vcu application essay

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Virginia Commonwealth University | VCU’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors college essay.

Submission of a personal education paper. The personal education paper should address the following question: How will membership in the VCU Honors College assist you in pursuing your academic and career goals while also helping you become an active citizen in the community? The paper should be 2-3 pages double spaced. Essays may include, but are not limited to the following: Major influences on your intellectual and personal development, such as curricular and extracurricular experiences, community service or important people, events or ideas Your immediate educational goals and plans for achieving them Your goals and dreams for the future

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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At VCU you'll find a welcoming home away from home no matter what program you apply to.

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We welcome curiosity here. Learn how you can take undergraduate or graduate classes on a course-by-course basis.

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Paying for VCU

Your degree is an investment — and we work with you to make sure it pays off. We help students find scholarships, grants and loans to help make college affordable. And we make sure you’re job-ready and have real-world experience before you graduate.

2024-25 base tuition and fees*:

• $16,720 (in state)
• $39,884 (out of state)

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Annual security and fire safety report

VCU is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. As required by federal law (The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C.1092(f), known as the "Clery Act"), the university publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report , which contains information regarding campus security, crime reporting policies, personal safety and crime prevention, and fire and crime statistics for our various campus locations.

To request a paper copy of the current report, please contact the VCU Police Department by calling (804) 828-3851 or in person at 224 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Transfer applicants

Apply to VCU as a transfer student using the VCU applicant portal.

Application overview

The instructions in this section are for domestic transfer applicants, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees/asylees and undocumented students. If you are a non-immigrant currently residing outside of the U.S. and plan to come on an F1 or J1 visa, or a non-immigrant currently residing in the U.S. under a visa, please visit the international undergraduate applicant page  for instructions.

Transferring made easy

VCU's Transfer Center is here to help. Connect with us to learn which of your previously earned credits may transfer to VCU, set up a transfer advising appointment, or find out which higher ed institutions have admissions agreements with VCU.

Visit the Transfer Center

Application instructions

New transfer applicants.

If you are a new transfer applicant to undergraduate programs on the Monroe Park Campus, you must choose the application that corresponds with your intended term of entry in the  VCU applicant portal (example: Fall 2022, Spring 2023, etc.)

Former VCU students

Former VCU students are deemed returning applicants and must complete the application for readmission in the  VCU applicant portal if they have:

• Not attended VCU in a degree program for three or more successive fall and spring semesters
• Been suspended from VCU
• Attended another college or university since attending VCU, and three or more successive fall and spring semesters have passed

Considerations

Guaranteed admission agreements.

VCU has entered into guaranteed admission agreements with the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College and College of Southern Maryland. VCU also has specific program articulation agreements with some VCCS colleges and RBC. All VCCS students must complete a  letter of interest to be eligible for guaranteed admission agreement benefits.

Visit VCU's Transfer Center site for details on guaranteed admission agreements and VCCS transfer agreements .

Be ready to pay the application fee

The online application fee is $70 and must be paid via credit card when submitting your application. Do not submit cash, checks or money orders. The fee is nonrefundable.

All VCU applicants are required to submit an application fee. If you are financially unable to pay the application fee, a waiver can be requested. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and submit appropriate documentation when requesting a fee waiver. Visit your applicant portal for details about how to request a fee waiver.

Follow these application guidelines

• Submit only one application for a specific semester (i.e., one application for Spring 2023).
• Be sure to apply to only one undergraduate degree program.

If you need to make changes to your application once it’s been submitted, find out how to make updates . Do not submit more than one application — if you do, only the first will be processed.

When to expect our admissions decision

Admissions decisions will be posted in your  VCU applicant portal . Transfer applicants who submit all materials by March 15 for fall admissions will receive a decision by May 1, otherwise decisions are sent on a rolling basis until enrollment capacity is met. Find additional admission decision posting dates on the application status page . 

Transfer links

• Transfer credit checker
• Application requirements
• Application checklist
• VCU applicant portal

Find answers in our  FAQs

Have questions about the application process? Explore our frequently asked questions.

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Application tips.

• Need more help? This link opens in a new window

Ask Cabell Library

Follow the link and click "Access Online" to read the full-text of this eBook:

Find the following books in Cabell Library's Student Success collection on the first floor near the computers (pictured). These shelves contain books on scholarships, study skills, test preparation, and more. 

Don't forget the best writing resource on campus! Whether you need help getting organized, a second pair of eyes, or someone to help you get to your best final draft, the helpful folks at the Writing Center are available in person and online.

• VCU Writing Center
• Fastweb--A Balancing Act: school & the scholarship search A quick read on organizing your time to find the money that's out there for you
• Fastweb--Let's Talk Scholarships: application tips Application "do's" and "don'ts" from the experts
• 10 Ways to Make Scholarship Sponsors Love You Tips to help your application stand out...straight from the sponsors!

• Unigo's Tips for Writing Great Scholarship Essays Great basic tips for when you don't even know where to start.
• How To Write a Scholarship Essay - Examples Need to look at some winning examples to help you get your thoughts organized? Here are some sample essays using different approaches.

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• Last Updated: May 16, 2024 1:59 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.vcu.edu/find-scholarships

VCU Career Services

Strategic enrollment management and student success, personal statements.

A personal statement is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. It is often one piece of an application process for graduate school, scholarships, professional school/program and much more. It is the part of an application where you can share who you are and what is important to you, so insert your own style and take advantage of that! Highlight and detail relevant experiences that demonstrate your interest, motivation, and preparation for the opportunity you are applying for. Use your personal statement to provide depth into why you are pursuing a particular academic/career path.

Types of personal statements

• A general, comprehensive essay that allows you to write about a wide variety of topics and experiences related to the prompt . This approach is often used for admission to specific types of professional programs such as medical or law school.
• Responding to very specific questions. Often graduate programs ask specific questions and your essay should respond directly to the question(s) being asked. You may also have multiple essays asking distinct questions. 

About the process

Brainstorming.

Brainstorming is an important part of the writing process and can help in the planning/outlining process. Below is a list of questions you can use to help create an outline, especially for a general statement.

• Why are you interested in your chosen academic/career path? Why not other similar areas?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals? How do they overlap with the opportunity you are applying for?
• What skills or characteristics do you possess that would contribute to your success?
• Why are you applying for this opportunity? (Do some research on it and be specific)
• How have your academic, life, and professional experiences prepared you for this opportunity?
• How have your experiences and choices influenced your decision to pursue your path?

Writing your personal statement

• Identify a theme that is specific to you and tailored to the application. 
• Start with a story to draw the reader in. There is no singular narrative path or style to write your story. 
• Take your experiences and develop them into more detailed anecdotes with reflections.
• Write a rough draft to get your ideas out of your head and into a document. Don’t worry about the length yet. This draft doesn’t have to be ready to submit on the first try. You will have plenty of time to edit and refine.
• Write different versions of specific parts of the essay or the whole essay. Try a variety of ways of telling stories and reflections.
• Revise, rewrite and repeat. Your final draft will never be "perfect," but you should be comfortable and satisfied with the result. 

Personal statement do's 

• Follow any instructions or formatting guidelines that are required.
• If there are no instructions or guidelines, use 10-12 point font, one-inch margins and standard fonts (e.g., Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial).
• Review for grammar and punctuation.
• Avoid using passive voice when writing (e.g., "I was able to volunteer during my spring semester" is passive, and "I volunteered during my spring semester" is active).
• Use first-person throughout the essay, but try not to use "I" too much. 
• Provide specific examples.
• Write a new and different personal statement for each application. Every opportunity will be different and you should tailor your essay to it as much as possible.

