Dec 02, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2014-2015 
    
Undergraduate Record 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Admission


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Admission of Transfer Students

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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 and the School of Architecture (Architectural History and Urban and Environmental Planning only) for the spring semester. That application deadline is October 1. Applicants should complete the Common Application as well as the University of Virginia Supplement to the Common Application, both online. Transfer applicants must submit high school and college transcripts as well as results of the SAT I or ACT with a $70 non-refundable application fee. 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 and the School of Engineering and Applied Science offer guaranteed admission plans for qualified Virginia community college students for the fall term only. For information on the requirements please visit the transfer admission website. High school students must apply as first-year applicants even if they are dual enrolled and will have their associate degree by the time they graduate. Students who reside at home and are taking high school and college courses concurrently while still enrolled in high school are not classified as transfers and must apply to the first-year class.

College of Arts and Sciences

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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, not including AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credit. 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 in either the June or December cycles. Thus, all students must complete at least one semester at the University in the school in which they initially enroll.

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.

Curry School of Education-Transfer Options for Undergraduates

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Students who wish to transfer to the University of Virginia must apply directly through the University’s Undergraduate Office of Admission. Study options include Speech Communication Disorders, Kinesiology, Youth and Social Innovation, and Teacher Education (a five-year program administered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Curry School of Education).

Those interested in the Teacher Education programs should select the College of Arts and Sciences option and also enter the EDUC code on the Common Application Supplement. In addition, applicants must specify in one of their essays which of the following areas of study they wish to pursue: Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, General Special Education (K-12), or Secondary Education (math, science, social studies, English, or foreign language). Those who select the General Special Education program must also study one additional area (elementary, ESL, foreign language, or one of the secondary content areas).

Prospective teachers interested in the Early Childhood Special Education program must declare Psychology as their intended College major. Elementary and General Special Education majors may focus on any content area in the College. Secondary education majors must have a College major in the content area they plan to teach. All students seeking permission to enroll must submit passing scores on one of the following:

  • PRAXIS CORE ACADEMIC SKILLS FOR EDUCATORS: if taken after 1/1/14 - 150 math, 156 reading, 162 writing; if taken prior to 1/1/14 -  178 math, 178 reading, 175 writing or 532 composite score, OR
  • SATs taken prior to April 1, 1995–score of 1000, with at least 450 on the verbal and 510 on the mathematics tests; if taken after April 1, 1995–score of 1100, with at least 530 on the verbal and 530 on the mathematics tests; OR
  • ACTs taken prior to April 1, 1995–minimum composite score of 21, with at least 21 in math, 37 in English plus Reading; if taken after April 1, 1995–minimum composite score of 24, with at least 22 in math, 46 in English Plus Reading. OR
  • VCLA: Reading and Writing as an optional assessment for the PRAXIS I reading and writing tests (writing subtest of 235, reading subtest of 235, composite score of 470) in combination with qualifying math scores from SATs, ACTs, or PRAXIS I.

BSED programs in Communications Disorders, Kinesiology, and Youth and Social Innovation enroll admitted students directly into the Curry School. The BSED/MT program in Health and Physical Education (teaching) also enrolls admitted students directly into the Curry School.

To be competitive for admission, a transfer student should have a strong academic background that includes course work in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. For detailed information about required courses, refer to the Teacher Education, Kinesiology, Communication Disorders, and Youth and Social Innovation program descriptions on the Curry website (http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu).

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 educational status 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 the University of Virginia’s 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. (Students in the five-year Teacher Education program must have their transfer credits evaluated by the College of Arts and Sciences.) For additional information, see this link: http://saz-webdmz.eservices.virginia.edu/asequivs/

McIntire School of Commerce

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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 August 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:

Introduction to Business 3 credits
Introductory Accounting (Financial and Managerial) 6 credits (two courses)
Principles of Economics (Micro and Macro) 6 credits (two courses)
English Composition (1) 3-6 credits (one or two courses)
Mathematics (2) 6 credits (two courses)
Humanities/Fine Arts (3) 3-6 credits
Foreign Language 0-14 credits
Social, Natural/Physical Science (3) 0-3 credits

(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 calculus.

(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 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 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.

