So, you’re thinking about applying to Virginia Commonwealth University (better known as “VCU”), and you’re curious about your chances of admission. There are a lot of factors in the admissions process. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores.

With an acceptance rate of 81%, admission to VCU is mildly competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to be at the very top of your class and have an SAT score of close to 1200, or an ACT score of around 24.

Not quite there? Try taking our SAT prep course and you’ll still have a chance of getting in, but it’s in the single digits. Let’s take a closer look at VCU admission statistics.

VCU 2019 Admissions Statistics: Class of 2023

• VCU’s acceptance rate in 2019 was 81%
• For the class of 2023, out of 15,629 applicants, VCU admitted 12,683
• The average GPA of admitted applicants was 3.64
• The average ACT score was 24
• The average SAT score was 1180

For students who took the ACT, the 25th percentile score of successful applicants was 21, and the 75th percentile score was 27.

For students who took the SAT, the 25th percentile score was 1070. The 75th percentile score was 1280.

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If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements. Still, at the 25th percentile, your chances of getting in are in the low single digits.

Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

Even if VCU is your dream school, and even if you’re in the 75th percentile, you’ll still want to make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools to ensure you’ll gain admission somewhere.

Generally, you should have:

• Three safety schools (where you are in the 75th percentile of GPA/test scores)
• Three reach schools (where you are in the 25th percentile of GPA/test scores)
• Three target schools (where you are near the average for GPA/test scores)

OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at VCU’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.

VCU 2020 Application Requirements: Class of 2023

Here’s a full list of application requirements:

• Fill out the Common Application
• Submit an ACT score or SAT score
• Pay the $65 application fee
• Submit your high school transcript
• Submit a letter of recommendation

Here are the deadlines that you should be aware of:

• The application deadline is January 16th
• November 15th is the financial aid application deadline

Have you been admitted to VCU? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.

VCU 2019 Admitted Students Profile: Class of 2023

If you matriculate at VCU, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.

Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:

• Roughly 41% are male and 59% are female
• 3.3% of students are international

VCU has a diverse class, as well, with a large number of people of color. The ethnicities of admitted applicants are:

• International: 3.3%
• Underrepresented minority: 2.7%
• Two or more races: 6%
• White: 49%

What do these admitted students plan to study? VCU offers dozens of majors, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of the top programs:

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• Business
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Psychology

Now, how are you going to pay for this?

VCU Tuition Figures

At $48,866, VCU’s cost of attendance is astronomical.  Most incoming students receive some form of financial aid, and the average award is $7,476.

Here’s a fuller look at VCU tuition and financial aid in 2017:

• Total budget: $48,866
• Average financial aid package: $7,476
• The average student debt of a VCU graduate is $31,512

Now, what is life like at VCU? Let’s take a look.

VCU Location

VCU’s main campus is located in Richmond, Virginia.

The campus has an eclectic mix of historic and modern buildings, with over 40 of them built before 1900 and still in use today.

Remember, you’re going to VCU for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.

VCU Academics

VCU has dozens of majors. Some of the school’s more interesting majors are:

• Art History, Criticism and Conservation
• Bioinformatics
• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Dance
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Finance and Financial Management Services
• Graphic Design
• Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
• Illustration
• Mechanical Engineering
• Painting
• Psychology
• Sculpture
• Social Work
• Urban Studies
• Women’s Studies

Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at VCU.

Student Life at VCU

VCU has hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and political interests, and various media and publications.

Here’s a sampling of VCU’s student activities:

• O-Waste RVA
• 4NE1
• Black Ice Dance Crew
• Mock Trial
• Muevelo
• Arabhi
• National Society of Collegiate Scholars
• AIGA @VCU
• NextGen VCU
• Model United Nations
• The Bipartisan Patriots
• Alexandrian Society
• Ad Club at VCU
• Blank Canvas
• Chess Club at VCU
• Campus Curlz
• Children of a Better World

Are you an athlete? VCU’s got plenty of options for you.

VCU Athletics

VCU offers a large number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, as well as club, offerings, for both men and women. 

VCU’s sports include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross-Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Track & Field
• Tennis

Who might you become with a VCU degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:

Notable Alums

VCU has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.

Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:

• Author David Baldacci
• Medical researcher Saul Krugman
• 4chan founder Christopher Poole
• Author Tom Robbins
• Comedian Trevor Moore
• Professional golfer John Robbins
• Musician Sam Beam
• Raleigh mayor Nancy McFalane
• Comedian Jay Pharoah
• Artist Tara Donovan

And this is only a partial list!

Remember!

Getting into VCU is mildly competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no.

If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the more competitive schools. And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are.

If you need to boost your GPA or test scores before application time rolls around, you should consider signing up for a course with Prep Expert. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes, both in-person and online, at locations throughout the United States.

For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE class happening right now!