The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly selective public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and is especially known for its strong academic programs in the arts and sciences, business, engineering, and law.

As a result of its high academic standards, UVA has a competitive admissions process. In the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, UVA received over 47,000 applications for approximately 3,300 first-year undergraduate positions. Of those who applied, only about 22% were admitted.
One of the most important factors in the UVA admissions process is the ACT score. The ACT is a standardized test that measures college readiness in English, mathematics, reading, and science. UVA uses the ACT score to assess an applicant’s academic ability and to compare them to other applicants.
Average ACT Score for UVA
The average ACT score for UVA is 33. This means that the typical UVA student scores in the top 5% of all ACT test takers. The 25th percentile ACT score for UVA is 31, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.
ACT Score Requirements for UVA
UVA does not have a minimum ACT score requirement, but the average ACT score for admitted students is 33. This means that applicants with ACT scores below 33 are less likely to be admitted to UVA.
How to Improve Your ACT Score for UVA
If you are planning to apply to UVA, it is important to start preparing for the ACT early. There are a number of things you can do to improve your ACT score, including:
- Take practice tests. The best way to prepare for the ACT is to take practice tests. This will help you familiarize yourself with the format of the test and the types of questions that you will be asked.
- Study the test material. The ACT covers a wide range of academic material, so it is important to study the test material thoroughly. You can use textbooks, online resources, or ACT prep courses to help you learn the material.
- Get tutoring. If you are struggling with the ACT, you may want to consider getting tutoring. A tutor can help you identify your weaknesses and develop strategies for improving your score.
Tips for Taking the ACT
Here are a few tips for taking the ACT:
- Arrive at the test center early. This will give you time to relax and get settled in before the test begins.
- Bring a calculator. The ACT is a timed test, so it is important to bring a calculator to help you save time.
- Pace yourself. The ACT is a long test, so it is important to pace yourself. Don’t spend too much time on any one question.
- Guess if you don’t know the answer. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t leave it blank. Guessing is better than leaving a question unanswered.
Conclusion
The ACT is an important part of the UVA admissions process. By preparing for the ACT early and by following the tips above, you can improve your chances of getting into UVA.
Additional Information
In addition to the average ACT score, UVA also considers a number of other factors in the admissions process, including:
- High school GPA
- Class rank
- Extracurricular activities
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
UVA also offers a number of programs and resources to help students prepare for the ACT. These programs include:
- ACT prep workshops
- Online ACT prep courses
- Private tutoring
For more information about the UVA admissions process, please visit the UVA website.