B.S. in Commerce

Commerce Cohort

The McIntire School's Commerce Cohort program engages and supports high-achieving, high-need UVA first-years with academic mentorship, career preparation, and personal development through sessions on practical study and employment skills, critical analysis, self-reflection, and communication—all conducted through a business lens. Funded by alumni and corporate support and managed by McIntire’s Office of Undergraduate Admission, the Cohort aims to increase applications to the B.S. in Commerce Program from a diverse set of students, ensuring that future class profiles reflect McIntire’s ongoing mission to foster an inclusive community.

The Cohort supports students by providing:

Academic and career exploration opportunities
Increased knowledge of the McIntire experience
Personal and professional goal-setting activities
Connection to other first-years and the McIntire community

Program Features

Community Building

Foster community with other first-year prospective McIntire students
Receive mentorship and advising from the McIntire Office of Undergraduate Admission staff
Engage with McIntire faculty, staff, students, corporate sponsors, and employers
Join Commerce-related student organizations

Personal Development

Students participate in Cohort-exclusive workshops and presentations that facilitate personal exploration and development to better leverage skills, build their personal brand, enhance their resume, and deepen their understanding of the business industry.

Foundations of Commerce (COMM 1800)

The primary objective of this course is to provide a foundational overview of business, including the themes of the history of business, business and society, and innovation. The course will enable students to gauge interest in business and prepare students for business-related education, jobs, and careers.

Commerce Cohort Seminar (COMM 2000)

Simulating upper-level Commerce classes and providing context for the diverse and global business environment, this pass/fail one-credit course delivered by Commerce faculty and staff welcomes guest professors, student leaders, and corporate representatives into the classroom. The course, offered in the fall and spring, provides weekly interactive and instructional sessions during which students are encouraged to develop a sense of community, explore personal and professional strengths, and set goals to shape their path to Commerce.

Near Peer Mentors

Students have opportunities to build on their success in the Cohort via the Near Peer Mentors program. Each new first-year Cohort student is paired with a third- or fourth-year Commerce student, who helps them identify resources.

I really hope that students were empowered by my mentorship and felt that McIntire wasn’t just a far-fetched goal. On the contrary, I wanted my mentees to feel as if McIntire was a truly realistic goal and a place where each of them belonged. I can’t wait to hear about all the success stories from this Cohort and all the cohorts that follow in their footsteps!

George Villacis (McIntire ’20)

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Commerce Cohort program. If you have additional questions or would like more information, please email the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

How can I be considered for the Commerce Cohort program?

All matriculated first-year students indicating an academic interest in Commerce on the Common Application for first-year admission will be considered for the Commerce Cohort program. No additional application is required.

What are the Commerce Cohort program selection criteria?

Much like the criteria for admission to McIntire, the Admission Committee will review students' Common Application for first-year admission to UVA and consider academic performance; co-curricular experiences; and personal characteristics such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.

When and how will I be notified of my selection?

Fall selection, for incoming first-year students, takes place after May 1, and the committee notifies the newly selected Commerce Cohort by late June. Spring selection takes place in October, with notification occurring by mid-November.

When does the program begin?

The program begins on the first day of each COMM 2000 class every semester.

What does participating in the program require?

The Commerce Cohort program runs the entirety of students' first year. Participants will successfully complete the Commerce Cohort program by completing COMM 2000 (1-credit, pass/fail course) in the fall. This course will also be offered in the spring. Most of the program's content delivery will take place during class periods. Course syllabi will be provided during the course enrollment periods.

Additional workshops, presentations, and social opportunities exclusive to the Cohort will be also provided outside of the class periods. Attendance is encouraged but not required.

Does completing the Commerce Cohort program guarantee admission to McIntire?

No. As an upper-divisional school, McIntire has a competitive admission process for current UVA students. It is our goal that the curriculum and supplemental programming of the Commerce Cohort program will positively contribute to students' admission considerations for the B.S. in Commerce Program.

Does selection to the Commerce Cohort program include additional financial support?

No. Students may be offered financial support through other University resources and need-based financial aid.

What if my academic interests change?

We hope that by participating in the Commerce Cohort program you will find a home here at McIntire. But if your passions and interests guide you elsewhere, that is fine too. We look forward to supporting you in finding the best academic fit that will contribute to your success at UVA.

If I am not selected for the program, how can I learn more about McIntire?

The McIntire Office of Undergraduate Admission is dedicated to supporting all prospective McIntire students on their path to Commerce. Engage with us through walk-in advising, attending an information session, taking a tour, following our “Keeping Up with Commerce” blog, and subscribing to our “Keeping Up with Commerce” newsletter.

Commerce Cohort Class of 2023 Profile

28

students in Cohort

50%

first-generation college students

83%

qualify for need-based financial aid

68%

minority students

54%

women

Connect With Us

McIntire’s Office of Undergraduate Admission collaborates with prospective B.S. in Commerce students, helping in a variety of ways.

We encourage prospective students to contact us early in the admissions process to take advantage of all of our advising opportunities, including academic advising, information sessions, and other events, or to connect with a student ambassador.

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