School of Architecture

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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 The Office of Undergraduate Admissions administers the application process for students applying to transfer from another college or university.  Please see the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for more information, including detailed application instructions: http://www.admission.virginia.edu/.

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. Credits should include the following courses:

English Composition 3 credits All programs (one to four courses)
Economics 3 credits PLAN (two courses)
Foreign Language 3-14 credits ARH (one to four courses)
History 3 credits ARH (two courses)
Humanities 3 credits ARCH, PLAN (two to three courses)
Mathematics 3-4 credits All programs (one to four courses)
Politics 3 credits PLAN (two courses)
Social, Natural Science 3 credits All programs (three to eight courses)
Statistics 3-4 credits PLAN (one course)

Intra-University Transfers into the School of Architecture Transfer into the School of Architecture is not assured. With space in the School of Architecture being very limited, students must apply to the school during the fall or spring semesters depending on their program of interest. Information and application forms are available on-line at http://www.arch.virginia.edu/admissions/transfers/internal.php.

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.

School of Continuing and Professional Studies

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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.

Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management degree program for nationally certified health professionals with the appropriate associatesree. For more information about admission to the BPHM degree program, see the School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

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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:

Calculus 8 credits
Chemistry (including lab) 4 credits
Physics (calculus-based) 4 credits
English Composition 3 credits
Computer Science (1) 3 credits

(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.

Transfer Options In addition to the opportunity to transfer into any of the on-grounds degree programs of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, engineering students from the Virginia Community College System may wish to consider the “in community” Engineers PRODUCED in Virginia program that makes the Engineering Science degree program available throughout Virginia, using live, interactive, distributed education solutions.

School of Nursing

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Transfer students typically enter the traditional nursing program after one year of college-level work. Some students who transfer after two years of college work may still spend three years at the University to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 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 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).

An applicant wishing to transfer after one or two years of college work must have completed a minimum of thirty credits within 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 1510 must take an additional 3-credit elective.
  • Natural Science and Math - 14 credits: Anatomy and physiology I & II, general chemistry, and microbiology are required.
  • 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 literature.

After satisfying the above requirements, students must complete another 12 elective credits from the available course offerings for a total of 47 general education requirements credits. Of the 12 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 or nursing courses for transfer should be referred to the Office of Admissions and Student Services in the School of Nursing.

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 of the second year of the BSN Program of Study.

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


Advanced Examinations and Military-Related Experience

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The University’s undergraduate schools often award advanced standing (course exemption and academic credits) or advanced placement (course exemption without credits), to entering students, for qualifying scores on a variety of advanced examinations taken prior to matriculation at the University or at another college. Such advanced examinations include Advanced Placement (AP), SAT II Subject Tests, International Baccalaureate (IB), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the General Certificate of Equivalency (GCE) British System Advanced-levels, French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, and Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate. The University does not award advanced standing or advanced placement for the DSST (formerly Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support –DANTES, or Excelsior College examinations.

Undergraduate students must earn at least half of the credits necessary for a given degree in a University program of study. Each School determines the precise requirements that must be met for its degrees.  Petitions for exceptions to academic regulations are covered by the “Petitions” section of the Undergraduate Record.

The awarding of advanced standing or advanced placement is determined by the faculty.  Faculty members from the relevant academic departments regularly perform reviews of subject curricula, subject examinations, grade distributions, and marking schemes provided by various examination agencies. After reviewing such materials, and in consultation with the appropriate dean’s office, faculty members make informed judgments about what credit, if any, is to be awarded.  Faculty members verify such judgments through feedback provided from student performance in more advanced courses at U.Va.

Students should consult the charts below for course exemption or academic credit guidelines.  Unless otherwise noted, course exemption and academic credit awards apply equally to the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Architecture, the Curry School of Education, and the School of Nursing.  Accepted students should have score reports sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission (College Code 5820) in the summer following the final year of high school.  Students who take a course at the University for which they have already received credit via an advanced examination will have the advanced examination credit deleted from their academic record.

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

Advanced Placement Program

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The University of Virginia participates in the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program by awarding advanced standing or advanced placement to entering students who have made specified scores on AP exams. 

Course exemptions can also be gained with certain scores on the SAT II in writing and foreign language. 

