Admission

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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 online. Transfer applicants must submit high school and college transcripts with a $70 non-refundable application fee. Students applying to the Curry School of Education must submit results from the SAT, ACT or PRAXIS exam. Please see Curry’s website for minimum score requirements. SAT/ACT or TOEFL/ILTS scores are required for foreign nationals who complete a secondary school curriculum in which the language of instruction was other than English. Credentials should be sent to undergradadmission@virginia.edu or Office of Admission, P.O. Box 400160, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904. The College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Nursing (RN to BSN) 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 as first-year students.

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.

Transfer Requirements 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 (Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education). Students are admitted directly into the School of Education and Human Development (EHD).

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 School of Education and Human Development website (https://education.virginia.edu/admission/undergraduate-admission).

Transfer Credit The School of Education and Human Development 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 School of Education and Human Development, all additional transfer credit must be approved prior to its completion elsewhere. For additional information, see this link: https://education.virginia.edu/admission/undergraduate-admission/admission-transfer-students

Transfer Requirements A student who wishes to transfer to the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy from another institution must have completed two years of college work (60 credits) 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. The Batten School follows the College of Arts and Sciences general education requirements. Therefore, transfer students are required to complete the Traditional general education curriculum as outlined in the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Rules section of this Record. Potential transfer students should apply via the external transfer admission process administered by the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions and note on the Common Application that they are applying for admission into the Batten School as Fall 3rd Year transfers. Fall 2nd Year transfers with an eventual interest in the Batten School must apply to the College of Arts and Sciences and the following year may apply to join Batten through the internal application process for intra-university transfer.

The Batten School requires a minimum academic residence of two years to receive a degree. Students transferring after two years of college are expected to have completed at least 60 credits; any AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credit must meet the University’s transferrable standard. Of the 120 credits offered for the B.A. degree in the Batten School, at least 60 must be earned at the University of Virginia. More are required if the student does not have at least 60 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.

All prerequisite courses for this degree program must be completed prior to transfer and matriculation into the Batten School, or as corequisite courses within the first semester after matriculating as determined by the admission committee.

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 Batten 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 course, and the accreditation of the institution at which the work was completed. Transfer credit will not replace the nine Batten major core courses. No adjustment of transfer credit is made after the student’s first semester in the Batten School.

In general, credit is not granted for work completed with a grade of less than C or more than one credit of physical or health education courses.

The McIntire School of Commerce acknowledges and values students’ different paths toward a college degree. Transfer students bring a wealth of knowledge and professional and personal experience, greatly contributing to the McIntire community. The McIntire Office of Undergraduate Admission works with students enrolled at two-year and four-year colleges and universities considering applying to the B.S. in Commerce Program.

Beginning with the fall 2025 application cycle, transfer students may apply during either their freshman or sophomore year while enrolled at another institution and enter McIntire as a second-year or third-year the following fall semester. Students who have taken more than 48 transferable credits (including the courses in your spring 2025 semester) apply to McIntire as an incoming third-year student. Students who have taken between 24 and 48 transferable credits should select the second-year application instead. Because of our curriculum schedule, we admit students only for a fall semester start.

Students interested in transferring directly to McIntire as a second-year student are encouraged to complete two full-time semesters, including three prerequisite courses, at their school of enrollment.

Candidates for second-year transfer admission should have completed or be currently enrolled in the following courses (they need not be completed upon application):

• First Writing Requirement¹ (3-6 credits, one to two courses)
• Introduction to Business (3 credits, one course) - Introduction to business.
• Principles of Economics (3 credits, one course) - Microeconomics

Additionally, candidates are advised to pursue a fulltime liberal arts curriculum and should consider completing coursework in other general education disciplines such as Foreign Language, Humanities, and Math.

Students interested in transferring directly to McIntire as a third-year student are encouraged to complete two years, including the prerequisites courses, at their current school of enrollment. The School requires students have a minimum of 54 transferrable credits (60-63 credits recommended). If a student is applying to enter UVA as a second-year student, the student should apply to the College of Arts and Sciences, not Commerce. These students would then follow the application process for UVA students to transition to the Commerce School for their third year. Because of McIntire’s curriculum, McIntire admits students for the fall semester only and cannot accommodate mid-year transfers. These students would then follow the application process for UVA students to transition to the Commerce School for their third year. 

It is recommended that non-native English speaking applicants also take the TOEFL or IELTS to be competitive for admission.

