Freshman Applicants: Dance & Choreography

For Fall Semesters:

November 1: For Scholarship Consideration (this is non-binding)

January 15: Regular Freshman Admission

For Spring Semesters:

November 1

VCUarts continues to review applications until all spots are filled. Freshman applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline will receive a decision by April 1st.Back to top

Freshman applicants must apply using the Common Application.

Applicants may only submit one application to ONE major. Admitted students can request additional major/minor(s) during their first semester.

Applications will only be reviewed after ALL components have been received, including transcripts, test scores, and supplemental materials.

Include your Social Security number on your application if you wish to be considered for financial aid or the Hope Scholarship/Lifetime learning tax credit.

Please note: While VCU does not require your Social Security number for admission consideration, it is necessary for applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid and the Hope Scholarship/Lifetime Learning tax credit to provide a Social Security number to the university. To protect your privacy, your Social Security number will not be used as your VCU student identification number.Back to top

Request that your high school guidance counselor sends your official transcripts to VCU. Transcripts may be submitted electronically via the Common App or Naviance, or sent in the mail. If sending a hard copy in the mail, please request that your school counselor send your transcript, including:

• Senior-year courses and first-term grades, if available
• Class rank, if available
• High school profile

All foreign transcripts must be official and submitted in the original language. If the original language is not English, an official translation must be submitted along with the transcript.

Transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes signed across the seal by official high school, university or college registrars.

Transcripts should be sent to:

Office of Admissions
PO Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526Back to top

VCU requires freshman applicants younger than 22 years of age to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application to the university. It is recommended that you have your test scores sent to VCU electronically.

Applicants whose native language is one other than English must submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in addition to any other required test scores.

Score Optional Review

Freshman applicants with a minimum high school GPA of 3.3 may request that their application be reviewed without submitting standardized test scores (ACT/SAT). To be considered for admission to the university without submitting test scores, indicate that option on the “questions” section of Common Application. Questions about the test optional review can be directed to ugtestopt@vcu.edu. Please note the following exceptions:

Exceptions to Score Optional Review

Freshman applicants who wish to be considered for VCU’s merit-based scholarships (the Presidential, Provost and Deans scholarships) must submit SAT or ACT scores and cannot request the score optional review. The VCU Honors College also requires that all applicants submit SAT or ACT test scores and may not request to be reviewed without submitting these scores.

Admission to VCU remains a competitive process, and all candidates for admission will be considered on their own merits. Qualifying for application review without submitting standardized test scores does not guarantee admission to VCU.

Request your SAT scores from CollegeBoard (school code: 5570): sat.collegeboard.com

Request your scores from ACT (school code: 4379): actstudent.org/scores/send/Back to top

Once your application has been submitted, applicants will receive an email with information on submitting video auditions. Applicants will select a virtual interview date at that time as well.

Dance applicants are required to audition for the Department of Dance faculty. The auditionee will submit a video file (the shorter the better) using a particular music file provided by VCU Dance. Applicants will also receive a written prompt for an improvisation/movement study that should be added at the end of the video. Email Dance@vcu.edu to request the prompt.

Virtual Interview Dates

• Friday, November 13th, 2020 (1-3pm) – All Spring Applicants must select this date; Optional Class 9-11am)
• Friday, January 29th, 2021 (1-3pm) ; Optional Class 9-11am)
• Friday, February 26th, 2021 (1-3pm) ; Optional Class 9-11am)

If you do not receive a confirmation email please reach out to the department by calling 804-828-1711.

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 leotard or fitted top, leggings, and appropriate supportive undergarments. No socks. No dangling jewelry. Hair secured away from the face. Please bring either ballet or jazz shoes. The modern center and improvisation are barefoot.

Final decision letters will be mailed to all students after their application materials and audition are reviewed.Back to top

If you feel it is necessary, you may submit up to two letters of recommendation. Your additional recommenders should mail their letters to:

VCU Office of Admissions
PO Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526Back to top