University of Virginia
Thomas Jefferson's 'academical village' has grown into one of the top public universities in the country.
- Next deadline
- Oct 15, 2026Early Decision
- Essays
- 2Prompts
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 16%Selective
- Enrollment
- 17,618Large undergrad
Build your University of Virginia application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Supplement250 words2026-2027
What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength.
- Why School250 words2026-2027
Respond to one of the school-specific prompts for the college to which you are applying (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Nursing, or School of Architecture).
How to approach University of Virginia's supplemental essays
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Make fit concrete
Name one academic or community reason, then connect it to a scene from your life. The school detail should prove fit, not decorate the paragraph.
Use this as a blank structure for a University of Virginia supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at University of Virginia, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does University of Virginia require?
University of Virginia has 2 supplemental essays listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does University of Virginia accept the Common Application?
Yes — University of Virginia accepts the Common Application.
What is University of Virginia's acceptance rate?
University of Virginia's most recently reported acceptance rate is 16.0%.
When is University of Virginia's next application deadline?
University of Virginia's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on October 15, 2026.
What is University of Virginia's "What about your individual background, perspective…" prompt (#1, 250 words)?
What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength.
What is University of Virginia's "Respond to one of the school-specific…" prompt (#2, 250 words)?
Respond to one of the school-specific prompts for the college to which you are applying (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Nursing, or School of Architecture).
Sources and verification
We prioritize University of Virginia's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.
Review official source →