Virginia College Applications

Navigate Virginia's college application landscape with confidence using our comprehensive application guide and timeline.

Virginia Application Systems

Common Application

Most Virginia universities accept the Common Application, streamlining your application process.

Participating Schools:

  • • University of Virginia
  • • James Madison University
  • • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • • Christopher Newport University
  • • Most private Virginia colleges
Apply to Multiple Schools Easily
Virginia Tech Application

Virginia Tech uses its own application system with unique requirements and processes.

Special Features:

  • • Direct admission to engineering programs
  • • Business school early admission
  • • Agriculture and life sciences pathways
  • • Architecture portfolio requirements
  • • Multiple deadline options
Program-Specific Applications

Virginia Application Timeline

September - November (Senior Year Fall)

Application Preparation & Early Deadlines

Key Tasks:

  • Finalize college list and application strategy
  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Write and refine application essays
  • Take final SAT/ACT tests

Important Deadlines:

  • Nov 1: Early Decision/Action deadlines
  • Nov 15: UVA Early Action deadline
  • Oct 1: FAFSA opens
December - January (Senior Year Winter)

Regular Decision Applications

Key Tasks:

  • Submit regular decision applications
  • Complete FAFSA and CSS Profile
  • Send mid-year grade reports
  • Apply for scholarships

Important Deadlines:

  • Jan 1: UVA Regular Decision
  • Jan 15: Virginia Tech Regular Decision
  • Feb 1: JMU and VCU deadlines
March - May (Senior Year Spring)

Admission Decisions & College Choice

Key Tasks:

  • Review admission decisions
  • Compare financial aid packages
  • Visit admitted student days
  • Make final college decision

Important Deadlines:

  • May 1: National Decision Day
  • March-April: Admission decisions released

Virginia College Essay Requirements

University of Virginia Essays

Required Essays:

  • • What work of art, music, science, etc. speaks to you? (250 words)
  • • School-specific short response (100 words)
  • • Optional: Tell us something about yourself (250 words)

Tips for Success:

  • • Show intellectual curiosity and depth
  • • Connect personal experiences to academic interests
  • • Demonstrate fit with UVA's values and community
  • • Be specific and authentic in your responses
Virginia Tech Essays

Required Essays:

  • • Virginia Tech's motto is "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve) (250 words)
  • • Describe a goal you have achieved (250 words)
  • • Additional program-specific essays (varies by major)

Tips for Success:

  • • Emphasize service and community involvement
  • • Show leadership and problem-solving skills
  • • Connect goals to Virginia Tech's mission
  • • Highlight technical and hands-on experiences

Virginia Application Checklist

Academic Requirements
  • Official high school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores (if required)
  • AP or dual enrollment transcripts
  • Mid-year grade report
Essays & Supplements
  • Personal statement/Common App essay
  • School-specific supplemental essays
  • Why this school/major essays
  • Optional additional information
Supporting Materials
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Activity list and descriptions
  • Portfolio (if required)
  • Application fee or waiver

Ready to Start Your Virginia Applications?

Let CollegeCompass help you navigate Virginia's application requirements and deadlines with confidence.