Personal statement don’ts

• Don’t use contractions. Personal statements are considered formal writing so you should avoid contractions (e.g., say "I have" instead of "I’ve").
• Don’t have run-on sentences. Break up long sentences and use appropriate punctuation to keep the essay flowing. 
• Don’t include filler/empty words to use characters or fill a page (e.g., sort of, kind of, very, basically, absolutely).
• Don’t include quotes from others unless it is a first-person account of a story (like something your coach or family member told you). It is typically a cliche overall, but especially if you start your essay with it.
• Don’t rely too heavily on overused or vague language such as "lifelong dream" or "passion."
• Don’t vary your verb tenses throughout the essay, especially when telling the same story.
• Don’t use the same essay for different applications. Also do not "recycle" essays. If you are reapplying, you should write a new draft with any appropriate updates. 

Editing tips

• Read your essay out loud. Read it backward (the last sentence first then work your way up the essay). These strategies will help you catch any awkward or clunky sentences. 
• Have more than one person read your essay. You will get different perspectives and types of feedback that you can combine into an essay you are confident submitting. 
• Take your time writing drafts. If you can always set the essay aside for some time and come back to it. 

Elevating your personal statement

• Focus on your opening paragraph. Aim to grab the reader’s attention and pull them into the rest of the essay. Sometimes it can help to write your opening paragraph last. 
• Address and explain any perceived failure, flaws or inconsistencies that you want to make sure are understood more clearly by the reader, sharing your insights to avoid assumptions  (e.g., poor academic performance, legal issues or gaps in education). 
• Do your research. If you are submitting your essay to an individual school/program, do some research to find out what sets the school/program apart from others. Also consider specific faculty, curricular highlights or program offerings that made you want to apply.
• Share unique experiences and reflections the best you can. The more distinct and tailored your experiences and reflections can be, the more personal the essay will be to you as an individual candidate, which should be your goal. 
• Personal Statement Guide
• Writing a Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Worksheet
• Personal Statement Rubric

VCU career advisors are available to answer your questions and review your personal statement. 

Make an appointment

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This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required admission documents are forwarded to the Office of Admissions before the deadline. (Refer to the freshman application deadlines or transfer application deadlines .)

Applications and supporting credentials for undergraduate programs offered on both campuses must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

All applications and supporting documents become the property of the university and are not returned to the applicant. After all required documents have been received, candidates are notified in writing of the decision by the Office of Admissions.

The following must be submitted to the Office of Admissions when applying for an undergraduate degree program:

Official application form. Candidates seeking admission or readmission to the university in an undergraduate degree program must file a Common Application (first-time freshman applicants only) or the VCU online application before the specified deadline. Students planning to complete a second baccalaureate degree also must submit this application. Students will be able to check their application status online to be sure the university has received all required materials (admission decisions are not provided online). Care should be taken to read the admissions guidelines in this bulletin, to follow the directions accompanying the application and to complete all information requested. Incomplete or incorrect applications will result in a processing delay.

Application fees. Application fees are nonrefundable and should be submitted via credit card when applying online. Do not send cash, checks or money orders. For current application fees, see the Office of Admissions website .

The application fee is nonrefundable. Applications may not be processed if submitted without a fee or the applicant will be billed. Students currently enrolled in programs on the VCU Monroe Park Campus who are applying to undergraduate programs on the MCV Campus are not required to remit the application fee.

Official transcript(s). Freshman applicants are required to submit their official high school transcript(s) showing course work completed to date. The secondary school record should contain courses and grades earned, rank in class and overall GPA. A final transcript also is required showing date of graduation, overall GPA and rank in graduating class if available.

Transfer candidates must request the registrar of each college attended to send an official transcript of their course work. Transfer candidates who have earned fewer than 30 semester credits/45 quarter credits also must submit their secondary school records. Priority application review will be given to applicants who have completed at least 30 credits at their former institution(s) and who apply and submit all required documentation by the recommended application deadline.

Applicants to the School of Nursing undergraduate program on the MCV Campus must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities and hospital schools/programs attended.

For readmission candidates, the Office of Admissions will obtain the student’s VCU transcript. Applicants who have attended other colleges since leaving VCU must request the registrar of each college to send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

Test scores.

​ First-year applicants (including those seeking scholarships) do not need to submit  test scores  unless applying to the Honors College guaranteed admissions programs. Those students should  contact the Honors College  if they are unable to test. Any applicant who has test scores and would like them to be considered may still submit them.

All transfer applicants are eligible for test score optional review, regardless of GPA. Applicants who are able to take a standardized test and would like the scores used in VCU’s application review may still submit scores. All students will receive a holistic application review.

Applicants whose native language is one other than English must sit for a test of English proficiency and arrange for the testing agency to send the results to VCU (code 5570). Please visit the Office of Admissions website for more information and details about required test scores. Some MCV Campus programs also may require Test of Written English or Test of Spoken English scores.

Supplemental application requirements. School of the Arts applicants must submit supplemental materials as described on the school’s website . Applicants to all undergraduate programs on the MCV Campus must submit supplemental application materials as described online on the admissions and aid section of the VCU website .

Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia 23284 Phone: (804) 828-0100 [email protected]

All Bulletins © 2024-2025 Virginia Commonwealth University Tue Aug 15 2023 09:56:02 GMT-0500 (CDT)

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How to Get Admission to Virginia Commonwealth University with Digital SAT

Introduction.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), known for its vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and strong academic programs, stands as a top choice for many prospective students. In today’s digital age, the transition to the Digital SAT has revolutionized the way students prepare for this crucial exam. This guide aims to help you navigate the Digital SAT and enhance your SAT exam score , ensuring your application to VCU is as competitive as possible. We will explore strategies for maximizing your SAT exam score, leveraging SAT online resources, and effective digital SAT training.

Understanding the Digital SAT

Exam structure and format.

The Digital SAT assesses students in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, with an optional Essay section. The digital version features adaptive testing, adjusting question difficulty based on your answers for a more accurate assessment of your abilities.

Benefits of the Digital SAT

• Adaptive Testing: Offers a personalized assessment, better reflecting your capabilities.
• Digital Literacy: Excelling on the Digital SAT demonstrates proficiency with digital tools, a crucial skill in today’s academic and professional environments.

Understanding these aspects will help you tailor your preparation and achieve a high SAT exam score.

Developing a Study Plan for the Digital SAT

Creating an effective study plan is crucial for maximizing your SAT exam score. Here’s how to structure your preparation using SAT online resources and SAT classes online, including LearnQ’s comprehensive study plan.

Creating a Detailed Study Plan

Assess Your Starting Point: Begin by taking a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Many SAT online platforms, including LearnQ, offer these assessments.

Set Realistic Goals: Based on your diagnostic results, set achievable goals for each section of the Digital SAT. LearnQ provides a super accurate diagnostic test to gauge your SAT score and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs.

Schedule Study Sessions: Allocate specific times each day or week for studying. Use a mix of SAT online resources and SAT classes online to keep your preparation varied and engaging.

Use Official Resources: Utilize the College Board’s official Digital SAT practice tests and materials. These resources provide the most accurate representation of the exam format and question types.

Maximizing Your SAT Exam Score: Tips and Strategies

Achieving a high SAT exam score is crucial for securing admission to Virginia Commonwealth University. Here are some effective strategies to help you maximize your performance on the Digital SAT.

1. Understand the Exam Format Thoroughly

Familiarize yourself with the Digital SAT format. The test includes:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) : Tests comprehension, analysis, grammar, and usage.
• Math : Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, with a focus on problem-solving and data analysis.
• Optional Essay : Analyzes your ability to articulate arguments.

Knowing the format helps you manage your time effectively and reduce anxiety.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is essential:

• Diagnostic Test : Start with a diagnostic test using SAT online resources like Khan Academy.
• Set Goals : Based on your results, set achievable goals for each section.
• Daily Study Routine : Allocate regular study times. Consistency is key. Use SAT classes online for guidance.
• Mix of Resources : Use official College Board materials, SAT online practice tests, and SAT classes online.

3. Leverage SAT Online Resources

Use a variety of online resources, including learnQ products, for comprehensive training and practice.

