Virginia Academic Preparation

Prepare for success at Virginia's top universities with comprehensive academic planning and test preparation strategies.

Virginia High School Graduation Requirements

Virginia requires 22 standard credits or 26 advanced credits for graduation, with specific courses needed for university admission.

English

4 Credits Required

  • • English 9, 10, 11, 12
  • • Reading, writing, speaking
  • • Literature analysis
  • • Research skills
Mathematics

3-4 Credits Required

  • • Algebra I & II
  • • Geometry
  • • Pre-Calculus (recommended)
  • • Advanced: Calculus, Statistics
Science

3 Laboratory Credits

  • • Biology (required)
  • • Chemistry or Physics
  • • Earth Science option
  • • Advanced: AP courses
Social Studies

3 Credits Required

  • • Virginia/US History
  • • Virginia/US Government
  • • World History/Geography
  • • Advanced: AP History/Gov

Virginia University Admission Requirements

University of Virginia

Highly Selective Admissions

Academic Requirements:

  • • 4 units English
  • • 4 units Mathematics (through Pre-Calculus)
  • • 4 units Laboratory Science
  • • 4 units Social Studies
  • • 3+ units Foreign Language

Typical Admitted Student:

  • • GPA: 4.3+ weighted
  • • SAT: 1470-1570
  • • ACT: 33-35
  • • Strong extracurriculars
Virginia Tech

Selective Engineering Focus

Academic Requirements:

  • • 4 units English
  • • 3+ units Mathematics
  • • 3+ units Laboratory Science
  • • 3+ units Social Studies
  • • Additional academic units

Typical Admitted Student:

  • • GPA: 3.7+ unweighted
  • • SAT: 1270-1460
  • • ACT: 28-33
  • • STEM focus preferred

Standardized Testing for Virginia Universities

SAT
1600
Total Score

Test Sections:

  • • Evidence-Based Reading (400 pts)
  • • Math (400 pts)
  • • Optional Essay (separate score)
Most Popular Choice
ACT
36
Composite Score

Test Sections:

  • • English (1-36)
  • • Math (1-36)
  • • Reading (1-36)
  • • Science (1-36)
  • • Optional Writing
Science Section Included
Test Optional

Many Virginia universities have adopted test-optional policies

Test-Optional Schools:

  • • James Madison University
  • • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • • George Mason University
  • • Many private colleges
Growing Trend

Advanced Coursework Options in Virginia

Advanced Placement (AP)

Virginia schools offer extensive AP course options that can earn college credit and strengthen applications.

Popular AP Courses in Virginia:

  • • AP Calculus AB/BC
  • • AP Statistics
  • • AP Biology
  • • AP Chemistry
  • • AP Physics
  • • AP US History
  • • AP Government
  • • AP English Lang/Lit
  • • AP Foreign Languages
  • • AP Computer Science

Credit Policy: Virginia universities typically accept scores of 3+ for credit, with UVA requiring 4+ for most courses.

Dual Enrollment

Virginia's dual enrollment programs allow high school students to earn college credit while completing their diploma.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment:

  • • Earn actual college credit
  • • Experience college-level coursework
  • • Often less expensive than AP exams
  • • Available through Virginia Community Colleges
  • • Credits transfer within Virginia system

Popular Dual Enrollment Subjects:

  • • College Composition and Literature
  • • College-level Mathematics
  • • Introduction to Business
  • • Psychology and Sociology
  • • Foreign Language courses

Academic Success Strategies

Course Planning
  • Meet with school counselors regularly
  • Plan 4-year course sequence early
  • Balance rigor with manageability
  • Consider summer school options
Test Preparation
  • Take PSAT for practice and scholarships
  • Start test prep junior year
  • Take tests multiple times if needed
  • Use free prep resources
Support Resources
  • Utilize teacher office hours
  • Join study groups and tutoring
  • Access online learning platforms
  • Consider academic coaching

Ready to Excel Academically in Virginia?

Let CollegeCompass help you plan your academic journey to meet Virginia university requirements and exceed expectations.