The Lawn Selection Committee announced Feb. 14 that 48 rising fourth-year students were selected to live on the Lawn for the 2026-27 academic year. The Selection Committee — composed of 64 fourth-year students who choose the new Lawn residents — selected these students from a pool of 207 applicants with an overall acceptance rate of approximately 23 percent. The acceptance rate is the same as the previous selection year, according to data provided by University Spokesperson Bethanie Glover.
The Lawn application for prospective residents regards living on the Lawn as one of the highest honorable and prestigious achievements an undergraduate student can receive. Rooted in the University’s historical Academical Village designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Selection Committee accepts only 48 fourth-year students each year, making the selection highly competitive and a mark of exceptional academic achievement, leadership and service.
According to University Student Affairs, the Selection Committee seeks residents who have demonstrated unselfish service and leadership within the University and Charlottesville-Albemarle County communities and reflect a broad range of activities, background and interests. Applicants must submit essays, provide summaries of extracurricular activities and include both overall and major-specific GPAs. Once selected, residents are expected to continue involvement in their respective communities, uphold University policies and help build a welcoming environment on the Lawn…