Application Steps
April 1 — Deadline to submit the online application to VCU
April 15 — Deadline for essay submission
VCUarts continues to review applications until all spots are filled. Transfer applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline for the Fall semester will receive a decision by June 1st.
Applications to this program are accepted for fall semesters only.
Please ensure it stays active for at least one year, as we will use it to communicate with you throughout the application process. Use the same email address for all VCU business. Check your email frequently for updates on the status of your application.
Applicants must use VCU’s online application for admission found here: vcu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer/
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 portfolio.
Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each accredited college or university attended, including summer schools. If fewer than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours have been completed, applicants must also submit high school transcripts.
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 23284-2526
VCU requires transfer applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application to the university, unless they meet one of the following criteria:
- If you are at least 22 years old, you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores.
- If you have completed 30 college level credits at the time of application, you do not need to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
Only official scores will be accepted. Electronic scores from the CollegeBoard or ACT are preferred.
Request your SAT scores from CollegeBoard (school code: 5570): sat.collegeboard.com
Request your scores from ACT (school code: 4379): actstudent.org/scores/send/
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 SlideRoom 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 through the VCUarts SlideRoom website.
International Applicants
Be sure to review additional requirements on the Global Education Office website.
Check your application status
Be sure to login to the VCU applicant portal periodically to monitor your application checklist and status.
If you have any questions about your application checklist or status, please contact our office at arts@vcu.edu or 804-VCU-ARTS (804-828-2787).