The #UVA Scholars Programs (Don't Call Them Honors Colleges!)

We are working on getting a first round of invitations to our scholars programs out by the end of the month. Those invitations will initially come by email and a hard copy of the invitation letter will follow. Another round of students will be invited to join those programs at the end of our reading season. I thought I'd cover three of the biggest questions/concerns about the scholars programs here and link to each so those interested can explore the opportunities they provide.

1. UVa does not have separate honors colleges.

A lot of state universities have honors colleges. These colleges often have separate curricula, faculty, and resources. We don't have have this at UVA. We have four scholars programs: Echols, Rodman, College Science Scholars, and the Miller Arts Scholars. 

2. The application to UVA is the application to Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars.

We keep the first three scholars programs in mind when reviewing every application. There is no special application or way to designate interest in those programs. All applicants are automatically considered for them. The best way to show that you're scholars material is to have a stellar academic record and show intellectual curiosity and a willingness to go above and beyond presented subject matter in school.

3. You can join all four programs after you arrive, too.

All four scholars programs accept students once they complete some work at UVA. There is information about how they add students on their websites. Keep in mind that no first year will be an arts scholar. Miller Arts Scholars requires certain UVA coursework for applicants. 

I'm happy to answer your questions about these programs in the comments.

Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars Update

I'm popping in very quickly with an update about scholars notifications. Letters inviting a small number of students into the Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars programs will be mailed tomorrow. There will be another round of invitations sent out at the end of the Regular Decision review. If you are not invited to join as an incoming student, you can self-nominate to join once you are here (see each program's website for specific information).

Every applicant to the College of Arts and Sciences was automatically considered for the Echols and College Science Scholars program and every applicant to the School of Engineering was considered for Rodman. 




There is a fourth scholars program, Miller Arts Scholars. You can apply to be an Arts Scholar in your second semester. The selected group usually consists of students studying studio art, music, drama, and dance.

Back to reading...

Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars

Invitations into the Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars programs are going in the mail today! Scholars get some nice perks during their time at U.Va. and you can read about them on each program's website.

Every applicant to the College of Arts and Sciences was automatically considered for the Echols and College Science Scholars program and every applicant to the School of Engineering was considered for Rodman. We will do another round of invitations during the Regular Decision process.

If you are not invited to join as an incoming student, you can self-nominate to join one you are here (see each program's website for specific information).


There is a fourth scholars program, Miller Arts Scholars. You can apply to be an Arts Scholar in your second semester. The selected group usually consists of students studying studio art, music, drama, and dance.

Days on the Lawn Arts Receptions

If you were admitted and indicated that you are interested in programs in the fine and performing arts at UVa, you probably got an email inviting you to the arts receptions at Days on the Lawn. I thought I'd remind those who have yet to visit that there are three more receptions left. Students and faculty from several disciplines are eager to meet you!  RSVP today!

Monday, April 15th

The Fralin Museum of Art

3 PM

Friday, April 19th

Fiske Kimball Fine Arts Library

3 PM

Saturday, April 20th

Creatures Festival - Nameless Field

3 PM 

Visit the Arts in Action website for more about the arts at UVa.

Scholars Notification Update

I'm reusing images I used during EA because I think they are funny. 

I like art.

Echols/Rodman/College Science Scholars
Invitations to the Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars programs will in your email inbox by 6 PM. Keep in mind that these are comparatively small programs. Rodman and CSS are especially small.

If you are not invited into the programs now, you can apply to join them during your first year at UVa.


Arts Scholars
Faculty members will name a few (I think 3-5 was the last number I saw) Arts Scholars per department. Notification for that will come in a week or two. I'll have an update on that soon. Check out the Arts Scholars page for more information.

Don't know what those are? Click the links to learn more about each program.

 Art is tasty.

Scholars Update!

I like art.

Forgive the late post! We have jumped into the regular decision review and I'm traveling for evening programs this week.  I have an update about scholars programs, but the statistics post might not come until tomorrow.

Echols/Rodman/College Science Scholars
Invitations to the Echols, Rodman, and College Science Scholars programs were mailed today. We will follow up with emails on Wednesday.  Keep in mind that these are comparatively small programs.  Rodman and CSS are especially small.

If you are not invited into the programs now, you can apply to join them during your first year at UVa.


Arts Scholars
Faculty members will name 3-5 Arts Scholars per department at the end of the regular decision process. Invitations should go out shortly after we post admission decisions.  Check out the Arts Scholars page for more information.

Don't know what those are? Click the links to learn more about each program.

 Art is tasty.