Examination

Score

Course Exemption

Credits

Art (Studio) 4 or 5 ARTS 1000T 3
Art (2D Design) - No credit -
Art (3D Design) - No credit -
Art (History) 4 or 5 ARTH 1051, 1052 8
Biology 4 or 5 BIOL 2010, 2020 (1) 6
Chemistry
 
4 or 5 CHEM 1410, 1420 (1) 6
4 or 5 CHEM 1610, 1620 (Engineering) 6
Chinese Language and Culture  5  CHIN 2020  Exemption
Computer Science A (2) 4 or 5 CS 1110 3
Economics (Micro) 5 ECON 2010 3
Economics (Macro) 5 ECON 2020 3
English (Language) 5 ENWR 1510 (College and Engineering) 3
English (Literature) 4 or 5 ENGL 1000T 3
Environmental Sciences 4 or 5 EVSC 1010 3
French Language (3)
 
3 FREN 2020 Exemption
4 or 5 FREN 3031 Exemption, 3 credits earned for FREN 3031
French Literature (3)
 
3 FREN 2020 Exemption
4 or 5 FREN 3032

Exemption, 3 credits earned for FREN 3032;

placement normally in FREN 3031

German Language (4)
 
4 GERM 2010 3
5 GERM 2010, 2020 6
Government (U.S.) 4 or 5 PLAP 1000T 3
Government (Comparative) 4 or 5 PLCP 1000T 3
History (U.S.) 5 HIST 1000T 3
History (European) 5 HIST 1000T 3
History (World) 5 HIST 1000T 3
Human Geography - No credit -
Japanese Language and Culture 5 JAPN 2020 Exemption
Latin (Caesar and Vergil) 4 or 5 LATI 2010, 2020, 3000T(score 5) Exemption, 3 (score 5)
Latin (Vergil) 4 or 5 LATI 2010, 2020, 3000T(score 5) Exemption, 3 (score 5)
Math (AB) 4 or 5 MATH 1310 4
Math (BC)
 
 
4 or 5 MATH 1310, 1320 8
4 or 5 AB subscore MATH 1310 4
5 APMA 1110 (Engineering) 4
Music (Listening and Literature) 4 or 5 MUSI 1010 3
Music (Theory) 4 or 5 MUSI 2000T 3
Physics B
 
4 or 5 PHYS 2010, 2020 (Architecture) 8
4 or 5 PHYS 2010, 2020 (College) 8
Physics C (Mechanics)
 
 
 
4 or 5 PHYS 2310 (Architecture) 4
4 or 5 PHYS 1610 (College majors) 4
4 or 5 PHYS 1425 (College non-majors) 4
4 or 5 PHYS 1425 (Engineering) 3
Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism)
 
 
4 or 5 PHYS 2320 (Architecture) 4
4 or 5 PHYS 1425, 2415 (College non-majors) 8
4 or 5 PHYS 2415 (Engineering) 3
Psychology 4 or 5 PSYC 1010 3
Spanish (Language) (6) 4 or 5 SPAN 2010, 2020 6
Spanish (Literature) (6) 4 or 5 SPAN 2010, 2020 6
Statistics 4 STAT 1120 (College) 3
Statistics 5 STAT 2120 (College) 3

(1) No laboratory credit is given.

(2) No credit given for Pascal exam. If the AP exam was not in Java, students must demonstrate proficiency in Java prior to taking CS 2110. Students without AP credit, but who have advanced programming skills in Java, should take the placement test offered during fall orientation. Students who pass the placement test will place out of CS 2220, but will not receive credit.

(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 3031. A score of 4 or 5 on the French Language exam also earns 3 credits for FREN 3031; a score of 4 or 5 on the French literature exam also earns 3 credits for FREN 3032.

(4) Students who receive a score of 4 must enroll in GERM 2020 to complete the foreign language requirement.

(5) Specific credit awarded for a 3000-level Latin course determined by the department.

(6) A score of 4 on the Spanish language exam allows students to take SPAN 3010. A score of 5 allows students to take SPAN 4010 (no credit for 3010). A score of 4 or 5 on the Spanish literature exam allows students to enroll in a 3000- or 4000-level literature or culture course (other than SPAN 3300).

