Admissions Application Materials

Application Form

Please go to the new UVa Grad Arts and Sciences Interest Page to register for an account and start your online application.

Statement of Purpose

Include a statement of purpose, using a word processor or typewriter, preferably, but in black ink otherwise.

In the statement of purpose, briefly explain why you want to pursue an advanced degree. This is your opportunity to explain

• why you have chosen to go to graduate school
• what your particular interests are
• why you have chosen U.Va. Clearly express your thoughts in an organized and focused way.

GRE Scores

Official scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should be sent directly to the admissions office by the Educational Testing Service.

Commerce applicants should substitute GMAT score.

You are responsible for arranging to have Educational Testing Service send us these scores. The University of Virginia's ETS code number is 5820. Acceptable scores are one of several admissions requirements. Including a photocopy of your personal copy of test scores with your application assists in the prompt evaluation of your application.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts of your entire college/university record, including records of any advanced work done at another institution. Include one copy of official transcripts (academic records and certificates/diplomas of graduation) issued by the registrars in sealed envelopes of all previous undergraduate and graduate study. All transcripts recieved in a sealed envelope by either the applicant or the institution granting the transcripts will be considered official and accepted.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters should be submitted electronically through the online application. Please contact Rachel Sligar at with any questions.

Letters of recommendation should be sought from professors who:

• have taught your classes in your major subject field
• are sufficiently familiar with your work to make a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities.

If you have already begun graduate study, at least one of these letters should be from a current professor who is familiar with your performance in graduate school.

$60 Nonrefundable Application Fee

Any Additional Supporting Documents

The following departments require writing samples:

• Anthropology
• History of Art and Architecture
• English
• French Language and Literature
• Germanic Languages and Literature
• History
• Linguistics
• Nursing
• Politics (Government and Foreign Affairs)
• Slavic Languages and Literature
• Sociology
• Spanish (Ph.D. program ONLY)

Writing samples should be submitted as an attached document to the online application.

The following departments require three letters of recommendation:

• Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Classics
• Drama
• English
• German
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Sociology

Send materials to:

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
P.O. Box 400775
Charlottesville,VA 22904-4775

Physical Address:
437 Cabell Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4775