vcu essay prompts

VCU Career Services

Strategic enrollment management and student success, personal statements.

A personal statement is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. It is often one piece of an application process for graduate school, scholarships, professional school/program and much more. It is the part of an application where you can share who you are and what is important to you, so insert your own style and take advantage of that! Highlight and detail relevant experiences that demonstrate your interest, motivation, and preparation for the opportunity you are applying for. Use your personal statement to provide depth into why you are pursuing a particular academic/career path.

Types of personal statements

• A general, comprehensive essay that allows you to write about a wide variety of topics and experiences related to the prompt . This approach is often used for admission to specific types of professional programs such as medical or law school.
• Responding to very specific questions. Often graduate programs ask specific questions and your essay should respond directly to the question(s) being asked. You may also have multiple essays asking distinct questions. 

About the process

Brainstorming.

Brainstorming is an important part of the writing process and can help in the planning/outlining process. Below is a list of questions you can use to help create an outline, especially for a general statement.

• Why are you interested in your chosen academic/career path? Why not other similar areas?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals? How do they overlap with the opportunity you are applying for?
• What skills or characteristics do you possess that would contribute to your success?
• Why are you applying for this opportunity? (Do some research on it and be specific)
• How have your academic, life, and professional experiences prepared you for this opportunity?
• How have your experiences and choices influenced your decision to pursue your path?

Writing your personal statement

• Identify a theme that is specific to you and tailored to the application. 
• Start with a story to draw the reader in. There is no singular narrative path or style to write your story. 
• Take your experiences and develop them into more detailed anecdotes with reflections.
• Write a rough draft to get your ideas out of your head and into a document. Don’t worry about the length yet. This draft doesn’t have to be ready to submit on the first try. You will have plenty of time to edit and refine.
• Write different versions of specific parts of the essay or the whole essay. Try a variety of ways of telling stories and reflections.
• Revise, rewrite and repeat. Your final draft will never be "perfect," but you should be comfortable and satisfied with the result. 

Personal statement do's 

• Follow any instructions or formatting guidelines that are required.
• If there are no instructions or guidelines, use 10-12 point font, one-inch margins and standard fonts (e.g., Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial).
• Review for grammar and punctuation.
• Avoid using passive voice when writing (e.g., "I was able to volunteer during my spring semester" is passive, and "I volunteered during my spring semester" is active).
• Use first-person throughout the essay, but try not to use "I" too much. 
• Provide specific examples.
• Write a new and different personal statement for each application. Every opportunity will be different and you should tailor your essay to it as much as possible.

Personal statement don’ts

• Don’t use contractions. Personal statements are considered formal writing so you should avoid contractions (e.g., say "I have" instead of "I’ve").
• Don’t have run-on sentences. Break up long sentences and use appropriate punctuation to keep the essay flowing. 
• Don’t include filler/empty words to use characters or fill a page (e.g., sort of, kind of, very, basically, absolutely).
• Don’t include quotes from others unless it is a first-person account of a story (like something your coach or family member told you). It is typically a cliche overall, but especially if you start your essay with it.
• Don’t rely too heavily on overused or vague language such as "lifelong dream" or "passion."
• Don’t vary your verb tenses throughout the essay, especially when telling the same story.
• Don’t use the same essay for different applications. Also do not "recycle" essays. If you are reapplying, you should write a new draft with any appropriate updates. 

Editing tips

• Read your essay out loud. Read it backward (the last sentence first then work your way up the essay). These strategies will help you catch any awkward or clunky sentences. 
• Have more than one person read your essay. You will get different perspectives and types of feedback that you can combine into an essay you are confident submitting. 
• Take your time writing drafts. If you can always set the essay aside for some time and come back to it. 

Elevating your personal statement

• Focus on your opening paragraph. Aim to grab the reader’s attention and pull them into the rest of the essay. Sometimes it can help to write your opening paragraph last. 
• Address and explain any perceived failure, flaws or inconsistencies that you want to make sure are understood more clearly by the reader, sharing your insights to avoid assumptions  (e.g., poor academic performance, legal issues or gaps in education). 
• Do your research. If you are submitting your essay to an individual school/program, do some research to find out what sets the school/program apart from others. Also consider specific faculty, curricular highlights or program offerings that made you want to apply.
• Share unique experiences and reflections the best you can. The more distinct and tailored your experiences and reflections can be, the more personal the essay will be to you as an individual candidate, which should be your goal. 
• Personal Statement Guide
• Writing a Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Worksheet
• Personal Statement Rubric

VCU career advisors are available to answer your questions and review your personal statement. 

Make an appointment

Cracking VCU Medical School Admissions: Tips To Get Accepted

• Cracking Med School Admissions Team

Hi premeds! This page serves as a high-yield resource for Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School (VCU Medical School) Admissions. We’ve compiled it from VCU Medical School acceptance rate data, the VCU School of Medicine website, and most importantly, from VCU Medical School students themselves! You will have facts such as VCU Medical School admissions statistics, and you’ll get an insider perspective about the student life and curriculum. Additionally, VCU School of Medicine has the special fmSTAT program for students who are interested in family medicine. 

Two important aspects of the VCU School of Medicine application is the VCU secondary application and the VCU Multiple Mini Interview . Read more below! 

If you have any questions about medical school admissions or Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School, contact us !

WHY CHOOSE VCU MEDICAL SCHOOL?

The most common reasons we’ve heard from students:

• In-state tuition
• Combined degree programs

Table of Contents

Applications.

VCU School of Medicine required CASPer (Computer Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics).  Read more about CASPer and tips to ace this exam here:  CASPer Test Tips – Here’s What You Need To Know

Additionally, the VCU secondary application essay prompts change year after year. We do not recommend pre-writing these essays, but you should work on the VCU medical school secondary application as soon as you receive the official invite from the VCU SOM admissions office. 

Read the VCU secondary application essay prompts and tips:   Tips To Stand Out On VCU Secondary Application Essays

VCU Secondary Application: MD Essay Prompts:

• You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? Research on the topic is encouraged  ( Comments are limited to 2000 characters )
• How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past?  (2,000 character limit)
• (If applicable)  Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application.
• (If applicable)  Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades.
• (If applicable – gap year)  If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?

VCU Secondary Application: fmSTAT Essay Prompts

• Describe the doctor you want to be and discuss how a career in family medicine will help you achieve that. (2,500 characters max)
• Describe your concept of what Family Medicine is and tell us what specific influence led you to this understanding? (2,500 characters max)

Again, get the most updated prompts and VCU secondary application tips here !

NEED HELP WITH EDITING YOUR VCU MEDICAL SCHOOL SECONDARY ESSAYS?

Get the Cracking Med School Admissions team’s expertise through our  secondary essay editing packages. . If you have questions, email us at [email protected] or contact us .

VCU Medical School Interview Format

How to Get Into VCU Medical School – Ace Your MMI Interview

One important component to getting accepted into Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine is to ace your multiple mini interview!

The best way to practice for your Multiple Mini Interview is through our Mastering the Multiple Mini Interview course . 

Read our 3 popular MMI blogs here:

• The Multiple Mini Interview: What it is, and How to do Well
• 5 Tips to Ace the MMI Interview
• 50 Multiple Mini Interview Questions and MMI Interview Tips

Master the Multiple Mini Interview

Learn to confidently tackle:.

• Situational scenarios
• Team-based scenarios
• Current event scenarios
• Ethical scenarios

download your interview guide

If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Year Applying to Med School *
• Best Email *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

VCU Medical School Acceptance Rate

Vcu medical school admissions statistics:.

• VCU Med School Median Undergraduate GPA: 3.72
• VCU Med School Average MCAT Score: 511 (128 chemical & physical / 127 critical analysis / 128 biological & biochemical / 128 psychological, social)

How did VCU Med Students Do on Their USMLE Step Exams?

• Average VCU Medical School USMLE Step 1 Score: 230
• Average VCU Medical School USMLE Step 2 Score: 246

Source: U.S. News Graduate School Rankings 2021

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships Fulbright Scholar USA Today Academic First Team Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team helps students get accepted to top medical schools. We can help you get accepted! Contact us today.

