Application Steps
Fall Applications
Presidential, Provost, and Deans’ Scholarship consideration (non-binding): November 1
Deadline to submit the Common Application for consideration for the University’s Presidential, Provost, and Deans scholarships
Regular Applications
VCU is still accepting the 2021 Common Application from first-time freshman applicants. While the recommended deadline for applying to undergraduate programs was Jan. 15, 2021, new applications received for fall 2021 will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a space-available basis. If you have any questions about applying to VCUarts, please contact our office at (804)VCU-ARTS, arts@vcu.edu, or schedule a virtual meeting with an admissions counselor here.
Applications to this program are accepted for fall semesters only.
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.
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 23284-2526
Test scores not required for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 application review and scholarship consideration
Please note: For Spring 2021 and Fall 2021, because of the lack of standardized examinations being offered due to the public health concerns related to COVID-19, VCU will review all applications for admissions and scholarship consideration without standardized test scores.
Please consult the VCU Freshmen Application requirements here.
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.
Please note the following exceptions:
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.
As always, the university will select applicants who present the strongest qualifications in scholastic achievement and potential, and through a holistic review of other evidence of potential including the strength of character. Each applicant will continue to be reviewed on an individual basis.
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 (Freshman Applicants – Cinema).
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).