How Do I Apply?
Please note that this information applies to Resident Advisors (undergraduate housing) and not Community Assistants (graduate housing). Interested Community Assistant applicants can find most pertinent information on the Community Assistant Applications page.
Selections Process
What is included in the application process?
Candidates are required to complete a written application. Be aware of the due date for the application, which can also be found on the form itself.
The application will be carefully reviewed and evaluated. You are encouraged to take significant care in the preparation of your application, making sure to spell- and grammar-check your answers before submitting. No late applications will be accepted.
Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a group interview and an individual interview. Individual interviews consist of each candidate meeting with a panel of current Resident Staff members. In the group interviews, candidates are asked to focus on specific tasks or solve problems as a member of a team.
Only applicants who have submitted a completed written application and meet all eligibility requirements will be invited to interview. If invited to interview, you will be contacted through your UVA email with information about interview times. All communication with applicants will be done via UVA email, so please check your email account regularly to ensure successful participation in the Selection process.
How many openings are there?
The number of openings depends on how many vacancies are created when current RAs graduate or decide not to come back to the program. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict the number of vacancies from year to year.
Selected applicants may be offered an RA position or an alternate position. Alternate positions are used to fill RA positions that become vacant throughout the summer and current academic year.
How many people usually apply?
In recent years we have received well over 400 RA applications.
What if I want to be an RA in a Residential College or Language House?
Applicants can indicate their interest in applying for RA positions in one or more Residential Colleges (Brown, Hereford, or the IRC) and Language Houses (French, Spanish, or Shea) on their initial written application. After the group interview process, successful candidates will then be invited to attend a separate interview specific to the Residential Colleges and/or Language Houses they selected on their initial application.
I attended an information session during the fall semester. Do I need to attend another one?
All information sessions cover the same information, so you only need to attend one of the sessions.
How can I find help with my application?
For help with your application essay, consider contacting the UVA Writing Center. You can visit the Writing Center website or call 434.934.6678 to make an appointment. The writing center is located at 314 Bryan Hall.
For interview tips. please take advantage of the University Career Center. You can browse their website, visit them at Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium, or call 434.924.8900 for one-on-one assistance.