Hi everyone! I'm considering applying EA to UVA, and I was wondering if anyone knows the EA acceptance rate compared to regular decision? And in general, what's the EA process like compared to RD? Thanks in advance!
Hi! Good question. University of Virginia (UVA) does have an Early Action (EA) application round, and applying early can sometimes give you an edge in the admissions process. Generally, EA acceptance rates tend to be higher compared to Regular Decision (RD) admission rates. However, please note that the acceptance rate can vary from year to year, and the applicant pool's strength can also influence the numbers.
In the 2022-23 admissions cycle, UVA's EA acceptance rate was 16.7%, which was fairly close to its overall rate of 16.3%. In that same cycle, UVA's ED acceptance rate was 24.5%. Note that generally, ED has more of an impact than EA on admissions chances, since it is binding and essentially guarantees your commitment if you are accepted. That said, don't apply ED to a school unless you are absolutely sure you want to attend.
In terms of the process itself, both EA and RD at UVA involve similar application materials, such as your transcript, standardized test scores (if submitted), letters of recommendation, and essays. The primary difference is in the deadlines and notification dates. For EA, the deadline is usually around November 1st, and applicants can expect decisions by mid-February. For RD, the deadline is typically around January 1st, with decisions released by April 1st.
The benefit of applying EA is that you receive an admissions decision earlier, and since it's non-binding, you still have the option to apply to other schools and choose the one that aligns best with your goals. Keep in mind that the timeline for applying EA is much shorter, so make sure to prepare your materials well in advance.
UVA, like many other colleges, practices holistic admissions, which means they consider multiple factors when evaluating applicants. As you decide whether to apply EA or RD, it's essential to give yourself enough time to craft a strong application that highlights your unique qualities, both academically and in terms of extracurricular involvement.
Best of luck with your application to UVA!
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