The University of Virginia, ranked #26 in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report “Best National Universities” ranking, is known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and longstanding prestige. While UVA doesn’t set a strict GPA requirement, its 2025-26 Common Data Set shows that 90.3% of first-years were in the top tenth of their high school class, 98.4% in the top quarter, and 99.6% in the top half. This doesn’t mean you need a perfect 4.0, but UVA values students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework and excel in these classes. If your transcript has any weak spots (or even if it doesn’t!), strong written material and stellar recommendations are crucial for shoring up your odds of admission.

University of Virginia SAT/ACT Score Requirements

UVA is test-optional through the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, although we at Ivy Coach have reason to believe this policy will not last much longer than that.

Amongst members of the Class of 2029, 48.7% submitted SAT scores to UVA, and 14.5% submitted ACT scores.

	SAT	ACT
Median	1470	33
Mid 50% Range	1410 — 1510	32 — 34

Does UVA Superscore SAT or ACT Scores?

A superscore combines the highest section scores from each test sitting for admissions evaluation. UVA superscores the SAT but not the ACT, evaluating the highest scores reported for the Reading, Writing, and Math sections of the SAT. They claim they only assess the maximum value of each official section score of the ACT, but they do not allow students to submit superscores for the ACT.

In any event, we advise students to proceed with caution: you should submit more than one score only for superscoring. Submitting multiple test administrations shows UVA that you had to work harder than many other applicants to achieve your scores, so Ivy Coach discourages the practice.

What High School Courses Does UVA Require?

The UVA Office of Undergraduate Admissions recommends that prospective applicants “take the best program available to you in your core subjects,” including English, math, foreign language, social studies, and science.

With that being said, four years of study in each core subject are essential for a competitive college application anywhere in the U.S., and foreign language study ideally should begin by eighth grade. 

What Extracurriculars Does UVA Look For in Applicants?

When it comes to extracurriculars, the last thing a prospective applicant should do is frame themselves as well-rounded. Admissions officers at UVA seek to build diverse classes of students composed of experts and specialists. Decorated playwrights, groundbreaking engineers, and innovative biologists who each push the needle in their respective fields will fare a lot better than those with a jack-of-all-trades approach to resume building. Students should pursue their special “thing” as far as it will go, because UVA will take notice!

University of Virginia Application Requirements

UVA applicants must complete The Common Application or The Coalition Application, the UVA supplemental questions (for applicants to the nursing school only this year), a counselor recommendation, and two teacher recommendations.

Let’s focus on each component and discuss how students should complete them to give them the best shot at admission.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Applicants to UVA should ask two teachers, ideally two junior year teachers in core subjects, in addition to their school counselor, for letters of recommendation.

Does the University of Virginia Require an Alumni Interview?

UVA does not conduct alum interviews as part of the application process.

What are UVA’s Supplemental Essay Topics?

Students applying to the School of Nursing must answer the following prompt in 300 words or fewer:

• Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.

As with any elite university, UVA is looking for students with a singular hook that they can present as a game plan for engagement on their future campus. For nursing applicants, this hook should reflect how they plan to make an impact on the healthcare industry by leveraging nursing-related resources and opportunities at UVA.

This prompt is an opportunity to do just that via a compelling anecdote that demonstrates your knowledge of, passion for, and commitment to the nursing profession.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with University of Virginia Admission

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to the University of Virginia’s Class of 2031, fill out Ivy Coach’s complimentary consultation form. We’ll then be in touch to outline our college counseling services.