Admission

Admission

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The University of Virginia practices selective college admission, seeking outstanding students from throughout the United States and abroad. The Committee on Admission endeavors to provide the University community with an academically able, diverse, talented, and creative student body. In addition, the University seeks students who provide evidence of personal integrity.

The committee seeks to balance the strength of a national student body with the importance of a university education for Virginia’s best students. It does not otherwise enforce geographical quotas or observe geographical limitations. The committee does not consider financial need in any way when it evaluates applicants; however, the University is attempting through Access UVa to increase the number of low income students in the undergraduate classes.

Students coming directly from secondary school to the University are admitted in the fall semester to one of four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Architecture, or the School of Nursing. These four schools also admit transfer students. After two academic years of college-level work here or elsewhere, students may apply to the McIntire School of Commerce. Students may apply to the Five Year Teacher Education program sponsored jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Curry School of Education after one or two years of college work. The Curry School also admits students to programs in Communication Disorders and Sports Medicine after two years of college work. The Office of Admission receives and reviews applications for all six undergraduate schools and distributes information on all schools. Each school enforces its own college course requirements for transfer applicants. Transfer applicants should consult the Office of Admission website for current descriptions of requirements: www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission/transfer.html.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies also offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree for students who have completed two years of college work at another college or university. Applications for the BIS program are received and reviewed by that office; for more information about admission to the BIS program, see The School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record.

Admission Timetable

August - Office of Admission publishes print and electronic applications for admission for the following year.

(College of Arts and Sciences only).

November 1 - Transfer application deadline for January transfer.

December 1 - Tentative notification deadline for January transfer.

December-January - Last dates to take required standardized tests.

January 2 - Deadline for all first year applications and for receipt of $60
non-refundable application fee.

March 1 - Deadline for fall transfer applications (all schools).

Postmark priority deadline for completed financial aid paperwork.

April 1 - Notification date for first-year applicants.

May 1 - Approximate date of notification of fall transfer applicants.

Reply date for first-year candidates accepting offers of admission.

Non-refundable $250 deposit also due.

Admission for First-Year Students

Typically, the most important factor in the admission evaluation process is demonstrated academic achievement in a challenging secondary school program. Outstanding grades, high rank in class, good performance in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate or honors courses, and superior standardized test scores are valued in the process. The admission committee looks for applicants who have completed the most rigorous academic courses available in their secondary schools and recommends that prospective students should exceed the minimal high school graduation requirements.We require an official transcript or certified true copy. The secondary program should include no fewer than 16 academic courses and must include the following courses:

(1) If applying to the School of Engineering and Applied Science, three units, including chemistry and physics, are required. Also, foreign language is recommended, but not required for admission.

Because full-time students at the University take five academic courses each term, the committee recommends that students take no fewer than four, and preferably five, academic courses (English, math, history, science, and foreign language) each year in grades nine through twelve. The committee examines the extracurricular activities, special talents and interests, goals, background, and the applicant’s ability to write effective English prose. A letter of recommendation, preferably from the secondary school, is required and a recommendation from a teacher is recommended.

Regular Decision The Admission Office publishes applications each fall for enrollment the following September. Although applicants may apply with paper forms, the online application is preferred. All applications must be submitted by January 2 with a non-refundable application fee of $60. Candidates who qualify for waiver of the College Board ATP fee may request a waiver of the application fee as well. For further information or to obtain an application, contact the Office of Admission, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400160, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4160; (434) 982-3200; undergrad-admission@virginia.edu; www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission.

The committee requires SAT I scores from first-year and transfer applicants. Scores from the American College Testing Program (ACT) may be substituted for the SAT I and the University requires those students to take the optional ACT Writing test. The test requirement may be waived by an authorized admission dean. The committee strongly recommends that first-year applicants take two SAT Subject Tests of the applicant’s choice (students interested in studying the sciences are encouraged to take a math and a science test). Results of these tests should be reported to the Office of Admission directly from the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ, or from the American College Testing Program in Iowa City, IA. For first-year admission, the January test date is the last opportunity to complete the College Board tests, and December is the last date for the ACT. Applicants should consult their high school guidance counselors for the appropriate registration deadlines, which generally precede the test dates by several weeks. Because the SAT I and SAT subject test cannot be taken at the same sitting, applicants must register for two separate test dates. For information on special testing centers, call the Educational Testing Service at (609) 921-9000 or the American College Testing Program at (319) 337-1332 or consult their websites.

The Committee on Admission evaluates applications during the winter and early spring months and notifies candidates on or about April 1. Candidates offered admission must respond by May 1. At that time, the University requires a $250 tuition deposit to guarantee space in the entering class. This deposit is not refundable.