The Insider’s View on VCU Medical School's Pre-clinical years

How to get into VCU Medical School Tip – Know the Curriculum:

Curriculum Overview:

VCU has a pre-clinical curriculum the first two years of medical school. The first year is basic science and the second year is organ-based. Then, you take your USMLE Step 1 and then do 2 years of clinical rotations.

Pre-Clinical Years:

The first year at VCU Medical School focuses on basic biology and physiology. Additionally, you have classes on the Practice of Medicine as well as population health. The summer in between your first and second year, you can apply for research funding.

During your second year, you learn based on organ systems and they are separated by body function. There are also sepcial classes on quality, safety, and geriatrics. You continue to hone your clinical skills.

Organ systems:

• Marrow and Movement
• Glads and Guts (endocrinology, reproduction, gastrointestinal)
• Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal
• Mind, Brain and Behavior

How to get into VCU Medical School Tip – Know Unique Characteristics:

Unique highlights about pre-clinical years:

• Stipend to do research the summer after first year
• Organ-based learning
• Geriatrics curriculum integrated throughout the first 2 years – senior mentoring and long-term care visits
• Population health integrated throughout the first 2 years

Taking Time Off:

Some students at VCU take additional time to graduate to pursue a joint degree or to do an additional year of research. There is an official year-out program for research and the school can provide you a stipend. There are also joint degrees in the Public Health and Hospital Administration programs.

VCU School of Medicine fmSTAT program: 

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has helped students get into this special program! The fmSTAT program is for students who are interested in becoming family medicine physicians in the future. There are several professional development opportunities, and you are paired with Family Medicine physician mentors. We’ve heard  awesome things about the mentorship aspect of this program from our VCU medical student mentees, and we strongly recommend applying if you are interested in family medicine!

Read more about the VCU Family Medicine Scholars Training and Admission Track (fmSTAT) program here:  VCU fmSTAT Scholars

Unique Degree Programs Offered at VCU School of Medicine:

What students are saying about VCU Medical School

The insider’s view on vcu medical school's clinical years.

Clinical Curriculum :

During your 3rd year of medical school, you do your core clinical rotations. During your fourth year, you are required to do 11 4-week electives.

The core clinical curriculum consists of:

• Surgery (8 weeks)
• Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
• Family Medicine (4 weeks)
• Pediatrics (6 weeks)
• Neurology (4 weeks)
• Ambulatory Medicine (4 weeks)
• Psychiatry (4 weeks)
• OB/GYN (6 weeks)

Source: VCU Medical School website: https://medschool.vcu.edu/education/md-program/

Learn more about the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School curriculum here

Unique highlights about clinical years:

• Several clinical rotations your 4th year
• Capstone course
• Can work in urgent care
• One elective a “teaching elective”

What students are saying about clinical rotations at VCU

Where do students live?

You need a car when you attend VCU School of Medicine, especially your last 2 years during clinical rotations.

Getting around:

Most students can do their rotations without a car.

How to get into VCU Medical School Tip –  Know the School Culture and Opportunities Related to Your Interests

Financial Considerations:

• VCU Medical School Tuition: ~ $32,000 in-state tuition and ~$54,000 out-of-state tuition
• Average indebtedness of graduates: ~$204,000

Cracking Med School Admissions Resources

Here are useful Cracking Med School Admissions resources:

• How To Write A Personal Statement For Medical School
• Download Cracking Med School Admission’s FREE AMCAS Activities Workbook
• Premed Timeline: Planning For Medical School Applications

Read our other popular school blogs here:

• How to Get Into Georgetown Medical School
• Rosalind Franklin Medical School Admissions School Profile

Ask Us a Question. We help Students just like you Get Accepted Each Year!

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Recommended

• Art Direction
• Creative Brand Management
• Copywriting
• Experience Design

Ready to apply for our master's program? We say: Go for it.

Apply for the Brandcenter Master’s Program

• Application Deadlines & Decision Timelines

Prerequisites

How to apply, application prompts.

• Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to help you throughout the process. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a meeting.

Emma Barone

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Enrollment

To learn more about the Brandcenter and our programs, schedule a meeting with admissions, sign up for a visit, or register for an event.

Application Deadlines & Timeline

• The application for Fall 2025 is now open.
• Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
• Regular Application Deadline: March 17th, 2025
• Brandcenter Scholarship Deadline: March 17th, 2025

All applicants should be  curious ,  creative , and  collaborative .

All applicants should be able to:

• Think creatively and critically
• Enjoy working and fully participating in teams
• Manage time effectively and meet project deadlines
• Relate to others and embrace open communication

All applicants should have:

• Experience collaborating in a group
• An enjoyment of creating/making
• Professional ambition and drive
• A bachelor’s degree

Art Direction applicants should be able to:

• Think visually
• Understand visual hierarchy 
• Demonstrate personal history of creative outputs (illustration, graphic design, photography, fine art, film, animation, etc.)
• Understand what brands stand for
• Have an appreciation for the details and craftsmanship that make something great
• Work within a larger team and embrace collaboration

 Art Direction applicants should have:

• Some working knowledge of at least one or more of the following Adobe applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe After Effects. Programs such as Canva and Adobe Express are not sufficient.
• Some knowledge of layout, design, and typography
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Office Suite

Copywriting applicants should be able to:

• Convey a story through words
• Write both short-form and long-form
• Recognize how a brand’s personality, tone, and voice behave in the world

Copywriting applicants should have:

Creative Brand Management applicants should be able to:

• Build, work in, and lead teams, contributing ideas and caring about the output of a project
• Demonstrate an interest and skill set for understanding business situations and making informed business decisions
• Be interested in business and markets, especially looking for trends on where things might be going
• Show mental toughness during challenging situations
• Have a knack for building relationships with others and striking up conversations with just about anyone
• Be good at talking, thinking on your feet, and making compelling arguments
• Have an interest in entrepreneurism and the idea of working to help a business grow

Creative Brand Management applicants should have:

• Completed a college-level math/statistics or accounting course ( We don’t expect you to be an accountant, but you should be comfortable with learning about basic business math.)
• Leadership experience or a desire to lead

Experience Design applicants should be able to:

• Analyze contemporary problems facing business and brands
• Apply critical and creative thinking skills to arrive at new solutions
• Consider new and emerging models of brand and user engagement 
• Visualize, prototype, and demonstrate solutions across a range of media
• Communicate and persuade others of the merit of your ideas

Experience Design applicants should have:

• Demonstrated success in a related professional or academic discipline
• Transferrable craft or technical skills 
• Evidence to quickly learn and apply knowledge and skills 
• Some working knowledge of 2D design (e.g. Illustrator, InDesign), 2D interactive design (e.g. Figma, Adobe XD), and 3D design (e.g. Blender, Adobe Dimension software)

Strategy applicants should be able to :

• Think out of the box and also bring the ideas down to earth
• Demonstrate the ability to see how seemingly unrelated ideas might come together
• Tell an engaging story and present it in a compelling way
• Make hard choices for the good of a project
• Communicate clearly and concisely through writing

Strategy applicants should have:

• Proficiency in Office Suites
• Passion for current events, culture shifts, and trends
• Drive to be “in the know” and enjoy sharing your favorite “finds”

The Brandcenter is a graduate program at VCU, so you must complete the VCU Graduate School application first and then complete the Brandcenter application separately . We recommend that you bookmark each application portal.

Click on the dropdowns below for detailed information on each step of the application process.

Step 1 : VCU Graduate School Application

• Filter by start term: “ Fall 202 5”
• Filter by academic level: “ Master’s Degree ”
• Filter by school/academic department: “ School of Business ”
• Search for “ Branding ” and select “ Apply Now ” to find the Brandcenter concentration to which you’re applying.
• Create an account for the Graduate School portal using your preferred email address.

Upload transcripts for all schools attended.

• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage. Official transcripts will be required upon enrollment.
• Applicants who have studied outside of the U.S. must provide academic documentation/school records for all schools attended. Visit the International Admissions website and the Academic Documentation section for detailed expectations, requirements, and instructions for how to submit your school records.

Provide the contact information for two references—academic or professional. They’ll be sent an email to submit their reference.

Pay the $70.00 application fee to complete and submit the VCU Graduate School application.

Within two days of submitting the VCU Graduate School application , you will receive a link to the Brandcenter Portal, where you will complete the second part of the application process—the Brandcenter application.

*If admitted, you will need to return to the VCU Graduate School portal to officially accept your offer of admission with the university, so be sure to bookmark this portal and document your login credentials.

Step 2 : Brandcenter Application

• Within two days of submitting your VCU Graduate application, you will receive a link to your Brandcenter portal, where you will complete the Brandcenter application and submit the required documents.
• When you receive the email with the link to the Brandcenter portal, create your account.

Upload your resume.

Respond to the application prompts below .

Step 3 : Federal Aid & Scholarships (optional)

• If you are eligible to receive federal aid and are considering taking out Graduate Direct Loans and Grad PLUS loans , finding a Federal Work Study position, or applying for scholarships to help fund your Brandcenter education, you should complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid .
• The VCU school code for the FAFSA is 003735.
• Brandcenter applicants should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible, even if your admission status is undetermined.
• Visit Brandcenter Tuition & Aid and VCU Student Financial Services for more information and resources.
• All applicants are eligible to apply for Brandcenter scholarships.
• The scholarship application will be available in your Brandcenter portal.
• In order to be considered for scholarships, your admissions and scholarship application must be completed by the March 17 deadline.
• Students who wish to be considered for need-based scholarships must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid if they are eligible to do so. View the FAFSA eligibility criteria .

Tuition & Aid

Tuition and scholarship information for the Brandcenter master's program, plus other resources to fund your education.

Step 4 : Admissions Interview

Some applicants may be asked to schedule a virtual Admissions Interview after submitting their Brandcenter application. You will be notified via email if you are selected for an interview.

Step 5 : For International Students

In addition to the VCU Graduate School and Brandcenter applications, international applicants must submit additional documentation to the VCU Office of Admissions. Visit International Admissions for full requirements and contact [email protected] with questions.

International applicants must hold the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree, or, if you have a degree from a three-year program, be eligible for graduate education in your country of citizenship.

You must provide academic documentation/school records for all schools attended. Visit the International Admissions website and the Academic Documentation section for detailed expectations, requirements, and instructions for how to submit your school records. Contact [email protected] with questions.

• VCU requires Proof of English Efficiency. Visit International Admissions to learn more about the types of accepted tests, minimum scores, and how to submit your materials.

Visit International Admissions to view the requirements for financial certification.

The Brandcenter application ( Step 2 ) asks you to respond to the prompts for all applicants and the prompts for the concentration to which you are applying.

You may only apply to one of our five concentrations— Art Direction , Copywriting , Creative Brand Management , Experience Design , or Strategy .

This component of the application is to be completed in the Brandcenter portal.

1 . Tell us why you are applying to the Brandcenter, why you selected your specific concentration, and what you hope to do with a Brandcenter degree. (200 words or less)

2 . Describe a moment in your life that significantly shaped who you are today. What key characteristics and qualities did you develop from this experience? (200 words or less)

3 . Share something a brand has created that made you wish you had done it. Explain why you admire it and why it was a compelling business decision for the brand. This could be a branded experience, user interface, ad campaign, PR stunt, or anything else the brand has been behind. Don’t forget to include a link to the work. (200 words or less)

Please note that you are welcome to use the internet, AI, and assistive technologies to answer the questions in the application, but please let us know if you do by including a brief citation or reference to the sources used. Simply state the tool and the function.

Ex. (1) Used Mid Journey to generate images. (2) Used ChatGPT to research brands

1. Provide an example of a visual artist you admire and why. (200 words or less)

2. Provide a visually driven campaign for one of the following brands. Create three distinct pieces of communication that visually demonstrate and exaggerate the promise and power of the product in an unexpected way. See the examples provided for inspiration .

Choose from one of the four brands below:

• Gorilla Glue: Impossibly strong glue
• Sherwin Williams Duration Paint: It lasts a really, really long time.
• Agelyss Wrinkle Remover: Look years younger.
• FedEx Overnight: Bring the world closer together.

3. How would you describe your proficiency in one of the Adobe Creative Suite Programs (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)? Select the option that best applies to you:

• Beginner in at least one program: I have basic knowledge and can perform simple tasks.
• Intermediate in at least one program: I can work on most projects and utilize a wide range of tools.
• Advanced in at least one program: I have extensive experience and can handle complex projects, including advanced techniques.

4. Other AD Mandatories: Please attach 5 creative samples of your creative work either in the form of a pdf or Google Doc. If you have a website that showcases your creative work, please provide the URL.

1 . Choose a widely recognized piece of media that you love. This could be a brand campaign, a television show, a book series, or a movie.

• Develop a fresh and interesting next iteration of this media.
• Describe your new iteration in detail. If applicable, write an excerpt or sample scene to showcase your vision.
• Remember, we’re looking for originality and creativity, not mimicry. Show us how you can take a well-known idea and transform it into something new and exciting.

2 . Write five possible captions for the cartoon below:

3 . Other Copywriting Mandatories: Show 3-5 examples of your original work. You can submit ads, articles, short stories, poetry, art, videos, social posts, etc.—anything that best highlights your creative abilities, skill set, and personality. Please do not include school essays or research papers. (Provide a link or upload a pdf.)

1. Choose two brands, one that is on the rise and one that is in decline. What could the failing brand learn from the rising star to reverse their decline? (250 words or less)

2. Tell us about a time when you played a leadership role in working on something from start to finish. Summarize what you did, the process, and what you learned from the experience. (200 words or less)

3. Tell us about a recent advertising/marketing/influencer campaign that caught your attention. Please upload or link to a copy of the campaign and tell us (200 words or less):

• Who you think the target is
• What the campaign was trying to communicate about the product or brand
• Three ways in which the brand could tell if this campaign was successful

1. Identify a recent experience that you have had with a brand’s product or services that was less than optimal. Identify what pain points you experienced as a user and what you would suggest to improve the experience. Define the problem and solution you propose. (250 words or less)

2. The world is changing fast. What is a significant “force for change” that fascinates you AND how might a brand use this “force for change” to creatively communicate and deliver new brand value?

• Identify the force for change. (50 words or less)
• Briefly describe how a brand might take advantage of this force of change. (250 words or less)
• Make a poster or a social media post highlighting the concept, as if the brand is introducing us to the concept for the first time. (PDF)
• Feel free to use an Artificial Intelligence app (e.g. ChatGPT, MidJourney, etc) to assist you, and if you do, let us know how you used it. (50 words or less)

Here are 2 examples (don’t use these):

• Introducing the Headspace AI chat-enabled calming pillow
• Introducing the Target AR shopping experience

3. Please attach at least one sample of your creative work that you are proud of and/or that reflects your creative ambitions. In 250 words or less, please tell us what makes you proud of this work? (Work can be submitted in the form of an online portfolio or a PDF. If you have a website that showcases your creative work, please provide the URL. You are welcome to submit more than one sample of work.)

1. What character from a novel would have the best TikTok account? What would it be like, and why would it be good?

2. Tell us about a subculture which you are not a part of that interests you and why. (250 words or less)

3. Pick three distinct groups of people to interview about their morning routine. Consider categories like early risers, snooze hitters, night owls, or come up with your own unique groups.

• Identify the groups and describe them each briefly
• Develop and provide a set of general questions that will be asked to all participants
• Develop and provide a set of questions tailored to each group
• After conducting the interviews, write one insightful conclusion from each group and one overall insight. Discuss what these insights might mean for advertising and marketing strategies.

Have questions or need assistance?

We're here to help. Email us at [email protected] .

Not yet ready to apply?

Take the first step and join our list of potential students. We'll keep in touch to learn more about you and help you learn more about our program.