Candidates for transfer admission should have completed or be currently enrolled in the following courses (they need not be completed upon application):

• Elementary Accounting (6 credits, two courses) - Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Principles of Economics (6 credits, two courses) - Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
• First Writing Requirement¹ (3-6 credits, one to two courses)
• Mathematics (6 credits, two courses) - One course in statistics (descriptive and inferential) and one course in calculus.
• Humanities¹ (6 credits, two courses)
• World Languages¹ - Varies. Demonstrated proficiency equal to the intermediate level of college instruction (the 2020 level).
• Introduction to Business (3 credits, one course) - Introduction to business.

¹ First Writing Requirement, Humanities and World Language as defined in this Record, College of Arts and Sciences section, Area Requirements section.

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 an official 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.

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: https://admission.virginia.edu/.

A minimum academic residence of two years is required for a degree from the School of Architecture. Students transferring after one year of college are expected to have completed at least 24 credits; students transferring after two years are expected to have completed at least 54 credits; not including AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credit. In some cases, summer session study at the University is also required of transfer applicants.

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 https://www.arch.virginia.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions.

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.

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 associates degree. For more information about admission to the BPHM degree program, see the School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record.

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) Python 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 students typically enter the traditional nursing program after one to two years of college-level work. Selection of applicants to the School of Nursing is a competitive process based on a holistic review, primarily  focused on scholastic ability demonstrated by academic records of pre-nursing study, writing ability and related healthcare experience.

An applicant for transfer admission to the School of Nursing must be in good standing at any college that the student 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 transferable credits while also completing the prerequisite requirements. For detailed information about required courses, refer to the School of Nursing: Academic Rules, Regulations, and Information  .

The accelerated two-year transfer program is designed for students who have completed two years of general education college coursework, including nursing prerequisites. Accelerated BSN students enter the program during the summer semester. Students with a previous bachelor’s degree are ineligible. 

R.N. to B.S.N. 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.

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, including the curricular requirements met by satisfactory performance on advanced examinations. 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 UVA.

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, the School of Nursing, and the School of Data Science. 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.

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. 

* Students without AP credit, but who have some experience with programming, should take the placement test offered through the Department of Computer Science.

** 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 literature exam generally means placement in FREN 3031.

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

**** Students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on both Physics 1 and Physics 2, can ask their Registrar to have the transfer credit converted to PHYS 2010 and PHYS 2020.

***** A score of 4 on the Spanish Language Exam allows students to take SPAN 3010; a score of 5 on the same exam allows students to take any 3000-level course for which SPAN 3010 is a prerequisite (SPAN 3000, 3020, 3030, 3040, 3050, 3200 & 3300). A score of 4 on the Spanish AP Literature Exam allows students to proceed directly to SPAN 3300. Students who have scored a 5 on the Spanish AP Literature Exam may not take 3010; they should proceed to any course for which SPAN 3010 or 3300 is a prerequisite SPAN 3000, 3020, 3030, 3040, 3050, 3200, 3400, 3410, 3420, 3430). No credit is given for SPAN 3010 for any score of either version of the AP Spanish Exam.

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.

* Cambridge is discontinuing the Pre-U exam program in 2023.
** 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.

Writing Students who scored 560 or below on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT or a 21 or below on the ACT English test must take ENWR 1505 (fall) and ENWR 1506 (spring). Students scoring between 570 and 730 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the SAT or between 22 and 35 on the English portion of the ACT should register for ENWR 1510 (see the Writing Program web site details on whether to enroll in fall or spring).

FWR Plus: Students scoring a 740 or above on the SAT’s Evidence-Based Reading and Writing test or a 36 on the ACT English test may complete a First Writing Requirement Advance course: ENWR 2510, 2000-level ENLT, or ENCW 2300 or 2600. These students must also submit a FWR-Plus form to the Writing Program office.

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:

_{(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 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 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 undergraduate schools of the University offer possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on many higher-level IB 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.

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

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.

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.

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).

The University of Virginia has a holistic admission process, 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 the Kinesiology program in the Curry School of Education and Human Development. 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 or Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. The Curry School also admits students to programs in Kinesiology, Communication Disorders, and Youth and Social Innovation 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 of 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.

Typically, the most important factor in the admission evaluation process is demonstrated academic achievement in a challenging secondary school program. Outstanding grades, 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 minimum 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 strongly recommended. 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, social science, science, and foreign language) each year in grades nine through twelve. The committee examines the extracurricular activities, special talents and interests, background, and the applicant’s ability to write effectively. Two letters of recommendation, from the secondary school counselor and one academic teacher of the student’s choice, are required.

University of Virginia uses the Common Application. All applications must be submitted by the application deadline with a non-refundable application fee of $70. Candidates seeking an application fee waiver can receive one by answering the related questions on the Common Application.