Admission Tours

The Office of Admission does not offer personal interviews and does not use them in the evaluation process. The office welcomes visitors to the Grounds. In the spring, summer, and early fall, information sessions are held twice a day during the week; in the summer and early fall, an additional session is held on Saturday mornings. During the winter, sessions are held once a day, Monday through Friday. When classes are in session, the University Guide Service conducts tours of the Grounds following each group discussion. Engineering students also conduct tours of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Reservations are not necessary for either the information sessions or the tours, which are especially directed to prospective students. Many of the other schools off tours as well at various times. For specific times and locations of these activities, please contact the Office of Admission, which is open throughout the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit the admission Web site at www.virginia.edu/undergradadmission. All admission sessions and tours of the University are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. Call the Office of Admission or the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities, (434) 924-7984, to request an interpreter for the hearing impaired.

Jefferson Scholars

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation awards scholarships on the basis of personal merit to approximately 35 outstanding students each year. Selection of Jefferson Scholars begins with nominations from secondary schools in geographical areas around the country, as well as participating international schools, due by early November. Every secondary school in the Commonwealth of Virginia is eligible to nominate a student to the competition. In 2007-2008, the regions outside the Commonwealth are Birmingham, Alabama; Arkansas; San Francisco, California; Delaware; Washington, D.C./Suburban Maryland; Atlanta, Georgia; South Georgia/Tallahassee, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; St. Louis, Missouri; Northern New Jersey; Buffalo, New York; Long Island, New York; New York City, New York; Westchester, New York/Fairfield, Connecticut; Charlotte, North Carolina; Piedmont Triad, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio/Northern Kentucky; Northeast Ohio; Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh/Western Pennsylvania; Central and Upstate South Carolina; Lowcountry South Carolina/Georgia; Eastern Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Houston, Texas; West Virginia; Wyoming; and International. In addition, with the excellent cooperation of the University’s Office of Admission, all applicants to the University who attend secondary schools not participating in the geographical regions (including international applicants) and all applicants to the Schools of Nursing and Architecture are screened as potential Jefferson Scholar candidates. Candidates are reviewed by the Foundation’s regional selection committees, and finalists from all areas assemble at the University in March for four days of interviews, seminars, exams, and social activities. The sole criteria for selection are demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the Jeffersonian ideals of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Scholarship recipients receive an amount designed to cover the entire cost of attending the University for four years. Eligible schools will be notified of details of the 2007-2008 selection process in the fall of 2007. For further information, contact the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, 211 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903-3446; jeffsch@virginia.edu; www.jeffersonscholars.org.

Echols Scholars

From each entering class, approximately 170-200 students who exhibit exceptional academic talent and self-direction are invited to enter the Echols Scholars Program in the College of Arts and Sciences. The program provides a combination of opportunities and freedom for the scholars. First-year Echols scholars live together with the Rodman scholars of the Engineering School. Echols scholars have priority registration for the courses they choose, as well as access to a special interdisciplinary Echols Majors Program; select faculty from across the disciplines serve as advisors to the scholars; and Echols scholars are exempt from the foreign language, second writing, and area requirements. An e-mail network provides communication to and among the scholars, and an Echols council of students offers a variety of social and intellectual programs. The Echols program has its own academic dean.

All first-year applicants to the College of Arts and Sciences are automatically considered for the Echols program prior to their entrance into the University. Although there are no absolute criteria for selection, Echols scholars generally come from the top five percent of the entering class and are avid learners who demonstrate intellectual and personal liveliness as well as strong academic performance. They will have done very well in the strongest programs their schools offer. Students not chosen for the program upon entry into the University may apply to the Echols program in their second semester of residence.

Rodman Scholars

Named for Walter S. Rodman, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science from 1933 to 1946, the Rodman Scholars Program in the School of Engineering and Applied Science selects students on the basis of demonstrated and potential leadership qualities as well as scholarship. Participation is by invitation only. The program emphasizes the first year of study, in which Scholars take special courses in engineering design and professional practice, physics and the interaction of science, technology and society. The first-year scholars live in a dormitory set aside for Rodman Scholars and Echols Scholars of the College of Arts and Sciences.

College Science Scholars

In each entering class approximately 30 students who demonstrate superior academic talent in the sciences are invited to the College Science Scholars (CSS) Program.

