of the current acceptance rates and give you expert tips on how to find acceptance rates for your programs. Finally, we’ll show you how to determine your odds of getting into grad school.

Graduate School Acceptance Rates: Factors and Trends

Grad school acceptance rates are the same as any other acceptance rate: the lower the acceptance rate, the more selective the school or program is. Similarly, the higher the acceptance rate, the less selective the school or program is. As with undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates vary widely, from extraordinarily selective (less than 5 percent) to incredibly lenient (nearly 100 percent).

Unlike undergrad rates, though, grad school acceptance rates are usually calculated for specific programs or departments and  not for entire universities. This is because with grad school, you are essentially applying to an individual program rather than an overall institution (as you did for undergrad).

Now that we’ve covered all of the basics, let’s look at a few key trends. Our research indicates there are three major factors that help determine grad school acceptance rates:

• School or program prestige
• Degree type
• Amount of funding

Let’s look at how each of these factors influences grad school acceptance rates.

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#1: School or Program Prestige

How prestigious a particular grad school or program is can affect its overall competitiveness and selectivity. In general, the more prestigious a program is, the more competitive it’ll be and thus the lower acceptance rate it’ll have.

An easy way to determine school or program prestige is to consult official rankings, such as those listed on  U.S. News . (Grad schools are typically ranked by field or program and   not by overall institution.)

For example, a 2017  U.S. News  list of the best political science grad programs  ranked Duke’s political science program at #7 and Northwestern’s at #23. Because both of the programs have fairly high rankings, it’s safe to assume they’re probably quite selective.

And this is true: in 2016,  Duke  reported a mere 10 percent acceptance rate to its political science doctoral program, while  Northwestern  reported a 12 percent acceptance rate.

#2: Degree Type

Another major factor is degree type. Generally,  doctoral programs tend to be more selective than master’s programs (though this isn’t always the case as I’ll explain in a moment). This trend is likely due to the fact that doctoral programs often look for higher-quality applicants with proven academic track records and more relevant experience in their fields.

For example, in 2016  University of Michigan’s math doctoral program  had a 17.2 percent acceptance rate, whereas its master’s program  had a much higher 31.8 percent rate. In this case, the doctoral program is clearly tougher to get into than the master’s program.

Still,   master’s programs can have lower acceptance rates than doctoral programs. If we were to take the University of Michigan’s grad programs in computer science and engineering, we’d find that the doctoral program has  a 15 percent acceptance rate  and the master’s  an even lower 8 percent acceptance rate .

Additionally, M.F.A. programs are particularly cutthroat. In 2015, the creative writing M.F.A. program at UT Austin’s James A. Michener Center for Writers only admitted 12 out of 678 applicants — that’s a mere 1.8 percent acceptance rate !

#3: Amount of Funding

Funding, too, plays a big role in how selective a grad program is.

Well-funded  programs typically receive more applications than those offering little to no aid, thereby raising their selectivity. Competition is especially fierce for fully funded programs — possibly because fewer people are willing to go into debt for grad school.

Compared to fully funded doctoral programs, fully funded master’s programs are somewhat rare and thus pretty competitive. UT Austin’s Creative Writing M.F.A. program, for instance, is not only a prestigious program but also one of the most well-funded Creative Writing M.F.A. programs in the country: it  offers full tuition remission and a $27,500 stipend per academic year . It’s no wonder, then, that its acceptance rate is below 2 percent!

What Are the Current Graduate School Acceptance Rates?

For this section, we’ve scoured the internet to bring you a robust assortment of acceptance rates for popular U.S. grad schools.

Before we dive in, note that not all institutions calculate grad school acceptance rates using the same methodologies. Some offer only a single acceptance rate for all of their grad schools put together, while others offer individual rates by school, field, or program.

Now, let’s see how selective these schools really are!

*Statistics for NYU are based on the number of enrolled students and not the number of admitted students. Therefore, expect actual acceptance rates to be slightly higher.

How to Find Graduate School Acceptance Rates: 4 Methods

Unfortunately, grad school admissions statistics tend to be more difficult to find than undergrad acceptance rates.  But there are ways to search for them — you just have to do a lot of digging and possibly a little reaching out.

Below are our top four methods for finding grad school acceptance rates for the programs you’re applying to.

#1: Consult School Websites

By far the most reliable resources for grad school admissions statistics are  school websites.

Start your search by consulting program and departmental pages, particularly admissions and FAQ pages. Look out for any statistics-related keywords or phrases, such as “admission(s) rates,” “acceptance rates,” “enrollment,” “facts and figures,” etc. Use ctrl+F to move swiftly through large chunks of text.

Not all schools publish grad admissions information online, and those that do don’t always report it in the same way as others. For example, Princeton offers a handy PDF  containing acceptance rates for all academic fields of study. On the other hand,  Notre Dame  gives separate admissions charts for each of its grad programs (which you can access by selecting a program and then clicking “Admissions Statistics”).

Additionally, many schools release admissions statistics without explicitly publishing acceptance rates.  In this case, it’s your job to take the statistics provided and use them to calculate an acceptance rate. To find the acceptance rate of a school or program, you’ll need the following information:

• The total number of applicants in a year
• The total number of applicants granted admission  that year

The acceptance rate equals the total number of applicants offered admission divided by the total number of applicants and then multiplied by 100, or:

$$\acceptance \rate = {\number \of \applicants \offered \admission}/{\total \number \of \applicants}100$$

Be sure to  avoid conflating the number of students who were  offered admission   with the number of students who accepted their offers of admission. These two concepts sound alike but are actually different. What you’re looking for is the first statistic — that is, the number of admitted students (regardless of whether they decided to enroll).

If you’re having trouble finding admissions statistics by browsing school websites, search on Google for “[Your School] graduate acceptance rate” and see if any relevant school pages appear. While searching for acceptance rates to use in the table above, I consistently swapped “acceptance rate” with similar phrases, such as “admission(s) rate,” “facts and figures,” “student statistics,” “admittance rates,” and “admission(s) statistics.”

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Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can also use phrases like “Ph.D. admissions statistics” or “master’s admissions statistics” to narrow your search even further. Try to think outside the box as you do your research. What are other ways people talk about acceptance rates?

#2: Check  U.S. News

If your school or program doesn’t offer any admissions statistics on its website, go to  U.S. News . This website offers official rankings of grad programs as well as lists of the most (and least) selective programs in various fields.

For example, I found a 2016 list of the most competitive online M.B.A. programs  and a 2015 list of the most competitive online graduate engineering programs .

If U.S. News doesn’t offer any relevant lists for you to use, try skimming the current grad school rankings to gauge how competitive your program is compared with others in the same field.

#3: Search Other Websites

One less reliable method for looking up grad school admissions statistics is to  look for (unofficial) websites discussing acceptance rates for your school or program.

The Grad Cafe’s  admissions results  section is a solid place to start. Here, applicants post whether they’ve been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted for grad programs.

Search for your program to get a rough feel for how many acceptances and rejections go out each year. You might notice that certain types of applicants are more active than others. Creative Writing M.F.A. applicants, for example, are prolific posters in winter and spring (during admissions season).

Occasionally, Google itself will provide you with grad school acceptance rates, but this only appears to work consistently for well-known law schools, medical schools, and business schools.

