At UVA, the McIntire School of Commerce stands as one of the country’s most respected business programs, renowned for its collaborative learning, global reach, and innovative curriculum. For many UVA students, the decision to apply to McIntire at the end of their first-year marks a defining step in their college journey, blending academic rigor with a sense of community and purpose.
For Julia, a current second-year at McIntire, that path to McIntire began with a spark of interest in marketing. That spark grew into determination after participating in the Commerce Cohort, a selective, credit/no-credit course designed for students who express interest in the school. Meeting once a week, the program introduces students to the school’s opportunities, from study-abroad programs and the core curriculum to alumni mentorship and career exploration. “Everything I learned about [McIntire] ultimately pushed me to apply,” she said. She intends to concentrate in Marketing and Management.
For Leo, another second-year, the path to McIntire was driven by a curiosity and a desire to explore business more broadly. “I applied to McIntire because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in business, at the time I didn’t really know,” he said. “I applied hoping I’d figure it out at my time in the school.” His intended concentration is Finance as it is the “most flexible degree.”
The application process is known to be detailed but fair. Prospective students submit two video essays and two written essays over the course of the semester, allowing ample time to reflect and prepare. The first video prompt focuses on why the applicant wants to attend McIntire, while the second is a randomized question drawn from a large bank of potential topics. These video essays were “the most stressful part,” Julia recalls, but doing them first helped her figure out how to present herself in the “application as a whole.” For her, authenticity proved key. Her advice for anyone applying is to “show, not tell.” Real experiences and memories stand out much more than generic statements. For Leo, the video essays proved to be a chance to show personality. “For me, the video essays weren’t too intimidating since I’m a pretty good speaker, and I actually enjoy thinking on my feet.”
Once admitted, students enter a program that balances academic challenge with meaningful support. Under McIntire’s newly implemented three-year structure, second-year students now begin taking core business courses earlier than before, allowing for a smoother transition from UVA’s College of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes both foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary skills through courses like Financial Accounting or Information Systems. Julia is currently enrolled in Financial Accounting with Professor Jill Mitchell, and she describes that class as “so enjoyable.” The first few weeks of classes, according to Leo, are not quite bad. The classes can get quite challenging, particularly Accounting, but manageable if students put in the time to learn.
While the coursework is demanding, McIntire’s approach to learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students have access to global immersion programs, corporate case competitions, and networking events featuring alumni industry leaders. Earlier this year, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle spoke during orientation, underscoring the program’s broad professional connections and emphasis on leadership.
The school’s physical environment has grown alongside its curriculum. With two new buildings that opened over the summer, McIntire now boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative study areas, and technology-rich spaces designed to foster teamwork and creativity. For many students, this expansion marks a new era for the school, one that enhances both accessibility and academic innovation.
Despite McIntire’s prestige, Julia emphasizes that there’s no single formula for acceptance. People tend to assume that they need to embody the “corporate identity” to get in, but that is not necessarily true. Instead of joining commerce-related clubs, Julia leaned into her experiences as an editor for The Jefferson Independent and Virginia Literary Review. McIntire values authenticity. Candidates do not have to fit a mold to belong to the school. When asked what advice he would give to first-years, Leo offered similar insights. Practicing common behavioral type questions are helpful, and having a diverse portfolio to demonstrate interests and commitments outside of commerce is recommended.
Peer mentorship also plays a helpful role for prospective students as they navigate the application process. McIntire’s student ambassadors, who offer insights into the admissions experience, were particularly valuable. “They have first-hand accounts of what did or did not work for their peers’ applications,” says Julia.
As McIntire continues to adapt its programs to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape, one thing remains clear: the school’s commitment to preparing students not just for successful careers, but for meaningful leadership in a global economy. For students ready to challenge themselves, embrace collaboration, and think beyond traditional business boundaries, McIntire offers more than a degree; it offers a community that shapes future innovators and changemakers. Good luck to the Class of 2029!
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