First-year students can apply to University of Virginia through Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Early Decision is a binding program with an October 15th deadline and a mid-December notification. Students who choose the Early Decision process must withdraw all other applications if admitted and submit their enrollment deposit by January 1st. Applying Early Action to UVA is a non-binding, nonrestrictive admission plan. Students who apply Early Action may also apply to other institutions. Early Decision and Early Action students be admitted, denied admission, or deferred 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. During Regular Decision, the admission committee may offer admission, deny admission or offer a spot on the waiting list. 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 or ACT scores from first-year applicants. Students in countries that do not offer these tests may request a waiver by emailing testingwaiver@virginia.edu. Results of these tests should be self-reported on the Common Application. If the student is admitted and chooses to enroll, official scores reports must be submitted to verify the self-reported scores. The last recommended test dates are one month prior to the chosen application deadline. Scores received after the deadline may be uploaded through the student portal. Applicants should consult the testing agency websites for the appropriate registration deadlines, which generally precede the test dates by several weeks.

Decisions are posted in the student’s portal. Those applicants who are offered admission are mailed a paper copy of the admission letter. Upon accepted their offer of admission, students will pay a $400 tuition deposit to guarantee space in the entering class. This deposit is not refundable.

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. To register for information sessions and/or tours, please see the Plan a Visit page on the Office of Admission website at http://www.admission.virginia.edu/visit. All admission sessions and tours of the University are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. You may request an interpreter for the hearing impaired or request a wheelchair when registering online.

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 2-credit, graded small seminar settings with world-renowned scientists from the departments of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics 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 can 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, to further develop their relationships with faculty researchers.

Scholars are expected to major or minor 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 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 by the end of the summer following their second year) and demonstrate exemplary progress within their science/math curriculum, with a cumulative GPA of 3.40 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. First 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 https://sciencescholars.as.virginia.edu/ and https://college.as.virginia.edu/css.

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.

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.

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation awards scholarships on the basis of personal merit to approximately 30-35 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 December. Every secondary school in the Commonwealth of Virginia is eligible to nominate a student to the competition. 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; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; 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, Engineering, 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. 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.

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. First year students will have opportunity to apply during fall semester. The program emphasizes the first year of study, in which Scholars take special courses in engineering design and professional practice. The first-year scholars live in a dormitory set aside for Rodman Scholars and Echols Scholars of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The four year graduation rate for students who entered the University as first-years in Fall 2014 is 89%. Some undergraduate students decide to take a leave of absence for a semester or longer for example, to travel, work, take advantage of other opportunities, or for other personal reasons. Many of these students later return to the University and graduate. The six year graduation rate for students who entered the University as first-years in Fall 2012 is 94%.

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 in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies section of this Record for guidelines. Admission as a Community Scholar 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 (B.I.S.) program and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management (BPHM) program. For information about admission to these programs 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 a multilingual, multicultural university founded on principles of academic freedom, innovation, and curiosity. 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 excellent 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. 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 and has obtained the English language skills needed to succeed in graduate studies. 

A TOEFL or IELTS score should not be more than two years old. Depending on the school, most admitted graduate students attain a minimum total score of 90 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening).   The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is usually 600, and the minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0.

Some schools and departments may require higher scores for admission and/or set other 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 (UVELPE) unless they have been exempted from TOEFL or IELTS. The UVELPE is administered by the Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) in July and December with limited overflow in August. The exam consists of three portions: writing, grammar/vocabulary, and oral English. Information about the UVELPE and testing registration is available at caelc.virginia.edu.

All prospective graduate teaching assistants whose first language is one other than English are required to take the oral portion of the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam (UVELPE) described above. There are no exemptions. Any student exempt from submitting a TOEFL/IELTS for their UVA admission will need to take a standalone UVELPE Oral test if they are being considered for a graduate teaching assistantship. Candidates for the standalone UVELPE Oral test are identified by their department. Information about this standalone option and testing registration is available at caelc.virginia.edu/assessment. Whether the oral English portion is taken as a standalone test, or as part of the full UVELPE, a score of at least 55 is required for permission to begin teaching. Students that score below 55 must complete recommended oral English training in order to be eligible to teach.

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 national’s responsibility 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 can be viewed on the Student Financial Services webpage. 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 for the duration of their studies. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restricts the employment of non-immigrant students and scholars. Work without prior ISO and DHS 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 should adequately consider this when anticipating supporting 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 comprehensive health insurance plan in accordance with the University Hard Waiver Policy. Family coverage is more expensive but is strongly recommended.

University students who are enrolled full time and pay the Comprehensive Fees may use the out-patient medical facilities of the University’s Student Health department without additional charge. Family members are not eligible to participate. The University Hospital is located conveniently on Grounds, and has extensive emergency facilities as well as private physicians and clinics for specialists and routine family care.

All 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.