Additionally, while using Google, don’t assume that any acceptance rates that pop up are directly connected to your search terms. For example, when I searched “stanford graduate acceptance rate,” Google gave me this result:

This 4.8 percent acceptance rate is  not  the acceptance rate for Stanford’s grad programs (what I searched for) but rather the acceptance rate for undergrads. So always cross-check any statistics Google gives you.

You can also consult grad school data websites such as  Peterson’s and StartClass . Take their grad school acceptance rates with a grain of salt, though — their data isn’t always verifiable online. If possible, try to compare any data you find on these types of websites with the school websites themselves or U.S. News .

#4: Contact Schools

If the internet isn’t giving you the help you need, call or email your schools. Be polite but upfront: ask whether the school calculates acceptance rates for grad programs and where you can find this information online (if available).

If a school refuses to divulge admissions statistics or simply doesn’t report acceptance rates, see if they can give you estimates for how many applications they receive each year, or for how many acceptances they usually extend to applicants in your program.

Graduate School Acceptance: What Are Your Odds?

By this point, you might be wondering how likely it is you’ll actually get into the grad program you wish to attend. After all, acceptance rates are pretty broad — they tell you what everyone’s odds are but not your odds specifically.

Below are three easy steps for determining your odds of getting into grad school, including advice on when it’s better to go for it or choose another program.

Step 1: Check Program Requirements

First, go to your program’s website and pinpoint the admissions requirements page. Now, ask yourself:  do you meet all of the program’s basic requirements? If not, you’ll likely wind up with a rejection (and might not even be able to apply).

However, if you’re still interested in applying, contact the program and ask if they’ll make an exception for you. Your chance of getting accepted is still low, but you’ll at least have your application considered.

If your program strongly recommends qualities you lack, don’t interpret this as an automatic rejection. Sometimes, applicants can make up for deficiencies in other ways. For example, if your undergrad GPA is 3.1 and your program recommends applicants have a minimum 3.2, don’t write off the program — you might still have a shot at getting in as long as the rest of your application is solid.

On the other hand, even if you meet all of a program’s requirements, you’re not necessarily a shoo-in. Remember, all other applicants have met these requirements, too, so you’ll need to find a unique way to make your application stand out.

Step 2: Find Average GRE Scores and GPAs

Your next step is to look up your program’s average GRE scores and GPA  to see how your own scores and GPA compare with those of previously admitted applicants.

You can usually find GRE score information on admissions requirements or FAQ pages. You can also search on Google for “[Your School] [Your Program] average GRE scores.” For step-by-step instructions on how to find average GRE scores, check out  my article on average GRE scores by school .

For GPAs, you can use the same basic methodology. Check admissions requirements and FAQ pages and use ctrl+F to search for “GPA.” If GPA information is available, you’ll most likely come across minimum GPAs or average GPAs (or both). For more tips on how to find GPA information for your grad schools, read our guide .

Now, compare your own GRE scores and GPA with the averages you’ve found. Below are all possible scenarios and what they mean for you and your odds of getting into the program:

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• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  higher than your program’s averages:  Congratulations! You have an excellent chance of getting accepted, especially if the rest of your application is equally impressive. Keep up the great work!
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both  about the same as your program’s averages:  You’re doing pretty well! You are just the type of applicant your program is looking for. The only drawback is that you probably won’t stand out as much from other applicants who have similar GRE scores and GPAs. So take time to make your application sparkle (I’m looking at you, statement of purpose).
• Your GRE scores and GPA are both lower than your program’s averages (or just one of the two is lower):  It ain’t over ’til it’s over! You can still make up for your deficiencies in other ways. While you can’t change your GPA, you can retake the GRE . If your GPA is low, a great strategy for combating this is to discuss it in your statement of purpose, taking care to highlight any external factors that contributed to the low GPA as well as any attributes of yours that prove you’re indeed ready for grad school.

Step 3: Decide Whether to Apply

Now, we get to the final question: do you apply to the program or not?  This is a vague question that’s difficult to answer as is. The real questions you should be asking yourself are as follows:

• Do I meet all of the program’s basic requirements?
• Do I meet most or all of the program’s expectations of applicants (in terms of GRE scores, GPA, etc.)?
• Is the program’s acceptance rate extremely low?
• Do I really like this program?

Although acceptance rates and GRE/GPA comparisons are helpful, don’t base your decision to apply solely on how difficult the program is to get into. We can’t know for sure what kind of applicant a grad program is looking for or who they’re willing to make an exception for.

Take a moment to think deeply about how interested you are in this particular program. Be realistic about your chances of getting in — but don’t cross the line into pessimism. If you don’t meet most or all of a program’s expectations and you’re not super invested in it, consider applying elsewhere.

But if you meet some, most, or all of a program’s expectations and you’re extremely interested in enrolling, give the application a go. Remember, it’s totally normal (and even encouraged) to have a few reach schools. Plus, you’ll never get in if you don’t apply!

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Acceptance Rates

Grad school acceptance rates quantify for us the selectivity of grad schools and programs. More specifically, acceptance rates tell us  what percentage of applicants were offered admission to a particular grad school or program. 

With grad school, acceptance rates are often reported for individual schools or programs,  not  entire universities. Acceptance rates can vary widely depending on program prestige, the type of degree you’re seeking, and how much (or how little) funding a program offers.

Unlike undergrad acceptance rates, grad school acceptance rates are somewhat difficult to locate online. You can look for them using any of the following four methods:

• Peruse school websites
• Check grad school facts and lists on  U.S. News
• Browse other websites and forums such as The Grad Cafe
• Call or email your schools

When trying to determine your  odds of getting into a program, look at your program’s requirements as well as the average GPA and GRE scores of previously admitted applicants to your program. If your GRE scores and GPA are comparable to those of your program, you have a decent shot at getting accepted. If one or both are lower than your program’s averages, however, you can always try to  raise your GRE score  with a retake or address your GPA in your statement of purpose.

At the end of the day, what ultimately matters isn’t that you get accepted to a highly competitive grad program but that you make the right decision for you and you alone!

What’s Next?

Need help with your grad school application?  Learn about the most common grad school requirements  and get tips on how to write a grad school CV or resume !

Is your GPA good enough for grad school ?  Read our in-depth guide to learn how you can make up for a less-than-stellar GPA and ultimately raise your chances of getting into the school of your dreams.

Do you have to take the GRE for grad school ? When are grad school deadlines ?  Check out our guides for answers to these questions and more.

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

• All Programs

Mathematics Education: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The primary purpose of the Ph.D. in education with a concentration in mathematics education is to prepare highly qualified scholar-researchers who will be able to take a variety of positions in higher education settings (both public and private).

At a Glance

Program results.

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

–Mathematics Education

Career Objective

This program of study is designed to prepare graduates for college or university positions in mathematics or science education or for positions within research organizations with specific areas of curricular expertise.

Best Suited To

Students who possess a relevant master's degree that includes at least 12 graduate credits in mathematics or science, and have at least 2 years of teaching experience in the field of math or science education.

Program Type

Estimated length, application deadline, about this program.

Graduates of the Ph.D. in education with a concentration in mathematics education program are well prepared for employment as research scholars, policy analysts, and faculty members in higher education programs where the emphasis is on the production of scholarship, rather than application to practice.

The program includes coursework, a research apprenticeship, and practical experiences to prepare graduates to:

• Produce original research that contributes to the knowledge base in mathematics or science education or to teacher education in general
• Educate teachers in the area of mathematics or science and evidence-based practice
• Provide effective leadership in the field of mathematics or science education
• Request Information

Program Overview

Admission requirements.

Admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

• Applicant must possess a relevant master's degree that includes at least 12 graduate credits in mathematics or science.
• Applicant must have at least 2 years of teaching experience in the field of math or science education.
• Applicant must submit a goal statement (1-2 pages) along with the online application.A writing sample is not required.

Visit our  Graduate Admission  page for the full admission process.

Graduate Admission

Application for admission is made to the School of Education and Human Development Office of Admission & Enrollment. For more information about the graduate admission process, please visit our Graduate Admission page.

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit the graduate record website. These webpages represent the official repository for academic program requirements. 

The Ph.D. in education with a concentration in mathematics education program requires a minimum of 72 credits, at least 54 of which must be coursework. This coursework requirement includes concentration area courses and research methodology courses, and up to 3 credits of research apprenticeship per semester, but does not include internship and dissertation credits. At least 36 course and apprenticeship credits must be completed after admission to the program. Students can apply up to 12 credits of dissertation work towards the total of 72.

Research Methodology Coursework:  Ph.D. students will take Research Foundations, an introductory course in educational research common to all EHD doctoral students. Additionally, students are required to take a minimum of three courses in quantitative methods (generally Stats I, II, and III) and two courses in qualitative research methodology (e.g., Qualitative Analysis I and II). Advisors may suggest additional methodology courses, depending on the focus of a student’s individual program and research.

Research Apprenticeship:  All Mathematics/Science/STEM Ph.D. students will participate in a research apprenticeship with their research mentors. This apprenticeship will occupy approximately 10 hours of each student’s week during the first and second years of study and may increase during the third and fourth years, depending on the student’s specific duties. During this apprenticeship, the student will assist with the mentor’s research and scholarship, which may include data collection, data analysis, library research, presentations, writing for publication, and other related activities.

Education of Teachers Internships/Apprenticeships:  Mathematics/Science/STEM Ed Ph.D. students are expected to participate in internships that enable them to understand the workings of university-level teacher preparation. These internships consist of, but are not limited to, the following: supervision of student teachers, serving as a graduate teaching assistant, serving as the instructor for a pre-service or master’s level course, assisting the Director of Teacher Education, working with the novice teachers network, designing and evaluating curriculum for P-12 programs, working with clinical instructors and cooperating teachers, supervising early field experiences, serving as a connection between the schools and university in developing early field experiences, etc.

Assessment: Assessment of student progress through the Ph.D. program will be multifaceted and includes components conducted by faculty and by students themselves.

Student Annual Report: Annually, each Ph.D. student will complete an annual report describing their growth and accomplishments.

Preliminary Exam: In the second semester of the first year of study, all Ph.D. students will complete a preliminary exam, which is designed to determine the likelihood of the student’s continued success in Ph.D. studies. This exam consists of two parts. The first is a paper on a topic of significance in the field. The second is an oral exam in which students present the paper and a critique of a research article they have been given one week previously.

Pre-dissertation research manuscript: All Ph.D. students, prior to their third year of study, will complete a pre-dissertation research project that results in a manuscript submitted for review in a peer-reviewed journal. There is no requirement that the paper be accepted for publication, but students are strongly encouraged to revise manuscripts if resubmission is likely to result in publication. Research mentors will work with students to shape these papers toward eventual publication; co-authored papers are acceptable.

Qualifying Examination: All students will complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge base and methodology in a concentration area of teacher education and demonstrate readiness to undertake doctoral dissertation research. The examination will be graded independently by at least two faculty members. With the approval of the Teacher Education graduate program, a research manuscript accepted for publication may be used to satisfy part of the qualifying examination

Dissertation : All Ph.D. students will complete a dissertation proposal and a dissertation following either the traditional model or the three-paper option described in the EHD Dissertation Manual.

Course Descriptions

Information on courses that are part of the Ph.D. in Education-Mathematics Education curriculum can be found on the UVA graduate record website.

Departmental fellowships and assistantships are provided to a select number of applicants each year. A typical funding package includes funding for nine months in a combination of wages and stipends, tuition and all mandatory fees, and funds to cover student health insurance costs. The University also offers a limited number of competitive fellowships for which students enrolled in Ph.D. programs may apply.

Visit the  Fellowships, Scholarships, and Awards  page for additional funding opportunities.

Julie Jackson Cohen

• Charles S. Robb Associate Professor
• 434-243-8716
• [email protected]

Bavaro Hall 218G PO Box 400273 417 Emmet Street S Charlottesville, VA 22903

Admission & Enrollment

Engaging with prospective students and families on the process of applying to our school.

• 434-924-0742
• Ridley Hall 102
• Monday-Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Please visit the UVA Graduate Record webpage for Ph.D. degree requirements. 

Application Requirements

Computer science background requirements.

The Department of Computer Science does not require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, applicants are expected to have a strong background in Computer Science. A suitable background would include courses in the following core areas:

• Data Structures
• Discrete Mathematics
• Assembly Language and Computer Organization
• Programming in a procedural language such as C, C#, C++, or Java.

Applicants are also expected to have taken several (but not necessarily all) courses in specialized areas:

• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Networks
• Automata and Formal Languages
• Software Engineering

A year of college-level Calculus is also required. In general, experience gained working is not considered equivalent to successful completion of the courses listed above.

Grade Point Average

There is no minimum GPA required for admission. However, most applicants who are offered admission to our program have a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0). The grades in Computer Science, mathematics and related courses are more important than the overall GPA.

GRE scores are optional. 

Letters of Reference

If possible, letters of references should be written by faculty at a university previously attended. Letters of reference from Computer Science faculty are preferred, but references from employers are welcome. References should pay particular attention to academic achievements and evidence of independent, creative problem solving.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

• If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., TOEFL is not required
• If you received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.), TOEFL/IELTS is not required.
• If you received a 4-year degree at a non -English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is required. 
• Note that if you have a solid command of written and spoken English, TOEFL/IELTS waivers are possible! Contact via email,  [email protected] , explaining why you believe TOEFL/IELTS can be waived (include evidence such as verification of duties as a Teaching Assistant that required significant interactions in English, copies of expired TOEFL/IELTS scores, presentations at conferences in English, etc.). 

It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. Scores can be sent electronically to UVa at institution code B875. Some students with lower scores may be required to complete the UVA Summer English for Academic Purposes Program prior to admission.

Application Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

• Background in Computer Science (including project work)
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Letters of reference
• Personal statement
• TOEFL/IELTS scores

Applications are evaluated in their entirety. A weakness in one factor might be mitigated by strength in another.

Financial Aid / Tuition 

Occasionally, the school of Engineering offers Master Fellowships. More information can be found on the Engineering Cost Aid webpage: https://engineering.virginia.edu/future-grads/graduate-admissions/cost-aid , and you can learn more about UVA Fellowships here: https://citizenscholars.virginia.edu/fellowships  

PhD students are usually admitted with a financial aid package in the form of a First-Year Research Assistantship that allows students to explore research with various faculty members and find their best match. It is expected that students will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This financial aid package includes a competitive stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Details of this award are given at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science PhD program.  

You are encouraged to apply to outside sources for fellowships or you can apply for federal assistance by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid .

The UVA Tuition and Fees page includes the costs per academic year by school. 

