Freshman

Admissions

Successful freshman applicants should be academically strong students overall with a very solid background in mathematics and the sciences. The VCU College of Engineering looks for consistent performance in advanced high school or college-level classes, as that is a reliable indicator of the ability to manage time and the course work required for success in this rigorous program.

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Applicants

Top 10 percent guaranteed admission to VCU Engineering

The College of Engineering guarantees admission for all graduating high school seniors who rank in the top 10 percent of their classes.

Criteria for freshmen applicants

• Four units of college-prep mathematics, including at least one full credit beyond algebra II (Credit in pre-calculus/calculus is desirable but not required.)

• Chemistry, physics and biology (Advanced-level science courses, such as honors, AP, IB, etc., are beneficial.)

• Four units of English

• Three units of history or social sciences and government

Optional for Fall 2021 freshmen applicants

• SAT I using mathematics and critical reading sub-scores (for a 1600 total maximum score) or the ACT composite score

GPA and standardized test scores for previous years

• 2019 Admitted students GPA
  • 25th percentile: 3.66
  • Median: 3.98
  • 75th percentile: 4.24
  • Average: 3.95
• 2019 Admitted students SAT (ACT equivalent)
  • 25th percentile: 1190 (24)
  • Median: 1290 (27)
  • 75th percentile: 1400 (31)
  • Average: 1288 (27)

Supplemental materials

The College of Engineering will receive all essays or recommendations sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please do not send additional materials to the college unless specifically requested.

High school credits

If you are entering as a freshman and have AP, IB or dual enrollment credits with appropriate grades, those credits will be applied toward your degree requirements within the College of Engineering. An examination report or official college transcript is required before the credit is transferred. We strongly encourage you to take the final examinations in AP or IB courses because credit cannot be granted without an examination result.

View specific AP and IB equivalencies