Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Admissions

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

The Application to Graduate Degree Programs and all required materials must be received in our office by January 4.

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

Letters are mailed in mid to late March notifying you of acceptance or denial decisions.

How do I apply for financial aid?

There are three forms for you to complete.

a. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) whose deadline is March 31.

b. The School of Architecture Graduate Financial Assistance Application is due to the School of Architecture Financial Aid Office by February 1. This only applies you for fellowships that the A-School awards.

c. You will also need to apply with the University of Virginia, Office of Financial Aid (434) 982-6000 for any federal loans, and work study. This deadline is March 31.

Does the FAFSA apply me for work study?

No. The University of Virginia has its own work study application that you must renew each year. The deadline is March 31 and this is a very strict deadline.

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, if you would like one we hold them from mid-October til the Friday before Thanksgiving. The interview is for your information only and is not looked at during the Admissions reviews.

May I enroll in the Spring Semester?

No. 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?

Students interested in dual degrees from the School of Architecture should apply for each program separately. Therefore, you would have to send in duplicate copies of everything including two applications and two checks for $60. These applications will be looked at independently of each other. Once accepted by both programs, you will be assigned an advisor for each program who will help you map out your course of study. Typically, you will need to add one more year of study to complete two degrees. If you wish to do a degree at the School of Architecture and a degree within another school of the University, the same rules apply. Another option is that once enrolled at UVA in one degree program, students can then apply to a second degree program by following the process and deadlines of that second degree program.

Do you have any part-time programs?

No, 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. A limit is placed on the number of courses taken and enrollment is subject to instructor's 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.

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

5820

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 upon petition.

Do you require TOEFL from international students?

An international applicant whose native tongue is not English and was 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.

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: 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 - Advanced Standing: 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: 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: This Path is for those students whom have not 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 - Advanced Standing: This path 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: 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 which degree program to apply for, please be assured that during the application review the admission committee will put you in the correct category.

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

No. They are recommended but not required.

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?

All applicants to the Architecture and the Landscape Architecture department are required to submit a portfolio.

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.

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

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

Graduate Admissions
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
School of Architecture
Campbell Hall
P.O. Box 400122
Charlottesville VA 22904-4122

	Home > Admissions > Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Admissions What are the deadlines for admission and are the deadlines strict? The Application to Graduate Degree Programs and all required materials must be received in our office by January 4. When are decisions made, and how will I be notified? Letters are mailed in mid to late March notifying you of acceptance or denial decisions. How do I apply for financial aid? There are three forms for you to complete. a. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) whose deadline is March 31. b. The School of Architecture Graduate Financial Assistance Application is due to the School of Architecture Financial Aid Office by February 1. This only applies you for fellowships that the A-School awards. c. You will also need to apply with the University of Virginia, Office of Financial Aid (434) 982-6000 for any federal loans, and work study. This deadline is March 31. Does the FAFSA apply me for work study? No. The University of Virginia has its own work study application that you must renew each year. The deadline is March 31 and this is a very strict deadline. 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, if you would like one we hold them from mid-October til the Friday before Thanksgiving. The interview is for your information only and is not looked at during the Admissions reviews. May I enroll in the Spring Semester? No. 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? Students interested in dual degrees from the School of Architecture should apply for each program separately. Therefore, you would have to send in duplicate copies of everything including two applications and two checks for $60. These applications will be looked at independently of each other. Once accepted by both programs, you will be assigned an advisor for each program who will help you map out your course of study. Typically, you will need to add one more year of study to complete two degrees. If you wish to do a degree at the School of Architecture and a degree within another school of the University, the same rules apply. Another option is that once enrolled at UVA in one degree program, students can then apply to a second degree program by following the process and deadlines of that second degree program. Do you have any part-time programs? No, 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. A limit is placed on the number of courses taken and enrollment is subject to instructor's 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. I need to send official test scores to your school. What is your institution code? 5820 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 upon petition. Do you require TOEFL from international students? An international applicant whose native tongue is not English and was 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. 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: 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 - Advanced Standing: 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: 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: This Path is for those students whom have not 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 - Advanced Standing: This path 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: 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 which degree program to apply for, please be assured that during the application review the admission committee will put you in the correct category. Do I need to take calculus and physics before I apply to the Architecture program? No. They are recommended but not required. 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? All applicants to the Architecture and the Landscape Architecture department are required to submit a portfolio. 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. In both instances, the committee will examine both content and presentation. What address should I use to send packages through FedEx and UPS? Graduate Admissions 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 School of Architecture Campbell Hall P.O. Box 400122 Charlottesville VA 22904-4122	Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions Transfer Students Tuition & Fees Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants Visiting the School Ask A Student Diversity Computer Requirement Frequently Asked Questions Student Work Gallery Contact Four landscapes by ecoMOD2 Design Team, 2006 ARCH 402/802: Architectural Design. View More: This Image · This Course · Works Gallery School of Architecture Graduate Admissions (434) 924-6442 arch-admissions@virginia.edu
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