CS Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i apply.

Please visit this Web page to apply.

When is the application deadline?

See details in the section above (Admissions).

How much does it cost to apply? Can this fee be waived?

Visit this UVA Engineering FAQ page for details on the cost to apply, and learn if your fee can be waived.

Is the TOEFL/IELTS required?

International students must have an outstanding command of the English language in order to enroll at the University of Virginia. The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required of all applicants if the language first learned and spoken in the home is not English, and they are not permanent residents. However, TOEFL/IELTS is not required if the applicant has received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.). (If the applicant has a 4-year degree from a non-English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is still required.) It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. 

I scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Can I still apply?

We review all applications thoroughly, along a number of dimensions. It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90/ IELTS score of 6.5.

Where do I send my GRE and/or TOEFL/IELTS scores?

The Institution code for School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Virginia for the GRE is 5820. The code for TOEFL is  B875. There is not a specific code for the Department of Computer Science.

I'm taking TOEFL/IELTS or GRE after your deadline (Dec 15). If I apply will these scores make it into my application and be seen by the admissions committee?

We will start evaluating applications soon after the Dec 15 deadline. Applicants should submit the most complete application they can, based on the information they have at the time (e.g., current test scores, even if new test scores are anticipated).Those applications that are complete will be considered first. We will continue to evaluate applications into early next year, until we have completed our offers. As we are reviewing applications, we will certainly consider updated scores as the arrive at the University of Virginia. There is no need to email us to tell us that new scores are being sent.

Should I mail or should I upload my materials with my application?

We strongly discourage applicants from mailing in any items that can be uploaded to avoid delays in your application review, and we ask that you not send duplicate copies of previously uploaded documents. If you still need to mail documents to our office, please send them to: For US Postal: Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions P.O. Box 401103 Charlottesville, VA 22904 For UPS/FEDEX:      Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions      1001 Emmet Street North      Room 209B Carruthers Hall      Charlottesville, VA 22903

I’ve submitted my application and all supporting materials. Why does my application status still show as incomplete?

We will fully review your application with unofficial test scores and unofficial transcripts. Your application will only show as "complete" when your application has been submitted, your official scores and transcripts have been received and all three letters of recommendations have been received. An application is complete for review with unofficial transcripts and self-reported scores, though the checklist will still show incomplete. Please note that all official transcripts are received in our main admissions office and scanned or entered into our system manually. If you feel that your materials should have been received by now, but are NOT showing up when you login to your account, please note that the Graduate Admissions Office processes a very large number of applications and it may take longer than expected for your documents/information to appear online (in your account). It is very likely that your materials have been received, but have not been loaded into our application system yet.

If I email you my information (e.g., GPA, GRE scores, etc.) before I apply, can you tell me the chance of being accepted?

The graduate admissions committee considers many factors in an application, including more than just GPA and test scores. In particular, letters of reference and your personal statement are extremely important. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to provide any information before the committee considers your full application.

I still have other questions. Is there anyone available to help me?

Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send an email to [email protected]. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions [email protected] 434-243-0209

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here .

Universities

• University of Virginia

University of Virginia: Acceptance Rate, Fees & Courses

Virginia, United States

Help Me Decide

• Counselling
• Discussions

University Type

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and is one of the oldest public universities in the country.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Virginia?

The University of Virginia acceptance rate is 19%,  making it one of the most selective public universities in the nation.

The University of Virginia, USA is known for its rigorous academics, world-class faculty, and leading research. It is also home to a vibrant and diverse student body, offering many undergraduate and graduate programs, including schools of law, medicine, business, engineering, and the arts.

The University of Virginia's main campus is located on 1,682 acres in Charlottesville, Virginia, known for its beautiful architecture, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. The Academical Village, the original core of the campus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The University of Virginia QS Ranking in 2024 is #260.

The university is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". According to the National Science Foundation, UVA spent $614 million on research and development in 2019, ranking it 44th in the nation and first in Virginia.

Top Reasons to Study in the University of Virginia

Several reasons add to the popularity of international students' demand to study at the University of Virginia, USA. Here are some of the top reasons:

• Vibrant student life: The University of Virginia has a large and diverse student body, with students from all over the United States and the world. There are 700+ student organizations to choose from, and there is always something to do on campus.
• Strong undergraduate research opportunities: The university offers various opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research, serving as a great way to gain valuable experience and learn from leading experts in your field.
• Study abroad programs: The University of Virginia offers 200+ study abroad programs in 50+ countries, serving as a great way to experience a new culture and gain a global perspective.
• Public service commitment: The university is committed to public service, offering various opportunities for students to get involved in their communities. This can be a great way to make a difference in the world and learn valuable skills.

These reasons are just a glimpse of what you will get to learn and explore at the University of Virginia. To know more, click here.

Cost of Studying at University of Virginia

Average tuition fee

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

Loan amount sanctioned

Assistance for loan process

Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

Average living expenses (Masters)

Average on-campus living expenses

Admissions at The University of Virginia

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

Application Fee

How to Apply at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a highly-ranked university with a strong focus on the liberal arts and sciences. It is consistently ranked among the top 25 public universities in the United States, and its programs in law, medicine, and business are all highly regarded. At present, 23,000+ students are enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs at the University of Virginia. Undergraduate programs at UVA are offered in 20+ majors, and graduate programs are offered in 40+ majors. International students must follow the enlisted steps below to smoothen the application process to the University of Virginia:

Be an early bird: The University of Virginia admissions deadlines vary program-wise, and missing them can severely affect your chances of getting in. Hence, thoroughly check the deadlines before applying.

Review the admission requirements for international students: The eligibility criteria for international students vary slightly from domestic students, in terms of GPA, English proficiency, and standardized scores.

Submit your application online: Applicants can apply through the Common Application or the UVA Application Portal itself.

Submit all required supporting documents, including:

• Official transcripts from all high schools and universities attended.
• English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
• Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT).
• A financial statement.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers and/or guidance counselors.
• A personal statement.
• Additional documents like a copy of your passport and financial statements.

Pay the application fee: The application fee for international students is $85 (INR 7,062) for graduate programs. There is no application fee for undergraduate programs.

Documents Required to Apply to University of Virginia

The University of Virginia acceptance rate is only 21%, making it super competitive to get in. Applicants may choose from several programs, including nursing, computer engineering, architecture, civil engineering, mathematics, public policy, computer science, business analytics, accounting, linguistics, and data science. International students must keep the following documents handy before applying to UVA:

UNDERGRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

Exams Accepted By University of Virginia

The University of Virginia accepts the following English proficiency and standardized test scores from international students:

• TOEFL iBT: 90
• SAT and ACT scores are optional.
• No minimum GRE score is required.

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Alumni at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia has 230,000+ living alumni around the world. They are known as "Hoos" and are a proud and supportive community. UVA alumni have achieved great success in all fields, including business, government, law, medicine, the arts, and academia. Here are a few notable UVA alumni:

• James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
• Nancy Park , founder and CEO of Twentysomethings.
• Chris Long , NFL football player and philanthropist.
• Tina Fey , comedian, actress, and writer.
• Larry J. Sabato, political scientist and director of the Center for Politics at UVA.
• Margaret Brennan, moderator of "Face the Nation" and senior foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News.
• Fred Barnes , co-founder and executive editor of The Weekly Standard.