British System Advanced-Levels, Including AICE (A, AS, and H Levels)

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The undergraduate schools of the University offer possible advanced standing credit for scores of A, B, and in some cases 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. The pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying A-, AS-, and H-Level examination scores are listed below.

The University recognizes the Cambridge Pre-U examinations as generally equivalent in rigor to the A-level examinations. Each undergraduate school will determine qualifying scores and credit awarded for the various examinations.

Subject U.Va. Equivalent
Accounting A, H2 COMM 2000T (6 credits) (1)
Accounting AS, H1 COMM 1000 (3 credits)
Art History A, H2 ARTH 1051 (4 credits) and ARTH 1052 (4 credits)
Biology A, H2 BIOL 2010 (3 Credits) and BIOL 2020 (3 Credits). No pre-approved lab credit
Biology AS, H1 BIOL 1000T (3 credits)
Business Studies A, H2 COMM 1800 (3 Credits); COMM 2000T (3 credits)
Business Studies AS, H1 COMM 1000T (3 credits)
Chemistry A, H2 CHEM 1410 (3 credits) and CHEM 1420 (3 credits). No pre-approved lab credit.
Chemistry AS, H1 CHEM 1000T (3 credits)
Classical Studies A, H2 CLAS 2010 (3 credits). No credit for grade of C or lower.
Economics A, H2 ECON 2010 (3 credits) and ECON 2020 (3 credits); No credit for grades of C or lower.
Economics AS, H1 ECON 1000T (3 credits)
English A, H2 ENGL 1000T (6 credits)
English AS, H1 ENGL 1000T (3 credits)
French Confer with the Foreign Language Coordinator for recommendation (434) 924-4629
Further Math A, H2 MATH 2000T (3 credits)
Geography A, H2 EVSC 1010 (3 credits)
German Confer with the Foreign Language Coordinator for recommendation (434) 924-6694
Government and Politics A, H2 PLAP 1000T (3 credits) and PLCP 1000T (3 credits)
History A, H2 For grades of A or B only – HIST 2000T (6 credits). No credit for grades of C or lower.
History AS, H1  For grades of A or B only – HIST 1000T (3 credits). No credit for grades of C or lower.
Mathematics A, H2 MATH 1310 (4 credits), STAT 1100 (3 credits)
Mathematics AS, H1 MATH 1000T (3 credits)
Media Studies A, H2 For grades of A or B only - MDST 1000T (3 credits); No credit for grade of C or lower.
Physics A, H2 PHYS 2010 (4 credits), PHYS 2030 (1 credits)
PHYS 2020 (4 credits), PHYS 2040 (1 credits)
Physics AS, H1 PHYS 1000T (4 credits)
Psychology A, H2 PSYC 2000T (3 credits)
Spanish Confer with the Foreign Language Coordinator for recommendation (434) 924-4646

(1) Students who plan to transfer to the School of Commerce should contact Rebecca Leonard for placement in COMM 2010 and 2020.

Note: No credit is offered for Law. For other examinations, students must obtain syllabi for the course(s) for which they wish to obtain credit, and confer with the dean’s office of the relevant undergraduate school and the appropriate department undergraduate director.

SAT II Subject Test Placement

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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 Curry School of Education, the School of Architecture, and the School of Nursing).

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 1505 followed by ENWR 1506. Students scoring between 490-670 must take ENWR 1510, while students scoring 680-710 should meet the first writing requirement in ENWR 2510.

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 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 through the first four semesters. Language placement is determined by the following SAT II subject test scores:

French

SAT II Scores        Placement
440 or below        French 1010
450-530                 French 1020
540-600                 French 2010
610-650                 French 2020
660 and above        language requirement fulfilled

German

SAT II Scores        Placement
400 or below        German 1010
410 - 500               German 1020
510 - 620               German 2010
630 - 640               German 2020
650 and above        language requirement fulfilled

Italian

SAT II Scores     Placement
410 or below     Italian 1010
420-510               Italian 1020
520-590                 Italian 2010
600-640                 Italian 2020
650 and above        language requirement fulfilled

Latin

SAT II Scores       Placement
480 or below      Latin 1010
490 - 570         Latin 1030
580 - 640       Latin 2010
650 and above language requirement fulfilled

Spanish

SAT II Scores        Placement
410 or below        Spanish 1010
420 - 510               Spanish 1020
520 - 590               Spanish 2010
600 - 640               Spanish 2020
650 and above        language requirement fulfilled

Other Language (1)

CHINESE WITH LISTENING
SAT II Scores        Placement
640 and above         language requirement fulfilled
   
JAPANESE WITH LISTENING
SAT II Scores        Placement
700 and above         language requirement fulfilled
   
MODERN HEBREW  
SAT II Scores        Placement
560 and above         language requirement fulfilled

(1) Students who have taken an SAT II test in one of these three languages and received a score below the cut off 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.