First year students in the CSS Program meet in small seminars settings with world-renowned scientists from the departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics in order to enhance the formation of student-professor research relationships. The program is designed to give each student individual attention and close interaction with research faculty. Scholars have a senior faculty member serving as their advisor/mentor from the very beginning of their program of study. The College Science Scholars Program has its own academic dean. All participants have the opportunity to become a member of a research lab or group as early as the first semester so that advanced research experience can begin quickly.

Scholars are expected to major in one of the nine science departments. They are expected to attend all weekly seminars during their first year, and occasional CCS events thereafter, including intellectual and mentoring activities. CSS students should actively engage in research early in their academic career, and demonstrate exemplary progress within their science curriculum, with a major GPA of 3.4 or above. There is no application procedure for the program; students are selected during the admissions process. College Science Scholars live together with Echols and Rodman Scholars in order to enhance students’ living experiences within a scientific community. For details see http://www.web.virginia.edu/CSS.

Dual Enrollment

In many cases, high school students who have not yet attended college full-time may be able to receive credit for dual-enrollment classes (e.g., college courses taken as part of their high school program). Each undergraduate school at the University handles dual-enrollment credit differently; entering students should check with the dean’s office of their school to confirm its guidelines for awarding dual-enrollment credit. Since the majority of students enter the College of Arts and Sciences, its policy on dual-enrollment credit follows.

Students entering the College of Arts and Sciences who took dual-enrollment courses in high school should have a transcript sent to the University of Virginia, College of Arts and Sciences, Garrett Hall, P.O. Box 400133, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4133. The dean’s office in the College evaluates each transcript, and the student may check with his or her faculty advisor upon arrival to see what credit has been earned. Dual-enrollment courses may not be used to meet the first writing or foreign language requirements.

If a course for which dual enrollment credits have been awarded is repeated in the College of Arts and Sciences, the dual enrollment credits are disallowed. The repeated course is posted, with its credits counting toward graduation and its grade included in the computation of the grade point average.

Student Retention

The majority of students who enter the University of Virginia-84 percent-graduate after four years of study. Other undergraduate students decide to take a leave of absence for a semester or longer because they wish to travel, work, or take advantage of other opportunities. Many of these students later return to the University and graduate; thus, 92 percent of the students who enter the University as first-year students eventually graduate.

Special Students

Special students may enroll in courses at the University through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Refer to the Community Scholar Program and the Special Student Program in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record for guidelines. Admission as a citizen scholar or a special student does not imply or guarantee admission to a degree program in an undergraduate or graduate school of the University. In the College of Arts and Sciences, “special student” has a particular meaning; see “Special Students” in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this Record for more information.

Part-time Degree Programs The College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Architecture (programs in architectural history and planning only), Engineering and Applied Science, and Nursing offer part-time degree programs. Prospective students follow the same application procedures required for the full-time program. Applicants to both the School of Architecture and the School of Engineering and Applied Science are required to have completed two years of college work and must be eligible to enter in the third-year class. The School of Nursing restricts their part-time program to Registered Nurses only. The College of Arts and Sciences normally requires applicants to have completed two years of college work, but will also consider applications from first- and second-year students whose personal circumstances warrant it. Part-time students admitted to the College are not eligible for intermediate honors or the dean’s list. If a student’s current grade point average falls below 1.800, or the student earns a grade below C- in a given semester, he or she receives an academic warning. The student may be subject to the College’s standard rules regarding academic suspension. After earning 54 credits, good standing within the major is expected for continuation as a part-time degree student in Arts and Sciences. Students in the College are limited to no more than two courses per semester.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a part-time Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program. For information about admission to this program see the School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record.

The University welcomes applications for admission from students who have attended other institutions of higher education. The application deadline for the fall semester is March 1. Limited numbers of transfer students are accepted to the College of Arts and Sciences, Architecture (Architectural history and Urban Planning only) and the School of Nursing (RN to BSN only) for the spring semester. That application deadline is November 1. Transfer applicants must submit high school and college transcripts as well as results of the SAT I or ACT with a $60 non-refundable application fee. Applications and credentials should be sent to the Office of Admission, P.O. Box 400160, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a guaranteed admission plan for qualified Virginia community college students for the fall term only. For information onthe requirements please visit the transfer admission website.

College of Arts and Sciences

Transfer Requirements In every case, an applicant for transfer admission must be in good academic and social standing at any college that he or she is currently attending or has previously attended and must be eligible to return there. To be competitive for admission, we recommend that a transfer student have a cumulative grade point average of B+ or better in all college work attempted and have completed the requirements stated in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this Record (see Competency Requirements and Area Requirements).

