In the year 1944-1945, the University of Virginia altered it's schedule because of World War II, but the college tried to keep its prestige and prerequisites the same as previous years. With semesters starting at the beginning of March, July, and November, men needed a substantial amount of qualifications to gain admission to the university. Women, on the other hand, were admitted by a different set of requirements and had limited options. Graduating depended on which school one was enrolled in and on fulfillment of the base requirements. The qualifications for admittance, although distinguished, were not out of reach for most students.
If one was a male, he had to acquire certain high-school credit, or he had to fit the special student qualifications that the University allowed. "The general academic requirement for admission is that the applicant must have received preparation equivalent to that represented by four years of accredited high- school of preparatory school." (Record pg. 13) Four years of an "accredited" high-school and fifteen credits (entrance units) included: three in English, one and one-half in algebra, one in geometry, two or more in a foreign language, and the rest, electives, enabled him to apply to the University in one of two ways. He could apply by filling out forms and attaching recommendations, or he could take an entrance exam. In rare occasions, the student could apply by condition admission (not enough credits in algebra, but still compiling fifteen credits in all other subjects), or he could have his principal write him a letter saying: despite his academic records (in the lower quarter of his class or failing two subjects), he will still succeed as a college student. Also, a male student had the option to apply as a "special student." If he was more than twenty years of age and reside in state, or more than twenty-three years living out of state and gave a suitable purpose for taking college courses, then he was qualified for this type of entrance. However, he had to agree to make up all missed credits by private study or passing exams to be able to work towards a degree.
For women, the road wasn't that easy, and when accepted, they only had three options. Women were only admitted for vocational degrees. "They are not admitted as candidate for the B.A. degree, as pre-professional students or as special students." They had to present a certificate of graduation from accredited high-school, have fifteen credits (basically the same as men), and already have obtained sixty semester hours of college grade work, in addition to being twenty years of age. Once enrolled they had the choice of getting a B.S. in Architecture, a B.S. in Chemistry, or a B.S. in Commerce. As a result of these strict qualifications, there were very few women attending the University.
After all the preparations for college and finally being admitted, to graduate, one had yet another set of rules to follow. Each semester one had to take fifteen hours of work for a total of 120 hours. English 1-2, Mathematics 1-2 and 3-4, a natural science, and a 2nd year course of two foeign languages or a 3rd year course of one foreign language were the basic requirements. Depending on which school one attended, there were additional requirements. For example, Pre-medical required political science, Commerce required history, Pre-legal and Pre- dental required physics, and all pre-professional study required a form of physical education. One could major in just about anything. Two sessions before graduation, one had to declare a major and then take an exam on that major before graduating.
As implied academics is not taken lightly, but occasionally there was a class is a little out of the ordinary. In fact, In 1944-45 there was a School of Forestry offering such classes as, General Forestry, Silviculture, and Forest Management. There was also a class called Public Speaking 4R: Oral Reading that concentrated solely on reading aloud. Compared to today, the requirements seem different and appear slightly easier to meet. Obviously, the University has changed their enrollment policies, but it has kept in mind the prerequisites from fifty years ago.
By: Rhodes Martin