The French Baccalaureate

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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

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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 International Baccalaureate (IB)

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The undergraduate schools of the University offer possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on many higher-level IB examinations. No credit is awarded for standard-level examinations. Upon departmental recommendation, one or two semesters of introductory-level credit may be awarded. Scores below the minimum qualifying score 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. Completion of the IB diploma program is not used to determine credit eligibility; credit is based on examination subject scores alone.  The undergraduate schools of the University only accept IB scores sent directly from IB North America, www.ibo.org.

Pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying higher-level IB examination scores are listed below; for all other examinations, obtain syllabi for the course(s) and confer with the dean’s office of the relevant undergraduate school and the appropriate departmental undergraduate director.

Subject Score Course Exemption Credits
Arabic B 5 or 6 No credit Exemption
7 3000-level course to be determined by dept.
Art/Design 5 or 6 No credit -
7 ARTS 1000T 3
Biology 5, 6, or 7 BIOL 2010, 2020 6
Business & Management 6 or 7 COMM 1800 4
Chemistry 5, 6, or 7 CHEM 1410, 1420 6
Chinese (including Mandarin) A1, A2, B 5, 6, or 7 Confer with the Foreign Language Coordinator for recommendation, (434) 982-2304
Computer Science 5 CS 1110 3
Computer Science 6 or 7 CS 1110, 2110 6
Economics 5, 6, or 7 ECON 2010, 2020 6
English A1 5, 6, or 7 ENGL 1000T 3
English A2 or B - No credit -
Environmental Systems 5, 6, or 7 EVSC 1000T 3
French A1 or A2 5, 6, or 7 FREN 3031 3
French B 5 or 6 No credit Exemption
7 FREN 3031 3
German A1 or A2 5, 6, or 7 GERM 2010, 2020 6
German B 5 or 6 GERM 2010 3
7 GERM 2010, 2020 6
Geography 5, 6, or 7 EVSC 1000T 3
Greek 5, 6, or 7 GREE 2020 3
History 6 HIST 2000T 3
7 HIST 2000T 6
Italian A1 or A2 5, 6, or 7 ITAL 2010, 2020 6
Italian B   Confer with the Italian Language Placement Coordinator for recommendation, (434) 924-4646
Japanese A1, A2, or B   Confer with the Asian Language Placement Coordinator for recommendation, (434) 924-4642
Language A: Language & Literature 5, 6, or 7 ENGL 1000T 3
Latin 5, 6, or 7 LATI 2020 3
Mathematics (1) 5, 6, or 7 MATH 1310, 2000T 3
Music 5, 6, or 7  Confer with the Undergraduate Director for recommendation, (434) 924-3052  
Philosophy 5, 6, or 7  Confer with the Undergraduate Director for recommendation, (434) 924-6517  
Physics 5, 6, or 7 PHYS 2010, 2020 8
Pilipino A1 5, 6, or 7 AMEL 2000T 6
Portuguese A1 or A2 5, 6, or 7 PORT 1110, 2120 8
Portuguese B 5 or 6 PORT 1110 4
7 PORT 1110, 2120 8
Psychology 5, 6, or 7 PSYC 1010 3
Social & Cultural Anthropology 5, 6, or 7 ANTH 1010 3
Spanish A1 or A2 5, 6, or 7 SPAN 2010, 2020 6
Spanish B 5 or 6 SPAN 2010 3
7 SPAN 2010, 2020 6
Theater Arts   Confer with the Undergraduate Director for recommendation, (434) 924-8962
Turkish A1 5, 6, or 7 TURK 2010, 2020 6

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

The Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate

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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.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

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The College of Arts and Sciences offers possible advanced-standing credit for certain CLEP examinations.  Pre-approved departmental equivalencies for qualifying CLEP examination scores are listed below.

