By Katherine Beck, admissions counselor
View Katherine's bio >>

All of the counselors in VCU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions say it seems that it was just yesterday when we were out at college fairs and visiting high schools talking with students like you about all the exciting opportunities we have here at VCU. Then we talked about a far-off deadline for applying to VCU for fall 2010. It's amazing how time flies, because now, that deadline is here!

As you can imagine, things have certainly been busy around here! The phones are ringing and our e-mail inbox stays filled with messages from students wanting to make sure that we've received their applications and they've met the recommended January 15 deadline.

All of us remember applying to college and we understand the anxiety that goes along with that process -- from making sure that all your required application materials got where they needed to go, to "when will I hear?"

We completely understand that you want to be certain you've done your part, and that you want to check on your application. That's why we think it's important for all of you to know how you can find out the status of your application and materials.

Students who applied electronically are able to check their status online in three easy steps:

1. Go to the following Web site: https://ssb.vcu.edu/proddad/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage.

2. Choose the "Apply for Admission" link and log in using the same Login ID and PIN you created to apply.

3. Check the status of your application materials (we do not provide admissions decisions online).

It's important for all of you to recognize that our office receives thousands and thousands of pieces of mail. Think about it this way -- last year over 21,000 students applied to VCU for fall 2009, and most of them submitted additional required documents and materials, just like you are this year. That's a whole lot of mail for our office to process, and while we move as quickly as we can, we want to be sure we're as accurate as possible and it sometimes can take up to several weeks to match all of a student's information to his or her application. So, if you check your application status and see that we haven't received everything yet, don't panic!

Keep this in mind: As long as everything is postmarked by the recommended Jan.15 deadline, you are still guaranteed an admissions decision in writing via the U.S. postal mail by April 1.

If you applied using a paper application, you can still check your status. Just call our office at (804) 828-1222 or toll-free at (800) 841-3638 and ask to speak with an admissions counselor who will be happy to check your information for you. You can also e-mail us ugrad@vcu.edu with your full name and date of birth to have your application status checked.

We hope this information is helpful and relieves some stress for all of you! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact our office.

And, don't forget to breathe!

By Katherine Beck, admissions counselor
View Katherine's bio >>

Can you believe a whole semester has passed? Here in Undergraduate Admissions we have certainly been busy and are now welcoming a chance to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year - winter break! Beginning Friday, December 18, 2009, our offices will be closed to the public and we'll reopen on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Keep in mind that our application deadline for Fall 2010 is January 15. While we hope that you relax and regroup over winter break, we encourage you to continue working on your application. How nice would it be to complete your application and start the new year with a clean slate? Think of all of the stress you'll avoid by not waiting until the last minute, and the peace of mind you'll have knowing that your information is complete. It definitely sounds like a good idea to us!

Another smart idea? Completing your application electronically! It's easy to access and complete our online application. Not to mention, it's more cost effective for you and allows you to check the status of your application at your own convenience (but keep in mind we don't give admissions decisions online). This way, you can double check that we've received all of the required material and documentation, like your official high school transcripts and test scores. Our application can be found at www.ugrad.vcu.edu/apply. Just remember to jot down your username and password so you can log back in.

We wish you the happiest holiday season! See you in the New Year!

By Christal Holmes, admissions counselor for marketing and recruitment
View Christal's bio »

 

We're glad that you're interested in VCU and hope that you're planning to apply soon.  The VCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions strongly encourages all students to apply using our online application.  Students who apply electronically will be able to check their application status online to be sure we have received all required materials (admissions decisions are not provided online).   

 

The application to VCU is fairly straight-forward.  The first few pages of the application ask general personal questions about you, the student, such as: what high school or college you attend; the types of classes that you're currently taking; extracurricular activities, job experiences, and volunteer opportunities; and your intended area of study. 

 

There is a section for a personal statement that simply asks why you are interested in attending VCU.  We encourage students to use this space not only to tell us about their educational goals and future aspirations, but to share with us any additional information that they may not have been able to share in the rest of the application. 