The College of Arts and Sciences requires a minimum academic residence of two years to receive a degree. Students transferring after one year of college are expected to have completed at least 24 credits; students transferring after two years of college are expected to have completed at least 54 credits. Of the 120 credits offered for the B.A. or B.S. degree in the College, at least 60 must be earned at the University of Virginia. More are required if the student does not have 60 or more non-UVa credits. All students are expected to complete the degree in a timely fashion, normally within eight semesters. For transfer students, the eight semesters include all full-time semesters spent at other institutions.

Intra-University Transfers Into The College Transfer into the College is not assured. With space in the College very limited, students seeking to transfer into the College compete for openings by applying during the spring semester for the following academic year. Thus, all students must complete at least two semesters at the University in the school in which they initially enroll. Information and application forms are available on-line at:
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/college/iut/index.html.

Transfer Credit Admitted transfer students receive transfer credit for any course that corresponds to one in the College of Arts and Sciences curriculum, and in which students have received a grade of C or better. Courses taken at an institution that uses the pass/fail grading system, and in which a grade of “passing” or better has been received, are transferred with full credit only after verification that the passing grade represents work at the C level or better. We allow no credit for correspondence courses or work passed elsewhere by examination.

The College evaluates courses submitted for transfer credit prior to matriculation, and notifies transfer students in writing as to transfer credit granted. Once admitted to the College, students need prior permission from the dean’s office in order to apply transfer credits toward a degree.

School of Architecture

Transfer Requirements The School of Architecture welcomes well-qualified transfer students from other colleges and universities. An applicant for transfer admission must be in good academic and social standing at his or her present college and must be eligible to return there.

To be competitive for admission, a transfer student should have a cumulative grade point average of B+ or better in all college work attempted and have completed courses in English, mathematics (calculus), natural science (physics is recommended), social science, and humanities. Evidence of interest in the profession is also considered. See Requirements in the School of Architecture section of this Record.

A minimum academic residence of two years is required for a degree from the School of Architecture. In some cases, summer session study at the University is also required of transfer applicants.

Transfer Credit The School of Architecture grants transfer credit based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed.. Credit is not granted for work completed elsewhere with a grade less than C or its equivalent. The Dean of the School of Architecture governs the awarding of transfer credit. In no case are more than 60 transfer credits applied to an undergraduate degree for the School of Architecture.

McIntire School of Commerce

Transfer Requirements A student who wishes to transfer to the School of Commerce from another institution must have completed two years of college work and must have maintained a scholastic average that, in the opinion of the admission committee, predicts successful work at the University. A minimum grade point average of B+ is recommended. Applicants for transfer from other institutions are accepted for September admission only. Students seeking admission to the School of Commerce must have completed a minimum of 54 credits of work prior to enrollment in the fall. The 54 credits should include the following courses:

(1) An additional three credits of English writing (not necessarily an English course) is suggested (not required) before admission. A course in public speaking is strongly recommended (not required) before admission.
(2) Three credits in statistics and three credits in either calculus or probability.
(3) As defined in this Record, College of Arts and Sciences section, Area Requirements section. Three humanities credits are required prior to enrollment. Three additional credits of humanities along with three credits of social, or natural/physical sciences are required before graduation and may be taken either before or after admission to the McIntire School. Commerce will accept additional English or public speaking (1 above) as humanities.

Transfer Credit Credit toward a degree is allowed for approved work completed in another college or university, or in other schools of this University, upon presentation of a satisfactory transcript of record. The School of Commerce grants transfer credit based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the course, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. However, no credit is given for a required upper-level commerce course unless that course is taken in the School of Commerce. No adjustment of transfer credit is made after the student’s first semester in the School of Commerce.

In general, credit is not granted for work completed with a grade of less than C; business courses beyond the elementary courses in accounting; or more than one credit of physical or health education courses.

Curry School of Education

Transfer Requirements Students who wish to transfer to the University of Virginia must apply directlythrough the undergraduate Office of Admission. Teacher education is a five-year program administered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Curry School of Education. Students accepted to the College and to Curry enroll in the College to pursue a liberal arts major with a secondary emphasis in teacher education. The Master of Teaching degree is completed in the fifth year of the program in the Curry School. Programs in communications disorders and physical education (including teaching or sports medicine) enroll students directly in the Curry School in the third year. To be competitive for admission, a transfer student should have a cumulative grade point average of B+ or better. The applicant should also submit SAT I or ACT scores by March 1 and should have completed course work in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and physical education. For detailed information about required courses, refer to the Teacher Education Degree Programs, Kinesiology, and Communication Disorders sections in the Curry School of Education section of this Record.