Just like these exceptional people, you can also become part of the University of Virginia's alumni association, by fulfilling your dream of studying there through Yocket's assistance!

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Campus life

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Campus locations Virginia

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Transportation in the city

Charlottesville, Virginia has various transportation options available to residents and visitors alike.

• Public Transportation: The Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) bus system provides free service to the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County six days a week. CAT buses are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate bikes and strollers. Most routes start and end at the Downtown Transit Station on the East end of the city's Downtown Mall. The Charlottesville Free Trolley is a great option for getting around between the University of Virginia area and the Downtown Mall. The trolley operates six days a week, with more frequent service on weekends and during special events.
• Rideshare Services: Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are available throughout the Charlottesville area. These services can be a convenient and affordable way to get around, especially if you are not familiar with the city.
• Taxis: There are several taxi companies in Charlottesville, including Charlottesville Transportation & Taxi, LLC and Aberdare Transit. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called for pick-up.
• Car Rentals: If you need to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) and throughout the city.
• Biking and Walking: Charlottesville is a relatively bike-friendly city, with several bike lanes and paths. There are also several bike rental shops in the city. Charlottesville is also a very walkable city, with many of the main attractions located within walking distance of each other.
• Other Transportation Options: Charlottesville is also served by Amtrak trains, which connect the city to major cities along the East Coast. Several charter bus companies offer service to and from Charlottesville.

Services offered by the university

The University of Virginia offers many services to its students, faculty, staff, and visitors, including:

• Academic support: The university provides various academic support services to help students succeed, such as tutoring, academic advising, and writing assistance.
• Career services: The university's career center offers students and alumni various services to help them prepare for and find jobs, including resume writing, interview coaching, and job search assistance.
• Financial aid: The university offers various financial aid options to help students afford college, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Health and wellness services: The university's student health center provides students with various health and wellness services, including medical care, counseling, and prevention programs.
• Recreation and Wellness: The university offers students various recreation and wellness facilities and programs, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and sports teams.
• Research support: The university offers various research support services to faculty and students, such as access to libraries, laboratories, and research funding.

These are some basic services provided by the University of Virginia, USA. However, some special services are also offered for international students, the disabled, and individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.

Student life at University of Virginia

With an array of activities, clubs, and cultural events offered by UVA, you are sure to feel involved. Let us look at the factors that contribute to the vibrancy of the student life at the University of Virginia, USA:

• Academics: The University of Virginia is a highly ranked public university, and its academics are rigorous and challenging. Students have access to many majors and minors, and the university's faculty are world-renowned experts in their fields.
• Campus life: The university's campus is one of the most beautiful in the country, and it's a great place to spend time outside of class. Students can relax on the Lawn, go for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or catch a show at the UVA Arts Center.
• Student organizations: The University of Virginia has over 800 student clubs and organizations, so there's something for everyone to get involved in. Students can join sports teams, fraternities, and sororities, academic clubs, or student government.
• Athletics: The university is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and its sports teams are some of the most successful in the country. Students can cheer on the Cavaliers at football, basketball, and other sporting events.
• Social life: The University of Virginia has a thriving social life, with plenty of opportunities for students to meet new people and have fun. There are parties, concerts, and other events happening all the time.

These are just a few factors that make the University of Virginia’s student life so happening. If you go there, you will feel involved and get various opportunities to shine as an individual.

On campus accomodation at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers various on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students, including:

Traditional Residence Halls: These halls offer a traditional college dorm experience, with double-occupancy rooms and shared bathrooms. Some of the most popular traditional residence halls at UVA include:

• Alderman Road Hall-Style
• Alderman Road Suite-Style
• Brown Residential College
• Gooch/Dillard Suite-Style
• Hereford Residential College
• International Residential College
• McCormick Road Hall-Style

Residential Colleges: UVA's residential colleges are designed to foster a sense of community and intellectual engagement among students. Each residential college has its unique focus, such as the arts and sciences, global citizenship, or leadership. Some of the residential colleges at UVA include:

• Lawn Residential College
• Lewis Mountain Residential College
• Madingley Residential College
• Monroe Hill Residential College
• Old Cabell Hall Residential College
• Riley House Residential College
• Rouss Hall Residential College
• Snyder Hall Residential College

Special Interest Housing: In addition to traditional residence halls and residential colleges, UVA also offers various special interest housing options, such as:

• Family Housing
• Gender-Inclusive Housing
• Greek Housing
• Graduate Housing
• Living Learning Communities
• Religious Housing
• Sober Housing
• Substance-Free Housing
• Transfer Housing
• Upperclass Housing

Students can apply for on-campus housing through the UVA Housing and Residence Life website. The housing application process usually begins in the spring semester of the following academic year.

Faculty Information

University Faculty Stats

The University of Virginia, USA has a vast faculty, and some of its statistics are:

• Faculty count: 3,000+ scholars, teachers, and researchers.
• Student-faculty ratio : 13:1.
• Average class size: 15 (on campus, 3 or more credit hours).
• Terminal degree: 73% of full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree in their area of instruction.
• Diversity: 40% of full-time faculty members are women, and 6% are underrepresented minorities.
• Awards and honors: UVA faculty members have received numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, and the MacArthur Fellowship
• Research: In 2022, UVA received over $500 million in research funding from the federal government and other sources.

Jobs and Opportunities

University Endowments Value

Research opportunities at university of virginia.

The University of Virginia (UVA) is one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States, and it offers many research opportunities for students of all levels.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

• Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs provide students with the opportunity to conduct research with faculty members on various projects. These programs are open to students from all over the country, and they are usually funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Independent research opportunities can be done during the school year or during the summer. To find a research mentor, students can reach out to faculty members who are working on topics that interest them.
• Undergraduate research grants are to support undergraduate research. These grants can be used to cover the costs of research supplies, travel, and other expenses.

Graduate Research Opportunities

• Teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs) allow graduate students to teach classes and conduct research with faculty members.
• Graduate fellowships are usually awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and research potential.
• Travel grants are to support graduate students who are attending conferences or conducting research abroad.

Postdoctoral Research Opportunities

• Postdoctoral fellowships are to support postdoctoral researchers who are conducting research with faculty members. These fellowships are usually awarded to researchers who have recently completed their PhDs and who have demonstrated outstanding research potential.
• Postdoctoral travel grants are to support postdoctoral researchers who are attending conferences or conducting research abroad.

By signing up for any of these research programs, you can pamper your curious mind and develop exceptional research skills by working with intellectual faculty members.

Internship opportunities at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers various internship and part-time job opportunities to students of all majors and backgrounds, which can be found in academic and administrative departments, and the surrounding community. Some examples of internship and part-time job opportunities available at UVA:

Internships:

• Research Assistant
• Teaching Assistant
• Administrative assistant
• Programming intern
• Social media intern
• Marketing intern
• Design intern
• Writing intern
• Event planning intern
• Public relations intern
• Human resources intern
• Finance intern
• Accounting intern
• Nursing intern
• Engineering intern
• Medical intern

Part-Time Jobs:

• Resident advisor
• Library assistant
• Computer lab assistant
• Writing center consultant
• Student services representative
• Food service worker
• Bookstore clerk
• Office Assistant

Working can be elemental, especially for international students. Through the array of opportunities offered by UVA, you will indeed find internships or part-time jobs on campus and in the surrounding community.

