Frequently Asked Questions
To help ease the online application process, here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding admission from within the University of Virginia to the McIntire School of Commerce.
When should I apply for admission?
It is the philosophy of the McIntire School of Commerce that students should be broadly educated to deal with the complex issues of the business community and society at large. The School’s program is designed to increase students’ skills and build upon previous knowledge. In order to effectively achieve program goals, the School requires that students complete a minimum of 54 credits (60-63 recommended) before enrollment and strongly recommends students be enrolled full-time for a minimum of two academic years before enrollment. The Admissions Committee strongly believes that a minimum of two academic years of full-time enrollment is critical for student's academic and emotional maturity.
Thus, UVA students are eligible to apply during their second year for enrollment in the following fall semester. First-year students may apply if they have completed all requirements before enrollment; however, it is strongly discouraged and extremely rare that a student be admitted after only one year of full-time college-level coursework. Also, third-year students may apply but should realize they must complete a five-year baccalaureate program.
Where can I acquire an application, and when are applications due?
For currently enrolled UVA students, applications are available in early November and due in late January and must be filled out online. For students at other schools, transfer information and applications are available from the University Office of Admissions, Peabody Hall (434-982-3200, undergrad-admission@virginia.edu).
Am I required to apply online?
Students currently enrolled at UVA must apply online. If you are not already enrolled at the University, please see the previous FAQ for application information.
Please note that you can print a preview of the online application and make changes before your final submission.
What factors are considered by the Admissions Committee?
No one factor guarantees admission. However, the applicant's potential for success in the Commerce program is evaluated. Some of the more important factors include overall GPA, academic performance in courses related to business (accounting, economics, mathematics), degree of difficulty of courses, and course load taken. In addition, attention is paid to an applicant's leadership ability, as demonstrated through co-curricular activities and work experience.
What GPA do I need?
Current Students
Transfer Students
When are students notified regarding admission decisions?
UVA students should receive decision letters by mid-March, mailed to the local address listed in SIS. Some candidates may be deferred at this time if the committee elects to receive spring semester grades before rendering a decision. Students on deferred status are notified by mail at the permanent address listed in SIS in early June.
How many Commerce courses may I take before I am admitted?
COMM 1800, 2010, and 2020 are the only required Commerce courses before admission. COMM 3410 (Commercial Law) may be taken before enrollment and is included in students' 39 Commerce hours if taken at UVA. No other 3000- or 4000-level courses may be taken before enrollment.
May I transfer at mid-year?
The School's curriculum cannot accommodate mid-year transfers.
May I take courses outside the McIntire School during my third and fourth years?
Yes. The McIntire curriculum allows for electives to be taken inside or outside the Commerce School. Many students choose to minor or double major in a curriculum outside the McIntire School.
Is it true that the curriculum at the McIntire School is very structured and allows no flexibility in course selection?
All students complete the Integrated Core Experience during the third year at the McIntire School. Beyond the core courses, students elect to concentrate in one or more of five possible areas (management, marketing, finance, management of information technology, and accounting). Each functional area within the business field has its own unique characteristics.
Is it true that McIntire is only for those who want to be accountants?
Our accounting program is outstanding, but so are our programs in finance, marketing, management, and information technology. Our dedicated, top-notch career services office helps ensure that our graduates get terrific job opportunities in a wide range of fields, around the country and around the world. Recent McIntire graduates have also pursued careers outside the realm of “typical” business fields, including in public relations, advertising, education, professional sports, nonprofit management, the ministry, and the Peace Corps.
Should I go to the Commerce School if I want to go to graduate school?
Of 2,000 McIntire alums surveyed, 40% earned graduate degrees. Some graduates go straight to law schools such as those of Harvard, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Duke, and UVA. Others work for a few years and then enroll in M.B.A. programs, including those of Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, and Darden, where well over 20% of the entering classes hold an undergrad degree in business. Clearly, top law and M.B.A. programs love McIntire grads!
Will I like the Commerce School?
The key to the McIntire philosophy is the belief that a firm liberal arts foundation is an essential prerequisite for a professional education. The alumni in our survey found this combination invaluable. Ninety-four percent of McIntire alumni agree or strongly agree that their decision to attend McIntire was a wise one. Ninety-five agree percent or strongly agree that they would recommend the McIntire School to students interested in a business career.
Can Echols Scholars transfer to the McIntire School of Commerce?
Absolutely! The McIntire School is a great academic environment for Echols Scholars to continue their academic pursuits. However, because the Echols Scholars program is part of the College of Arts & Sciences, it offers no benefits for students enrolled in other schools. Although formal enrollment in the Echols program ends on transfer to the McIntire School, the only real impact Echols Scholars will experience on transferring to the McIntire School is loss of priority registration. Once enrolled in McIntire, priority registration is much less important due to the small size of the School and classes. The Echols notation from entry year will always remain on the transcript, and once selected for the Echols program, students will always be welcome at Echols events and alumni activities.
E-mail McIntire's Student Services Office with any questions you may have or contact one of the Student Services staff.