Transfer Credit The Curry School grants transfer credit based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed.

Transfer credit is allowed for general education courses that correspond to those offered at the University. A transfer course must be equivalent in credit value and course content (including the level at which it is taught), and the student must have received a grade of at least C. Courses corresponding to our general education courses that have been taken at an institution using the pass/fail grading system, and in which a grade of “passing” or better has been received, are transferred with full credit. Transfer is generally not allowed for work passed elsewhere by re-examination. Once a student is enrolled in the Curry School, all additional transfer credit must be approved prior to its completion elsewhere. Transfer credit is officially evaluated by the dean of the Curry School of Education or the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for B.A.-M.T. students.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Transfer Requirements The School of Engineering and Applied Science grants transfer credit based on an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. In every case, an applicant for transfer admission must be in good academic and social standing at any college that he or she is currently attending, or has previously attended, and must be eligible to return there. A transfer student should have maintained at least a B+ average, or the equivalent, in previous college work. An applicant for transfer admission should have completed course work in the following areas prior to enrollment at the University:

(1) Java is preferred.

In evaluating the academic records of transfer applicants, special attention will be given to performance in mathematics and science courses.

Transfer Credit A student is granted transfer credit for any course that is equivalent in content and credit value to a course in the School of Engineering and Applied Science’s curriculum, and in which a grade of C or better has been received. No credit is allowed for work passed elsewhere by examination. Courses submitted for transfer credit are evaluated prior to fall registration, and transfer students are notified in writing of transfer credit granted upon arrival.

School of Nursing

Transfer students typically enter the traditional nursing program after one year of college-level work; students transferring after two years of college work must still spend three years at the University to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Thus, students enter in the fall semester as second-year nursing students unless application is made to one of the non-traditional programs listed below. A third-year entry option is available for students who have met the criteria and have completed requirements to enter the summer prior to the traditional third year.

Selection of applicants to the School of Nursing is competitive, based primarily on scholastic ability demonstrated by academic records of pre-nursing study, secondary school records, and scores on the SAT I or ACT.

An applicant for transfer admission to the School of Nursing must be in good standing at any college that he or she is currently attending or has previously attended and must be eligible to return there.

The applicant must have maintained a scholastic average that, in the opinion of the Committee on Admission, is indicative of successful work at the University (a cumulative grade point average of B or better is recommended).

Students wishing to transfer after one or two years of college work must have completed a minimum of thirty credits of the following general education requirements:

Accelerated Academic Writing - 3 credits: Accelerated Academic Writing - 3 credits: Students earn exemption by scoring 720 or higher on the SAT II Subject Test in Writing, or by scoring 5 on the AP English language subject test. Students exempt from ENWR 110 must take an additional 3-credit elective.

Second Writing Requirement - 3 credits: A second course with extensive writing assignments is required of all students. Students are required to take this course at the University of Virginia.

Natural Science and Math - 12 credits: Anatomy and physiology are required. Other acceptable courses include mathematics, chemistry, physics, genetics, environmental science, geology, and ecology. Students considering graduate education are encouraged to take statistics.

Social Science and History - 9 credits: Acceptable courses include history, government, psychology, sociology, economics, Western civilization, political science, anthropology, linguistics, and women’s studies.

Humanities and Fine Arts - 9 credits: Acceptable courses include philosophy, ethics, public speaking, art, religion, music, drama, foreign languages, classics, comparative literature, and English and foreign literatures.

After satisfying the above requirements, students must complete another fifteen elective credits from the available course offerings for a total of fifty-one general education requirements credits. Of the fifteen elective credits, only seven credits in physical education or skills courses (e.g., studio art, music performance) may be counted toward the general education requirements.

R.N. to B.S.N. Option Registered nurses who have completed general education prerequisite courses may apply for transfer admission to a program in the School of Nursing that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Transfer Credit The School of Nursing grants transfer credit for academic course work taken at another institution based on an analysis of the content, level, comparability of the courses taken, the applicability of the courses to the student’s intended major and degree program, the quality of the student’s performance in the courses, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. Students accepted for transfer must present an official transcript; credit will only be granted if the grade earned was at least a C or better. The School of Nursing accepts a maximum of 60 credits of transfer credit from institutions other than the University of Virginia toward the baccalaureate degree. Questions regarding acceptability of specific general education courses for transfer should be referred to the Office of Admissions and Student Services in the School of Nursing. Questions about transfer of nursing courses should be directed to the Office of the Associate Dean.

Application Procedures Transfer students applying for admission after one year of college-level work enter the School of Nursing at the beginning of the regular academic session in the fall.