 

For prospective freshmen and transfers, there's also a section for essays.  It's not required that you submit the essay unless you wish to be considered for the merit-based scholarships issued through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or if you are applying for admission into the Film (Cinema) program in the School of the Arts. 

 

Required Application Materials

 

Freshman applicants:  In addition to the application, you'll also need to provide us with an official high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores.  If you are dual enrolled in another college, please submit an official copy of your college transcripts for review.

 

Transfer applicants:  In addition to the application, you'll need to provide us with an official college transcript.  If you have less than 30 college credits, we'll also need an official high school transcript.  Transfer students with fewer than 30 credits, and who are also under the age of 22, should submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration.  Priority application review will be given to applicants who have completed at least 30 credits at their former institution. 

 

Application Deadlines

 

The application deadline for freshmen for the fall is January 15.  If you wish to be considered for the merit-based scholarships, your application should be in by December 1.  Students applying by January 15 will be notified of a decision via U. S. mail by April 1.

 

Freshmen and transfer students applying for admission for the spring 2010 semester have a deadline date of November 1.  These applicants will be notified of a decision via U. S. mail.

 

School of the Arts Applicants

 

For all applicants to the School of the Arts, please keep in mind that in addition to the application, official transcripts, and test scores (if applicable), you will also need to submit supplemental materials in order to complete your application.  For more information about program requirements and deadlines, contact the School of the Arts toll free at (866) 534-3201 or locally at (804) 828-2787, or online. 

 

Tips on Making the Process Smoother 

• Be sure to use the same name, address, and date of birth on your application and all supplemental materials that you submit to our office.  It can be challenging for us to match applications with transcripts or test scores that have a nickname instead of your legal name.
• Please determine the e-mail address that you will use for VCU correspondence and be sure that this e-mail address stays active for at least one year from the date that you apply to the university as we will communication with you via e-mail throughout the application process.
• 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 Hope Scholarship/Lifetime Learning 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. 

Questions About Applying

 

Although the application process can sometimes feel overwhelming, we hope that you contact us should you have questions about the process.  Once again, we're always here to help you through applying to VCU!  You can reach the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (804) 828-1222 or toll-free at (800) 841-3638 and ask to speak with one of our admissions counselors.  You may also e-mail your questions to us at ugrad@vcu.edu.  Our counseling staff is also available to meet with prospective students in person to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and on Saturday's from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Welcome Center (except for holidays and holiday weekends).  No appointments are necessary to meet with a counselor.

 

We hope you'll consider taking the next step toward becoming a VCU Ram!

By Christal Holmes, admissions counselor for marketing and recruitment
View Christal's bio »

 

The Honors College is comprised of approximately 1,200 students in the university and represents virtually every major on the campus.  The Honors College is made up of an intellectually diverse group of students and allows them to explore and develop their talents, engage in discussions with VCU faculty, and participate in classes of 20 or fewer. 

 

In addition to the academic benefits, students admitted into The Honors College have access to honors advisors, an honors residence hall, honors-only scholarships, and early course registration. 

 

Honors College Application Requirements

 

To be considered for admission into The Honors College, incoming freshmen must complete the undergraduate application and be admitted to the university as well as meet the following requirements:

 

• Have either a combined SAT 1 score of a minimum of 1910, obtained in one sitting with no score below 530, or an ACT composite score of 29.
• Have a 3.5 or higher unweighted high school GPA on a 4-point scale.
• Submission of the Honors College application.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation.
• Submission of a personal education paper.

Applications to The Honors College from incoming freshmen are accepted from September through April 30 of the applicant's senior year in high school.  Applications received after midnight Eastern Standard Time on April 30 will not be considered.

 

More information about the application process and requirements to The Honors College can be found on their Prospective Student Web site.

 

Guaranteed Admissions Application Requirements

 

Students interested in being considered for guaranteed admission into VCU's highly selective graduate and professional level programs, including the School of Medicine must meet the following requirements:

 

• Be accepted by the university.
• Be accepted by the Honors College.
• Submit the application for guaranteed admission
• Be accepted by the Selection Committee of the professional or graduate Guaranteed Admission Program you wish to enter.

