What Is UVA’s Waitlist Acceptance Rate?
UVA’s waitlist has been extremely tight in recent years. The ED and EA rounds fill approximately 75-80% of the class before Regular Decision, leaving very few spots for the waitlist. For complete UVA acceptance rate data, see our analysis. For how UVA compares to other waitlists, see our Ivy League waitlist comparison and complete waitlist rates guide.
| Class | Offered WL | Accepted Spot | Admitted | WL Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 10,470 | 6,759 | 242 | 3.6% |
| Class of 2027 | ~8,000 | ~5,500 | ~200 | ~3.6% |
| Class of 2026 | ~7,500 | ~5,000 | 7 | 0.1% |
| Class of 2025 | ~6,000 | ~4,200 | 86 | 1.0% |
| Class of 2024 | ~5,500 | ~3,800 | 165 | 2.6% |
Source: UVA CDS, Cavalier Daily, 2020-2025.
Does In-State vs Out-of-State Affect Waitlist Chances?
Virginia law requires UVA to maintain two-thirds Virginia resident enrollment. This structural preference likely extends to the waitlist: if the class needs more Virginia residents to hit the two-thirds target, in-state waitlisted students may have an advantage. However, UVA does not publish in-state vs out-of-state waitlist breakdowns, so this is inference based on the legal mandate. For out-of-state families, your odds on the waitlist are likely lower than the overall rate suggests.
When Does UVA Notify Waitlisted Students?
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | RD decisions released with waitlist notifications |
| Mid-April 2026 | Confirm you want to remain on the waitlist |
| May 1, 2026 | Enrollment deposit deadline |
| Mid-May to June 2026 | Waitlist offers go out if needed |
How to Write a UVA LOCI That Works
UVA values character, community engagement, and intellectual curiosity. Your LOCI should reference specific schools within UVA (College of Arts & Sciences, School of Engineering), specific traditions (the Honor Code, student self-governance), or Charlottesville’s cultural appeal. Include one meaningful update. State clearly that UVA is your first choice. For a template, see our LOCI guide. For essay strategy, see our Common App essay guide.
How Does UVA’s Waitlist Compare to Peer Schools?
| School | Recent WL Rate | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| UVA | 0.1-3.6% | Very tight |
| Georgetown | 3-10% | More active than UVA |
| Notre Dame | 2.47% | Comparable |
| Tufts | 35.72% | Far more generous |
| UMich | ~5-10% | More active |
Source: Common Data Sets, 2020-2025.
What Else Can You Do While on UVA’s Waitlist?
Send updated transcripts showing strong senior year grades. Ask one additional recommender to submit a supplementary letter. Commit to your best alternative by May 1. For recommendation strategy, see our recommendation letter guide. For profile building, see our summer programs guide.
Final Thoughts: Your UVA Waitlist Action Plan
Be realistic: UVA’s waitlist is among the tightest of any top school. But the Class of 2028 showed movement (242 admitted). Accept your spot, write a culture-specific LOCI, commit to your alternative by May 1, and wait. For personalized strategy, schedule a consultation with Oriel Admissions.
Lower than the overall rate suggests. UVA must maintain two-thirds Virginia enrollment, so in-state waitlisted students likely get priority. The overall waitlist rate was 3.6% for the Class of 2028, but out-of-state odds are likely lower.
Yes. UVA’s recent rates (0.1-3.6%) are significantly tighter than Georgetown’s (3-10%). UVA fills ~80% of its class through ED and EA, leaving fewer spots than Georgetown, which uses fewer early rounds.
Exceptionally high yield. When nearly all admitted students accept their offers, the class fills without needing waitlist admits. The 0.1% rate for the Class of 2026 was an outlier, but it shows how unpredictable the waitlist can be.
If UVA is genuinely your top choice, yes. Staying on the waitlist costs nothing except writing a LOCI. The Class of 2028 admitted 242 students, proving the waitlist can move meaningfully when yield drops. But have a committed alternative.
Yes. UVA’s AccessUVA program applies to all admitted students, including those from the waitlist. Virginia residents with family income under $50,000 receive free tuition, fees, housing, and dining.
Typically mid-May to late June, after the May 1 deposit deadline. UVA needs to see its yield before deciding whether to use the waitlist.
No. UVA does not accept appeals of admissions decisions. If you were rejected (not waitlisted), you cannot be reconsidered for the same admission cycle. You can reapply as a transfer student after completing one year at another institution.
UVA does not publish school-specific waitlist data. However, because Engineering has a smaller class and separate admissions, your waitlist outcome may depend on whether Engineering specifically needs to fill spots, which adds another layer of unpredictability.