Have questions? We’ve got answers!

We have an early application deadline of January 15, a regular application deadline of March 17, and a scholarship deadline of March 17. Applications received after March 17 will be reviewed on a rolling and case-by-case basis depending on program availability.

Applications received by our January or March deadlines are eligible for scholarship consideration. Those who apply after March 17 will not be able to apply for Brandcenter scholarships.

Applications received after March 17 will only be reviewed if a concentration has capacity and on a rolling basis.

You can expect to receive a decision approximately 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.

You are welcome to submit your application past the deadline, but a decision is not guaranteed to be made on your application by our 6-8 week turnaround. Note that if you complete your application after the early decision deadline and before the regular decision deadline, you will be considered for the regular decision deadline. Any applications received after March 17 will be reviewed on a rolling basis and case-by-case basis depending on program availability.

All applicants are eligible to apply for scholarships through March 17.

Your application is considered complete when you have submitted both the VCU Graduate School application as well as the Brandcenter application.

No. You must respond to application prompts in the online Brandcenter supplemental application.

We only require unofficial transcripts for our application review process.

Upon admission to the Brandcenter, you will need to send your official transcripts with your final coursework and degree listed to VCU Graduate Admissions.

Any applicants who have studied outside of the U.S. must provide official academic documentation electronically to the International Admissions Office at [email protected] . in addition to their transcripts as a required part of the admission process. For more information, visit International Admissions . Contact [email protected] with questions.

No, all application pieces must be submitted through the online portals for both the VCU Graduate School ( Step 1 ) and Brandcenter ( Step 2 ) applications.

You may only apply to one concentration. Please contact Admissions if you would like to have a conversation about choosing your concentration.

You will only need to provide financial documents if you are admitted and choose to enroll in the program. For more questions about what financial information is required once you are accepted, view the VCU International Admissions page .

The courses for Brandcenter students are prescribed; as such, students are unable to take additional courses or be enrolled in concurrent programs, either at Brandcenter, VCU, or elsewhere, during their time in our program.

As for concentration changes, exceptions may be allowed in very limited circumstances and within a specific timeframe. We have a class audit policy, if you are interested and eligible, you may be permitted to audit a certain course outside of your degree requirements. More info about these policies will be available at Orientation.

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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

These are the secondary application essay prompts for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. To put your best foot forward and maximize your chance of an interview invitation, visit our secondary application editing page .

about Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine

Secondary Deadline : January 30, 2025 Secondary Fee : $80 FAP Waiver : Yes CASPer Required : No Screens Applications : Yes Accepts Application Updates : Yes

The mission of the School of Medicine is to provide preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of health care for humanity. Through innovative, scholarly activity and a diverse educational context, the School seeks to create and apply new knowledge, and to provide and continuously improve systems of medical and science education. Furthermore, it is our mission to develop more effective health care practices to address the needs of the diverse populations we serve, and to provide distinguished leadership in the advancement of medicine and science.

The VCU School of Medicine will build on its excellence in the basic, clinical and behavioral sciences to improve human health by advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases. Training programs will incorporate commitment to diversity and the advancement of healthcare yielding a quality diverse workforce in a welcoming and accepting environment.

1.The last couple of years have been challenging for us all in various ways (i.e., dealing with the impacts of COVID, social unrest and injustices). Please describe a particular challenge you faced. What are some challenges others may have experienced? What did you learn about yourself and others during this time?

2.Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application.

3.Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades.

4.If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?

All above prompts have a 2000 character limit.

MD/PhD applicants:

1. Describe your motivation for obtaining a dual degree. (3000 characters)

2. Describe your significant research experience(s) and your role in any publications. (10,000 characters)

3. Describe scientific topics and/or labs at VCU that appeal to your future research aspirations. (1,000 characters)

1. You are living in a world experiencing the ravages of the Corona Virus which has impacted millions of people since December 2019. Please discuss how the COVID 19 pandemic has affected you personally. What have you learned from your experiences? Please discuss what you perceive may have been some realities that others may have experienced. How has COVID 19 experience influenced your desire to become a physician? (2000 characters)

2. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education; include any in enrollment during your undergraduate education and/or any gaps between undergraduate education and applying to medical school. (example: poor grades, multiple withdraws, health reasons, etc.)

Medicine is a lifelong learning career where new understandings of diseases are constantly changing and new medications are continuously being added, yet motivating patients continues to be a stimulating challenge. Please discuss in 2000 characters or less ways physicians address this issue. You may use resources to answer this question, mention them but foot notes are not necessary.

The crux of this question is how to maintain a career of lifelong learning, which is crucial for success as a physician. Try to describe processes to achieve this and then tie them into your plans as a future physician. There are many ways physicians can continue to learn lifelong. Consider discussing the following points which may be relevant to you:

1. Physicians must maintain an inherent intellectual curiosity for medicine. Describe how you embody this trait.

2. Research is one way to stay at the cutting edge of medicine. Not only will you know what is new in your field and have a deep understanding of existing knowledge, you may add to this body of knowledge.

3. Keeping up on current medical knowledge through reading is key. Physicians ca use medical journals, online resources, and much more.

4. Attending conferences and lectures as well as workshops to expand your skillset even once you are a successful attending physician.

5. If you are interested in academic medicine, staying in this environment for lectures, conferences, and even teaching students will help you continue to learn.

Connect all of these to how you plan to use those strategies to succeed in your career.

The secondary application essay prompts from this medical school application cycle are the same as above.

Imagine that you are a volunteer premed working in a free clinic that serves a large immigrant population. Your duties include taking the patients’ medical history. Today you are working with an elderly patient who does not speak English and the adult son is translating for his mother. You notice that he is answering many of the questions for her without translating. During the conversation, the son tells you that if his mother has cancer he does not want her to know because the news “will kill her”. He says that in his family he speaks for the elderly mother and does not want a translator. How will you approach this situation? (You may seek help to answer this question.)

There’s also a re-applicant essay (if applicable) and fmSTAT essays (if you want to do Family practice):

1. Describe the doctor you want to be and discuss how a career in family medicine will help you achieve that. (2500 characters)

2. Describe your concept of what Family Medicine is and tell us what specific influence led you to this understanding? (2500 characters)

1. Imagine that you are at a social gathering and your neighbor comes over to congratulate you on your acceptance to medical school. She goes on to ask you about your opinion on childhood vaccinations. She is worried about vaccinating her baby because of some of the things that she has read about vaccines. How would you respond to her? (You may use any resources for your answer) (2000 charactersº

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on the medical school’s website. Med School Insiders does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page.

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If you're ready to apply to VCU, you're in the right place. Find your application path by reviewing the options below, which will lead you to requirements and a checklist designed to walk you through the process.

Apply as an undergraduate

If you will be a first-time college student, are transferring in credits from another institution, or are applying under unique circumstances as an undergraduate, this is the path for you.

International students , apply here

Are you a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. resident? Find out how to apply as an international student for undergraduate or graduate study.

Apply for graduate or professional study

If you're a master's, Ph.D. or professional program applicant, take this route.

For nondegree-seeking applicants

If you're interested in completing courses as a nondegree-seeking, undergraduate- or graduate-level student, follow this path.

Important dates

Check out upcoming application deadlines, when students can expect to hear back about admissions decisions and more.

Find answers in our  FAQs

Have questions about the application process? Explore our frequently asked questions.

The one thing that made me come to VCU was the feel of the campus and how comfortable it made me.

Other types of undegraduate applicants include returning or reapplying students, permanent U.S. residents and post-baccalaureate undergraduates.

Virginia Commonwealth University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Virginia Commonwealth University college application essays were written by students accepted at Virginia Commonwealth University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Virginia Commonwealth University

The auditorium, the hospital julian cha, virginia commonwealth university.

Drops of sweat trickled down my tanned face as I stared at the C-shaped moon outside the auditorium. Sitting on the fence, we rested and cooled down before continuing with the work inside. I glanced at my G-shock: 01:00 military time. We had...

Photographing My Future Anonymous

Write about a topic of your choice.

