UVA supplemental essays

For most applicants, zero. UVA removed its general supplemental short answers for 2025-26. If you apply to the College of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, or Kinesiology, your only required essay is the Common App personal statement. The School of Nursing is the single exception, with one 300-word short answer.

Correct, for non-Nursing applicants. UVA's admissions office cut the supplement to ease the essay load on applicants who now apply to more colleges than ever. It is a real change for 2025-26, so ignore older guides that still list prompts about favorite words or meaningful experiences.

Nursing applicants answer: 'Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.' The limit is 300 words. Some guides cite 250; confirm the exact count in the Common App once you select the School of Nursing.

Early Decision and Early Action are both November 1, and Regular Decision is January 5. ED decisions arrive by mid-December, EA by February 15, and RD by April 1. ED is binding and admits at a notably higher rate than EA or RD.

Yes, UVA is test-optional for this cycle, so you may apply without SAT or ACT scores. Admitted students who submit scores tend to land in the 1410-1520 SAT range, but strong applications succeed without them.

Make it unmistakably yours and resist hiding a 'Why UVA' pitch inside it, since it goes to every school. UVA reads it for voice, curiosity, and the self-direction and integrity its student-run honor culture is built on. Lead with a specific, concrete story.