Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

I have a question about a specific program. Who can I contact?

Each Department in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has a person designated as the “Director of Graduate Studies”, or "DGS", whose role it is to oversee graduate programs and help students.

Programs vary widely between departments, so it is always good to check with the DGS for up-to-date and specific details regarding admissions policy, program reguirements, etc.

Am I allowed to apply to more than one department within the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences?

You are only allowed to apply to one department within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at a time.

I’m interested in Biological Sciences. What sorts of programs do you offer?

Many options can be found throughout the University. Programs housed in the School of Medicine include Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Molecular Medicine (Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology), Neuroscience, and Structural Computational Biology and Biophysics. Most of the programs are collaborative with faculty from many departments from several colleges here at UVa. See the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs web site or contact   for more information. The Biology Department has programs in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology and neurobiology. The Environmental Sciences Department offers programs in ecology, while the Psychology department has offerings in Psychobiology. As mentioned, nearly all of these programs include collaborations across many departments and faculty interests. Applications to all are made through the general GSAS application form.

Why is there a December 1st application deadline?

If one is interested in competing for a Jefferson Scholars Foundation Graduate Fellowship or one of the other Graduate School of Arts and Sciences-wide fellowships, applications need to be received by this deadline. However, for general admission, application deadlines vary by department.

What sources of graduate funding are available?

As mentioned above, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation provides support for some students. GSAS offers about 40 Presidential Fellowships each year for superb graduate students candidates nominated by the departments. Many students are supported by their home departments with fellowships, teaching or research assistantships, or other forms of compensation.

Do I need to fill out a separate application to be eligible for fellowship or other sources of funding?

The Graduate School does not require a separate application form for financial aid. If you answer YES to the question on the general application that inquires if you request fellowship funding you will be considered for financial aid. Student loans and work-study programs must be applied for through the Office of Financial Aid, University of Virginia, Michie Building, P O Box 400207, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904. Telephone number (434) 982-6000 and email address: . Some forms of Graduate School wide fellowships/financial aid are available only to applicants whose completed application is received in early December, therefore, early application is strongly advised.

Do I need to take the GRE?

Yes. Ask ETS to send an official copy of your scores to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. The institution code for the University of Virginia is 5820. You should take the GRE General test and, if required, a Subject Test. If you have a personal copy of the required test scores, sending a photocopy will speed evaluation of your application.

What TOEFL scores are needed in order to gain admission?

The Graduate School requires a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) for foreign applicants whose first language is not English. Alternatively, an IELT score of 7.0 or better may be offered for admission.

What should I include in my personal statement on the application?

In this space you should briefly explain why you want to pursue an advanced degree. This is your opportunity to explain 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. Focused, well written statements are always preferable!

Why is the deadline for accepting an offer April 15?

This is a nationwide standard agreed upon by a resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools (the actual resolution (.pdf) regarding this deadline). Quoting from CGS:

“…The Resolution is concerned with the conditions surrounding the acceptance of offers of certain kinds of graduate student financial assistance, namely, scholarships, fellowships, traineeships, and assistantships. The general spirit of the Resolution is that students should have an opportunity to consider more than one offer and should have until April 15 to do so, that institutions and students should be able to view acceptances in force after April 15 as binding, that everyone should know what the rules are, and that an offer by the institution and its acceptance by the student constitute an agreement which both expect to honor…”

What are the criteria for in-state status?

An applicant, if dependent, parent, legal guardian or spouse, must be domiciled in Virginia for a period of at least one year immediately prior to the first day of classes while simultaneously demonstrating domiciling intent. Intent is demonstrated by, among other things, paying resident taxes to Virginia, obtaining a Virginia driver's license, car and voter registration. Please fill out the Virginia In-State Educational Privileges form, a portion of the general application, if you claim entitlement to Virginia in-state educational privileges.

Questions on Virginia status should be directed to the Committee on Virginia Status, University of Virginia, Peabody Hall, P O Box 400160, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904. Telephone (434) 982-3391

What is Charlottesville like?

People love Charlottesville! So do many reviewers from magazines and books. For example,

• Cities Ranked and Rated, by Bert Sperling and Peter Sander ( ranked #1)
• Kiplinger's Personal Finance: The Healthiest Places to Live in America ( #2 )
• Reader's Digest: One of the top ten places in the country to raise children.
• Money: Best Cities to Live in the Nation ( #1 in Virginia, #32 nationally ).
• American Health: The 10 Healthiest Cities for Women ( # 6 )
• Golf Digest: Best Retirement Cities for Golfers ( #1 )
• Outside: One of seven dream towns that have it all.
• Tennis: Best Tennis Town ( #1)

Charlottesville is a small town located 20 minute away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, 2 hours away from Washington D.C., and 3 hours away from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. There are many web resources that portray the area. One place to start is http://www.virginia.edu/exploring.html