Examination Score Course Exemption Credits
American Literature 64+ ENGL 1000T 3
Analyzing & Interpreting Literature 64+ ENGL 1000T 3
Calculus 64+ MATH 1210 3
English Literature 64+ ENGL 1000T 3
History of the United States I 63+ HIST 1000T 3
History of the United States II 63+ HIST 1000T 3
Introductory sociology 63+ SOC 1000T 3
Western Civilization I 63+ HIST 1000T 3
Western Civilization II 63+ HIST 1000T 3

 

Military-Related Experience

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Various schools/units of the University offer possible advanced standing or academic credit for military-related experience.  Unless otherwise noted, the term “military-related students” includes active duty, reservists, (honorably discharged) veterans, and Virginia National Guard.  Eligible students are responsible for seeking advanced standing or academic credit opportunities for which they are eligible. Questions regarding academic credit for military education and training may be directed to the Veterans’ Affairs Coordinator (ureg@virginia.edu) in the Office of the University Registrar.

Defense Language Institute (DLI): For undergraduates who have completed a course of study at DLI, the College of Arts and Sciences offers possible advanced-standing credit in the foreign languages.  The College awards up to 12 language-specific credits in a foreign language offered by the University – 6 credits of elementary and 6 credits of intermediate foreign language instruction.  For foreign languages not offered by the University, the College awards up to 12 general credits.  In both instances, the 12 credits satisfy the foreign language requirement of the College.    

Portfolio Evaluation: Military-related students may present prior learning acquired through military service for possible academic credit in the Departments of Air Science, Military Science, and Naval Science.  Such portfolio evaluation will be conducted, in cooperation with the Office of the University Registrar, using appropriate evaluation criteria, including those recommended by unit commanders and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) faculty, the ROTC Affairs Committee, the American Council on Education (ACE), the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), and/or the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).


General Admission Requirements

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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 when it evaluates applicants; however, the University is committed to increasing the number of low-income students in the undergraduate classes through AccessUVa.

Students coming directly from a secondary school to the University are admitted in the fall semester to one of five undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Architecture, the School of Nursing, or Kinesiology in the School of Education. These 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 Kinesiology and Communication Disorders after two years of college work. The Office of Admission receives and reviews applications for all six undergraduate schools and distributes information on all undergraduate 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.admission.virginia.edu/transfer.

The Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy offers the following degrees: Master of Public Policy, an accelerated Master of Public Policy, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership, and Dual Degree Programs. For more information about admission and degree requirements, see the Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy section of this Record.

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 for First Year Students

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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. The secondary program should include no fewer than 16 academic courses and must include the following courses:

English 4 units
Mathematics 4 units
Foreign Language 2 units
Science (from among biology, chemistry, and physics) 2 units (*)
Social Studies 1 unit

(*) 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 to the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

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. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from the secondary school counselor and one teacher of the student’s choice, are required.

University of Virginia uses the Common Application exclusively. The University of Virginia Supplement to the Common Application is required to complete the application. Prospective students should complete the application online. All applications must be submitted by January 1 with a non-refundable application fee of $70. Candidates who qualify for waiver of the College Board ATP fee may request a waiver of the application fee as well. For further information, contact the Office of Admission, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400160, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4160; (434) 982-3200; undergrad-admission@virginia.edu; www.admission.virginia.edu.

First-year students can apply to University of Virginia through Early Action or Regular Decision. Applying Early Action to UVA is a non-binding, nonrestrictive admission plan. Students who apply Early Action may also apply to other institutions. To be considered under Early Action, students must submit their complete application by the November 1 deadline. The admission committee, which notifies applicants by January 31, may deny admission, offer admission, or defer admission until the Regular Decision process. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1st and the admission committee will notify applicants of their decision by April 1. The admission committee may offer admission, deny admission or wait-list applications which are reviewed in the Regular Decision process. Those students who are admitted under Early Action or Regular Decision will have until May 1 to make their deposit and reserve a seat in the first-year class.