4. Focus on Weak Areas

Identify and work on your weak areas:

• Targeted Practice : Focus on sections needing the most improvement.
• Review Mistakes : Analyze and learn from your practice test errors.
• Use Analytics : Track progress with analytics provided by SAT online platforms.

5. Enhance Vocabulary and Reading Skills

Strong reading and vocabulary skills are vital for the EBRW section:

• Regular Reading : Read literature, science articles, and historical documents.
• Vocabulary Building : Use flashcards, apps, and SAT classes online for quizzes.

6. Master Math Fundamentals

Ensure a solid grasp of math concepts:

• Core Concepts : Focus on algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry.
• Practice Problems : Solve diverse problems to improve speed and accuracy.
• Online Tutorials : Utilize resources like Khan Academy for tutorials.

7. Take Care of Your Well-being

Maintain your physical and mental health:

• Regular Breaks : Avoid burnout by taking breaks during study sessions.
• Healthy Lifestyle : Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly.
• Stress Management : Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Advanced Digital SAT Training Techniques

In the next section, we will explore advanced digital SAT training techniques, focusing on leveraging interactive tools, utilizing personalized analytics, and enhancing your study strategy to ensure continuous improvement and a top SAT exam score. Stay tuned for more insights on how to master the Digital SAT and make your application to Virginia Commonwealth University stand out.

Leveraging Interactive Tools and Personalized Analytics

To excel on the Digital SAT, incorporate advanced training techniques from online resources.

1. Interactive Learning Tools:

• Practice Quizzes: Engage with quizzes that provide instant feedback to quickly identify and correct mistakes.
• Video Explanations: Use videos for complex problems, especially in math and reading comprehension.
• Peer Discussion Forums: Participate in forums and study groups for diverse perspectives and solutions.

2. Personalized Study Plans:

• Diagnostic Tests: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your study plan.
• Targeted Practice: Focus on improvement areas based on diagnostic results.
• Adaptive Learning Platforms: Use customized learning experiences tailored to your performance level.

3. Detailed Analytics and Progress Tracking:

• Progress Reports: Review to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Adjust Study Strategies: Focus on weak areas while reinforcing strengths.
• Motivation and Accountability: Track progress to stay motivated and confident.

Strategic Test-Taking Techniques

In addition to preparation, developing effective test-taking strategies is crucial for performing well on the Digital SAT:

1. Familiarity with the Digital Interface

Ensure you are comfortable with the digital SAT interface:

• Practice with the Digital Format: Take full-length practice tests in the digital format to become familiar with the navigation, tools, and layout.
• Use of On-Screen Tools: Practice using the on-screen calculator, highlighter, and other digital tools. Being proficient with these can save you time during the actual test.

2. Adaptive Test Strategy

Adopt a strategy that leverages the adaptive nature of the Digital SAT:

• Stay Calm Under Pressure: Maintain composure and critical thinking, regardless of the difficulty of the questions. Remember, the test adapts to your performance.
• Strategic Question Approach: Focus on answering the easier questions first to secure those points, then tackle the more challenging ones.

3. Analytical Review of Practice Tests

After each practice test, conduct a thorough review:

• Analyze Mistakes: Understand the rationale behind each incorrect answer to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
• Identify Patterns: Look for patterns in your errors to determine if there are specific types of questions or topics that need more attention.
• Refine Test Strategies: Adjust your test-taking strategies based on your practice test performance to improve your timing and accuracy.

Integrating Digital SAT Success into Your VCU Application

Achieving a standout score on the Digital SAT is a significant accomplishment. Here’s how to effectively integrate this success into your application for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU):

1. Highlighting Your SAT Score

Ensure that your SAT exam score is prominently featured in your application:

• Strategic Placement: If your score is above the average for VCU’s admitted students, highlight it prominently in your application to showcase your academic readiness.
• Personalized Essay: Use your application essays to discuss your Digital SAT preparation journey. Highlight the challenges you overcame, the strategies you used, and the skills you developed, such as digital literacy and resilience.

2. Creating a Holistic Application

In addition to a strong SAT exam score, focus on other aspects of your application:

• Academic Achievements: Emphasize your GPA, the rigor of your coursework, and any academic awards or projects that demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
• Extracurricular Activities: Detail your involvement in clubs, sports, community service, and leadership roles. These activities provide insight into your character and potential contributions to the VCU community.
• Compelling Essays: Craft essays that authentically convey your story, motivations, and reasons for choosing VCU. Highlight how your experiences and aspirations align with the university’s values and programs.
• Strong Recommendations: Select recommenders who can attest to your academic capabilities, personal qualities, and fit for VCU. Their insights can complement your application by offering additional perspectives on your strengths and potential.

Navigating the Post-Submission Journey to Virginia Commonwealth University

After submitting your application to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), complete with your Digital SAT achievements, the anticipation for a decision begins. This period is an opportunity not only to reflect on your journey but also to prepare for the next steps, regardless of the outcome. Here’s how to effectively navigate this critical phase and stay engaged with VCU.

Staying Informed and Proactive

1. Monitor Your Application Status

Regularly check your email and VCU’s application portal for updates. Being responsive to any additional requests from the admissions office demonstrates your continued interest and engagement. Make sure all required documents, including your Digital SAT scores, have been received and processed.

2. Maintain Academic Excellence

Continue to excel in your academic endeavors. VCU might review your final semester grades as part of their decision-making process. Keeping your grades up not only reinforces your commitment to academic excellence but also keeps you well-prepared for college-level coursework.

3. Deepen Your Engagement with VCU

Explore VCU further through virtual campus tours, online events, and by connecting with current students or faculty. This can provide deeper insights into the university and reaffirm your decision to apply. It also gives you more material to discuss in potential interviews or follow-up communications.

Preparing for All Possible Outcomes

1. Acceptance

Celebrate your acceptance enthusiastically, but also review the offer carefully. Understand any conditions attached, the next steps for enrollment, and deadlines. Compare your financial aid package with your needs to make an informed decision.

2. Waitlist

If you’re placed on the waitlist, understand that it’s not an outright rejection. Demonstrate your continued strong interest in VCU by updating your application with any new achievements or improved grades. This proactive approach can sometimes influence the final decision in your favor.

3. Rejection

A rejection can be disappointing, but consider it a redirection rather than a roadblock. Reflect on what you can learn from the process and explore other institutions or pathways that match your goals and aspirations. Remember, many successful people faced setbacks before finding their path.

Embracing the Future with Optimism

1. explore alternative paths.

Keep an open mind about other acceptance offers, gap years, or community college. Each path offers unique opportunities for growth. Use your SAT online preparation and digital SAT training as a strong foundation to excel in any direction.

2. Pursue Scholarship Opportunities

Continue applying for scholarships to ease the financial burden of college. Many scholarships consider your SAT exam score and digital SAT performance, so leverage your achievements.

3. Build Your Support Network

Connect with peers, join college admission forums, and seek advice from counselors. A supportive community can provide valuable insights and encouragement as you navigate your future.

Final Tips and Encouragement

The journey to Virginia Commonwealth University is marked by moments of hard work, anticipation, and growth. As you navigate the post-submission phase, remember that this experience has prepared you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in your academic and professional journey. Here are some final tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay Focused on Your Goals

Regardless of the admission decision, continue to pursue your academic and personal goals with determination and optimism. Your Digital SAT preparation and performance are testaments to your resilience and adaptability.

2. Embrace Opportunities for Growth

Every experience, whether it involves success or setback, offers an opportunity for growth. Use what you’ve learned from your Digital SAT training and preparation to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Your journey to Virginia Commonwealth University involves more than just submitting an application and achieving a high SAT exam score. It encompasses strategic preparation, leveraging online resources, maintaining engagement with the university, and staying proactive and optimistic during the waiting period. By following these strategies and tips, you can enhance your chances of gaining admission to VCU and embark on a rewarding academic career.

