FAQS - THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Q. What are the deadlines to apply for first-year admission?
A. The UVA Office of Undergraduate Admission administers the application process for all first-year applicants. Deadlines and details for how to apply are found here. Questions about the application process, when decisions will be released, and when you must respond to your offer of admission should be directed to undergradadmission@virginia.edu.
Q: Is an interview required for admission?
A: While prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend an information session, we do not offer interviews. View the School of Architecture’s VISIT US page for details on how to connect with us. The UVA Office of Undergraduate Admission posts opportunities to visit UVA on their website.
Q: What scores do I need on AP, IB, A-levels, or AICE tests in order to receive college credit?
A: The test scores required to receive college credit can be found on the University Registrar Admissions page.
Q: Am I required to take SAT Subject Tests?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Admission has a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the application process on their FAQ website. We encourage you to review this resource carefully, and direct specific questions about the application process to undergradadmission@virginia.edu.
Q: Do I need to submit a portfolio for admission?
A: Portfolios are only required for transfer applicants to the Bachelor of Science, Architecture program. First year applicants should use the university essays to express their creativity and interest in pursuing study in the School of Architecture; work samples and portfolios will no longer be optional components of the first-year application.
PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
FAQS - ADMITTED + PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Q: Where can I locate general academic start and end dates for the upcoming years?
A: The University’s academic calendars can be found through the University Registrar.
Q: How many students are enrolled in the School of Architecture?
A: In fall 2022, 704 students were enrolled; 404 of whom were undergraduates. Refer to the UVA Enrollment Dashboard to see characteristics of the School of Architecture student body.
Q: What is the average class size?
A: The introductory undergraduate lecture (ARCH 1010, ARCH 1020, ARH 1010 & PLAN 1030) have enrollments exceeding 100 students, but typically include smaller group discussions of 15-20 students each. Upper-level undergraduate lecture courses range in size from 10-90 students. Combined graduate and undergraduate seminars range from 15-20 students. Studio classes generally have 12-14 students.
Q: Are there study abroad opportunities for Architecture students? If so, when is it recommended to go abroad?
A: Yes, students from all programs have opportunities to study abroad. Learn more about Study Abroad.
Q: Where can I locate information regarding tuition and fees, and information regarding Financial Aid?
A: Helpful links for financial information are:
UVA Student Financial Services
New Applicants of Student Financial Services
Estimated Undergraduate Cost of Attendance, 2023-24
Q: Do I need my own computer? What are the requirements?
A: Yes, you are required to provide your own personal computer. Specific hardware and software requirements, and computer specifications are posted on the School of Architecture’s website here
Q: Does the School of Architecture have a certain emphasis (i.e. architecture, sustainability, green design, etc.)?
A: All programs in the school are well-rounded, and each has its own strengths. Our faculty and students are notable for their commitment to critically addressing the most pressing challenges of our times - urbanization, climate change, social justice and more - through the lens of design, architecture, planning, history and culture - addressed both locally and globally. Cultural, economic, ecological and social issues are addressed directly by our faculty and students through acts of thinking and making. At UVA School of Architecture theory and practice are combined, rather than distanced and students are asked to consider the ethical dimensions of the built environment. Students develop skills in a diverse set of representational techniques, fabrication processes, communication and analysis tools. They are taught both leadership and collaborative skills with a focus on the impact of design through coursework and directed research.
Q: Am I required to complete foreign language courses as a School of Architecture student?
A: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Architectural History are required to complete two (2) years of a foreign language. Students with an interest in foreign languages and who are enrolled in either the Bachelor of Science Architecture or the Bachelor of Urban + Environmental Planning are encouraged to complete study in another language as part of their general education requirements. The course requirements for all undergraduate degree paths are available in the UVA Undergraduate Record.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to take classes outside of the School of Architecture?
A: Yes. In addition to the variety of required general education courses that you complete outside of the School of Architecture, many of our students pursue minors or double-majors in other disciplines. We believe the cross-disciplinary focus of our students makes them better architects, designers, planners, and historians. Consult with your academic advisor to determine appropriate course selection.
Q: As a first-year student, how long does it typically take to get to class every morning?
A: You would most likely be walking to Campbell Hall from your dorm which may vary in terms of distance and time and can range from 15 to 25 minutes, however, the University Transit System runs frequently, which can decrease the travel time and protect you from rain or snow (depending on the time of year). It is very easy to thrive without a car around Grounds and the Charlottesville area.
Q: Is it possible to be involved with programs outside of the School of Architecture?
A: Absolutely! Our students are very engaged in activities outside of the School of Architecture. UVA offers hundreds of clubs and organizations with diverse focus interests. Visit Hoos Involved to see a comprehensive list of opportunities that await you.
Additionally, we find that many of our students form a very tight-knit community within the A-School and participate in the many school-related Student Organizations.
Q. What is the difference between the Pre-Professional Concentration and the Design Thinking/Design Practices Concentration in Architecture?
A. We offer two unique concentrations within the Bachelor of Science Architecture to allow students to pursue the design discipline that appeals to them. Students in the Pre-Professional Concentration are typically interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in a Master of Architecture program to pursue licensing as an architect. Students in the Design Thinking/Design Practices Concentration often desire to address broader issues of creative design and entrepreneurship. A more detailed explanation of the distinction between the two concentrations is found here .
Q. What is the difference between a BS Arch degree and a BArch degree?
A. A BS Arch degree offers a strong preparation for graduate professional study in architecture while offering flexibility for students who are interested in design, but do not know yet if they want to practice architecture or explore a related field. This is in contrast with a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree offered by some universities where the students do not get a broader education or an opportunity to explore non-architectural coursework.
Q: What kind of jobs would I be prepared for immediately following the completion of my Bachelor of Science Architecture degree?
A: Students with a Bachelor of Science Architecture degree work in a variety of professions. Many work in a registered architect’s office as an employee or intern before continuing on to graduate school to pursue a Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture degree. Other career pathways that student pursue are in graphic design, website design, 3-D visualization and animation, industrial design and construction fields. Regardless of the path you choose, the Bachelor of Science Architecture degree at UVA combines a strong liberal arts foundation with an innovative design background. Our students develop strong critical thinking skills, artistic ability and creative expression, material and making knowledge, excellent research skills, and a rigorous work ethic – all of which are characteristics valued by employers.