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, under special circumstances, 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 Regular Decision admission, the December SAT and ACT test dates are the last recommended sittings. The October test date is the last test date for Early Action. Applicants should consult the testing agency websites for the appropriate registration deadlines, which generally precede the test dates by several weeks. Because the SAT I and SAT subject tests 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. Decisions are posted online in applicants’ Student System accounts: only those applicants who are offered admission are mailed a paper copy of the admission letter. Candidates offered admission must respond online through their Student System account by May 1. At that time, the University requires a $400 tuition deposit to guarantee space in the entering class. This deposit is not refundable.

Admission Timetable

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August 1
  • Common Application available online.
October 1
  • Transfer application deadline for January transfer.* Applies to College Arts & Sciences, Architectural History and Urban and Environmental Planning only.
October 1
  • Last test date for Early Action applicants to take standardized tests.
November 1
  • Deadline for Early Action applications.
December 1
  • Tentative notification date for January transfer.
December
  • Last recommended date to take required standardized tests.
January 1
  • Deadline for all Regular Decision applications and for receipt of $70 non-refundable application fee.
January 31
  • Notification date for Early Action applicants.
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.
  • Transfer student financial aid deadline.
May 1
  • Approximate date of notification for fall transfer applicants.
  • Reply date for first-year candidates accepting offers of admission. Non-refundable $400 deposit also due.
May 15
  • Reply date for transfer candidates accepting offers of admission.
 

Admission Tours

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The Office of Admission does not offer personal interviews. However, the office welcomes visitors to the Grounds. In the spring, summer, and early fall, information sessions are normally 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 information session. In addition, some school and department specific tours are offered. For specific instructions on attending information sessions and/or tours, please see the Plan a Visit page on the Office of Admission website at http://www.admission.virginia.edu/plan-a-visit or contact the Office of Admission, which is open throughout the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All admission sessions and tours of the University are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. Call the Office of Admission to request an interpreter for the hearing impaired or make any other special arrangements.

College Science Scholars

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In each entering first-year class a relatively small group of students who demonstrate superior academic talent in the sciences and math are invited to the College Science Scholars (CSS) Program. Students also may be invited to the CSS program by the Program Directors at the start of their second year, after review of nominations by professors who observe outstanding performance by individuals in their science courses or laboratories.

First year students in the CSS Program meet weekly in small seminar 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 science faculty member serving as their advisor/mentor from the very beginning of their program of study. 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. CSS students in their second year also attend a series of informal seminars, discussions, and laboratory tours, in order to further develop their relationships with faculty researchers.

Scholars are expected to major in one of the nine science or math departments. They are expected to attend all weekly seminars during their first year, a prescribed number of the second-year events, and then occasional CSS events thereafter, including intellectual development and mentoring activities. CSS students should actively engage in research early in their academic career (and absolutely be conducting research in their third and fourth years), and demonstrate exemplary progress within their science/math 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, or they are nominated by their professors before their second year. 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://college.artsandsciences.virginia.edu/css.

Dual Enrollment

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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, from the credit-awarding college or university, sent to the University of Virginia, College of Arts and Sciences, Monroe 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.

Echols Scholars

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From each entering class, approximately 235-250 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 in designated dorms. All Echols Scholars are to live in these select dorms. Echols Scholars have priority registration, within their year, 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 director and academic dean.

All first-year applicants to the College of Arts and Sciences are automatically considered for the Echols program by the Office of Admissions 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. First year students not chosen for the program upon entry into the University may apply to the Echols program in their second semester of residence. Applicants transferring to the University of Virginia are also considered for the Echols Scholars program by the Office of Admissions.

Jefferson Scholars

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The Jefferson Scholars Foundation awards scholarships on the basis of personal merit to approximately 33 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 December. Every secondary school in the Commonwealth of Virginia is eligible to nominate a student to the competition. In 2013-2014, the regions outside the Commonwealth are Birmingham, Alabama; Arkansas; San Francisco, California; Colorado; Delaware; Washington, D.C./Suburban Maryland; Atlanta, Georgia; South Georgia/Tallahassee, Florida; Jacksonville, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Mississippi; Kansas City, Missouri; 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; Rhode Island; Central and Upstate South Carolina; Lowcountry South Carolina/Georgia; Eastern Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Houston, Texas; Seattle Washington, West Virginia; Wyoming; London, England; and International. In addition, with the cooperation of the University’s Office of Admission, all Early Action applicants to the University who attend secondary schools not participating in the geographical regions 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 2014-2015 selection process in the fall of 2014. For further information, contact the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, Post Office Box 400891, 112 Clarke Court, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4891; jeffsch@virginia.edu; 434-243-9029; www.jeffersonscholars.org.