Remember, regardless of the outcome, your efforts and dedication to mastering the Digital SAT and preparing a compelling application have set a strong foundation for your future success. Stay focused, embrace opportunities, and continue to pursue your dreams with confidence. Your potential is limitless, and your future is bright.

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VCU Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are VCU's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into VCU and build a strong application.

School location: Richmond, VA

This school is also known as: Virginia Commonwealth University

Admissions Rate: 90.7%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at VCU is 90.7% . For every 100 applicants, 91 are admitted.

This means the school is a nearly open admissions school. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in. But if you don't meet all their application requirements, you'll be one of the very few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

VCU GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.72

The average GPA at VCU is 3.72 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.72, VCU requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

VCU hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to VCU will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

VCU SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1165

The average SAT score composite at VCU is a 1165 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes VCU Competitive for SAT test scores.

VCU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1040, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1290. In other words, a 1040 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1290 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

VCU ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, VCU likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at VCU is 26. This score makes VCU Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 22 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, from our research, VCU is understood to superscore the ACT . We couldn't confirm it directly from the school's admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that VCU receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, VCU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and VCU forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 22, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

VCU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

This school offers nearly open admissions, which means they give almost every student an offer of admission. To be safe, you should aim for a 1040 SAT or a 22 ACT or higher . If you can achieve this, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the incoming class.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of VCU here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 15 November 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 901 Richmond, VA 23284-9005
• Phone: (804) 828-0100 x0100
• Fax: (804) 828-1899
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in VCU, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to VCU.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than VCU. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for VCU, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for VCU, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If VCU is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Department of English

College of humanities and sciences, mfa application.

All applications to the MFA program must be submitted via the VCU admissions portal .

This includes creative writing portfolios and graduate assistantship applications. Admission to VCU’s MFA program in Creative Writing is quite competitive, with roughly 200 applications received yearly for only 8-10 spots. Added to this competitive process is the fact that typically we only admit full-time positions with graduate teaching assistantships. That said, every year we also admit a select few part-time MFA students (Note: Most if not all graduate coursework is offered in the evening hours) and while still highly selective, it behooves such applicants who are seeking part-time enrollment to self-identify early in the application process (see actual application for more details).

The VCU admissions portal contains most of the information you need on application requirements, applying for in-state tuition, application fees (and waivers), and much more. Below are application details specific to MFA in Creative Writing applicants.

Traditionally, the general MFA program application deadline is February 1 . However, if you are interested in becoming a full-time student and want to be considered for possible graduate assistantships, we recommend you submit your online application materials by January 15 of the year in which you are applying.

Statement of Intent

As a part of the general online application, the School of Graduate Studies asks that you write an essay addressing “your reasons for seeking graduate education,” emphasizing such areas as goals, aptitude, awards, and honors. The creative writing program asks that you focus more on the following: your reading habits; your writing habits; your experiences with criticism of your own work and the work of others, in workshops, perhaps, but in the study of literature as well; as well as what you see as your responsibilities in the community of writers of which you are a part.

Letters of Reference

Three letters of reference are required for each program and should be submitted online by your recommenders. Instructions for how to do so are included in the online application. Letters should address your academic and professional abilities and preparation for graduate study, especially in a creative writing program. (If you are applying for a graduate teaching assistantship, at least two of these should specifically address your qualifications for an assistantship.)  Note: The names, titles, and email addresses of your recommenders should be included in the VCU online application. Once your application has been submitted, VCU will contact your recommenders directly for an online letter of reference.

Creative Writing Portfolio

• Fiction concentration : Applicants should submit 20-50 pages of fiction.
• Poetry concentration : Applicants must provide of 8-10 poems.
• Dual genre concentration : Your portfolio may also consist of a combination of both of these main genres (poetry and fiction) or should you wish, a portion of your portfolio may feature a work of creative nonfiction. Be certain, however, that it includes only your best work.

Test Scores

GRE scores are no longer required for the MFA program.

Assistantships

If you are applying for full-time enrollment and wish to be considered for a possible assistantship, please also submit (via the VCU online application portal) a single additional document that contains the following (in numbered order):

• A brief list of any/all creative writing workshops you've participated in the past five years, along with a paragraph long assessment of the not only what you feel you obtained from the workshop experience but also what/how you contributed to it
• An undergraduate, graduate or professional paper, or other piece of expository prose of 5-10 pages (i.e., typically a sample literary analysis/research paper)
• Your teaching experience (consider previous graduate assistantships, public and private school, college and university, community programs)
• Your educational background and your particular interest in a graduate degree, suggesting where your education seems to be leading
• Why teaching in the classroom (or working on faculty research) attracts you, and what qualifications you might have for such assignments.

Please save/submit your “GTA application” as one document containing all three items listed above as part of the VCU online application process.

Virginia Commonwealth University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Virginia Commonwealth University college application essays were written by students accepted at Virginia Commonwealth University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Virginia Commonwealth University

The auditorium, the hospital julian cha, virginia commonwealth university.

Drops of sweat trickled down my tanned face as I stared at the C-shaped moon outside the auditorium. Sitting on the fence, we rested and cooled down before continuing with the work inside. I glanced at my G-shock: 01:00 military time. We had...

Photographing My Future Anonymous

Write about a topic of your choice.

Point. Shoot. Develop. Print.

My daring choice to enroll in photography my sophomore year has awoken a slumbering giant. Initially, this giant (like most giants) didn't awaken as much as it slipped from deep...

My Confusing Cultural Identity Hannah Khan

“Aap meri choti shezadi ho, Hannah,” my Pakistani grandfather told me before I moved to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia. I was later able to translate his loving Urdu words into English: “You are my little princess, Hannah.” I am a...

Why I Want a College Education Hannah Khan

Looking down at the college preparation pamphlet laying on my dresser never seemed so dramatic, but with every word I read, and every page I turned, I could practically feel my future rushing towards me. As I approach the end of my high school I...

Me, Myself, and Kelli Marie Huck

From past to present, and soon to be my future, my development into a young adult has blossomed me into a witty and hard-working lady. As an Army child, my family moved around from base to base quite a bit; some can say my mindset is nomadic....

Tiger Dylan John Amador

Miles inward from the shimmering white beaches of Hawaii, I trekked along beaten island roads to my destination - a small animal refuge playfully named the “Boo Boo Zoo.” As the car pulled up, a heterogeneous mix of cats and chickens inhabited the...

Business Studies Anonymous

I am incredibly focussed on studying business. I have had a piqued interest in business ever since I was a little kid, capitalizing on my cuteness by offering massages, at a price. This interest developed into enthusiasm to study real business and...

Seasonal Comfort Anonymous

Here you find a wild Kirby in her natural habitat.

~ My hair still damp and smelling of chlorine, a product of summer’s first swim, I settle into the armchair’s cool leather embrace. Sipping iced coffee and gazing out the window I mentally prepare...

To Create is to Destroy Anonymous

Tightening my grip on the thin paintbrush, I squinted my eyes as I carefully traced the flawless face. My hand shook and the paint bled outside of the brow. In frustration, I set down the canvas to inspect my work. The painting was like a...

The Tap Shoes Anonymous

On my first day of third grade, I wore tap shoes to school. The majority of my elementary school years was a blur, but I vividly remember this occurrence as it is the earliest memory I have of going decisively against the crowd. They were a creamy...

Nursing Anonymous

As my thoughts drifted through Geometry class, I was startled with a loud “BANG!” My classmate slams to the ground like a sack of potatoes, after crashing her head onto her desk. Her body begins shaking uncontrollably; her legs and arms were like...

It's What I Do, But Not Who I Am Joe DiConsiglio

My first pitch sailed over the catcher’s head and slammed against the backstop. I grinned nervously and shook my right arm. Just slipped, I told myself as I dug my heal into the pitcher’s mound. I wound up and fired again. This time the ball...

You Need to Make Me Proud Anonymous

My mother is a high school dropout with a daughter at 16.

