Admissions

Log in to the VCU Admitted Student Portal to check your admission status, V-number, start term, major, residency and any next steps. Don’t forget to review your checklist for required items (like final transcripts). Questions or need a fix? Contact the Office of Admissions.

🏡 Residency check:

Think your out-of-state status is wrong? Request a review by Aug. 1 (if starting classes in the fall) or Dec. 1 (spring) through your application processor. Extra docs may be needed.

💰 Financial aid tip:

If you’re applying for aid and didn’t list your social security number (SSN), securely upload Parts I & II of a W-9S or a photo of your Social Security card to our secure database. Make sure the information provided matches what you used on your FAFSA to avoid delays. (Don’t worry: Your SSN won’t be used as your student ID!)

📞 Questions? Call (800) 841-3638 or (804) 828-1222.

Note: SSNs can’t be taken over the phone.

Your eID is your key to everything VCU! Visit the identity claim page to activate your eID and set up your account, which authorizes the use of VCU’s electronic services. It lets you do things like:

• Accept your offer
• Log in to your VCU email account
• Register for classes
• Use the myVCU portal
• Use VCU’s Wi-Fi

Note: You must obtain your eID before you can make a reservation to attend Orientation, apply for housing or access your VCU email account.

Say yes to VCU and become a Ram! Complete your Offer of Admission Response form in the VCU Admitted Student Portal and submit your tuition deposit to confirm enrollment.

Response deadlines:

• Students starting in the fall: Respond by May 1 (if accepted by April 1), or within two weeks if accepted after April 1
• Students starting in the spring: Respond within two weeks of your acceptance

Pay your tuition deposit online

To pay your tuition deposit online, you will need your eID, password, and V-number. Follow these steps: 

1. Log in to eServices using your eID.
2. Click the "Applicants" tab at the top. 
3. Select “Pay tuition deposit” tile.
4. Click "Deposits" at the top of the screen on the purple banner. Follow prompts and enter the desired deposit amount.
   • All students accepted into VCU undergraduate programs, except those accepted into programs in the School of the Arts, must pay a $100 tuition deposit.
   • The tuition deposit for the School of the Arts is $300.
5. Submit your deposit to reserve your spot at VCU.

Important: Both your response form and tuition deposit must be received in order for your account to reflect that you have accepted the offer of admission. After your account is updated, it will take approximately 3 business days for you to be able to make an advising appointment.

Requesting a tuition deposit waiver

Under certain circumstances, including having applied for financial aid or being awarded a scholarship, accepted students may request to have their tuition deposit waived. Please visit your accepted student portal where you will find the Offer of Admission Response Form to request a tuition deposit waiver.

Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designating VCU (school code 003735) to determine your eligibility for financial aid. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now open and the priority deadline to file is Feb. 1, 2026. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the sooner VCU can consider you for financial aid to help support your education. If you miss the priority deadline, you should still apply because you may still be eligible for some types of assistance.

Virginians who are not eligible to file the FAFSA or who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status may file the Virginia Alternative State Aid Application (VASA) designating VCU (school code 003735) to determine your eligibility for state or institutional need-based aid (not federal financial aid). The VASA only allows one school code, if you completed the VASA with another code, email sfmc@vcu.edu.

Note for spring and summer admits: If you are admitted for the Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 semester, you must also complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA in order to be eligible for a financial aid package.

Continue to check your new VCU email account for award information, required documents to complete your file and additional information.

Have questions about financial aid?

Get in touch with a counselor from the Student Financial Management Center.

You’re officially a Ram now — time to live in that VCU inbox! 🐏💛

Your VCU email will now be where we send important updates. Check it daily to stay on top of your next steps.

Orientation is required for first-year students, transfer students and adult learners, international students and is encouraged for students who are returning to VCU after being away for more than two years. Think of it as your formal introduction to VCU. 

Registration opens:

• April 1 for fall admits
• In early November for spring admits

You must accept your Offer of Admission and pay your tuition deposit before registering. Family members and supporters may also attend Orientation in person for a fee.

Visit the Orientation website or email newrams@vcu.edu for details.

Apply for on-campus housing through Residential Life and Housing once the app opens! First, remember to submit your Offer of Admission Response form form and tuition deposit (give it 2–3 business days to process).

🎉 Don’t forget: You must register for Orientation in order to get your housing assignment.

📅 Housing assignments go out:

• Summer (for fall admits)
• Rolling basis (for spring admits)

Take Housing's virtual tour and start picturing your new home!

Housing application open dates:

• Students accepted for fall: April 7, 2026, at 4 p.m.
• Students accepted for spring: Mid October

For students who choose to live off campus, visit the Off-Campus Housing website to explore your options. If you have questions, please reach out to the Office of Student Advocacy.

VCU Dine has many on-campus dining options for transfer students including swipes, dining dollars, and Ram Bucks, all conveniently placed on your VCU card.