Placement of University of Virginia

Job Placements: The University of Virginia (UVA) has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers. According to the UVA Career Center, 97% of the Class of 2022 received job offers within three months of graduation.

Hiring Companies: Some of the top employers of UVA graduates in 2022 included:

• Capital One
• McKinsey & Company
• Teach for America
• Ernst & Young

Salaries: The average starting salary for UVA graduates was $70,604 (INR 58,76,956), and the median salary was $70,000 (INR 58,26,681).

1. What is the Darden School of Business acceptance rate?

It is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious colleges, with an entrance rate of roughly 25% and high academic standards.

2. Is the Darden MBA a prestigious program?

The organization's Best Business Institutions for 2022 rating evaluates 241 MBA programs and rates schools based on a combination of school information and student surveys across 18 categories. Darden was ranked in the top ten of all MBA programs in 11 areas, more than any other school.

3. Is Darden Business School a great business school?

In Bloomberg Businessweek's new business school ranking of Full-Time MBA programs, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business is ranked in the top ten. Darden is ranked No. 9 in the United States and No. 2 among public university programs in the publication's Best B-Schools 2021-22 ranking.

4. What distinguishes Darden School of Business from others?

Darden's core curriculum is our most distinguishing feature, with each class taught exclusively through the case method during the first year. Another differentiation is professors' amount of preparation to generate a highly impactful classroom experience.

5 What are the Darden School of Business tuition fees at?

The tuition fees at Darden School of Business range from 47,000 USD (36,47,028 INR) to 52,000 USD (40,35,010 INR). \

6. University of Virginia acceptance rate for international students?

The University of Virginia acceptance rate for all students is 19%, inclusive of international and domestic students. This means that the admissions process is highly competitive for all students, regardless of nationality.

7. University of Virginia requirements for international students?

The University of Virginia (UVA) has the following requirements for international students:

Academic transcripts, translated into English if necessary. English proficiency test scores: Minimum scores of 90 on the TOEFL iBT or 7.0 on the IELTS. Statement of Purpose (SOP), explaining why you are interested in studying at UVA and what you hope to achieve. Letters of recommendation (LORs). Proof of financial support.

UVA Acceptance Rate: How to Get Into the University of Virginia

• Post author By Dr. Eliza Fox
• Post date May 18, 2022
• 3 Comments on UVA Acceptance Rate: How to Get Into the University of Virginia

Long considered a “public Ivy,” the University of Virginia offers strong academic programs, a small-town atmosphere, and a robust alumni network. Students both in and outside of Virginia compete to join the school’s 18,000 undergraduates as first years on UVA’s Grounds. ( UVA prefers the terms “first years” and “Grounds” to “freshmen” and “campus.”) Undergraduates at UVA can choose from a variety of majors , ranging from philosophy (housed in UVA’s College of Arts & Sciences ) to aerospace engineering (part of UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science ) to architectural history (in the School of Architecture ) to nursing (in the School of Nursing ).

YOU SHOULD CONSIDER UVA IF…

You’re a student in virginia:.

It’s no secret that UVA is a good choice for in-state students. In addition to the increased odds of admission for Virginia students (more on this below), Virginia residents pay significantly less in tuition and fees than out-of-state students. Take a look at UVA’s estimated costs of attendance to see the price breakdown by school.

You like history:

On top of its strong academic and research programs, UVA has a strong sense of history. Its Grounds—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—feature architecture designed by Thomas Jefferson, extensive archival collections, and countless student-led traditions . In recent years, UVA has begun to grapple with its history of slavery and racism through programs like the President’s Commission on Slavery and the University . Undergraduate students can also explore America’s presidential history by visiting nearby sites like Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland , and even carry out research at these institutions through programs like the Monticello-University of Virginia Archeological Field School .

You are interested in business:

Not many top schools offer undergraduate business degrees , and those that do generally require high school students to apply directly to the university’s business program. However, UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce— ranked #8 among undergraduate business programs by U.S. News and World Report —takes a slightly different approach. UVA students apply to the school’s B.S. in Commerce program during their sophomore year, after completing two years of liberal arts classes. This not only provides business students with a well-rounded education, but it also gives admitted students some time to figure out whether or not business is the right path for them.

You are a strong candidate for honors programs:

UVA does not have a single Honors College, but it offers numerous honors programs. These include:

• The Echols Scholars Program , a College of Arts & Sciences program that offers academic flexibility, priority enrollment, and a common first-year living community.
• The College Science Scholars Program , which offers mentorship and research experience for STEM-focused students in the College of Arts & Sciences.
• The Rodman Scholars Program , which offers priority registration, special scholar housing, and unique curricular opportunities to the top 5% of students admitted to the School of Engineering.

For admitted students, these programs can provide a strong sense of community, along with other perks. There’s no need to apply to any of these programs directly; all applications to the College of Arts & Sciences are automatically considered for Echols and College Science Scholars, and all applicants to the School of Engineering are considered for the Rodman Scholars Program. Students who are not initially accepted to these programs in their first year have the opportunity to apply for admission during their time at UVA.

UVA also offers two major scholarship programs for incoming students: the Jefferson Scholars Program and the Walentas Scholars Program . The Jefferson Scholars Program provides full merit scholarships, foreign travel experience, and career networking opportunities for exceptional applicants. The Walentas Scholars Program—which launched last fall—provides the same benefits to first-generation students. Applicants to both programs must be nominated by their high school , and each participating high school is limited to one nominee. If you are interested in being considered for either scholarship, we recommend talking to your counselor about it well before the nomination deadline.

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UVA ACCEPTANCE RATE: BY THE NUMBERS

Like most schools, UVA’s acceptance rate has become increasingly competitive. Take a look at the school’s admissions data for the past five years:

Class of 2026 : 18.7%

Class of 2025 : 21%

Class of 2024: 21%

Class of 2023: 24%

Class of 2022: 26.5%

It’s worth keeping in mind, too, that UVA’s acceptances are not distributed equally. As a state-supported school, UVA offers significant admissions privileges to in-state students. In fact, UVA has pledged that 2/3 of the students enrolled at UVA will be Virginia residents. This means that UVA’s admit rate for Virginia students is much higher than its admit rate for out-of-state applicants. The Class of 2026, for example, had an 18.7% admit rate overall, but that broke down to a 28% admit rate for Virginia students and a 15% admit rate for out-of-state students.

UVA also offers several admissions rounds for interested applicants, including Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision . The fact that it offers Early Decision makes UVA relatively unusual among state flagship schools, as many of its peer institutions (UNC, University of Michigan, etc.) offer only Early Action and Regular Decision options. When UVA relaunched its Early Decision program in 2019, the university argued that it was meeting demand from students who ranked UVA as their top choice. As we have noted before , however, Early Decision is attractive to colleges because it helps them ensure a high yield of admitted students. Early Decision also offers an effective way for UVA to “lock in” strong candidates early, rather than competing with other top schools that might want to admit them.