Sitting alone surrounded by grey-toned seats on my number five elementary school bus, my eyes are stuck to a large, bold letter “B” stamped onto a stark white piece of paper. I look up out...

The Type of Doctor I Want to Be Jordan V. Oliver

After completing an hour of training with the overworked nurses of Johnston-Willis Hospital, I acquainted myself with Holly, a frail ninety year old woman who, along with fighting terminal cancer, was recovering from a stroke that also impaired...

Recent Questions about Virginia Commonwealth University

The Question and Answer section for Virginia Commonwealth University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Honors College

Application for the guaranteed admission program for medicine.

Two applications are required for admission to the Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine: one for VCU Undergraduate Admissions and one for the Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine. Both of these applications are available online. Completed Guaranteed Admission applications and VCU Common Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 1, 2023, and official transcripts must be received by November 1, 2023. Reference letters must be uploaded by the reference writer to your Guaranteed Admission application by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 1, 2023. Reference writers will be prompted via email with instructions for uploading their letters to your application once you have submitted your Guaranteed Admission Program application online. We will be unable to consider your application if any components are received after this deadline.

Students interested in applying to the Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program should begin the   Honors College freshman application  and select Medicine when prompted. Selecting a Guaranteed Admission Program will open the second half of the application, which is only for students applying to Guaranteed Admission Programs. Students will be evaluated for both admission into the Honors College as well as the selected Guaranteed Admission Program.  

It is important that you follow directions carefully and make sure that our office and the Undergraduate Admissions Office receive all pertinent materials on time. The Honors College will not contact candidates to confirm a completed application, so you are responsible for checking to ensure your file is complete.

To be eligible to apply for the Guaranteed Admission Program (Medicine), you must have a minimum of a 1330 combined SAT score from critical reading and mathematics from one test administration on your SAT1 or a 29 ACT composite score. In addition, applicants must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.

Questions are frequently raised about the criteria for acceptance by the Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine. All applicants should be aware that these decisions are not made on the basis of academic performance alone. The Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine has many more qualified applicants than it can possibly accept and the stated academic criteria of GPA and SAT scores merely indicate the baseline each applicant must attain for consideration for the program.

The same noncognitive qualities used in regular health-science professions acceptance are taken into consideration for the Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine. These include, but are not limited to, interpersonal skills, maturity, personal motivation, written and oral communication skills, letters of recommendation, evidence of commitment to healthcare, experience in related healthcare fields, compassion, and community service.

Qualified applicants are also selected for an interview, with the interviewer’s assessment factoring into the admission decision. The interviewer’s goal is to develop a sense of the candidate’s personality and oral communication skills and to convey these qualities to the committee.

The selection committee meets in the third week of January to review complete applications; all applicants are notified later that month by email whether they’ve been invited for interviews. Interviews are conducted in January, February and March. Because of the limited number of guaranteed positions, not all applicants are interviewed, even though they may be highly qualified.

Admission decisions are made based on a ranking of all potential students, utilizing each committee member’s assessment of the criteria. Since many factors are considered for acceptance, occasionally individuals with lower GPAs or SAT scores are ranked for an admission offer ahead of individuals with higher GPAs or SAT scores.

Applications were received from 615 high school seniors for the Fall 2023 entering freshman class. Sixty-five students were selected for an interview. In mid-March, 32 students received an acceptance letter. The average unweighted GPA for accepted candidates was a 3.9. The submitted SAT scores ranged from 1360 to 1590 (critical reading and math), and submitted ACT scores ranged from 30 to 36. In addition, accepted candidates had accumulated an average of 490 hours of healthcare-related experience.

The Honors College considers your application an important part of the selection process. Once you have completed the application online, proofread it carefully before submitting. Do not provide the requested information in any format other than that of the application itself.  The application can be saved before submission, allowing you to work on the application over several sittings. The following information is helpful as you prepare to begin your application:

The   Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine application is due  November 1, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. EST. Reference letters must also be uploaded by this time. We therefore encourage you to submit early in order to provide ample time for reference writers to upload their letters to the application.

Once the application has been submitted, it cannot be modified or retrieved. After your application has been submitted, you will be directed to a confirmation page, indicating that your submission has been received. A confirmation email will also be sent to the email provided in your application.

You may track the status of your supporting documents by logging into our status page. Please refer to your email confirmation for instructions on how to visit the status page. The Honors College will retrieve your test scores as well as your official high school transcript from your VCU Common Application sent into the Office of Admissions. You do not need to send separate copies to the Honors College.

SAT scores of at least 1330 (critical reading and math; all in one sitting) or a 29 ACT composite score must be received by the November 1 deadline. November SAT or ACT scores of the year of application will not be considered. The SAT code for VCU is 5570, and the ACT code for VCU is 4379.  Please note : Submission of test scores remains a requirement for all Guaranteed Admission Programs. The Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine application opens in early August.  

A completed application must include a minimum of two, and a maximum of four, letters of recommendation. We suggest that one of these letters come from your school counselor and, if you have volunteer and/or paid work in a healthcare environment, one from your supervisor.  These letters should include, but are not limited to, statements about your ability as a student, potential as a health professional, and extracurricular activities in your school and community. You must include your reference writers’ email addresses and names on your application. Once your application has been submitted, your reference writers will be prompted via email to compose a letter and will be given information on how to upload it into your Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine application. The Honors College will not retrieve reference letters sent in with the VCU Common Application. Only letters submitted through the Honors College online submission system will be included with your Guaranteed Admission Program application.

There are two short essays on the application. Each essay is limited to 250 words.  

• Comment on your motivation for, and interest in, medicine.
• Discuss one thing about you that is unique, which has not been addressed anywhere else in this application.

The application will also collect additional information such as previous healthcare experiences, extracurricular activities, community service activities, leadership roles, and any paid employment.

The Honors College will only accept one application per Guaranteed Admission for Medicine candidate. If you submit an incomplete application, it will not be considered. The application cannot be altered once submitted. If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact the Honors College at   [email protected] .  

Guaranteed admission candidates must also complete the VCU Common Application and submit supporting documents by November 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST. For more information on the VCU Common Application, please visit the   VCU Office of Admissions .

Applications must be submitted and official transcripts received by November 1, 2023. Letters of reference must be uploaded by the reference writer to your Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine application by November 1, 2023. There are no exceptions to this deadline. It is your responsibility to make certain that materials are received by the stated deadline date. Be sure to apply early and check your Honors College application status page in advance of the deadline to make sure all required information is in your file.

Any questions about the process or the status of your Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program application should be directed to the Honors College at (804) 828-1803 or [email protected]. Contact the  VCU Office of Admissions  with questions about your VCU undergraduate application.

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VCU Essay Application tips?

Applying for the fall of 2021 but keep hitting a brick wall with what to put on the essay.

Any advice and tips?

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Current VCU Students

• Undergraduate Admissions FAQ
• Graduate Admissions FAQ
• How to Apply

Change or add Major/Minor

Submit an online application

All change of major/minor applicants to VCUarts must submit a change of major or change of minor application online. This process is for currently enrolled VCU students. Current VCUarts students should speak with their advisor before submitting these forms.

This online application asks for your personal and contact information, current and preferred curriculum. Any required supplemental materials (audition, essays, portfolio) will be shared after submitting a change of major/minor request.

Important deadlines

Fall 2024 deadlines.

April 1, 2024, for the following majors:

Art Education, Cinema, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Music, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, Sculpture + Extended Media, and Theatre.

Spring 2024 deadline

November 1, 2023

Deadline for change of major/minor applicants to Art Foundation, Art History, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Merchandising, Music, and Theatre.

The following Visual Arts and Design programs will review spring change of major/minor applications only from students who have completed VCU’s Art Foundation program: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design,* Interior Design,* Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

*Please meet with an advisor for major-specific course limitations for spring admits.

Major or minor specific requirements

Students who have completed Art Foundation requesting a major in Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the change of major request to bypass the portfolio requirement for these majors.

