Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at University of Virginia scored about 1410 to 1540 on the SAT, with an average of 1480. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1410 or lower and a quarter scored 1540 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
UVA at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1410 to 1540 | Average: 1480
Reading and Writing: 700 to 760 | Math: 710 to 780
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 35
Admission rate: 16.8%
UVA SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 700 | 760 |
| Math | 710 | 780 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1410 | 1540 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does UVA require the SAT?
No. UVA says first-year applicants for fall 2027 can choose whether to share test scores, and UVA has no preference between the SAT and ACT. UVA says you will not be disadvantaged by your choice.
- Choose on the Common App: you pick test-optional or not when you apply.
- You can switch: UVA lets you change your choice by email until 5 PM Eastern on November 22 for Early Decision and Early Action, or January 15 for Regular Decision.
- Superscoring: UVA takes your top score in each SAT section across all your SAT dates.
- No minimums: no minimum SAT score and no minimum GPA.
- After admission: students can self-report SAT or ACT scores for placement in UVA’s first-year writing courses.
Because UVA is test-optional, the ranges above only include students who sent scores.
What SAT score should you aim for?
UVA’s middle 50% is about 1410 to 1540 among students who submitted. Send your score if it is about 1410 or higher. At 1540 or higher, it is in the top quarter. Since you can change your testing choice until November 22 or January 15, you can take a fall SAT and decide after you see the score.
UVA superscores the SAT, so a retake can target one section. UVA students score a little higher in Math (710 to 780) than in Reading and Writing (700 to 760).
Where do you stand against UVA’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 760 (Reading and Writing) and 780 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to UVA’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
For cost, graduation rate and earnings data, see the full UVA college profile.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for UVA?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1410 to 1540.
What is the average SAT score at UVA?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1480.
Does UVA require the SAT?
No. UVA is test-optional for fall 2027, lets you change your testing choice until the November 22 or January 15 deadline, and superscores the SAT.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- Duke SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1500-1570
- Rice SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1510-1570
- Georgetown SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1390-1550
- USC SAT Scores: Enrolled Middle 50% Is 1470-1540
- LSU SAT Scores: Admitted Middle 50% Is 1170-1350
- What Do SAT Scores Mean? How to Read Your Score Report
- Lowest Possible SAT Score: 400, and What a Low Score Means
Explore every SAT hub
- Digital SAT Complete Guide Format, scoring and a full study plan
- Advanced Math and Vocabulary Hub Hard math topics and high-value words
- SAT Grammar Guide Every grammar and punctuation rule
- SAT Reading Guide Reading question types and strategies
- SAT Practice Tests Guide Official tests and how to use them
- Desmos Guide Calculator shortcuts for SAT Math
- SAT Scores by College Ranges and testing policies for 43 schools
- PSAT Guide PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9 and National Merit
- Test Strategy Hub Timing, pacing and prep resources
- SAT Predictions Questions most likely to repeat
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: University of Virginia-Main Campus (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- UVA Admission, Deadlines and Instructions.
- UVA Admission, What is the Test Optional Policy?.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for UVA?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1410 to 1540.
What is the average SAT score at UVA?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1480.
Does UVA require the SAT?
No. UVA is test-optional for fall 2027, lets you change your testing choice until the November 22 or January 15 deadline, and superscores the SAT.