UVA school of Data Science and Batton School of Public Policy

[Anonymous]

Hi,

How difficult is it to get into these schools? I know the Commerce school has gotten more competitive. I am wondering if kids get shut of the Commerce school, are they applying for Data science and Public policy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,

How difficult is it to get into these schools? I know the Commerce school has gotten more competitive. I am wondering if kids get shut of the Commerce school, are they applying for Data science and Public policy?

Data Science is so new. I don't think it has been difficult these last couple years. But I am not sure the first couple years of a school's existence are a real predictor.

[Anonymous]

The Batten School has always confused me, although I am a UVa alum and get the UVa news / marketing information. It seems not to have any academic departments. Unclear how - or even why - one would seek a degree from there.

To me, Batten would make more sense if they moved related academic departments (government, maybe IR) into that school.

[Anonymous]

Looks like Batten was last a 79% admit rate.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2026/03/batten-admits-reflect-on-the-admissions-process-and-their-future-at-the-school

Data Science is hard to say. They have 125 seats and 333 freshman just took the required class to apply. However many won't apply just because they change their mind (my son is one). They don't take transfers. I bet it's like a 75% admit rate?