Apply for financial aid, scholarships and learn how to pay your bill:

• The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now open, with Feb. 1, 2026 as the priority deadline to file. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the sooner VCU can consider you for financial aid to help support your education. Virginians who are not eligible to file the FAFSA, or who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, may file the Virginia Alternative State Aid Application (VASA) by Feb. 1, 2026. If you miss the priority deadline, you should still apply because you may still be eligible for other types of assistance.
• Check your new VCU email account for award information, required documents to complete your file and additional information.
• Any scholarships or tuition assistance from outside of VCU should be sent to the Student Accounting Department or delivered in person to the Student Financial Management Center. Detailed instructions are provided here and you can explore additional VCU scholarship opportunities here. 
• If you plan to use military benefits to pay your bill, please connect with Military Student Services (MSS).
• Review VCU tuition & fees and all of your payment options, including our Installment Payment Plan. A helpful tool is our Financial Planning Worksheet which can assist you in determining if you will owe a “gap balance.” Please note that your final bill will not be available until after you register for classes.

Have questions about financial aid?

All admitted VCU students have an assigned financial counselor as part of their student success care team. For more information about making an appointment with your counselor, visit the Student Financial Management Center.

Review the following information to understand which placement tests you may be required to take as a transfer student. This chart will help you determine which tests are required for your major.

Math

You only need to take the math placement test if:

• You haven’t completed a math course in the last three years, or
• Your transferred math course is not equivalent to VCU’s MATH‑141 (Algebra with Applications).

Your test score determines where you start in the math sequence.

If you want to place one level higher, you can complete the appropriate ALEKS prep and learning module.

Chemistry

The chemistry placement test is required for any student planning to take CHEM 101 (General Chemistry I)—including students with AP Chemistry.

• A passing score lets you register for CHEM 101.
• If you don’t pass, you have two options:
1. Complete the ALEKS online unit by July 31 (fall) or Jan. 10 (spring), or
2. Take CHEM 100 (Introductory Chemistry) and earn a B or better.

After completing one of these, you can register for CHEM 101.

Foreign Language

If you want to continue a language you studied in high school, you must take the foreign language placement test.

• Only students with transfer credit in that language can automatically move to the next course.
• The test is in person, taken before or during Orientation.

Get your advisor in the know! Before you register for classes, take a few minutes to complete our quick survey, which will be open by April 15. You’ll confirm (or change!) your major, share any AP/IB/Dual Enrollment credits, and tell us about your course preferences.

Your advisor will use your answers to highlight your strengths and connect you with the right resources to help you thrive at VCU.

Survey open dates:
Students accepted for Fall: April 15 
Students accepted for Spring: November 1

Take the Transfer Advising and Registration Survey

🎓✨ Don’t forget your advising date!

📅 All first-year students must schedule a mandatory 30-minute advising appointment (virtual or in-person) in Navigate.

Students accepted for Fall:
Schedule your advising appointment beginning:  May 15

Students accepted for Spring:
Schedule your advising appointment beginning: Nov. 15

Make sure to complete your VCU Advising and Registration Survey before you schedule a "New Transfer Advising" appointment with your new academic advisor. For your convenience, this advising meeting can be held online, in-person or over the phone. During this appointment, you will confirm your transferred credits and be introduced to your Major Map and even set up your first follow-up appointment where you will make your full graduation plan.

To prepare for your advising appointment, please review any instructions or welcome information that you receive from your program of study, then:

• Review your transfer credits on DegreeWorks
• Take a look at your Major Map, which has links to a suggested plan of study
• Make a list of what classes you think you want to take
• See what courses are available on the Schedule of Classes
• Watch this video to learn how to register for classes at VCU
• Register for some or all of your classes
• Bring your proposed schedule and any questions to your advising appointment

Using these helpful guides, register yourself for classes in eServices as early as May 1 for fall and December 1 for spring. We encourage you to register for classes as early as possible for the best course days and times. 

Need help?

Advising offers 30-minute Zoom workshops to help you learn how to register for classes on eServices, view your degree requirements on DegreeWorks and more. You can find all the session dates and times on our Academic Advising website.

Incoming transfer students may also register for classes this summer upon request and approval. Please visit the Summer Studies website here for additional details and to access the registration form.

Make sure to write down any questions that you have after registering so that you can bring them to your academic advising appointment.

Send us your final transcripts to confirm your enrollment.

VCU Financial Aid will not be able to disburse any of your awarded funds until VCU has received your final transcripts. Request that your college registrar’s office send your final college transcripts to the VCU Office of Admissions as soon as possible before classes start.

Check the academic calendar to verify when classes start for the semester in which you’ll be enrolling. Students on the MCV campus should follow their departmental schedules.

Your college can send your transcripts in one of the following methods:

• Official transcripts can be submitted through a secured electronic system, such as Parchment Exchange or National Clearinghouse, directly to the VCU Office of Admissions.
• Via U.S. postal mail to:
  Virginia Commonwealth University
  Office of Admissions
  Box 842526
  Richmond, VA 23284

Please be sure your transcripts include final grades through the spring or fall term immediately prior to your enrollment.  If you are earning a degree, make sure it has been awarded before sending your final transcript.

