Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions

HOT TOPICS

Q. I have not received word about a decision regarding my online application. What can I do to check the status of my application?

Admission decisions are communicated to the applicants between January and April for the Fall term start. Once a decision is made, an email will be sent informing you that a decision has been made on your application. You must then log into your online application account to review your decision.
Online Application Login

Q. I have received an offer of admission. How do I report my decision?

It is important that we receive a reply from you whether you accept our offer of admission or decline it. We appreciate you taking the time to reply to our offer electronically, in addition to any direct contact you have with department or Graduate School representatives. 

To accept or decline your offer, please log into your online application, access your application decision and review your letter from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Follow the link that takes you to your decision page.

Q. How long do I have to consider my offer of admission?

The University of Virginia is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools and honors its Resolution regarding offers of financial support. "Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15; earlier deadlines for the acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution." Offers of admission that have not yet been accepted by April 15 can be withdrawn in order to extend any remaining offers to applicants still on a waiting list for final decision.
Council of Graduate Schools' Resolution (.pdf) (.pdf)

General Admissions

Q. What are the departmental deadlines for admission?

Here is a link to our listing of application deadlines.
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/admissions/deadlines.html

Q. How do I get further information on a particular graduate program?

Here is a list of the degree programs offered by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, each with a link to additional information about each program. Contact the department directly with questions regarding individual programs.
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/programs/index.html

Q. What materials do I need to submit for the application?

Follow this link for more details regarding the materials required for your application. http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/admissions/application_materials.html

Q. Can I apply to more than one program during the same application season?

No. In each application cycle, applicants may only apply to ONE department or program within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applications to multiple programs or departments within one application cycle will NOT be considered, and application fees will NOT be refunded.

Q. When can I access the online application for the Fall 2013 Academic Session?

Applications for Fall 2013-2014 will be available starting on September 1, 2012

Q. How do I find the application for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS)?

Here is a link to the online application start page. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a user name and password and begin your online application.
https://virginiagrad.askadmissions.net/emtinterestpage.aspx?ip=artsandsciences

Note: We only accept applications electronically.

Q. I am currently filling out the graduate application. In my four years at the same university I majored in two separate programs, but the online application only has room for one major, per university. Should I list the same university twice in order to record both majors?

Yes. List the same university twice.

Q. How do I calculate my GPA from a different grading scale to the 4-point grading scale used by UVa?

The following link describes the grading system used by the University of Virginia. Please enter the GPA that best represents your grades in relation to our grading system.
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/college/grade/grade_system.html#a2

Q. What should I include in my personal statement?

In this space briefly explain why you want to pursue an advanced degree. This is your opportunity to share why you have chosen to go to graduate school, what your particular interests are, and why you have chosen UVa. Clearly express your thoughts in an organized and focused way.

Q. What is the procedure for submitting transcripts to support my application?

Official Transcripts are NOT required at the time you submit your application. All applicants must upload their UNOFFICIAL transcripts to the online application. The unofficial transcripts will be viewed by the admissions committee in the department to which you applied for admission. For transcripts which are not in English, the official transcript is required with a certified/official English translation.

We will only accept official transcripts when an offer of admission is made.

Once admitted into a graduate program, official transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope from the institution to the following address:

University of Virginia
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Admissions Office
PO Box 400775
101 Randall Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4775

The unofficial transcripts that are uploaded with your application are not marked off on your online application checklist. Make sure to view the uploaded transcripts on your application - if you can view them, we can too.

Q. I have uploaded my unofficial transcripts as requested. Why haven't my transcripts been marked received by the online application checklist?

Our online application system currently looks for official documents to mark the required documentation received. Please review the .pdf version of your submitted application through the online application system to verify the receipt of uploaded materials. What you see there is what we see when reviewing your application.

Q. How do I submit an application to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences?

GSAS only accepts applications submitted electronically. Please visit the following website to fill out the online application:
https://virginiagrad.askadmissions.net/emtinterestpage.aspx?ip=artsandsciences

Q. How do I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application, you will login to your online application. The most up-to-date status will be listed on the main page of your application. Here is a link to the login page for the online application.
https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/ApplicantConnectLogin.asp?id=uva-g

Q. I am experiencing technical difficulties while trying to submit my application. What should I do?

Please contact Apply Yourself Technical support, our online application support team. You may submit a trouble ticket right from your application. The links are located on the top or bottom of every page and underneath the “Create Account” block of the application login page.

Q. I applied last year for admission into a program and was denied. I would like to have some of my admission materials moved from my previousapplication to my current application. What is the proper procedure for this? I understand application materials are held for 1 year so I would like to keep duplication to a minimum.

Please contact our office at regarding which materials from the previous admissions cycle you would like applied to your current application.

Q. Who meets the requirements for an application fee waiver?

We grant fee waivers to members of several organizations list on the following website.
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/admissions/FeeWaiverOrganizations.html

If you are eligible for a fee waiver please contact our office at when you are ready to submit an application. Our practice has been to grant application fee waivers if the applicant presents us with one of the following:

• Unemployment benefits statement from sometime in the last 6 months
• The GRE exam fee reduction approval for financial need
• College/ University letter or FAFSA that indicates that the family’s expected contribution toward tuition is zero

Recommendation Letters

Q. What is the correct procedure for submitting recommendation letters?

We prefer that recommendation letters be submitted electronically through the online application system. Once the applicant adds the recommenders’ names and contact information to the online application, the recommender will receive an email from the application system with the applicant’s request for a recommendation letter. The recommender follows the instructions on the email and logs into a secure website to submit the recommendation letter as a pdf, Word document, etc. It is highly recommended to use Times New Roman font. The applicant is then able to see that the recommender has submitted the letter on their application account.