Point. Shoot. Develop. Print.

My daring choice to enroll in photography my sophomore year has awoken a slumbering giant. Initially, this giant (like most giants) didn't awaken as much as it slipped from deep...

My Confusing Cultural Identity Hannah Khan

“Aap meri choti shezadi ho, Hannah,” my Pakistani grandfather told me before I moved to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia. I was later able to translate his loving Urdu words into English: “You are my little princess, Hannah.” I am a...

Why I Want a College Education Hannah Khan

Looking down at the college preparation pamphlet laying on my dresser never seemed so dramatic, but with every word I read, and every page I turned, I could practically feel my future rushing towards me. As I approach the end of my high school I...

Me, Myself, and Kelli Marie Huck

From past to present, and soon to be my future, my development into a young adult has blossomed me into a witty and hard-working lady. As an Army child, my family moved around from base to base quite a bit; some can say my mindset is nomadic....

Tiger Dylan John Amador

Miles inward from the shimmering white beaches of Hawaii, I trekked along beaten island roads to my destination - a small animal refuge playfully named the “Boo Boo Zoo.” As the car pulled up, a heterogeneous mix of cats and chickens inhabited the...

Business Studies Anonymous

I am incredibly focussed on studying business. I have had a piqued interest in business ever since I was a little kid, capitalizing on my cuteness by offering massages, at a price. This interest developed into enthusiasm to study real business and...

Seasonal Comfort Anonymous

Here you find a wild Kirby in her natural habitat.

~ My hair still damp and smelling of chlorine, a product of summer’s first swim, I settle into the armchair’s cool leather embrace. Sipping iced coffee and gazing out the window I mentally prepare...

To Create is to Destroy Anonymous

Tightening my grip on the thin paintbrush, I squinted my eyes as I carefully traced the flawless face. My hand shook and the paint bled outside of the brow. In frustration, I set down the canvas to inspect my work. The painting was like a...

The Tap Shoes Anonymous

On my first day of third grade, I wore tap shoes to school. The majority of my elementary school years was a blur, but I vividly remember this occurrence as it is the earliest memory I have of going decisively against the crowd. They were a creamy...

Nursing Anonymous

As my thoughts drifted through Geometry class, I was startled with a loud “BANG!” My classmate slams to the ground like a sack of potatoes, after crashing her head onto her desk. Her body begins shaking uncontrollably; her legs and arms were like...

It's What I Do, But Not Who I Am Joe DiConsiglio

My first pitch sailed over the catcher’s head and slammed against the backstop. I grinned nervously and shook my right arm. Just slipped, I told myself as I dug my heal into the pitcher’s mound. I wound up and fired again. This time the ball...

You Need to Make Me Proud Anonymous

My mother is a high school dropout with a daughter at 16.

Sitting alone surrounded by grey-toned seats on my number five elementary school bus, my eyes are stuck to a large, bold letter “B” stamped onto a stark white piece of paper. I look up out...

The Type of Doctor I Want to Be Jordan V. Oliver

After completing an hour of training with the overworked nurses of Johnston-Willis Hospital, I acquainted myself with Holly, a frail ninety year old woman who, along with fighting terminal cancer, was recovering from a stroke that also impaired...

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Honors College

Preferred applicant track for medicine.

The Preferred Applicant Track for Medicine offers VCU Honors College premedical students an opportunity to apply to the Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine at the end of your sophomore year at VCU. Upon successful completion of the Guaranteed Admission Program, students will be eligible to enter the School of Medicine without further competition.

All premedical students entering VCU as freshmen are eligible for the Preferred Applicant Track. Students who are not admitted to the Honors College prior to entering VCU must meet the  requirements for admission   to the Honors College and be accepted prior to the end of the second year of undergraduate studies.

In order to apply, a student must be in good standing in the Honors College with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, and all coursework must be completed for a letter grade without electing the Pass/Fail grade option. Students must have completed, or be enrolled in, the following course: HONR 250/UNIV 112 and HONR 200/UNIV 200, MATH 200 and 201 (first and second semester of calculus), CHEM 101-102 and labs, BIOL 151-152 and labs, CHEM 301 and lab (first semester of organic chemistry), and PHYS 207/PHYS 201. Courses must be completed at VCU during either the fall or spring semesters or by AP/IB/dual-enrollment credit in high school. Any exception to this requires the written approval of the Director of the Guaranteed Admission Program.

Candidates who have received any institutional sanction, such as an honors-code violation, or any legal convictions are not eligible to apply.

Although we are certainly delighted to have strong premedical students transfer to VCU to complete their premedical training, the Preferred Applicant Track for Medicine is open only to students who enter VCU as freshmen. Transfer students are not eligible.

An  application for admission  to the Honors College Preferred Applicant Track Program (Medicine) will be available during the spring semester of your sophomore year. This application, along with two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a practicing physician, must be submitted to the Honors College by the deadline date.

The application will be available on the VCU Honors College application portal.  Students should log in using their VCU eID and password. A minimum of two and maximum of four reference letters are required.  One letter must be from a practicing physician who is not a relative nor a caregiver to you. These letters should include, but are not limited to, statements about your ability as a student, potential as a health professional, and extracurricular activities within your school and community.

When you fill out the application, you will list the name and email address of each reference writer. Upon submission of the application, each reference writer listed will receive an email from the Honors College with instructions on how to upload their letter online to your application. While the application can be saved prior to submission, the emails to reference writers are only sent upon submission of the application. Please note that you may track the status of your reference letters after submission of the application by logging back into the portal, but all letters will remain confidential.

There are two essay prompts for the Preferred Applicant Track Program application:

1. Provide a narrative statement describing your motivation for choosing your specific healthcare profession. (5000 characters or less)

2. What are two characteristics you possess that would make you a great future healthcare provider in your chosen field?(1500 characters or less)

Additional fields on the application will request information on exposure to the healthcare profession, community service, extracurricular activities, honors and awards as well as research experiences.

Applications and all supporting materials must be received in the Honors College office by May 1, 2025. If your file is not complete by close of business (4:30 p.m. EDT) on this date, you will not be considered by the selection committee. There are no exceptions to this deadline; it is your responsibility to make certain that materials are received by the stated deadline date. Interested students are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure adequate time for submission of all required materials.  

If accepted into the Guaranteed Admission Program, students must complete all of the  requirements   of the Guaranteed Admission Program. Guaranteed students take a core of rigorous courses designed to prepare them for success in their medical training. Careful advising within the Honors College helps students complete necessary coursework and complete all of the requirements of the guarantee.

The Admissions Office of the School of Medicine will select students to be invited for interviews. The interview will be held on VCU’s MCV Campus in June. Interviewees should expect to spend a full day on campus for this interview. Because of the limited number of guaranteed positions, not all applicants are interviewed, even though they may be highly qualified. You will be notified of your interview status by early June. No more than 16 candidates will receive an interview, and of those 16 candidates, no more than 12 will receive an offer of admission.

Questions are frequently raised about the criteria for acceptance by the medical school. All applicants should be aware that these decisions are not made on the basis of academic performance alone. Each year, the School of Medicine has many more qualified applicants than it can possibly accept. The stated academic criterion of a GPA merely indicates the baseline each applicant must attain for consideration for the program. The noncognitive qualities taken into consideration for the Guaranteed Admission Program are the same as used in regular medical school acceptance. These include, but are not limited to: interpersonal skills, maturity, personal motivation, both written and oral communication skills, letters of recommendation, evidence of commitment to healthcare, experience in related healthcare fields, compassion, a high level of community service and the assessment of the interviewer who sees the candidate at the personal interview.

The interviewer’s job is to develop a sense of the candidate’s personality and oral communication skills and to convey these qualities to the committee. Decisions are made based on a ranking of all potential students utilizing each committee member’s assessment of the above-mentioned criteria. Since many factors are considered for acceptance, occasionally individuals with lower GPAs are ranked for an admission offer ahead of individuals with higher GPAs.

You must complete the  requirements   for the Guaranteed Admission Program. If you do this, you will be able to enter the VCU School of Medicine without any further competition.

The Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine is an eight-year program — four years of undergraduate study and four years of study at the School of Medicine. If you wish to apply for an earlier date of admission, you must go through the standard admission process.

You will still have the benefit of an excellent premedical education. Further, all applicants who are not offered admission in this process will be given an opportunity to meet with the Director of the Guaranteed Admission Program to review your credentials and gain concrete suggestions on what you can do to be more competitive in the standard admission process.

No minimum SAT score is required for this track. However, you should be aware that you will be expected to achieve well academically in a challenging curriculum. We are aware that SAT scores alone will not guarantee academic success. Therefore, for this program we are choosing to focus on your demonstrated achievement, rather than your test scores.

Students are free to choose any of the undergraduate majors offered by VCU. All can accommodate the prerequisite coursework for medical school and offer excellent premedical preparation, although tightly structured majors may require summer school to complete the prerequisites. Your four years as an undergraduate should be a time of wonderful challenge, exciting discovery and the joy of learning — all experiences that are best achieved if you choose a major you are passionate about. Your Honors College advisor will work closely with you to help you accomplish your learning goals.

Contact Associate Dean Carrie G. Connolly, Ed.D., at (804) 828-1803 or  [email protected] .

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Change major/minor, add major/minor, and readmission to VCUarts

Important deadlines

Fall 2025 deadlines.

April 1, 2025, for the following majors:

Art Education, Cinema, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Music, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, Sculpture + Extended Media, and Theatre.

Spring 2025 deadline

November 1, 2024

Deadline for change of major/minor applicants to Art Foundation, Art History, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Merchandising, Music, and Theatre.

The following Visual Arts and Design programs will review spring change of major/minor applications only from students who have completed VCU’s Art Foundation program: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design,* Interior Design,* Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

*Please meet with an advisor for major-specific course limitations for spring admits.

Change of major

All change of major/minor applicants to VCUarts must submit a change of major or change of minor application online. This process is for currently enrolled VCU students. Current VCUarts students should speak with their advisor before submitting these forms.

This online application asks for your personal and contact information, current and preferred curriculum. Any required supplemental materials (audition, essays, portfolio) will be shared after submitting a change of major/minor request.

Students who have completed Art Foundation requesting a major in Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the change of major request to bypass the portfolio requirement for these majors.

Students who have completed Art Foundation requesting a minor in Craft/Material Studies, Painting + Printmaking, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the change of minor request to bypass the portfolio requirement for these minors.

Students with current majors outside of VCUarts may only apply for the Art Foundation program which is a prerequisite for visual arts and design programs. You must complete the change of major request and submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

• Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF
• Images can be up to 5 MB each
• Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI.
• Video can be up to 250 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

You will be prompted to submit your portfolio through the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Writing sample 

Prior to applying to major in Art History, students enrolled in a major outside of the School of the Arts must complete ARTH 103, 104 and one additional ARTH course.

Art History applicants are required to submit a research-based writing sample that makes a clear assertion about a selected topic and cites published sources to support your assertion. The paper may focus on a work of art, an historical event, a sociological phenomenon, a literary text, or other humanities topic. Your writing sample should be no longer than 600 words, including any citations. You will be emailed a link to submit your essay after submitting your VCU Change of Major Request, or you can submit your writing sample here after you have completed your VCU Change of Major Request.

Change of minor applicants do not have to submit a writing sample.

Majoring in Art History

Minoring in Art History

A minor in art history consists of 18 credits, which must include:

• 3 credits ARTH 103
• 3 credits ARTH 104
• 3 credits from courses in list #1 (details can be found by following the link below)
• 3 credits from courses in list #2 (details can be found by following the link below)

The remaining 6 credits may be any ARTH course at the 200-300 level open to non-majors (visit http://bulletin.vcu.edu/azcourses/ for a list of all ARTH courses), however only one history of film class (270, 271, 370, or 374) can be counted toward the art history minor.

Of the total 18 credits, 9 credits must be 300-level courses. Only courses in which a student earns a grade of C or higher may be applied to the minor. A student may apply for the Art History minor after successful completion of ARTH 103 and ARTH 104.

Additional information for the Art History minor curriculum can be found on the Department of Art History website.

Due to the competitive admissions process for the Cinema Program, there are a limited number of seats available for change of major students. As part of the application process, you are required to have an information session with Advisor Martha Harper ( [email protected] ) before your application is reviewed.

Cinema essay

In 300-600 words, discuss your approach to creative responsibility and collaboration.

Visual storytelling exercise

This exercise will help us understand your unique voice as a storyteller, your cinematic eye behind the camera, and your attention to detail when following a set of written instructions.

Visual storytelling exercise prompt: Create an original series of 5-7 landscape-oriented still images, presented in a sequence that tells us a compelling narrative story.

Instructions

• • When creating your sequence, demonstrate to us your understanding of visual storytelling elements (such as: character, conflict, emotion, setting, props, costume, tone, style, etc.)
• • The images should be created using any kind of camera (cell phone, DSLR, etc.); please no drawings or digitally generated images
• • We want to see how you work with a camera, for this reason you should be the sole creator of the images
• • Small editorial adjustments such as color, contrast, and exposure corrections are acceptable
• • AI-generated/enhanced content or extensive post-processing will not be accepted
• • Upload your images in sequential order
• • Accepted file formats: jpeg, TIFF, png

You must submit your items via the  VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Note: you can upload your Cinema essay and visual storytelling exercise in any order and/or at different times before the deadline.

This is a track for Communication Arts majors.

Accepted applicants will begin their courses in the following Spring Semester, as Spring Admits. Applicants should follow the Spring Deadlines listed above.

You must submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Personal statement

While completing the online application, you must include a personal statement. In this brief statement, articulate your interest in the Visual Effects minor, including a detailed anticipated application of the minor to your primary field of study.

Visual effects scene description

You must complete a 300 – 500 word-long visual effects scene description of an original scene, with a focus on visual effects usage. Scene descriptions will be assessed by the following rubric: plot, structure and creativity.

Inspirational filmmakers and/or visual effects artists

You must l ist up to five favorite artists or filmmakers that inspire the you to create visual effects and you must explain why they inspire you.

Five cinematic photos or one 1- to 2-minute video

• Upload items in the sequential order intended to convey a narrative.
• Work samples may be taken with any device (e.g., cell phone, digital camera, film camera).
• Photographic sequence/video will be assessed according to composition, lighting, story and creativity.

Minor is for individuals not majoring in Communication Arts.

You must complete the change of minor request and submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website .

Major in Dance

Dance applicants are required to audition for admission into the Department of Dance & Choreography. The auditionee will submit a short video based on movement prompts and exercises in improvisation, ballet, modern and West African, via the VCUarts SlideRoom website . An interview with the Dance faculty is also required.

Once your request has been submitted, applicants will receive an email from [email protected] with information regarding how to submit video auditions and schedule an interview. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please call the Dance department at 804-828-1711.

Minor in Dance

To apply to minor in Dance, you must have completed at least 8 credits of dance courses and have a cumulative VCU gpa of 3.0 or greater. No audition is required.

Submit your audition and schedule your virtual interview

A complete application must be submitted before you may submit an audition date.

Admission criteria

• Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
• Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
• A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
• Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem solving.

About the audition

VCU Dance welcomes students with varying levels of dance experience to audition for our program. The audition consists of a warm-up, a barre, modern center work, an improvisation section and a short interview.

The following attire is appropriate: leotards, tights, unitards, bike shorts with a leotard or fitted top, leggings and appropriate supportive undergarments. No socks. No dangling jewelry. Hair secured away from the face. Please wear either ballet or jazz shoes in the ballet section. The modern, West African and improvisation sections are barefoot.

Fashion Merchandising applicants have no required supplemental materials.

Admissions Criteria

• Students from any department/major may request a minor in Fashion Merchandising, provided they have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Students intending to minor in Fashion Merchandising must apply and be accepted as seeking a minor in Fashion Merchandising.
• Students must see an advisor upon declaration of the Fashion Merchandising minor and once a semester thereafter.

The minor in Animation is housed in the Department of Kinetic Imaging and includes relevant elective options from majors across the School of the Arts.

The minor in Animation is for students who seek to combine technical and conceptual approaches to animation. Students can expect to gain a basic understanding of contemporary interdisciplinary animation practices, the history of animation and a background on the creative approaches to animation arts.

A minor in Animation consists of 18 credits:

• KINE 245 Animation Practices (4 credits, required course)
• ARTH 370 History of Animated Film (3 credits, required course)
• KINE 405 Animation Studio (1 credit, required course, offered spring semester)
• In addition, select 10 credits from the list of elective options, which includes a variety of relevant classes from across the School of the Arts

*please note that some courses may have prerequisites and may require an override or permission from the host dept/instructor

If a student takes 1-2 classes per semester, this minor can be completed in 1.5 – 3 academic years. Open to all VCU students! Acceptance is based on the review of the VCU Change of Major or Minor Application. A personal statement and a link to an online portfolio are required.

Personal statement: please communicate your experience in animation (if any), why this minor is interesting to you and how this minor will support your goals for learning and research.

Portfolio: the portfolio may contain still images (digital or hand drawn, not photo), storyboards, and moving images (can be motion graphics/animation). Once you complete the change of minor request form, you will receive a link to submit a portfolio through SlideRoom

Please take note of deadlines on  the application page , For questions, please email us at  [email protected] . Please note, admission into this minor is competitive. Consult with your academic advisor for degree progress questions before you apply.

The minor in sound design combines both technical and conceptual approaches to sound for video, film and stage. The focus is not on Music but rather on such practices as sound effects production including Foley, as well as field recording and voice over. The minor is a collaboration between the Department of Kinetic Imaging and the Department of Theatre and includes relevant elective options from majors across the School of the Arts.

A minor in sound design consists of 18 credits, nine of which must be at the 300-400 level:

• 3 credits THEA 333 Sound Technology
• 3 credits KINE 346 Survey of Sound Design
• 12 credits from the list of elective options

Any VCU student may apply to the minor in sound design and acceptance is based on the review of the VCU Change of Major or Minor Application and a personal statement (see below).

Personal statement After completion of the change of minor request , please email a brief statement (approximately 300 words) to [email protected], in which you articulate your interest in sound design, an instance of effective sound design from something you’ve seen (and heard) recently, any relevant experience in sound design and how the minor might apply to your primary field of study.

Audition/interview

You must submit your change of major request . Instrument-specific requirements can be found on the Department of Music website . The music department will contact the applicant to schedule an interview.

Once approved for the major, Christine Hoffman, Academic Advisor for the Department of Music, counsels every student about the selection of appropriate courses based on the student’s competence and interest. Students interested in majoring in music (instrumental) should contact Christine Hoffman via email ( [email protected] ).

The music minor consists of 18 credits distributed among the areas of music history and theory, ensemble performance, private lessons and music electives. All students must provide their own instruments (with the exception of piano). All students must be able to read music. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be considered for a minor in Music.

Voice minor Applicants are required to audition. You must play a short passage—at sight—on the piano and sing the same passage a capella. After completion of the change of minor application, students interested in minoring in voice will be contacted via university email. The student will then be connected to a Voice faculty member to schedule an audition. Voice auditions are usually held a few days before the beginning of each semester and at the end of each semester.

Strings minor (Cello, Classical Double Bass, Viola, and Violin) Applicants are required to audition. Prepare one composition or movement from the standard repertoire for their instrument no more than 10 minutes in length. You will also be required to perform scales. After completion of the change of minor application, you will be contacted via university email. You will then be connected to a Strings faculty member to schedule an audition.

Piano minor After completion of the change of minor application, you will be contacted via university email. You will then be connected to a Piano faculty member to schedule an audition.

Other instruments minor You will be asked a few questions about your musical experience and abilities during this online application. Once approved for the minor, Christine Hoffman, Academic Advisor for the Department of Music, counsels every student about the selection of appropriate courses based on the student’s competence and interest. Students interested in minoring in music (instrumental) should contact Christine Hoffman via email ( [email protected] ).

Once your change of major request has been submitted, please create a SlideRoom account ; answer all questions, including callback date selection; and upload your materials.

Options are:

• Friday, November 10, 12:30 – 5 pm (only callback date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, December 1, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 19, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 26, 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 2, 12:30 – 5 pm

Callbacks take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts , located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your callback date.

At callbacks, Bachelor of Arts applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your resume to the interview.

Once your change of major request has been submitted (select “Theatre Foundation with concentration in Performance” as the major), please create a SlideRoom account ; answer all questions, including callback date selection; and upload your materials.

At Callbacks, applicants can expect to:

• Interview with faculty in their area of interest.
• Present their portfolio or appropriate audition pieces (details dependent on intended major).
• Tour theatre facilities.
• Talk with current students.
• All students participate in a group general info and Q+A session.
• Performers participate in group warm-ups.
• Parents are encouraged to attend, too. We continue with a parent Q+A session after applicants head off to auditions/interviews.

Callbacks take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your callback date.

At callbacks, Stage Management applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your prompt book to the interview.

In SlideRoom, submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

• Video can be up to 30 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

At callbacks, applicants can expect to:

Please fill out the change of minor form , and the theatre department will contact you with more information.

Readmission to VCUarts

All students applying to the Art Foundation Program for readmission must submit a portfolio that includes recent work made while not enrolled at VCU.

Students who have been suspended since their last enrollment at VCU must apply for readmission, submit a portfolio that includes recent work made while not enrolled at VCU.

• Communities Pre-Med Medical Resident Audiology Dental Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Podiatry Psychology Rehab Sci Veterinary
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• MD Medical School-Specific Discussions Prior Years

2023-2024 Virginia Commonwealth

• Thread starter wysdoc
• Start date Mar 21, 2023

Plain-spoken Texan

• Mar 21, 2023

tzuyu&yuqi

Full member.

• May 3, 2023
• Jun 12, 2023

Jacob38383827 said: I checked their website and it said that these classes are still strongly recommended, not required Click to expand...

• Jun 16, 2023

Also an incoming MS1 here too. OOS, ORM, mid-stats applicant. Was waitlisted for 6+ months since my interview. Would be happy to help out and answer any questions you might have about applying here. Feel free to shoot me a DM!  

• Jun 20, 2023

lordparamounttargaryen said: Also an incoming MS1 here too. OOS, ORM, mid-stats applicant. Was waitlisted for 6+ months since my interview. Would be happy to help out and answer any questions you might have about applying here. Feel free to shoot me a DM! Click to expand...

deltacarotene

• Jul 1, 2023

Just received email notifying receipt of my primary app.  

deltacarotene said: Just received email notifying receipt of my primary app. Click to expand...

• Jul 3, 2023

OOS Secondary Received  

deleted1150307

bob22! said: OOS Secondary Received Click to expand...

VCU Supplemental Essays: 1. You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? (Comments are limited to 2000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged) 2. How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past? (2000 character limit) 3. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application. 4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. 5. If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?  

madamemichaelscott

If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now? Click to expand...

bob22! said: VCU Supplemental Essays: 1. You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? (Comments are limited to 2000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged) 2. How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past? (2000 character limit) 3. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application. 4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. 5. If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now? Click to expand...

Premed@ForestParkForever said: Thanks! for questions 3-5 are they also 2000 character limit? Click to expand...

madamemichaelscott said: My gap year position is in my primary application's work and activities section. Do I write about it again here but in a different angle? Or do I not write about it here since it specifically says "if not addressed in your application"? Click to expand...

• Jul 4, 2023

Do they send secondaries out at different times if you are a reapplicant? I received the email notifying they received my app but no secondary yet.  

medicallyfragile

pinkeyeshadow said: Do they send secondaries out at different times if you are a reapplicant? I received the email notifying they received my app but no secondary yet. Click to expand...

demetriusclair

OOS, submitted first day you could and haven't even received confirmation that they got my app yet.  