Interview A personal interview with a member of the faculty or staff of the School of Nursing is not required.

School of Continuing and Professional Studies-B.I.S. Program

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program for students who have completed two years of college work at another college or university. For more information about admission to the B.I.S. degree program, see the School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record.

Since 1826, as principal to its core mission, when the first international student was enrolled, the University of Virginia has accepted a commitment to providing opportunities to citizens from all areas of the world to study, teach, and share the atmosphere of Jeffersonian freedom. The University considers the admission of qualified students from every country an integral part of its educational program. International students enhance the life of the University and contribute to the education and personal growth of American students and faculty.

Language Requirement In addition to meeting the admission requirements outlined in previous sections, international students must have an outstanding command of the English language in order to enroll at the University. In general, UVa does not conduct classes and exams in languages other than English; and it does not accept papers submitted in a non-English language. For this reason, applicants whose native language is not English and who have not already demonstrated sufficient English language proficiency through strong SAT or ACT scores or through evaluation of admission essays or recommendations must provide an acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Testing System (IELTS) exam. A score may not be more than two years old. While the majority of admitted students attain a total score of at least 250 on the CBT TOEFL, the scores of successful applicants generally range from 223 to 300. The University anticipates that applicants who provide a score on the new iBT TOEFL will likely earn a total score of at least 90.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has authorized the University of Virginia to issue visa documents appropriate for the F-1 (student) and J-1 (exchange visitor) non-immigrant status. Following academic admission to a University degree program, the International Studies Office reviews the language, financial, and visa qualifications of the applicant. If all documentation is in order, and if the applicant is offered admission, a “Certificate of Eligibility” (I-20 or DS-2019) is issued to the prospective student. In order to request a visa to apply for entry into the United States as a student, this document must be submitted to a U.S. Consulate, along with a passport and other indications of purpose while in the United States. The University does not issue a Certificate of Eligibility for part-time study, or continuing and professional studies courses. Admitted students may email the International Studies Office at issp@virginia.edu.

Most students enter the United States using an F-1 visa. The J-1 visa is appropriate for students receiving a significant portion of their financial support from a government agency or international foundation. In general, students in the United States on F-1 and J-1 status must maintain full-time student status during the fall and spring semesters. To enroll at the University each foreign national student must be lawfully present in the United States based on U.S. federal immigration law, and any visa status held must not prohibit the desired University enrollment.

International students should not enter the United States on the tourist visa, B-2 visa, or visa waiver program. Transfer from one visa type to another while in the United States is not always possible. Students should always consult with a U.S. consular officer in their home country for the most current information on visa regulations. Only those international students who are maintaining valid and lawful status in the U.S. which permits full-time study at a college or university will be permitted to enroll at the University of Virginia.

All non-immigrant visas carry restrictions about employment and length of stay in the United States. Students are advised to carefully understand their particular status. Students must be willing and able to abide by the regulations for the visa status they accept. USCIS visa regulations are subject to frequent change and re-interpretation by Service personnel. It is the foreign national’s duty to keep him or herself informed of all current visa regulations and to maintain valid status according to USCIS regulations.

Tuition/Fees Most non-immigrant students pay the out-of-state full tuition rate (estimated at $27,940 for the 2007-2008 academic year).

Living Expenses The estimated cost for housing, food, books and supplies, and health and personal items is more than $1,000 per month for a single student. This does not include travel expenses to and from the United States, tourist excursions, furniture, or luxury items, such as automobiles and computer equipment. Basic expenses for the support of dependents (husband/wife/children) living in Charlottesville are additional.

Financial Certification Eligibility for a student or exchange visitor visa requires that the applicant demonstrate sufficient financial resources for every year of a full course of study. The minimum required per year by the University of Virginia is $40,000 for 2007-2008. An additional $7,000 for spouse and $4,000 for each child is necessary if students wish to bring dependents to Charlottesville. The International Studies Office requires an acceptable financial guarantee prior to issuing the “Certificate of Eligibility.” While the established minimum is considered sufficient for a basic, comfortable existence, it may not be adequate to maintain the lifestyle to which a student is accustomed.

Financial Assistance Financial awards are normally not furnished to undergraduates. If students must have full financial support to study abroad, they should investigate the possibility of awards offered through home governments, international foundations, and other sources. U.S.I.S. libraries and bi-national commissions in various countries can sometimes offer suggestions.