Students who have completed Art Foundation requesting a minor in Craft/Material Studies, Painting + Printmaking, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the change of minor request to bypass the portfolio requirement for these minors.

Students with current majors outside of VCUarts may only apply for the Art Foundation program which is a prerequisite for visual arts and design programs. You must complete the change of major request and submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

• Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF
• Images can be up to 5 MB each
• Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI.
• Video can be up to 250 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

You will be prompted to submit your portfolio through the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Writing sample 

Prior to applying to major in Art History, students enrolled in a major outside of the School of the Arts must complete ARTH 103, 104 and one additional ARTH course.

Art History applicants are required to submit a research-based writing sample that makes a clear assertion about a selected topic and cites published sources to support your assertion. The paper may focus on a work of art, an historical event, a sociological phenomenon, a literary text, or other humanities topic. Your writing sample should be no longer than 600 words, including any citations. You will be emailed a link to submit your essay after submitting your VCU Change of Major Request, or you can submit your writing sample here after you have completed your VCU Change of Major Request.

Change of minor applicants do not have to submit a writing sample.

Majoring in Art History

Minoring in Art History

A minor in art history consists of 18 credits, which must include:

• 3 credits ARTH 103
• 3 credits ARTH 104
• 3 credits from courses in list #1 (details can be found by following the link below)
• 3 credits from courses in list #2 (details can be found by following the link below)

The remaining 6 credits may be any ARTH course at the 200-300 level open to non-majors (visit http://bulletin.vcu.edu/azcourses/ for a list of all ARTH courses), however only one history of film class (270, 271, 370, or 374) can be counted toward the art history minor.

Of the total 18 credits, 9 credits must be 300-level courses. Only courses in which a student earns a grade of C or higher may be applied to the minor. A student may apply for the Art History minor after successful completion of ARTH 103 and ARTH 104.

Additional information for the Art History minor curriculum can be found on the Department of Art History website.

Cinema essay

In 300 words or fewer, introduce us to a character for a movie – either a protagonist or an antagonist. Express your imagination by developing this character using elements such as description, backstory, drama and dialogue. This character must be your own original invention, not an adaptation from a story that already exists.

Visual storytelling exercise

In order to give us a sense of your artistic personality as a visual storyteller, use the VCUarts SlideRoom website to respond to the following prompt: Create an original series of 5-7 still images using your smartphone or camera. Submit the individual still images in a sequence that expresses your imagination and tells a story or establishes a mood. Photographs should be uploaded in sequential order. Use cinematic elements such as composition, lighting, location, props, costumes, etc. Let the images speak for themselves while conveying your style.

You will be prompted to submit your cinema essay and visual storytelling exercise after completing your change of major request .

This is a track for Communication Arts majors.

Accepted applicants will begin their courses in the following Spring Semester, as Spring Admits. Applicants should follow the Spring Deadlines listed above.

You must submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Personal statement

While completing the online application, you must include a personal statement. In this brief statement, articulate your interest in the Visual Effects minor, including a detailed anticipated application of the minor to your primary field of study.

Visual effects scene description

You must complete a 300 – 500 word-long visual effects scene description of an original scene, with a focus on visual effects usage. Scene descriptions will be assessed by the following rubric: plot, structure and creativity.

Inspirational filmmakers and/or visual effects artists

You must l ist up to five favorite artists or filmmakers that inspire the you to create visual effects and you must explain why they inspire you.

Five cinematic photos or one 1- to 2-minute video

• Upload items in the sequential order intended to convey a narrative.
• Work samples may be taken with any device (e.g., cell phone, digital camera, film camera).
• Photographic sequence/video will be assessed according to composition, lighting, story and creativity.

Minor is for individuals not majoring in Communication Arts.

You must complete the change of minor request and submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Major in Dance

Dance applicants are required to audition for admission into the Department of Dance & Choreography. The auditionee will submit a short video based on movement prompts and exercises in improvisation, ballet, modern and West African, via the VCUarts SlideRoom website . An interview with the Dance faculty is also required.

Once your request has been submitted, applicants will receive an email from [email protected] with information regarding how to submit video auditions and schedule an interview. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please call the Dance department at 804-828-1711.

Minor in Dance

To apply to minor in Dance, you must have completed at least 8 credits of dance courses and have a cumulative VCU gpa of 3.0 or greater. No audition is required.

Submit your audition and schedule your virtual interview

A complete application must be submitted before you may submit an audition date.

Admission criteria

• Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
• Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
• A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
• Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem solving.

About the audition

VCU Dance welcomes students with varying levels of dance experience to audition for our program. The audition consists of a warm-up, a barre, modern center work, an improvisation section and a short interview.

The following attire is appropriate: leotards, tights, unitards, bike shorts with a leotard or fitted top, leggings and appropriate supportive undergarments. No socks. No dangling jewelry. Hair secured away from the face. Please wear either ballet or jazz shoes in the ballet section. The modern, West African and improvisation sections are barefoot.

Fashion Merchandising applicants have no required supplemental materials.

Admissions Criteria

• Students from any department/major may request a minor in Fashion Merchandising, provided they have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Students intending to minor in Fashion Merchandising must apply and be accepted as seeking a minor in Fashion Merchandising.
• Students must see an advisor upon declaration of the Fashion Merchandising minor and once a semester thereafter.

The minor in Animation is housed in the Department of Kinetic Imaging and includes relevant elective options from majors across the School of the Arts.

The minor in Animation is for students who seek to combine technical and conceptual approaches to animation. Students can expect to gain a basic understanding of contemporary interdisciplinary animation practices, the history of animation and a background on the creative approaches to animation arts.

A minor in Animation consists of 18 credits:

• KINE 245 Animation Practices (4 credits, required course)
• ARTH 370 History of Animated Film (3 credits, required course)
• KINE 405 Animation Studio (1 credit, required course, offered spring semester)
• In addition, select 10 credits from the list of elective options, which includes a variety of relevant classes from across the School of the Arts

*please note that some courses may have prerequisites and may require an override or permission from the host dept/instructor

If a student takes 1-2 classes per semester, this minor can be completed in 1.5 – 3 academic years. Open to all VCU students! Acceptance is based on the review of the VCU Change of Major or Minor Application. A personal statement and a link to an online portfolio are required.

Personal statement: please communicate your experience in animation (if any), why this minor is interesting to you and how this minor will support your goals for learning and research.

Portfolio: the portfolio may contain still images (digital or hand drawn, not photo), storyboards, and moving images (can be motion graphics/animation). Once you complete the change of minor request form, you will receive a link to submit a portfolio through SlideRoom

Please take note of deadlines on  the application page , For questions, please email us at  [email protected] . Please note, admission into this minor is competitive. Consult with your academic advisor for degree progress questions before you apply.

The minor in sound design combines both technical and conceptual approaches to sound for video, film and stage. The focus is not on Music but rather on such practices as sound effects production including Foley, as well as field recording and voice over. The minor is a collaboration between the Department of Kinetic Imaging and the Department of Theatre and includes relevant elective options from majors across the School of the Arts.

A minor in sound design consists of 18 credits, nine of which must be at the 300-400 level:

• 3 credits THEA 333 Sound Technology
• 3 credits KINE 346 Survey of Sound Design
• 12 credits from the list of elective options

Any VCU student may apply to the minor in sound design and acceptance is based on the review of the VCU Change of Major or Minor Application and a personal statement (see below).

Personal statement After completion of the change of minor request , please email a brief statement (approximately 300 words) to [email protected], in which you articulate your interest in sound design, an instance of effective sound design from something you’ve seen (and heard) recently, any relevant experience in sound design and how the minor might apply to your primary field of study.

Audition/interview

Once your application has been submitted, audition recordings must be submitted in the VCUarts SlideRoom website . Instrument-specific requirements can be found on the Department of Music website . Applicants will receive a link to SlideRoom after submitting the change of major request . Once audition videos have been submitted, the music department will contact the applicant to schedule an interview.