Note: VCU reserves the right to revoke your admission acceptance if your final transcript indicates that you do not meet the criteria for acceptance.

You must upload your VCU Certificate of Immunization and supporting documentation to the Student Health Web Portal at least 30 days before starting classes (no later than Aug. 1 for fall or Jan. 15 for spring), or a registration hold will be placed on your account. Students enrolled in a health sciences program may have additional immunization requirements.

VCU issues billing statements electronically, and payment is due at the start of the semester, according to the billing schedule. Students will be notified at their VCU email address when their eStatement is available in eServices. For students starting in Fall, the first billing statement is sent the last week in July. For students starting in Spring, this bill is typically available in mid-December. To access the portal, students should select the “Make a Payment” tile under the Students - “Accounts” tab in eServices. 

VCU’s Installment Payment Plan offers a convenient method for planning and budgeting educational costs. The plan allows students to divide the cost of tuition, fees, and room and dining plans into four installment payments throughout the semester. IPP is only available in the fall and spring semesters. There is a one-time $25 administrative fee due with the first installment.

• Tuesday, Jan. 19 is the first day of class for the spring 2027 semester
• Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the first day of class for the fall 2026 semester

Health Sciences students must follow their departmental schedules.

Call Me By My Name is an initiative that allows VCU to recognize you by the name, gender and pronoun by which you identify.

Please also confirm that VCU has your most up-to-date emergency contact information, physical address, phone number and mailing address. Changes can be submitted via eServices.

Students have many options when choosing where to park on campus. VCU parking facilities offer parking passes by the semester and some facilities offer daily/hourly options. Think about how often you will be on campus and where your classes will be when considering your parking needs before buying a parking pass. Street parking is managed by the City of Richmond and is paid and time-limited in many places.

Every Ram is responsible for taking care of themselves and looking out for fellow Rams. Completing these required trainings will give you the resources you need to be a responsible member of our community and an effective bystander.

• Have You Herd? What New Rams Need to Know about Alcohol and Other Drugs at VCU helps you reflect on your drinking behaviors and encourages safe decision-making.
• Sexual Assault Prevention helps you understand the forms and definitions of violence, identify helpful resources, and learn ways to intervene to prevent violence.
• Active shooter training helps you understand what to do in an emergency situation.

These modules will be available in early August. You must complete all of these training modules by Sept. 8! These trainings are required for students taking classes both in-person and online.

Access the trainings and learn more about required trainings for new students.

VCU is committed to providing equal access for all students. Students seeking accommodation or disability-related support for programs based on the Monroe Park Campus (including pre-Nursing and pre-Health) should visit the Getting Started page with Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO).  Students enrolling in the College of Health Professions, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy should register with the Division of Academic Success.

Gear up for class!

Once you’ve registered, check what books, software or tools you’ll need. The VCU Bookstore’s search tool makes it easy to find course materials, tech and even on-campus repairs. (Materials may show up closer to the semester start.)

Don’t forget: All students need a personal computer — be sure to review your college’s recommended specs!

VCU faculty, staff and students are automatically signed up for VCU Alert text messages. Please ensure you have the most up-to-date Mobile or Cell Phone Number (Primary) field on your personal information page of the eServices/ VCU Self Services website.

If you do not have a phone number listed, please add one by selecting “Add New” in the Phone Number field. Make sure it is listed as a Mobile or Cell Phone Number and the checkbox for “Primary” is checked.

As an incoming VCU student, there are several ways you can get a head start on your VCU education:

• Students who are admitted for the fall semester are eligible to enroll in Summer Studies courses.
• Students who are admitted for the spring semester are eligible to enroll in Intersession or J-Term classes, as available, which take place during winter break and are billed as part of your spring tuition.

Email VCU Special Programs at summer@vcu.edu for more information about each of these opportunities.

Family members of transfer students are strongly encouraged to participate in Orientation. As important partners in your success, we have designed Orientation programs just for your family and supporters that will happen in tandem with your student Orientation experience. We would love to connect them with the faculty, staff, and fellow students you will be supported by throughout your VCU journey.

Family members can connect and join various communities on the RAMily Connection Portal and sign up for our monthly Ram Family Update. The Ram Family Update is a monthly e-newsletter for families and supporters to keep up-to-date with events, ways to support you and important deadlines. This portal is our all-in-one family engagement platform that helps us share personalized, timely content with families. This is also where families can learn about and register for major family events like Family Weekend! 

And don’t forget to have your family members join our VCU Families Facebook page and VCU Families Instagram page!

There are several kinds of access you can give your family when it comes to your student records. Authorized user access permits them to see and pay your bill. Proxy access allows you to share with them your class schedule, registration holds, midterm and final grades (you can choose what to share). Completing a FERPA waiver allows them to reach out to VCU with questions about your academic record including your bill, schedule, grades, and conduct. A Medical Release gives them access to medical records you choose to share with them. You may change their level of access to any of these things at any time.