Transfer of Funds The transfer of funds from the student’s home country to the United States may be governed by restrictions. The applicant must be fully informed of the local regulations and process for transfer. Since there may be a considerable delay in the process of transfer, early planning is vital. University expenses must be paid at the beginning of each semester. To avoid unnecessary problems, students are advised to bring sufficient funds with them to pay for tuition, housing, and medical insurance on arrival. This may amount to several thousand dollars and should be in the form of traveler’s or cashier’s checks in U.S. currency. Students must also open an account with a local bank in Charlottesville in order to accept transferred funds from home.

Employment The University of Virginia cannot admit an international student who is unable to show evidence of adequate financial support. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the U.S. government restricts the employment of non-immigrant students and scholars. Work without prior USCIS authorization is prohibited and may carry severe penalties. F-2 dependents are neither eligible to request permission to work nor to accept employment of any kind.

Family Considerations Due to the high cost of living in Charlottesville, students wishing to bring their dependent families must give thorough consideration to the added expense. Because dependents are not generally permitted to accept employment, students may find that they cannot support a family while studying at the University. In many cases, students must be prepared to leave their families at home.

Health Care and Insurance Medical care in the United States is very expensive and paid for privately. To protect against a possible medical debt arising from the need for emergency or sustained medical treatment, all students are required to purchase a basic accident and sickness hospitalization insurance plan. For the 2007 to 2008 cycle, the yearly cost of the University’s medical insurance coverage for a single student is $2,125. Family coverage is more expensive but is strongly recommended.

University students who are enrolled full time may use the out-patient medical facilities of the University’s Student Health department free of charge. Family members are not eligible to participate. The University Hospital is located conveniently on the Grounds, and has extensive emergency facilities as well as private physicians and clinics for specialists and routine family care.

The University of Virginia participates in the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program by awarding advanced standing (course exemption and academic credits) or advanced placement (course exemption without credits) to entering students who have made specified scores on Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken prior to matriculation at the University of Virginia or any other college. Students may receive credit in any academic discipline in which an AP test is offered. (See the Advanced Placement Programs Chart.)

The faculties of the appropriate academic departments of the University establish policies for advanced placement and advanced standing in each discipline. Faculty members examine AP tests closely, and students will find that course exemptions and placement awarded on the basis of AP test scores correspond well with their level of progress in AP subject areas. Accepted students should have AP score reports sent directly to the Office of Admission at the University (College Code 5820) in the summer following their senior year of high school.

Course exemptions can also be gained with certain scores on the SAT II in writing and foreign language. The University does not award credit or placement based on College-Level Examinations Program (CLEP) tests.

Questions regarding advanced placement policies and procedures should be directed to the Office of Admission, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400160, Charlottesville, VA 22904.

Advanced Placement Test Score Policies Unless otherwise noted, exemption and credit awards apply equally to the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Architecture, and the School of Nursing. Students who take a course at the University for which they have already received credit via an advanced placement examination will have the advanced placement credit deleted from their academic record.

Policies for Other Advanced Examinations The University’s undergraduate schools usually award advanced standing (course exemption and academic credits) to entering students for qualifying scores on a variety of advanced examinations if such examinations are taken before matriculation at the University or another college. For example, the College of Arts and Sciences awards advanced standing credit for scores of 5, 6, and 7 on most International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations. Advanced standing credit is also considered for qualifying scores on the General Certificate of Equivalency (GCE), British A-levels, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, and Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate.

College of Arts and Sciences students should consult the chart included in the College website for credit awarded to students for International Baccalaureate, A-Level, Baccalaureate, and Abitur examinations. Students in the School of Architecture, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of Nursing should consult their undergraduate dean’s office to find out what credit is given for these exams. Accepted students should have score reports sent directly to the Office of Admission in the summer following the final year of secondary school study.

SAT II Subject Test Placement

Writing Students who scored 720 or above on the SAT II writing exam earn exemption from the first writing requirement (required by the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Architecture, and the School of Nursing).

Students may also earn a composite exemption from the first writing requirement if at least one of the following statements is true:

The student scored 680-710 on the SAT II writing exam AND scored a 5 or above on the IB (higher level A 1) exam;

The student scored 680-710 on the SAT II writing exam AND scored a 4 on the AP English language subject test;

The student scored 700-710 on the SAT II writing exam AND scored a 4 or 5 on the AP English literature exam.

No course credits are awarded for exemption

Students scoring 480 or lower on the SAT II Writing Test must meet the first writing requirement by taking ENWR 105 followed by ENWR 106. Students scoring between 490-670 must take ENWR 110, while students scoring 680-710 should meet the first writing requirement in ENWR 210.

