The University of Virginia- Class of 2029

The University of Virginia (UVA) has extended offers to nearly 2,000 students in the final round. This brings the total number of admitted students to over 15,000, selected from a record-breaking pool of more than 64,000 applicants. The regular decision pool itself saw an application pool of 17,000 students. Among them, 3,519 applications came from Virginia residents, and more than 14,000 came from outside of the state. This year was considered a record-breaking year for undergraduate applications to Virginia’s flagship school. In total, more than 64,000 people applied to join UVA’s incoming class. Last year, nearly 60,000 people applied to the Class of 2028.

The Dean of Admissions, Greg Roberts, said. “We look forward to meeting many of our admitted students over the next few weeks as they engage with the University, attending our Days on The Lawn events, UVA gatherings in their communities, or simply tuning in online for special admitted student programming”

UVA has three admissions cycles. In the first binding one, called Early Decision, UVA welcomed 1,282 students. In February, the University extended offers to nearly 7,000 people during the non-binding early action cycle.  UVA also admitted 226 students who were deferred during the previous session. To get a sense of the growing importance of Early Decision rounds, here is an admissions overview of the number of students admitted in each cycle.

• Early Decision (December): 1,282 students admitted.

• Early Action (February): 6,746 students admitted.

• Regular Decision (March): 1,642 students admitted, along with 226 students who were previously deferred. How the Class of 2029 is shaping up—VIRGINIA Magazine. According to this, the university aims to enroll a first-year class of 3,970 students by May 1st, 2025.

Standardized Tests

UVA has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2024-2025 application cycle. This means submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional. If a student feels that their score reflects their academic ability, they can include it. The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly selective institution with rigorous admission standards. While UVA does not specify a minimum GPA requirement, admitted students typically demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Most successful applicants fall within the middle 50% GPA range of 4.0 to 4.3 on a weighted 5.0 scale, reflecting a strong academic record.

Holistic Review

Essays play a crucial role in UVA’s application process. They offer the admissions committee a window into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. As part of the UVA supplement on the Common Application, you’ll need to respond to two essay prompts. These essays are your chance to showcase strong writing skills and to share meaningful insights about your background, values, or aspirations.

When it comes to extracurriculars, UVA—like other highly selective universities—looks for depth over breadth. They value applicants who show sustained commitment and notable accomplishments in a few activities rather than light involvement in many. Activities that fall into Tier 1 or Tier 2 on the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars are especially compelling, as they reflect exceptional leadership, talent, or recognition at a national or international level

Why you should apply to UVA

As a college town, Charlottesville is consistently ranked high due to its unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and a dynamic cultural scene. UVA is ideal for students who enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring nature. Being just a couple of hours from the nation’s capital, students benefit from access to internships, networking opportunities, and government-related experiences.

UVA is consistently ranked among the best public universities in the U.S., offering Ivy League-level academics at a public school price. Whether you’re interested in Business (McIntire), Engineering, the Arts, or the Humanities, UVA offers over 70 undergraduate majors with strong faculty support and research opportunities.