Completed applications for the Guaranteed Admission Program (Medicine) must be submitted and recommendations must be postmarked by November 15, 2009.  Completed applications for the Guaranteed Admission Program (Health Sciences), must be submitted and recommendations must be postmarked by January 15, 2010.

 

Specific information about the Guaranteed Admission Program and application process can be found on the Web.  Should you have additional questions in regards to applying to The Honors College or Guaranteed Admission Program, The Honors College may be reached by phone at (804) 828-1803 or by e-mail at honors@vcu.edu.

By Christal Holmes, admissions counselor for marketing and recruitment
View Christal's bio »

 

Fall is here again and our counselors are looking forward to hitting the road and meeting you in your high school or at your local college fairs. Your guidance or career counselor should be able to tell you when we will be at your school.  We also post our travel schedules on the Web. This year, you can find the following VCU counseling staff on the road:

 

Anthony Sherwood - Tidewater/Virginia Beach

Liz Fishman - Central Virginia and Henrico

Christal Holmes - Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico

Elmer Campos - Southeast Virginia, Northern Virginia, D.C., and Prince George County, MD 

Jahnissi Tirado - Maryland and D.C.

Katherine Beck - Northern Virginia

Ryan Hannifin - Southside Virginia and Shenandoah

Artis Gordon - Virginia Community College System

Vishon Luck - selected Richmond and D.C. schools

Rodney Hall - Hanover County, VA

Marge Barbaro - New York

Beth Tartaglia - Philadelphia, PA

 

To get more information about the representative for your area, view our counselor profiles.

 

If you ask each of us to list things that we love about our job, somewhere on that list you will always hear us say that we love meeting you, the students.  We hope that you come out to meet with us when we are in your area.  When you see us, please feel free to ask any questions that you may have about VCU, the application process and living in Richmond.  We are all here to help you through this process and answer any questions that you or your family may have.  We look forward to meeting you in the upcoming weeks!

By Christal Holmes, admissions counselor for marketing and recruitment
View Christal's bio »

First, congratulations on reaching your senior year! Although you've made it this far, you can't start to slow down now and end up with a case of "senioritis." 

Your senior year is one of the most important of your high school career. Contrary to popular belief, colleges do look at grades from your senior year and will use them to help determine whether or not you will be admitted into their school. If your grades take a significant drop during the second semester of your senior year, your admission could be withdrawn.

In addition to maintaining your academic performance and staying involved in extracurricular activities, you also will be applying for college, financial aid and scholarships; taking the SAT or ACT; and graduating!

To help you prepare for this whirlwind, we've outlined month-by-month tips for you to follow throughout your senior year.

September

• Check your course load to make sure you will have enough credits to graduate.
• Revise and update your college list based on information from college visits.
• Make a detailed list of test dates, fees and registration deadlines.
• Make a detailed list of college application deadline dates, special requirements and fees.

October

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT if you haven't done so already.
• Request recommendations from teachers and counselors, providing them with recommendation forms and stamped envelopes addressed to the admissions office.
• Apply for outside funding and scholarships.
• Mail early decision applications.

November

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT again if necessary.

December

• Try to complete and mail applications before leaving for winter break.
• Schedule interviews if required.
• Contact colleges to obtain any financial aid applications that they require in addition to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

January

• Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1.
• Ask your high school to send your mid-year grades to your colleges.
• Verify that your colleges have received all of your application materials.

March

• Send your Student Aid Report (SAR) to your chosen colleges.
• Watch the mail for admission acceptance letters.
• Review financial aid award packages.

April

• Visit top schools again if possible.
• Finalize your decision. Most colleges would like a reply by May 1.
• Notify your chosen college of your decision and send a deposit to hold your space.

May through July

• Graduate!
• Activate your college e-mail account.
• Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your chosen college.
• Sign up to attend your college's orientation.
• Sign up for housing if you wish to live on campus.
• Start a list of items to bring to college.