The music minor consists of 18 credits distributed among the areas of music history and theory, ensemble performance, private lessons and music electives. All students must provide their own instruments (with the exception of piano). All students must be able to read music. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be considered for a minor in Music.

Voice minor Applicants are required to audition. You must play a short passage—at sight—on the piano and sing the same passage a capella. After completion of the change of minor application, students interested in minoring in voice will be contacted via university email. The student will then be connected to a Voice faculty member to schedule an audition. Voice auditions are usually held a few days before the beginning of each semester and at the end of each semester.

Strings minor (Cello, Classical Double Bass, Viola, and Violin) Applicants are required to audition. Prepare one composition or movement from the standard repertoire for their instrument no more than 10 minutes in length. You will also be required to perform scales. After completion of the change of minor application, you will be contacted via university email. You will then be connected to a Strings faculty member to schedule an audition.

Piano minor After completion of the change of minor application, you will be contacted via university email. You will then be connected to a Piano faculty member to schedule an audition.

Other instruments minor You will be asked a few questions about your musical experience and abilities during this online application. Once approved for the minor, Christine Hoffman, Academic Advisor for the Department of Music, counsels every student about the selection of appropriate courses based on the student’s competence and interest. Students interested in minoring in music (instrumental) should contact Christine Hoffman via email ( [email protected] )

Once your change of major request has been submitted, please create a SlideRoom account ; answer all questions, including callback date selection; and upload your materials.

Options are:

• Friday, November 10, 12:30 – 5 pm (only callback date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, December 1, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 19, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 26, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 2, 12:30 – 5 pm

Callbacks take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts , located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your callback date.

At callbacks, Bachelor of Arts applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your resume to the interview.

Once your change of major request has been submitted (select “Theatre Foundation with concentration in Performance” as the major), please create a SlideRoom account ; answer all questions, including callback date selection; and upload your materials.

At Callbacks, applicants can expect to:

• Interview with faculty in their area of interest.
• Present their portfolio or appropriate audition pieces (details dependent on intended major).
• Tour theatre facilities.
• Talk with current students.
• All students participate in a group general info and Q+A session.
• Performers participate in group warm-ups.
• Parents are encouraged to attend, too. We continue with a parent Q+A session after applicants head off to auditions/interviews.

Callbacks take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your callback date.

At callbacks, Stage Management applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your prompt book to the interview.

In SlideRoom, submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

• Video can be up to 30 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

At callbacks, applicants can expect to:

Please fill out the change of minor form , and the theatre department will contact you with more information.

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• MD Medical School-Specific Discussions Prior Years

2023-2024 Virginia Commonwealth

• Thread starter wysdoc
• Start date Mar 21, 2023

Plain-spoken Texan

• Mar 21, 2023

tzuyu&yuqi

Full member.

• May 3, 2023
• Jun 12, 2023

Jacob38383827 said: I checked their website and it said that these classes are still strongly recommended, not required Click to expand...

• Jun 16, 2023

Also an incoming MS1 here too. OOS, ORM, mid-stats applicant. Was waitlisted for 6+ months since my interview. Would be happy to help out and answer any questions you might have about applying here. Feel free to shoot me a DM!  

• Jun 20, 2023

lordparamounttargaryen said: Also an incoming MS1 here too. OOS, ORM, mid-stats applicant. Was waitlisted for 6+ months since my interview. Would be happy to help out and answer any questions you might have about applying here. Feel free to shoot me a DM! Click to expand...

deltacarotene

• Jul 1, 2023

Just received email notifying receipt of my primary app.  

deltacarotene said: Just received email notifying receipt of my primary app. Click to expand...

• Jul 3, 2023

OOS Secondary Received  

Premed@ForestParkForever

bob22! said: OOS Secondary Received Click to expand...

VCU Supplemental Essays: 1. You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? (Comments are limited to 2000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged) 2. How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past? (2000 character limit) 3. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application. 4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. 5. If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?  

madamemichaelscott

If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now? Click to expand...

bob22! said: VCU Supplemental Essays: 1. You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? (Comments are limited to 2000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged) 2. How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past? (2000 character limit) 3. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application. 4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. 5. If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now? Click to expand...

Premed@ForestParkForever said: Thanks! for questions 3-5 are they also 2000 character limit? Click to expand...

madamemichaelscott said: My gap year position is in my primary application's work and activities section. Do I write about it again here but in a different angle? Or do I not write about it here since it specifically says "if not addressed in your application"? Click to expand...

• Jul 4, 2023

Do they send secondaries out at different times if you are a reapplicant? I received the email notifying they received my app but no secondary yet.  

medicallyfragile

pinkeyeshadow said: Do they send secondaries out at different times if you are a reapplicant? I received the email notifying they received my app but no secondary yet. Click to expand...

demetriusclair

OOS, submitted first day you could and haven't even received confirmation that they got my app yet.  

• Jul 5, 2023

IS secondary received 0824 this morning  

SmokeyBear_is_my_dad

+1 IS recieved at 8 am  

sweetpotatofever

+1 OOS at 9AM. VCU screens its applicants, which could explain a slower secondary rollout.  

Research on the topic is encouraged Click to expand...

ayoooooosauce

wysdoc said: 4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. Click to expand...

madamemichaelscott said: Did you all interpret this as research on the COVID-19 vaccine to provide to the neighbor or research on how to respond to this dilemma with someone ambivalent about getting the vaccine? Click to expand...

ayoooooosauce said: For this- is it advised to write about one B I received? Or is that drawing attention to something that is not needed to be highlighted Click to expand...

wysdoc said: I think they mean if you haven't read much about the pros and cons of COVID-19 vaccination in 3 yo children, you should do that before writing your answer to this question. (If you haven't read about this, where have you been for the last 3 years????) And yes, a component of the question is, as a non-doctor, should you advise your neighbor? Click to expand...

SultanateIV

What is this asking? "Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application." Is it asking for gaps during my undergrad, or like also gap years after?  

+1 OOS received  

RandomOtter

This might be a silly question but for question 1, I am doing some research to answer the question in an informed way. Should I be adding citations if I am using news sources?  

IS received 0930 this morning!  

lumalee said: IS received 0930 this morning! Click to expand...

pinkhairchic

+1 OOS  

Anyone receive for MSTP?  

StressedStudent71232

Sunrizon said: Anyone receive for MSTP? Click to expand...

amoxicillin_resistant

Ii_manifestation.

For prereqs, VCU mentions wanting upper div science courses but there is nowhere to assign them. Should they be added to the biology section or is this not necessary?  

chuckwalla1

bootstraps said: For prereqs, VCU mentions wanting upper div science courses but there is nowhere to assign them. Should they be added to the biology section or is this not necessary? Click to expand...

chuckwalla1 said: Similarly, I do not see a section for the psychology and sociology courses that they mention as prereqs. Where should those courses be assigned? Click to expand...

• Jul 6, 2023

SultanateIV said: What is this asking? "Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application." Is it asking for gaps during my undergrad, or like also gap years after? Click to expand...

RandomOtter said: This might be a silly question but for question 1, I am doing some research to answer the question in an informed way. Should I be adding citations if I am using news sources? Click to expand...

GhasanKanafani

For reapplicants, how did yall state your "additional qualifications"? 150 characters doesn't give a lot of room to talk, so I was thinking about doing a list format.  

okay so for the first question, I'm interpreting it as "how would you go about having this conversation with your neighbor" and saying that I would validate her concerns, be respectful the whole time point her towards peer-reviewed journals saying vaccines are good blah blah blah. I'm not talking about specific evidence I would bring up in favor of vaccines. Is this what other people are doing?  

