Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Admissions

What are the deadlines for admission and are the deadlines strict?

Yes. The online application to graduate degree programs must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 5, 2010. Furthermore, all other required materials must be either submitted online or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. on January 5, 2010. For more information about the Admissions Process, please visit the Graduate Admissions Process web page.

What address should I use to send packages through FedEx, UPS, and DHL?

Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office
University of Virginia
School of Architecture
Campbell Hall
Rugby Road
Charlottesville VA 22903

What address should I use to send mail through the US Postal Service?

Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office
School of Architecture
Campbell Hall
P.O. Box 400122
Charlottesville VA 22904–4122

When are decisions made, and how will I be notified?

Admissions decisions will be posted in mid–March. You will be notified of our admissions decision through the online application tool.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Please visit Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants for more information on how to fund your School of Architecture education.

How do I get Virginia Residency?

You must live in the state for 1 year prior to enrolling. Please see the Virginia Domicile website for guidelines used to determine domicile status.

Is an interview required?

An interview is not required. However, you can meet with a professor to review your application. The Office of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid will schedule meetings from mid–September until mid–November. The interview is for your information only and is not looked at during the Admissions reviews.

You will also receive information about the application process during the fall Open House scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2009.

May I enroll in the Spring Semester?

We offer admission for the fall semester only (although some students start earlier in the summer).

If I am currently enrolled in another graduate program, may I transfer to your program?

Yes. You should apply to the program following the normal application process.

Will my credits transfer?

Since each department handles this situation differently, each applicant is handled on a case-by-case basis.

What is involved in applying for two degrees?

If you are interested in pursuing dual degrees at the School of Architecture you should apply for each program separately. According to the Graduate Admissions Process page you must create one My Grad Page account per program application and submit one online application per program. You will also need to submit one copy of all other required materials per program. Your applications will be reviewed independently of each other.

If accepted by both programs, you will be assigned an advisor for each program who will help you schedule your course of study. Typically, you will need to add one more year of study to complete two degrees. If you wish to earn a degree within the School of Architecture and a degree within another school of the University, the same rules apply.

Rather than applying to two programs at the same time, some students choose to enroll at U. Va. in one degree program and then apply to a second degree program by following the process and deadlines of the second degree program.

Do you have any part–time programs?

All of our programs are considered full–time.

If I am in Charlottesville, can I take courses without being admitted as a degree candidate?

Yes, this is possible through the Community Scholar program operated through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The number of credits students can earn through the Community Scholar program are limited and enrollment is subject to instructors’ permission and space availability.

Do you have minimum requirements for the GRE or GPA?

We do not have minimum requirements for the GRE or GPA. Please note: Due to a system change at U. Va., if ETS sent your GRE scores to U. Va. prior to August 2008, we will not be able to retrieve your scores. Please ask ETS to resend your scores. Scores must be submitted by January 5, 2010.

I need to send official test scores to your school. What is your institution code?

Our institution code is 5820. Please note: Due to a system change at U. Va., if ETS sent your GRE scores to U. Va. prior to August 2008 and/or ETS sent your TOEFL scores to U. Va. prior to April 2008, we will not be able to retrieve your scores. Please ask ETS to resend your scores. Scores must be submitted by January 5, 2010.

May I substitute another test in lieu of the GRE (i.e. GMAT)?

The departments of Architecture, Architectural History and Landscape Architecture only accept the GRE. The department of Urban and Environmental Planning will accept the LSAT or GMAT in lieu of the GRE. Please note: Due to a system change at U. Va., if you requested your GMAT scores be sent to U. Va. prior to August 2008, we will not be able to retrieve your scores. Please ask Parsons VUE to resend your scores. Scores must be submitted by January 5, 2010.

Do you require TOEFL or IELTS from international students?

All international applicants whose native tongues are not English and who were taught by a non–English speaking institution are required to take TOEFL. The minimum required score is 600 for the paper–based exam and 250 for the computer–based exam, and 90 for the internet–based exam. Please note: Due to a system change at U. Va., if ETS sent your TOEFL scores to U. Va. prior to April 2008, we will not be able to retrieve your scores. Please ask ETS to resend your scores. Scores must be submitted by January 5, 2010.

Applicants can also submit IELTS scores. Applications should receive a score of 7.0 on the IELTS exam.

I am interested in a Ph.D. in Architectural History. How do I apply for this program?

Please see the Graduate Program in the History of Art & Architecture.

In the Architecture & Landscape Architecture department, which program should I sign up for?

For those interested in Architecture:

First Professional Degree (Path A): This program is designed for those who do not have a pre-professional undergraduate degree in Architecture (i.e. B.S. in Architecture). This program is three years and one summer session in duration.

First Professional Degree (Path B): This program is designed for students who have earned a rigorous pre-professional bachelor’s degree in Architecture. This program is two years in length.

Post Professional Degree (Path C): This one–year program is designed for students who have already achieved a professional degree in Architecture (B.ARCH.). International students who are interested in gaining licensure in the United States should apply for the Path B program, as this one–year program is not accredited with NAAB.

For those interested in Landscape Architecture:

First Professional Degree (Path A): This program is for those students who have no previous training in architecture or landscape architecture. The program typically begins with a prerequisite summer session, followed by the completion of the degree requirements in six semesters.

First Professional Degree (Path A–Adv): This program is for students with degree backgrounds in architecture. They may be granted advanced standing and often finish the course requirements in four semesters.

Post Professional Degree (Path B): This path is for students with undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture. They often complete the course requirements in four semesters, during which time they work closely in classes and in research with specific faculty.

If you are still unsure to which degree program to apply, please be assured that you will be placed in the appropriate category during the admissions process.

Do I need to take calculus and physics before I apply to the Architecture program?

The completion of calculus and physics is recommended but not required in the admissions process; however students must have completed Calculus I and Physics I before starting the program.

What coursework should I take in advance of applying to the MLA Path A program?

While no particular course work is required, we recommend that applicants take free hand drawing and ecology, or field ecology courses.

Do you require a portfolio?

More information is listed on the Graduate Admissions Process page.

What are you looking for in the portfolio?

For those without a previous design degree, the committee will be looking for your artistic ability and demonstration of your interest in design by way of photographic copies of drawings, sculptures, paintings, photographs, etc. The committee will not be expecting architectural drawings.

For those with a previous design degree, the committee will be looking at the architectural work that you have done.

Applicants to the Master of Architecture Path C program must submit a portfolio which illustrates the design and/or research issues they wish to pursue if admitted to program.

In both instances, the committee will examine both content and presentation.