If you have to send the letters in a paper format, we will accept a paper copy. Please note that it will take 2 weeks upon receipt of the letter to upload it to the submitted application. There will be no notification that the recommender has submitted the letter on the applicant's application account. Please also note the recommender’s name should be listed on the application.

Test Scores

Q. I noticed that the format of the GRE is changing in August 2011, and I wanted to know if applicants can submit scores in the old format taken prior to August 2011?

Yes. GSAS requires the GRE exams from all applicants. All valid GRE scores are acceptable for up to five (5) years in either format. Scores must be sent to us electronically from the testing service. If you need further information regarding the GRE exams, please visit the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website.
http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general_institutions/infocenter/

Q. How do I submit my test scores?

GRE and TOEFL scores must come to us directly from the Educational Testing Service. Please have ETS report your official scores to the University of Virginia, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

UVA's ETS Institution Code = 5820

Note: UVA does not use department codes so whatever you enter will not be used. Also remember to indicate that you are sending the scores to a graduate institution.
GSAS is aware that scores for exams taken after August 1, 2011 will not arrive to us until November 2011 when they will resume a normal delivery schedule.

Q. Can scores from the LSAT test be accepted in lieu of GRE scores?

We do not accept LSAT test scores in lieu of the GRE scores, but those scores can be included in the application as a supplement.

Q. I am interested in applying to your university for Fall 2012, but have not yet taken the GRE subject test. Can I apply now and later send my GRE subject test scores through ETS?

Yes. Since you do not know your score yet, please enter zeros on your application for the subject test score and indicate the future date on which you are taking the test. Have the scores sent directly from ETS when you take the subject test.

Q. What is the required score for TOEFL?

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) has minimum test score requirements for general admission consideration. For international applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score for general admission to the Graduate School is 90. The break-down of the minimum required TOEFL score is as follows: 22 for Speaking, 22 for Writing, 23 for Reading, and 23 for Listening. For the small percentage of applicants taking the paper-based test, the Graduate School requires a score of at least 600. Alternatively, an International English Language Testing System (IELT) minimum score of 7.0 or better may be accepted for admission. Please be aware that the UVa academic department or program you are applying to may require higher test scores than the Graduate School’s minimum test requirements. You will need to contact the department. TOEFL and IELT scores are valid for 2 years.

To find out where and when the TOEFL test is administered, visit: https://onyx.ets.org/toefllinkexchange.htm

The TOEFL test is NOT required of applicants who have received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction or if you have a degree from a English speaking university or are in the process of obtaining one, your scores will be waived automatically upon application submission.

Financial Support

Q. Does the University offer support for incoming graduates?

There are many sources of aid for graduate students. Please visit our Financial Information page to read about the sources available to graduate students.
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/financial/index.html

Financial Aid: you will be considered for financial aid, if you answer YES to the question on the general application asking if you want to be considered for financial aid. Student loans and work-study programs must be applied for through Student Financial Services.
http://www.virginia.edu/financialaid/

Virginia Status

Q. What documents are required to verify my status as a Virginia resident?

Please contact the Virginia Status Office for that information:
http://www.virginia.edu/provost/vastatus/index.html

International Applicants

Q. I am an international applicant with a significant number of extracurricular activities. These activities are not directly related with my field of study but still relevant to my application. I would like to know if it is necessary to have an official translation of all of these secondary documents or if it is enough to send the originals and an unofficial English translation.

Secondary materials which are not required by GSAS or the department you are applying to do not need to be in English.

Q. I am an international applicant. I have accepted my admission offer and would like to know how to have my student visa issued. What should I do?

Once you have accepted your admission offer online, it is important to prepare for next steps.  Please visit the International Studies Office website for detailed information about how to apply for your visa documents. This website contains lots of helpful information for international students at UVA.
www.virginia.edu/iso/nextsteps.html

Q. Where can I find the Financial Affidavit Form for international applicants and when should I submit it?

The Financial Please note that you will not need to fill out the I-20 request form until you are admitted to U.Va. Upon admission, please go to the following site to find the forms:
http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/generalinfo/i94info.html

Decisions

Q. I have not received word about a decision regarding my online application. What can I do to check the status of my application?

Admission decisions are communicated to the applicants between January and April for the Fall term start. Once a decision is made, an email will be sent informing you that a decision has been made on your application. You must then log into your online application account to review your decision.
Online Application Login

Q. I have received an offer of admission. How do I report my decision?

It is important that we receive a reply from you whether you accept our offer of admission or decline it. We appreciate you taking the time to reply to our offer electronically, in addition to any direct contact you have with department or Graduate School representatives. 

To accept or decline your offer, please log into your online application, access your application decision and review your letter from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Follow the link that takes you to your decision page.

Please note: acceptance signifies your intention to become a student in residence at the University of Virginia and that you have notified other schools to which you have applied that you are no longer interested in their programs.

Q. How long do I have to consider my offer of admission?

The University of Virginia is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools and honors its Resolution regarding offers of financial support. "Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15; earlier deadlines for the acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution." Offers of admission that have not yet been accepted by April 15 can be withdrawn in order to extend any remaining offers to applicants still on a waiting list for final decision.
Council of Graduate Schools' Resolution (.pdf) (.pdf)