University of Virginia SAT & ACT Scores
Students applying to the University of Virginia for fall 2027 can choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. UVA admitted about 17% of 58,951 first-year applicants for the fall 2024 entering class. Among enrolled students in that class who sent scores, the middle 50% was 700–760 on SAT Reading and Writing, 710–780 on SAT Math, and 32–35 on the ACT, with an ACT median of 33.
Where does your score land?
Compared with University of Virginia's enrolled first-years, fall 2024 entering class.
Is University of Virginia test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
UVA does not require SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for fall 2027 entry; it has been test-optional since fall 2021 entry.
Checked October 29, 2026 against the Common App's 2026–27 first-year requirements grid . Confirm on University of Virginia's admissions site before you apply.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2021 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
UVA first made the SAT and ACT optional for students applying for fall 2021 entry, during the pandemic, and has extended that policy since. The SAT and ACT are not required for first-year applicants seeking to enroll in fall 2027, and you can still send scores if you want them considered. Before you apply, read the testing guidance on UVA's admission website for how to report scores.
University of Virginia SAT scores
University of Virginia reports SAT section scores but no total range.
| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 700 | 730 | 760 |
| Math | 710 | 750 | 780 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS). 46% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
Among students who enrolled at UVA in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores, the middle 50% scored 700–760 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 710–780 on Math. The section medians were 730 and 750. A quarter of these students scored at or below the low end of each range, and a quarter scored above the high end. UVA's federal report gives section scores only, so there is no combined SAT range here.
46% of that class sent SAT scores and 14% sent the ACT. UVA was test-optional when these students applied, so the ranges describe only the students who chose to report a score, not the whole class.
If your section scores are at or above 730 and 750, they sit in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the SAT. If they fall below the low end of the ranges, think about whether your application is stronger without them, since UVA does not require a test for fall 2027.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Virginia ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 32–35 on the ACT, with a median of 33.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2024 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 32 | 33 | 35 |
| English | 34 | 35 | 36 |
| Math | 30 | 33 | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS). 14% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent the ACT had a middle 50% composite of 32–35, with a median of 33. Their section ranges were 34–36 in English and 30–35 in Math. Only 14% of the class reported the ACT, so these figures describe a fairly small group.
A composite at or above 33 is in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the ACT. A composite below 32 is lower than most reported scores, and because testing is optional for fall 2027, you can choose to apply without it.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Virginia acceptance rate
Very competitive: 17% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2024 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants58,951
- Acceptance rate17%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Decision (binding), Early Action (non-binding) and Regular Decision.
Fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS).
UVA has three first-year application plans: binding Early Decision, non-binding Early Action, and Regular Decision.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores to UVA, a practical target is SAT section scores at or above 730 in Reading and Writing and 750 in Math, or an ACT composite at or above 33. Scores near the top of 700–760, 710–780 or 32–35 make the strongest case.
With scores optional, the rest of your application carries the weight either way. In its report to the U.S. Department of Education, UVA lists the high school record, recommendations and a personal statement or essay as required for admission review, and GPA, class rank and test scores as considered when available. Plan your courses, essays and recommendations first, then decide whether a score adds to them.
How University of Virginia compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | 16.2% | 1500 | 1460–1520 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | 16.4% | 1470 | 1370–1530 | 32–34 | Test-optional |
| Wesleyan University | 16.4% | — | — | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 16.7% | 1470 | 1400–1530 | 29–34 | Test-optional |
| University of Virginia | 17% | — | — | 32–35 | Test-optional |
| University of Miami | 17.6% | 1400 | 1350–1450 | 30–33 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is University of Virginia test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: UVA does not require SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for fall 2027 entry; it has been test-optional since fall 2021 entry.
What is the average SAT score at University of Virginia?
University of Virginia reports SAT section scores rather than a total. For the fall 2024 entering class, enrolled first-years scored Reading and Writing 700–760 (median 730) and Math 710–780 (median 750).
What SAT score do you need for University of Virginia?
University of Virginia doesn't report a total SAT range. Section scores at or above 760 in Reading and Writing and 780 in Math put you in the top quarter of its enrolled first-years (fall 2024 entering class).
What ACT score do you need for University of Virginia?
University of Virginia's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 32–35, with a median of 33 (fall 2024 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is University of Virginia's acceptance rate?
University of Virginia admitted 17% of first-year applicants for the fall 2024 entering class, which makes it very competitive.
How many University of Virginia students submit test scores?
In the fall 2024 entering class, 46% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 14% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at University of Virginia?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.