The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia has become one of the most coveted destinations for undergraduate business students – and with good reason. It combines academic prestige, professional polish, and the kind of interdisciplinary learning that employers love. Students who land here get access to a tight-knit, ambitious community and a curriculum designed to prepare them for leadership in just about any industry. If you're reading this, chances are you've got your sights set on McIntire – and you're trying to figure out the smartest way to get there.
Here’s what you need to know: getting into UVA is already competitive, especially for out-of-state students. But gaining admission to McIntire adds another layer of selectivity. Since students don’t enter McIntire until their third year, you’re technically applying to UVA first – but if McIntire is your goal, you need to be planning for that from the start. This means bringing a high level of focus to both your application to UVA and your academic and extracurricular choices once you're on campus.
So, what can you do now to give yourself the best shot at McIntire later? That’s exactly what this guide is here to unpack.
Is McIntire your top choice? We’ve helped countless students gain admission to McIntire and other top undergrad business schools. Our counselors are ready to provide expert, personalized guidance to help you meet your goals – reach out to us today.
Get the Grades
Let’s cut to the chase: your grades need to be exceptional. McIntire expects academic excellence, and the students who ultimately transfer in as third-years have strong transcripts filled with rigorous coursework. You should be aiming for top grades across the board, particularly in quantitative classes like calculus and economics, which McIntire requires for admission.
UVA doesn’t take GPAs lightly, and neither should you. This isn’t a “do your best and see what happens” scenario. It's a “bring your A-game every semester” kind of deal. Honors, AP, IB – whatever rigor your school offers, take it, and do well. A high GPA will get you in the door, but it’s the combination of academics and initiative that will carry you through.
Build a Niche
A vague “I want to study business” doesn’t make you stand out. McIntire is looking for applicants who’ve already begun to narrow their focus and explore where business meets real-world impact. Start by identifying areas of interest within business, because it’s a huge topic – whether that’s marketing, finance, analytics, or global strategy, and then take steps to deepen your understanding.
Maybe you think you’re into finance. Great. But what kind of finance? Is it investment strategy? Social impact investing? Fintech? The more specific you get, the more you’ll be able to build experiences and insights that make your application compelling. McIntire wants students who build niche interests and execute ideas on those passions.
Now, let’s break down exactly how to build that niche.
Courses and Reading
If you're aiming for a top-tier business program like McIntire, you need to be learning far beyond the classroom. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Open Yale Courses can be goldmines. Look for classes in data analytics, global business, economics, or financial modeling – whatever aligns with your growing interests. Once you find something you like, go even deeper.
Don’t stop at courses, though. Read. Widely. Whether it’s books by industry leaders, articles on ethical leadership, or deep dives into global supply chains, the goal is to build context and critical thinking. And yes, you should be following current events. The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and the Harvard Business Review should be part of your regular rotation. While reading might not have a spot on the Common App, this is for you to figure out what you’re interested in.
School Extracurriculars
Business clubs matter, but not as much as what you actually do in them. If your school offers DECA, FBLA, or an investment club, dive in. Don't just sit in the meetings – run for office, organize events, mentor new members, spear head fundraising. Show that you know how to create value and lead others. No business clubs at your school? That’s your opening. Launch a finance club, build a school-wide business competition, or start a publication focused on the intersection of business and technology.
And don’t overlook interdisciplinary options. If you’re leading a STEM outreach club or running the school paper, think about how those roles connect to strategic thinking, team management, or communications. It’s not about padding your resume – it’s about showing how you already think like a leader.
Out of School Extracurriculars
Jobs are underrated in the college admissions world – but not by us, and not by schools like McIntire. Whether you’re working retail, tutoring younger students, or managing a shift at a local restaurant, you’re gaining practical experience that speaks to your maturity, work ethic, and time management. That matters.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a business-related internship, even better – but make sure it actually aligns with the story you’re telling. Don’t say you want to go into international consulting if your resume is heavy on real estate and retail with no international exposure. Find the throughline! Make your experience count by showing how it fits into your future goals.
You can also explore pre-college summer programs in business or leadership – UVA offers various academic programs, and there are dozens of strong business-focused options nationwide. They’re great because you get to meet ~like-minded peers~, feel what a college campus really feels like, and gain some knowledge on your topic of interest.
Start a Company
“Entrepreneurship” is one of those overused buzzwords that sounds great… until you realize it doesn’t say much on its own. If you’re serious about building something, prove it. Don’t just declare an interest – demonstrate it through your actions. Plus, saying you want to be an entrepreneur is basically like announcing you will drop out of college. Not a great strategy move for college!
Thhis might mean launching a service-based business in your neighborhood, flipping thrifted clothes online, or starting a small nonprofit focused on a cause you care about. Real-world experience is infinitely more impressive than vague ambition. It shows you’re willing to take initiative, solve problems, and take risks – all traits McIntire values deeply. And then, when you go to apply, instead of talking about your dream to build a business, you can talk about the hard skills McIntire will give you to grow that bsuiness.
Apply Early
Unlike many top business schools, McIntire doesn’t admit students directly out of high school. You apply during your second year at UVA, so your initial application is for general admission to the university. But don’t let that fool you into thinking your first two years don’t matter – in fact, they matter immensely.
UVA offers both Early Decision and Early Action. If you’re an out of state student, applying ED will be your smartest strategic move. If you’re applying ED or REA somewhere else, however, you can safely throw an EA application out to UVA.
If McIntire is the dream, don’t wait to start living like you’re already on your way there. We’ve worked with dozens of students who are now thriving at McIntire, and they all have one thing in common: they started with a clear plan. The earlier you build yours, the more options you’ll have when it counts. Reach out to us today if you’re ready to get started.
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