Astronomy

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Astronomy, not intended as preparation for graduate study in science, provides a firm grounding in basic astronomy, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Students take ASTR 1210, 1220 (or 2110, 2120), 3130, 4998 (Senior Thesis), and twelve additional credits of 3000-5000 level astronomy courses (ASTR 1270 may be substituted for ASTR 1220). Students are also required to take MATH 1310, 1320, and 2310; PHYS 1420, 2410 (or 1425, 2415); and PHYS 1655 or CS 1110, 1111 or 1112. This program offers considerable opportunities for students to pursue interests in other subjects, and is well suited for inclusion in a double major.

Typically, the most important factor in the admission evaluation process is demonstrated academic achievement in a challenging secondary school program. Outstanding grades, good performance in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate or honors courses, and superior standardized test scores are valued in the process. The admission committee looks for applicants who have completed the most rigorous academic courses available in their secondary schools and recommends that prospective students should exceed minimum high school graduation requirements. We require an official transcript. The secondary program should include no fewer than 16 academic courses and must include the following courses:

• English 4 units
• Mathematics 4 units
• Foreign Language 2 units
• Science (from among biology, chemistry, and physics) 2 units (*)
• Social Studies 1 unit

(*) If applying to the School of Engineering and Applied Science, three units, including chemistry and physics, are strongly recommended. Also, foreign language is recommended, but not required for admission to the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Because full-time students at the University take five academic courses each term, the committee recommends that students take no fewer than four, and preferably five, academic courses (English, math, social science, science, and foreign language) each year in grades nine through twelve. The committee examines the extracurricular activities, special talents and interests, background, and the applicant’s ability to write effectively. Two letters of recommendation, from the secondary school counselor and one academic teacher of the student’s choice, are required.

University of Virginia uses the Common Application. All applications must be submitted by the application deadline with a non-refundable application fee of $70. Candidates seeking an application fee waiver can receive one by answering the related questions on the Common Application.

First-year students can apply to University of Virginia through Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Early Decision is a binding program with an October 15th deadline and a mid-December notification. Students who choose the Early Decision process must withdraw all other applications if admitted and submit their enrollment deposit by January 1st. Applying Early Action to UVA is a non-binding, nonrestrictive admission plan. Students who apply Early Action may also apply to other institutions. Early Decision and Early Action students be admitted, denied admission, or deferred until the Regular Decision process. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1st and the admission committee will notify applicants of their decision by April 1. During Regular Decision, the admission committee may offer admission, deny admission or offer a spot on the waiting list. Those students who are admitted under Early Action or Regular Decision will have until May 1 to make their deposit and reserve a seat in the first-year class.

The committee requires SAT I or ACT scores from first-year applicants. Students in countries that do not offer these tests may request a waiver by emailing [email protected]. Results of these tests should be self-reported on the Common Application. If the student is admitted and chooses to enroll, official scores reports must be submitted to verify the self-reported scores. The last recommended test dates are one month prior to the chosen application deadline. Scores received after the deadline may be uploaded through the student portal. Applicants should consult the testing agency websites for the appropriate registration deadlines, which generally precede the test dates by several weeks.

Decisions are posted in the student’s portal. Those applicants who are offered admission are mailed a paper copy of the admission letter. Upon accepted their offer of admission, students will pay a $400 tuition deposit to guarantee space in the entering class. This deposit is not refundable.