MD/PhD​

celestia0313

griffinfly said: okay so for the first question, I'm interpreting it as "how would you go about having this conversation with your neighbor" and saying that I would validate her concerns, be respectful the whole time point her towards peer-reviewed journals saying vaccines are good blah blah blah. I'm not talking about specific evidence I would bring up in favor of vaccines. Is this what other people are doing? Click to expand...

celestia0313 said: yeah I'm getting the sense from the question that they want us to be pro-vaccine in 3 year olds so I feel like that's how most people are gonna answer it? idk could be wrong though Click to expand...

albb28 said: I think it's kind of getting at the idea that we should recognize we aren't able to give any medical advice. I'm answering it like a CASPER prompt honestly and trying to give an opinion while also encouraging them to seek medical professionals to have this discussion with rather than me. Click to expand...

Are you guys using question 2 as an adversity essay?  

• Jul 8, 2023

Anyone know where to assign psychology and sociology?  

megaknight said: Are you guys adding all of your courses in or just enough to meet their pre-req requirement? I always get confused with this Click to expand...

Similar threads

• Mar 17, 2023

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June 17, 2024

VCU to offer undergraduate degree in supply chain management beginning in fall 2024

The bachelor of science program – the first at a public university in virginia – aims to address a talent shortage that impacts state and national economies., share this story.

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By Leila Ugincius

Virginia Commonwealth University will begin offering a Bachelor of Science degree in supply chain management this fall, making it the first public university in Virginia to offer this program to undergraduate students.

The new degree program addresses a talent crisis, marked by a shortage of qualified supply chain professionals, that adversely impacts state and national economies.

“The need for a B.S. in supply chain management degree program is evident in the evolving landscape of global commerce and logistics,” said Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at VCU. “As businesses increasingly rely on efficient supply chain operations, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals with specialized knowledge in supply chain management.”

In recent years, supply chain issues have led to disruptions in sectors from electronics manufacturing to food production and distribution. Problems with the supply chain have led to an increase in inflation and a decrease in customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“Given the rising frequency and impact of disruptions, a dedicated program is essential to train a workforce capable of ensuring resilience and sustainability in the supply chain,” Sotiropoulos said.

Offered by the VCU  School of Business , the new degree will equip undergraduate students with the foundational principles for making operational decisions in an organization's supply chain, coupled with training in commonly employed quantitative methodologies to inform those decisions. Coursework will provide students with skills and knowledge in areas such as sourcing, logistics and distribution, sustainability, process management, quality management, forecasting and inventory management.

In Virginia, the shortage of qualified supply chain management professionals is partially attributable to the absence of a B.S. degree in the discipline at a public university.

VCU currently offers a  master’s degree program  and a  graduate certificate program  in supply chain management, as well as an  undergraduate business degree  with a concentration in the discipline. By becoming the first public university in the state to offer a B.S. in supply chain management for undergraduates, VCU is establishing itself as a leader in producing trained professionals ready to address industry needs locally and nationally while supporting Virginia’s goal of retaining in-state talent.

Strong job growth and student interest in supply chain management careers led to the new degree program, said  Brian P. Brown , Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Business.

“The new degree will give our students an edge in the job market,” he said. “We're offering more targeted courses, a distinct credential and the opportunity to specialize in high-demand areas. Plus, our curriculum calls attention to the global nature of supply chains and collaboration with other disciplines.”

Supply chains are an increasingly complex web of interorganizational connections and data exchanges, said  Brett Massimino , Ph.D., chair of the  Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics  in the School of Business.

“Graduates will need to be able to quickly make data-based managerial decisions in a rapidly changing environment,” he said. “Prospective students should have an interest in data analysis, business operations, interorganizational trade and the production/delivery of goods and services.”

Massimino added that more specialized interests may include sustainability, product/process innovation, international trade and intermodal transportation.

“Students should be able to apply critical thinking skills to complex and open-ended problems, codify their ideas into work specifications that are easy to digest and transfer across locations and organizations, and manage projects with an attention to detail,” he said.

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VCU School of Medicine Highlights the Promise and Limitations of Affirmative Action Prohibition

• By Do No Harm Staff
• June 21, 2024
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Should medical school be reserved for the best and brightest or those who check arbitrary diversity checkmarks?

Last summer, the Supreme Court went a long way in clarifying the answer in ruling that race-conscious college admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The explicit racial favoritism that occurred in medical schools through affirmative action is ( or at least ought to be ) relegated to the dustbin of history. Unfortunately, the Court’s decision doesn’t mean that competence, excellence, and merit win outright. Admissions guidelines obtained by Do No Harm from the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine reveal that the school continues to reward “diversity.” Specifically, applicants receive additional points if they “would add something unique to the class (e.g., cultural background, life experience, artistic talent).”

The VCU guidelines offer no justification as to why the school values things like cultural background, rural habitation, or artistic talent, none of which predict clinical success.

As a practical matter, there is simply no reason that these types of traits should factor into admissions decisions. As a legal matter, awarding points for “cultural background” is likely a smokescreen for an attempt to reward candidates from racial groups “underrepresented in medicine.” In a notable exchange in the Supreme Court, a lawyer representing Students for Fair Admissions opined that it would be acceptable for colleges to reward students who write essays about dealing with cultural differences. In response, an incredulous Justice Kagan (who voted to uphold affirmative action) quipped: “ The race is part of the culture and the culture is part of the race, isn’t it? I mean, that’s slicing the baloney awfully thin .”

Kagan isn’t necessarily correct to conflate race and culture. They are in fact distinct concepts, and it’s possible that VCU—for dubious reasons—aspires to reward applicants who, for example, were raised by cowboys in Texas or monks in the Himalayas.

However, it is clear that many across the healthcare establishment are searching for workarounds to the Court’s ruling against race conscious admissions, just as it is clear that VCU maintains a firm commitment to the DEI agenda. Against this backdrop, vigilance is needed to ensure that VCU sees matters differently from Justice Kagan and that race and culture are in fact treated as distinct concepts. Or, sensibly, the school could scrap the “diversity” component of their admissions process altogether in recognizing that it doesn’t predict physician quality but crowds out aptitude, work ethic and other traits that truly matter.

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Admissions , Full-Time MBA

13 June 2024

Essays and Deadlines Announced for 2024-25 Full-Time MBA Application

T he University of Virginia Darden School of Business is thrilled to announce the essays and deadlines for the 2024-25 Full-Time MBA application. While the full application is not yet available, we share these aspects early to give you the most time possible to prepare your submission.

Our admissions committee looks forward to reading your essays and the wonderful opportunity to learn more about you! We also look forward to interacting with you in the weeks and months ahead at one of our many virtual, on-grounds and off-grounds events. Additionally, we will be providing application tip webinars for each deadline to provide more guidance and encouraging tips as you navigate your applications. - Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply during whichever round they can deliver the strongest application.   

• Early Action: Thursday, 5 September 2024  
• Round 1: Wednesday, 2 October 2024  
• Round 2: Tuesday, 7 January 2025  
• Round 3: Wednesday, 2 April 2025  

SHORT ANSWER ESSAY PROMPTS

The Admissions Team is excited to launch the 2024-25 application process with the release of our short answer questions and application deadlines. Our short answer essay questions are an opportunity for you to share various facets of your background and aspirations.

Community of Belonging   

What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)  

Inclusive Impact 

Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)  

Careers with Purpose 

At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission , and how does it align with the the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

VISIT CHARLOTTESVILLE

The best way to get to know Darden’s Full-Time MBA program is to visit us in Charlottesville! We have a full schedule of upcoming tours and coffee chats, where members of Darden Admissions will be happy to answer your application questions. View the event calendar here .  

We cannot wait to see the Class of 2027 take shape!  

Application Updates

The discover darden blog is the best way to receive future application news, related posts.

30 May 2024

Admissions , ExecMBA Application Tips , Executive MBA , Part-Time MBA

15 May 2024

Academics , Career , Darden Community , Full-Time MBA

10 May 2024

Admissions , Part-Time MBA

Academics , Admissions , Darden Community , Diversity, Equity and Inclusion , Executive MBA , Executive Student Profile