As you might expect, then, students interested in UVA have the best chance of admission applying in the Early Decision round. Just take a look at some of the admissions data from recent cycles:

         Class of 2026:

• Early Decision Admit Rate: 32% (38% in-state admit rate, 25% out-of-state admit rate)
• Early Action Admit Rate: 20% (30% in-state admit rate, 16% out-of-state admit rate)
• Regular Decision Admit Rate: 13% (17% in-state admit rate, 12% out-of-state admit rate)

         Class of 2025:

• Early Decision Admit Rate: 33% (39% in-state admit rate, 26% out-of-state admit rate)
• Early Action Admit Rate: 21.4% (30% in-state admit rate, 18% out-of-state admit rate)
• Regular Decision Admit Rate: 16.4% (20% in-state admit rate, 15% out-of-state admit rate)

As you can see, both in-state and out-of-state students get a big boost from applying in the binding Early Decision round. If you know that UVA is the school for you, don’t be afraid to commit! Applying in the Early Action round offers some benefits, but your odds of admission won’t be quite as strong as they are in the Early Decision round.

Finally, UVA offers guaranteed transfer admission to students attending Virginia’s Community Colleges who meet a defined set of standards. While these standards vary among UVA’s schools, they generally include a minimum number of transferrable credits, a specified GPA, and specific course requirements. (To see the full list of requirements, check here .) For Virginia students, this transfer policy offers a chance to pay a lower tuition rate for several years, while still graduating with a UVA degree. It can also offer students with a weaker high school record a path to enrollment at UVA.

APPLYING TO UVA

So what can you do to strengthen your application for UVA?

Take courses in all core areas:

Like all top colleges, UVA looks for students taking the most challenging classes available to them in core areas: English, history, math, science, and foreign language. While it can be tempting to focus on the subjects that come easily to you and to skip the ones that are harder, avoiding certain subjects will hurt your admissions odds at UVA (and other highly ranked schools). In fact, Jeannine Lalonde, Associate Dean of Admission at UVA, explicitly discourages high school students from “doubling up” on one subject at the expense of another. If you have a particular field of interest, you’d be better off exploring it in a sixth class or through a course at a local college.

Get involved in your community:

While academics are the most important piece of every admissions puzzle, UVA also looks for students “who will add to our community in different ways.” To show the admissions committee how you plan to get involved on Grounds in the future, make sure to take part in your community at home now . Could you get involved with local advocacy work? Launch an initiative to improve your area? Taking action now will also make it easier to write essays for the UVA application, which often include at least one community-focused prompt. In 2021, for example, UVA asked questions like:

Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “…there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good.

Get to know the school:

UVA does not officially track demonstrated interest , but admissions officers want to admit students who have learned about the school and understand why it’s a good fit for them. With this in mind, it’s a great idea to explore the university before applying. Consider taking a virtual or in-person tour of the school, attending an information session, or connecting with current students through UVA’s Monroe Society . You can also check out student publications like The Cavalier Daily to learn about events and opinions on Grounds. Take a look at our recent tips for college visits to help you prepare and explore the school thoroughly!

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3 replies on “UVA Acceptance Rate: How to Get Into the University of Virginia”

UVA has what objective observers would say is an almost absurd disparity in admissions: UVA has single-digit out of state freshman acceptance but then a 40%+ acceptance rate for in-state transfer admission. The other point TTA made is a good one- if you are a business major you need to wait until sophomore year to apply. This can REALLY hurt those certain they want to study business as freshman and sophomore transfers, because they have can not apply to UVA’s business school until they are already sophomores; so, if end up getting denied from the business school (around a 65% acceptance rate), then you will have to transfer out to study business. This actually ruled UVA out for me as a potential sophomore transfer. Overall, UVA is a solid well-rounded school, but recent activism around racism has become a little too intense lately- even for proponents which threatens their apolitical reputation. But they offer a huge advantage for in-staters, most especially for in-state transfers. Out-of-state freshman applicants, however, should stick to Ivies and Top 20’s, as they will be hugely discriminated against by UVA admissions due mandatory slots reserved for in-state applicants.

I agree with the difficulty getting accepted for out of state applicants to UVA. My brother was admitted to 4 Ivies but rejected Early Action at UVA as a freshman. And he is the THIRD such case I know of. Imagine being an NFL player but getting cut from a college team ranked #50? That is UVA admissions in a nutshell; in short, they treat in-state applicants like family and out of state applicants like crazy strangers. And then the out of state bill comes. Forget it! There are FAR better options out there than UVA.

TOTALLY agree with above comments. And for any of you out-of-state doubters out there? Absolutely you NEED Top Tier Admissions’ help to have a shot at getting in. Don’t say you weren’t warned- and I have no connection with Top Tier whatsoever. Good luck!

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UVA Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements : What It Takes to Get In

The university of virginia quick facts.

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a public university located in Charlottesville. It has gained a reputation as one of the most distinguished public colleges since its foundation in 1812 by Thomas Jefferson. It has a beautiful historic campus and is one of the few colleges in the country that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UVA prides itself on producing leaders and delivering education at a fair cost. So, it is no surprise that UVA ranks among the top public colleges in the United States.  

UVA’s graduate programs are the highly-rated Darden Graduate School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, and School of Engineering and Applied Science. UVA is a world-class university and is informally known as one of the “Public Ivies.” It also has a high degree of selectivity. The UVA acceptance rate for the Class of 2025 was 20.62%.  

This article will discuss the University of Virginia’s GPA requirements to build a solid academic profile. So, keep reading to find out!  

UVA Acceptance Rate 

Admission at UVA is very competitive. In the 2020-2021 entrance cycle, a record-breaking number of 48,011 students applied, but UVA accepted only 9,898. This makes the UVA acceptance rate 20.62%. UVA received 2,937 early decision applications and accepted 968 for a 32.96% early decision acceptance rate. A total of 28,897 students applied for early action, with UVA accepting 6,186 of them for a 21.41% early action acceptance rate.  

You should remember that applying to this university if you are not a Virginia resident is more challenging. In the 2020-21 cycle, the acceptance rate for out-of-staters was only 17%, while Virginia residents had a much higher 28% acceptance rate. While the UVA acceptance rate is low, your chances depend on the strength of your profile, which includes your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities.  

What is the UVA GPA Requirement?  

Let us talk about your high school grade point average. This is an important aspect of your application, and you must consider the UVA GPA requirement. You must meet the basic GPA requirement to avoid getting your application rejected right away.  

You can estimate the UVA GPA requirements by looking at the school’s current students’ average GPA. The average unweighted GPA of most students admitted to UVA is 4.31. This makes UVA as competitive as Ivy League universities. 9 out of 10 admitted students had a GPA of 4.0.  

It is better to maintain a GPA of 4.0 or higher in all your classes to meet the University of Virginia GPA requirements. To meet the UVA GPA requirements, you’ll have to score primarily A’s on your high school courses. Most students will want to take up to 8 AP classes to push their GPA over 4.0. It is essential to meet the University of Virginia GPA requirements while taking the most challenging courses your high school offers.  

What SAT and ACT Scores do I Need to Get into UVA? 

Apart from the University of Virginia’s GPA requirements, your application includes standardized test scores. Students can submit either SAT or ACT results. The Class of 2025 scored between 1330 and 1490 on the SAT and between 30 and 34 on the ACT. These test scores can be divided into percentiles. UVA’s 25th percentile SAT score is 1330, and the 75th percentile is 1500. The mean or average scores of candidates fall in the middle at 1430.   

UVA University super scores on the SAT. This means that UVA will consider your top reading, writing, and Math scores across all of your SAT dates . They will combine your best section scores to get the highest possible composite score.

The average ACT score of the Class of 2025 accepted students is between 30 and 34. The mean score of candidates falls at 32. Super scoring is not available for the ACT. Ensure that your test scores are closer to the 75th percentile score to improve your chances.   

