University of Virginia SAT & ACT scores.
University of Virginia is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), UVA received roughly 56,000 applications and offered admission to only about 11,760 students—an acceptance rate near 21%. That means just around 21 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring UVA's high standards and competitive environment year after year.
About 52% of applicants submit an SAT score and 21% an ACT score.
UVA's Early Decision plan is binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through ED). Applying Early Decision signals that UVA is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because ED is binding, students should only use it if UVA is absolutely their first choice.
Testing policy has evolved. UVA was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), UVA will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting UVA's rigorous academic profile.
SAT scores
For UVA's average SAT scores, admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1380–1500. This elite band mirrors UVA's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.
For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for UVA's admitted students falls around 690–750 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills UVA expects across all majors.
On the Math portion, UVA's middle-50% range is about 690–750. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that UVA seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.
If you're wondering about a UVA average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. UVA evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1380 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.
Policy note: UVA superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your UVA SAT scores are evaluated.
ACT scores
Looking at UVA's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 32–35. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, UVA ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.
By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 33–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 33 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills UVA expects.
ACT Math scores at UVA are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 30–35. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.
UVA superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.
If you're estimating a UVA average ACT, plan around 35. Given UVA's low admit rate, even moving from a 32 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.
Admission numbers
Here's the reality: UVA's admit rate is only about 21%, with roughly 56,000 applications for about 11,760 spots (around 3,900 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the UVA average SAT and UVA average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above UVA's 75th percentile (around a 1500 SAT or 35 ACT), you're in stronger territory.
That said, UVA emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to UVA that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.
Strategy snapshot: If UVA is your clear first choice, applying Early Decision could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet UVA's testing bar (target near the top of the UVA SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.
Similar schools to compare
Weighing your options? These schools have comparable selectivity: