University of Virginia (UVA), known for its academic excellence and vibrant student life, has high expectations for its applicants. This article dives into the UVA ACT scores and requirements, highlighting what prospective students need to know before applying. For those interested in taking the SAT, check out our companion article on UVA’s SAT scores.
What is the average ACT score at the University of Virginia?
UVA’s high standards are reflected in its ACT scores. The average composite ACT score for admitted students is 33, out of a maximum possible score of 36. The 25th percentile score is 32, and the 75th percentile is 34.
These statistics mean that the lowest 25% of admitted students scored a 32 or below, while the highest 25% scored a 34 or above. This range highlights the competitive nature of UVA’s admissions process but also shows that there is no magic score to guarantee admission.
What is the average ACT English score at the University of Virginia?
The average ACT English score at UVA is 35. In addition, the 25th percentile score sits at 34 and the 75th percentile reaches an impressive 35. These statistics show that half of the students admitted to UVA scored a 34 or below on the English section on the ACT, while the other 50% scored a 34 or above. Most UVA students perform exceptionally well on the English section, with many achieving perfect scores. Still, there is no minimum score required for admission.
What is the average ACT Math score at the University of Virginia?
For the ACT Math section, the average score at UVA is 32. In addition, UVA maintains a 25th percentile score of 30 and a 75th percentile score of 34 in the math section of the ACT.
From these statistics, we can see that 25% of UVA’s admitted students achieved a 30 or below on the ACT Math section. Furthermore, 50% of their successful applicants submitted ACT scores in the 30 to 34 range for the math section. The remaining 25% scored 34 or above. These scores indicate strong mathematical skills among admitted students, though the range suggests that perfect scores are not mandatory for admission.
What are UVA’s ACT requirements?
For the Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 admission cycles, UVA will maintain their test-optional policy. In other words, applicants need not submit scores in order to get accepted into UVA. Further, admissions officers will not penalize those who do not submit scores in their admissions processes. If you change your mind about submitting test scores after you have already made your decision in your application, you may change that decision up to the application deadline.
Applicants who wish to have their ACT scores considered can self-report them on their application. Admitted students who choose to enroll must later submit official score reports. UVA does not require the ACT Writing section in their review process.
If you would like to learn more about UVA’s admissions processes, check out their FAQs webpage.
What percent of UVA applicants submit the ACT?
At UVA, 17% of admitted applicants submit ACT scores on average, while around 50% submit SAT scores. Approximately 33% do not submit standardized test scores.
From these statistics, we can see that the SAT remains a popular choice, with nearly three times as many students submitting the SAT as the ACT. Despite this, there is no advantage in choosing one test over the other apart from individual circumstances and preferences. UVA does not prefer one test over the other. In addition, students who go test-optional are not at a disadvantage.
Should I go test-optional?
At UVA, students are not penalized for going test-optional. Thus, deciding whether to submit standardized test scores is a personal decision. However, a good score can enhance an application. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants take either the ACT or SAT if possible. If your scores are high, they can strengthen your application. If not, you can choose not to submit them without penalty.
On the one hand, if testing doesn’t align with your strengths and abilities, then your lack of a score won’t necessarily make or break your application. On the other hand, if you have a standardized test score that you are proud of, it can only be a benefit. In other words, if your score compares well with the average UVA SAT scores, you are encouraged to submit it, but the decision is ultimately yours.
Does UVA superscore the ACT?
UVA superscores the ACT: they consider the best scores submitted by applicants. That said, self-reporting applicants must submit their composite and sub-scores exactly as they appear on the official score report. Students should not calculate their own superscores, but rather let the admissions office calculate those scores for them.
What’s a good ACT score for UVA?
UVA does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs. UVA accepts a range of ACT scores. That said, most admitted students have high standardized testing scores compared to the national averages.
Consider your scores in the context of the UVA’s average ACT scores. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they are likely worth submitting. To be specific, the average composite score is around 33, so aiming for a score at or above this average would put you in a good position.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| English | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| Math | 30 | 32 | 34 |
Can I get into UVA with a low ACT?
Getting into UVA with a low ACT score is challenging but possible. A “low” score is relative; below-average scores for UVA are still high compared to the national averages. Additionally, the upper 25% of UVA students scored a composite 34 or higher, while the lower 25% scored a composite 32 or below. Thus, if your score is below 32, you are not out of the running, but if your score is above 34, you are very well-positioned. With this in mind, it is in an applicant’s best interest to aim for at least the lower quartile score of 32, if not higher.
Regardless, applicants with strong academic and extracurricular performance will stand out. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through extracurricular activities may be judged more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t show similar initiative. Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only factor to consider.
When should I take the ACT for UVA?
Students applying in the Early Decision (ED) round or Early Action (EA) round must mark whether they’re choosing to go test-optional or not by the application deadline. If you choose to submit scores, you have until November 22 to self-report new scores in the applicant portal. Regular Decision (RD) applicants must submit scores by the application deadline.
Thus, you need to take all ACT exams early enough to have received your results by November 22 if you wish to apply early, and by January 5 if you wish to apply during the RD cycle. We encourage students to take the ACT in the spring of their junior year in order to have enough time to retake the exam if they wish.
You can learn more about UVA’s ACT score submission and deadlines on their Deadlines & Instructions webpage.
What is UVA’s ACT code?
UVA’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 4412.
While UVA no longer requires applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do submit them often have high scores. Choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant, but a strong score can only benefit an application. The decision to take and submit the SAT is a personal one, based on individual strengths, priorities, and goals. If you’re also considering the SAT, check out our UVA SAT Breakdown for more information.