What is UVA Looking for in Applicants? 

UVA has factors that fall into “very important” and “important” during the admissions process. 

Very Important:  

• High School Coursework  
• Class Rank  
• Letters of Recommendation   
• Personal Characteristics  
• State of Residency   

Important:   

• Extracurriculars  

Although UVA gets over 47,000 applications each year, UVA will properly review your application. Before making a choice, the UVA admissions team reviews the complete application. In UVA’s own words – “Before making recommendations, we read every file from beginning to end. Our files are read and double-checked several times.”  

It’s also worth noting that recruited athletes have a significant advantage. The NCAA Division 1 sports teams are a matter of pride for UVA. Currently, 750 college athletes attend UVA.   

Admission Tips to Get into UVA 

Does the process of getting into UVA excite you? Are you ready to be a Cavalier? Here are some tips to keep in mind while working on your application!

1. Maintain a High-Grade Point Average

As we have mentioned, coursework, GPA, and class rank are all “very important” for UVA admissions. The average high school GPA of UVA applicants was 4.31 in 2021. 90% of applicants had at least a 4.0. It is better to maintain a GPA of 4.0 or higher in all your classes to meet the University of Virginia GPA requirements.  

UVA uses a tool called ‘The Academic Index’. It is a metric employed by selective colleges with many applications. The academic Index combines an applicant’s whole academic record into a single figure, making it simple for admissions officers to reject applicants who do not fulfill a college’s academic requirements.

2. Improve your SAT and ACT scores

To be admitted to UVA, you must have excellent standardized exam results. The average test scores of UVA students are 1430 for the SAT and 32 for the ACT. It is best to take the SAT at least two to three times. This is because UVA super scores the SAT by combining your best section scores on different dates. UVA does not super score on the ACT. UVA was test-optional for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. This policy will continue till the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.  

3. Write Engaging Essays 

UVA considers essays “important” for their admissions process. The secret to producing an outstanding essay is to write about a meaningful topic to you. If you’re passionate about the subject, your essay will be more relatable to the admissions staff. UVA requires its applicants to write one Common application essay and one essay for the program they apply to. Your essay should discuss why UVA is your first choice and how you will be a good fit for the school.   

You can always ask a parent or trusted teacher to proofread your essay. They will be able to point out flaws and mistakes that you missed. 

4. Apply through the Early Action/Early Decision route

Early applications to UVA can improve your chances of acceptance, especially if you’re an out-of-state applicant. Early decision, early action, and regular decision are the three stages of UVA’s admissions process, each with its unique acceptance rate:  

• The acceptance rate for early decisions in 2021: is 32.96%  
• The acceptance rate for early action in 2021: is 21.41%  
• The acceptance rate for regular decisions in 2021: is 20.62%  

Early decision applications have the highest admissions odds, but they are also the most restricted. If you apply to UVA’s ED program, you are promising to attend if accepted. Early action is non-binding, which means that if admitted, you do not have to attend UVA and have until May 1 to decide whether or not to go.

5. Develop one or two Tier 1-2 extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities are viewed as an “important” aspect of admissions choices at UVA. A well-developed interest is an excellent technique to get the attention of admissions officers. UVA wants individuals who are well-rounded with good leadership skills. The “four levels of extracurriculars” concept is simple to understand how a college rates a specific activity. Tier one activities are rare activities, such as winning a national award. Tier four activities are commonly seen, such as general volunteer work.   

At first sight, UVA admissions may appear scary. Thomas Jefferson’s college has high requirements to get in. But if it is your dream to attend UVA, make sure you have a strong application and do well on your tests! All the best!  

Frequently Asked Questions  

1. What is the UVA Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2026? 

Only 9,522 students out of 50,962 applicants were accepted into the Cavalier Class of 2025. That is an acceptance rate of 21%. The acceptance rate is higher for Virginia residents. Meanwhile, out-of-staters were accepted at a rate of 15%.  

2. What is the Early Decision Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2026?  

The Early acceptance rate for the class of 2026 is considerably higher than for the non-binding early acceptance rate. It is 32%.  

3. How does UVA rate its applicants? 

 Applicants are rated on these very important factors: High School Coursework, Class Rank, GPA, Letters of Recommendation, Personal Characteristics, and State of Residency. Other important admission factors are Essays, Extracurriculars, and Talent.  

4. What is the average tuition and fee for UVA students?  

On average, the In-state tuition is $17,653 and Out-of-state tuition is $50,900.  

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Our internationally recognized faculty conduct research in the following subjects:

• Algebraic Geometry and Commutative Algebra
• Algebraic Topology
• Arithmetic Geometry
• Combinatorics
• Group Theory
• Harmonic Analysis
• History of Mathematics
• Low-dimensional Topology
• Mathematical Physics
• Number Theory
• Operator Theory
• Probability Theory

UVA Mathematics generally hosts ~12 postdoctoral fellows who conduct research in areas that complement the permanent faculty research.

UVA Mathematics hosts a wide variety of research seminars .

Faculty by research area

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Acceptance Rate

How hard is uva to get into.

University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA) acceptance rate is 17.00% for 2023-2024 admission. A total of 56,528 students applied and 9,610 were admitted to the school. Its acceptance rate is low, making it difficult to get into UVA.

UVA's acceptance rate is the 3rd lowest among 46 Virginia colleges with competitive admission .

The median SAT score is 1490 and the ACT score is 33 at UVA. UVA's SAT score is the highest among 34 Virginia colleges that consider SAT score for admission .

To apply to UVA, recommendations and personal statement (or essay) are required to submit. The SAT and ACT score is not required, but considered for admission. In addition, english proficiency test score is also considered.

Admission Statistics

For the academic year 2023-24, UVA's acceptance rate is 17.00% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 42.00%. 25,709 men and 30,819 women applied to UVA and 4,113 men and 5,547 women students were accepted.

Among them, 1,686 men and 2,330 women were enrolled in UVA (Fall 2023).

• Admission Trends

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: July 3, 2024)

Median SAT and ACT Score

In 2024, 1,973 students (50% of enrolled) have submitted their SAT scores and 627 students (16%) have submitted their ACT scores for seeking degrees at UVA.

The median SAT score is 1,490 with 730 SAT EBRW and 760 SAT Math median scores. The 75 th percentile SAT score of EBRW (Evidence-Based Reading / Writing) is 750 and the 25 th percentile is 700. The SAT Math 75 th percentile score is 780 and 25 th percentile is 710 .

The median ACT composite score is 33 with 75 th percentile score of 34 and 25 th percentile score of 32 at UVA. The median ACT math score is 32 and the ACT English score is 35.

How competitive is UVA's score?

The SAT and ACT scores at University of Virginia-Main Campus are competitive and high compared to similar colleges (SAT: 1,255, ACT: 27 - public research university with very high research activity).

• SAT Score Trends

Application Requirements

It requires to submit High School Record (or Transcript), Recommendations, and Personal statement or essay to its applicants.

The SAT and ACT test score is not reqired, but considered in admission process at UVA. The english proficiency test is not considered.

The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply University of Virginia-Main Campus.

For more admission information such as minimum GPA and deadlines, see its online application page .

General Admissions Information

The application fee is $75 for applying undergraduate schools and $85 for for applying graduate schools at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The following table provides general admission information for applying to UVA.

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