Foreign Language The College of Arts and Sciences requires foreign language proficiency equivalent to four semesters of college language study. Most language courses follow the sequence 101, 102, 201, 202 through the first four semesters. Language placement is determined by the following SAT II subject test scores:

(1) Students who have taken an SAT II test in one of these three languages and received a score below the cutoff should consult the departmental language coordinator for placement. Students whose SAT II scores in Modern Hebrew exempt them from the language requirement may not take any of the College’s courses in Biblical Hebrew for credit.

Advanced Placement Programs Chart

(1) No laboratory credit is given.
(2) Must be C++ exam; no credit given for Pascal exam.
(3) A score of 3, 4, or 5 fulfills the foreign language requirement. Students who receive a 3 and wish to continue study of French should enroll in FREN 331. A score of 4 or 5 on the French Language exam also earns 3 credits for FREN 331; a score of 4 or 5 on the French literature exam also earns 3 credits for FREN 332.
(4) Students who receive a score of 4 must enroll in GERM 202 to complete the foreign language requirement.
(5) Credit awarded for a 300-level Latin course determined by the department.
(6) A score of 4 on the Spanish language exam allows students to take SPAN 311. A score of 5 allows students to take SPAN 411 (no credit for 311). A score of 4 or 5 on the Spanish literature exam allows students to enroll in a 300- or 400-level literature or culture course (other than SPAN 330).

The International Baccalaureate

The College of Arts and Sciences offers possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on most higher-level I.B. examinations. No credit is awarded for standard-level examinations. Upon departmental recommendation, one or two semesters of College introductory-level credit may be awarded. Scores below a 5 on the higher-level exam may be sufficient for higher-level placement, but no credit will be awarded. Such advanced placement decisions must be made by the appropriate department. The College of Arts and Sciences accepts only I.B. scores sent directly from I.B. North America, www.ibo.org.

Pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying higher-level I.B. examination scores are listed below; for all other examinations, obtain syllabi for the course(s) and confer with Dean Frank Papovich and the appropriate Departmental Undergraduate Director.

(1) Placement test given during Fall Orientation; confer with Engineering, (434) 924-6328.

British System Advanced-Levels, Including AICE

The College of Arts and Sciences offers possible advanced standing credit for scores of A, B, or C. Upon departmental recommendation, students may receive one, and no more than two, semesters of introductory-level credit for each A-Level examination. No credit is available for O- or OA-Level examinations. One semester’s credit may be awarded for AS-Level examinations. A-Level and AS-Level scores not eligible for advanced-standing credit may be considered for advanced placement (no credit will be awarded); such placement decisions must be made by the appropriate Departmental Undergraduate Director.

Pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying A-level examination scores are listed below; for all other examinations, obtain syllabi for the course(s) and confer with Dean Frank Papovich and the appropriate Departmental Undergraduate Director.

(1) No pre-approved lab credit.
(2) Students who plan to transfer to the School of Commerce should contact that school for placement in COMM 201 and 202.
(3) No more than 7 credits of math may be awarded; a transcript is required.
(4) Mathematics (Engineering) A,B,C Placement test given during Fall.

The French Baccalaureate

The College of Arts and Sciences offers possible advanced standing credit for scores of 12/20 or higher on examinations in subjects studied at a coefficient of 4 or 5. Upon departmental recommendation, students may receive one, and no more than two, semesters of introductory-level credit for each qualifying examination. Scores not eligible for advanced-standing credit may be considered for advanced placement (no credit will be awarded); such placement decisions must be made by the appropriate Departmental Undergraduate Director. The Baccalaureate “total score” is not used to determine credit eligibility; credit in the College is based on examination subject scores alone.

The German Abitur

The College of Arts and Sciences offers possible advanced-standing credit for examination scores of 10 or higher (15-point scale). Upon departmental recommendation, students may receive one, and no more than two, semesters of introductory-level credit for each qualifying examination. Abitur scores not eligible for advanced-standing credit may be considered for advanced placement (no credit awarded); such placement decisions must be made by the appropriate Departmental Undergraduate Director. The Abitur “total score” is not used to determine credit eligibility; credit in the College is based on examination subject scores alone.

The Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate

The College of Arts and Sciences offers possible advanced-standing credit for examination scores of 4.5 or higher (on a 6.0 scale) for the core (or double value) subjects. Upon departmental recommendation, students may receive one, and no more than two, semesters of introductory-level credit for each qualifying examination. Scores not eligible for advanced-standing credit may be considered for advanced placement (no credit will be awarded); such placement decisions must be made by the appropriate Departmental Undergraduate Director. The Maturity “total score” is not used to determine credit eligibility; credit in the College is based on examination subject scores alone.