Rodman Scholars

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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.

Student Retention

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The majority of students who enter the University of Virginia (87 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, 93 percent of the students who enter the University as first-year students eventually graduate.

Special Students

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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.

Individuals may enroll in on-Grounds courses at the University on a part-time basis, without applying to a degree program, by registering as a Community Scholar 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 community scholar or a special student does not imply or guarantee admission to a degree program in an undergraduate or graduate school of the University.

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.


International Student Admission

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Since 1826, when the first international student was enrolled, and as principal to its core mission, the University of Virginia committed to providing opportunities to citizens from all areas of the world to study, teach, and share the atmosphere of Jeffersonian freedom of intellectual inquiry. The University considers the admission of qualified students from every country an integral part of its educational mission. International students enhance the life of the University and contribute to the mutual education and personal growth of all 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, U.Va. does not conduct classes and exams in languages other than English; and it does not accept papers submitted in a non-English language. Notwithstanding any other section of this record, applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam unless they are specifically exempted by the graduate school to which they apply. Exemptions are generally only granted if the applicant has graduated from an accredited university where English is the language of instruction.

A TOEFL or IELTS score should not be more than two years old. Most admitted students attain a total score of at least 600 on the PBT TOEFL, 250 on the CBT TOEFL, or 7.0 on the IELTS. The University anticipates that individuals who provide a score on the iBT TOEFL will likely earn a score of at least 22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening for a total score of 90.

Some schools and departments may require higher scores for admission and/or set other, more restrictive rules regarding TOEFL/IELTS exemptions. Potential applicants should consult individual schools early in the admissions process for their TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

All incoming (new) graduate students whose first language is one other than English are required to take the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam unless they have been exempted from TOEFL or IELTS.

All prospective graduate teaching assistants whose first language is one other than English are required to take the SPEAK Test. A score of at least 55 is required for permission to begin teaching without completion of oral language training. The SPEAK Test is administered in August, December, and May. Candidates for the test are identified by their department. Information about the SPEAK Test is available at www.virginia.edu/provost/caelc.

Visa Information The U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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, a “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) may be issued to the prospective student upon request. In order to apply for a visa and to apply for entry into the United States as a student, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 must be submitted to a U.S. Consulate, along with a passport and other indications of purpose while in the United States. This Certificate of Eligibility may also be used for the application to change status from within the U.S., if already present in a qualifying status. The University does not issue a Certificate of Eligibility for part-time study, or continuing and professional studies courses. Admitted students should email the International Studies Office at issp@virginia.edu with further inquiries

Most students enter the United States using an F-1 visa. The J-1 visa is appropriate for exchange students or students receiving a significant portion of their financial support from a government agency or international foundation. Students in the United States on F-1 and J-1 status must maintain full-time student status during the fall and spring semesters, as well as the summer session if summer constitutes the first or last semester of enrollment. 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 full-time 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 are given. U.S. visa regulations are subject to frequent change and re-interpretation. It is the foreign nationalsy to keep him or herself informed of all current visa regulations and to maintain valid status according to all U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

Tuition/Fees Most non-immigrant students pay the out-of-state full tuition rate.

Living Expenses The estimated cost for housing, food, books and supplies, and health and personal items is more than $18,190 per academic year for a single student, not including the additional costs for health insurance. 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 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.

Transfer of Funds The transfer of funds from the student’s home country to the United States may be governed by restrictions. The applicant should 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 start up costs 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 are strongly advised to open an account with a local bank in Charlottesville in order to accept transferred funds from home.

Employment The University of Virginia cannot issue visa documents to an international student who is unable to show evidence of adequate financial support. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) restricts the employment of non-immigrant students and scholars. Work without prior USCIS authorization is prohibited and may carry severe penalties.

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 it difficult to support a family while studying at the University.

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. 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.

All international students are subject to the University’s Hard Waiver health insurance policy. Please refer to http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/insurance.html for full details of your obligations under this policy.