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Frequently Asked Questions

Before contacting the Office of Admission, please review the following brief list of FAQs to see if an answer to your inquiry is immediately available.

Completing the Application

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Can I apply to more than one program during an application season?

No, applicants may only apply to one program within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences per season. Applications to multiple programs within one application cycle will not be considered, and associated application fees will not be refunded.

​Can I submit my application if my official test scores or recommendation letters have not yet been received?

Yes, an application can be submitted without official test scores and recommendation letters. These application materials will be added to the application once they are received by the Office of Admission.

How do I submit recommendation letters that have been uploaded to my Interfolio account?

Interfolio has developed a process to direct your letters of reference electronically to an online application system. When our application prompts you to enter the e-mail address of your reference, you will enter a unique e-mail address that is provided to you by Interfolio for each of your reference letters. When our system contacts that Interfolio e-mail address to request the letter of reference, Interfolio will submit that reference directly to us on your behalf.

Whom should I contact with questions about Virginia resident status?

Applicants should contact the Office of Virginia Status.

If I am reapplying this year, do I need to resubmit my application materials?

After submitting a new online application, the applicant should contact the Office of Admission to request that previously submitted documents be moved to the new application. Please note that application materials are only retained for one year. Official test scores that are still valid are automatically transferred to the new application.

How do I enter two undergraduate majors from one institution?

If you have two undergraduate majors, then both should be listed in the Major(s) field. Do not list the undergraduate institution more than once to accommodate multiple majors.

How do I submit transcripts?

All applicants must upload unofficial transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts will only be accepted from applicants to whom an offer of admission has been made.

How do I check the status of my application?

The application status is displayed when you login to your online application.

What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?

Applicants should contact the Central Graduate Admission Office at gsasadmission@virginia.edu.

Can I submit an application if I am undocumented or have DACA status?

Individuals can apply and be admitted to any UVA Graduate and professional school program regardless of citizenship or immigration status.  Under existing law undocumented students, including individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, are not eligible for federal or state financial aid.  While employment and research opportunities vary by program, admitted DACA students may have an opportunity to work as a Graduate Research assistant (GRA), Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), or in another capacity through their program of enrollment.  Undocumented students without DACA status who are admitted to a graduate program may seek financial support from foundations not affiliated with UVA. Please click here for additional information on funding opportunities available for undocumented students.

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Standardized Tests

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Can I apply now and submit my test scores later?

Yes, official test scores are not necessary for the review process but will be required if the applicant matriculates as a student. Official test scores may be received by the Graduate School independently from the online application and are automatically matched to the application once received.

What is the minimum requirement for the TOEFL?

The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score is 600.

Can I still apply if I do not meet the minimum requirement for the TOEFL?

Yes, admissions committees will review applications that do not meet the minimum TOEFL requirement.

What department code should I indicate when reporting GRE scores from ETS?

The Graduate School does not utilize the department code that ETS requires applicants to select. You may choose any department code, as it will have no effect on the review of your application.

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Admissions Decisions

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When are admissions decisions released?

Admissions decisions for the fall term are communicated to applicants between January and April. The Graduate School will send an email to inform the applicant when a decision has been made on his or her application. The applicant must enter the online application to view the decision.

How do I respond to my offer of admission?

To accept or decline an offer of admission, an applicant must enter the online application, access the decision letter and follow the link to the response page.

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

Offers of admission that have not been accepted by April 15 can be withdrawn in order to make offers to other applicants on waiting lists. The University of Virginia is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools and honors its resolution that students not be required to accept offers of financial support prior to April 15 of a given year.

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