• Jul 5, 2023

IS secondary received 0824 this morning  

SmokeyBear_is_my_dad

+1 IS recieved at 8 am  

sweetpotatofever

+1 OOS at 9AM. VCU screens its applicants, which could explain a slower secondary rollout.  

Research on the topic is encouraged Click to expand...

ayoooooosauce

wysdoc said: 4. Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. Click to expand...

madamemichaelscott said: Did you all interpret this as research on the COVID-19 vaccine to provide to the neighbor or research on how to respond to this dilemma with someone ambivalent about getting the vaccine? Click to expand...

ayoooooosauce said: For this- is it advised to write about one B I received? Or is that drawing attention to something that is not needed to be highlighted Click to expand...

wysdoc said: I think they mean if you haven't read much about the pros and cons of COVID-19 vaccination in 3 yo children, you should do that before writing your answer to this question. (If you haven't read about this, where have you been for the last 3 years????) And yes, a component of the question is, as a non-doctor, should you advise your neighbor? Click to expand...

SultanateIV

What is this asking? "Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application." Is it asking for gaps during my undergrad, or like also gap years after?  

+1 OOS received  

RandomOtter

This might be a silly question but for question 1, I am doing some research to answer the question in an informed way. Should I be adding citations if I am using news sources?  

IS received 0930 this morning!  

lumalee said: IS received 0930 this morning! Click to expand...

pinkhairchic

+1 OOS  

Anyone receive for MSTP?  

StressedStudent71232

Sunrizon said: Anyone receive for MSTP? Click to expand...

amoxicillin_resistant

Ii_manifestation.

For prereqs, VCU mentions wanting upper div science courses but there is nowhere to assign them. Should they be added to the biology section or is this not necessary?  

chuckwalla1

bootstraps said: For prereqs, VCU mentions wanting upper div science courses but there is nowhere to assign them. Should they be added to the biology section or is this not necessary? Click to expand...

chuckwalla1 said: Similarly, I do not see a section for the psychology and sociology courses that they mention as prereqs. Where should those courses be assigned? Click to expand...

• Jul 6, 2023

SultanateIV said: What is this asking? "Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application." Is it asking for gaps during my undergrad, or like also gap years after? Click to expand...

RandomOtter said: This might be a silly question but for question 1, I am doing some research to answer the question in an informed way. Should I be adding citations if I am using news sources? Click to expand...

GhasanKanafani

For reapplicants, how did yall state your "additional qualifications"? 150 characters doesn't give a lot of room to talk, so I was thinking about doing a list format.  

okay so for the first question, I'm interpreting it as "how would you go about having this conversation with your neighbor" and saying that I would validate her concerns, be respectful the whole time point her towards peer-reviewed journals saying vaccines are good blah blah blah. I'm not talking about specific evidence I would bring up in favor of vaccines. Is this what other people are doing?  

MD/PhD​

celestia0313

griffinfly said: okay so for the first question, I'm interpreting it as "how would you go about having this conversation with your neighbor" and saying that I would validate her concerns, be respectful the whole time point her towards peer-reviewed journals saying vaccines are good blah blah blah. I'm not talking about specific evidence I would bring up in favor of vaccines. Is this what other people are doing? Click to expand...

celestia0313 said: yeah I'm getting the sense from the question that they want us to be pro-vaccine in 3 year olds so I feel like that's how most people are gonna answer it? idk could be wrong though Click to expand...

albb28 said: I think it's kind of getting at the idea that we should recognize we aren't able to give any medical advice. I'm answering it like a CASPER prompt honestly and trying to give an opinion while also encouraging them to seek medical professionals to have this discussion with rather than me. Click to expand...

Are you guys using question 2 as an adversity essay?  

• Jul 8, 2023

Anyone know where to assign psychology and sociology?  

megaknight said: Are you guys adding all of your courses in or just enough to meet their pre-req requirement? I always get confused with this Click to expand...

Similar threads

• Mar 17, 2023

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Sept. 10, 2024

Biotech startup with strong VCU ties wins prestigious state grant for its DNA analysis tool

Physics professor and massey researcher jason reed co-founded evizia to propel scientific breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes., share this story.

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By Dan Carrigan

A startup company with roots at Virginia Commonwealth University has received a prestigious state grant that will accelerate its work in advancing DNA analysis.

Now housed in incubator office space in the Richmond neighborhood of Scott’s Addition, Evizia is building on more than a decade of published research and grants tied to its husband-and-wife co-founders –  Jason Reed , Ph.D., a professor in VCU’s Department of Physics, and Sheila Corcoran, whose business résumé includes Wall Street experience.

An early version of their product – the aptly named PRECYSE – has been developed for testing, and they say the single-molecule imaging and analysis instrument offers superior speed, precision and cost efficiency compared with existing options for scientists and doctors.

“I am interested in developing technologies that are applicable in the real world,” said Reed, who is also a researcher at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We want to provide researchers and clinicians with the tools they need to make groundbreaking discoveries and improve patient outcomes.”  – to one day help doctors care for patients with inherited neurological diseases and certain cancers.

“There is a real ‘wow factor’ because most have never seen a direct molecular resolution image of their samples,” Corcoran added.

Over the past two years, Evizia has reached a number of commercialization benchmarks, including licensing exclusive patents. And this summer, it received a significant boost from  Virginia Catalyst , also known as the Virginia Biosciences Health Research Corp.

The nonprofit organization, established by the General Assembly, awarded Evizia and its partner universities an $800,000 grant to support the development and commercialization of PRECYSE. Evizia was one of only four recipients of the latest round of grants, which will allow the company to fast-track research and development as well as collaborations with researchers across the state, including at VCU and the University of Virginia. Evizia also will provide matching funds from partners.

Evizia’s grant application was bolstered by endorsement from VCU  TechTransfer and Ventures , which works with inventors across VCU’s campuses to support commercialization of research discoveries, including connecting them with industry partners and outlining patent and legal resources.

“Their team is very unique and in a very strong position to be successful,” Magdalena Morgan, Ph.D., director of licensing at TechTransfer and Ventures, said of Reed and Corcoran. “Jason’s deep scientific expertise paired with Sheila’s sharp business acumen creates a powerful synergy.”

In many ways, Evizia emerged over the years from VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences as well as Massey, with support from additional partners. Its technology is timely, according to the co-founders.

Despite significant advancements in genome sequencing, analyzing larger sections and structures of the genome efficiently has remained challenging. Existing methods often fall short in sensitivity, speed and cost-effectiveness, requiring substantial patient samples and complex, expensive procedures, Evizia said. Clinicians and researchers increasingly need more efficient and accurate tools.

“This grant propels our work forward,” Reed said of the Virginia Catalyst funding, “allowing us to build on existing key opinion leader feedback by testing with experts in our own backyard to push the boundaries of what’s possible in DNA analysis.”

Currently, most labs use a method called electrophoresis, which separates and checks DNA by comparing it with known samples. But PRECYSE allows scientists to see DNA directly at the single-molecule level. The new approach enhances the accuracy and speed of DNA analysis, helping labs save time and money.

Using a technology originally from semiconductor manufacturing, PRECYSE is based on an atomic force microscope (AFM), which images biomolecules like DNA.

“For those old enough to get this reference, the AFM works a lot like a record player needle. It rapidly interrogates the surface and quickly renders an image based on when the probe, or ‘needle,’ moves over the molecule,” Reed said.

The scanning process, known as high-speed atomic force microscopy, creates detailed, 3D images at a nanometer scale (one-billionth of a meter). Direct visualization of DNA molecules provides accurate information on the structure and length of the sample. All the while, PRECYSE can replace traditional methods that provide less accuracy based on indirect measurements.

Evizia’s work has been supported by grants and investment from the National Institutes of Health, VCU Health, Massey and two Virginia Investment Partnership Corp. mechanisms (Virginia Venture Partners and Commonwealth Commercialization Fund). Its PRECYSE technology continues to be refined through collaboration among physicists, molecular biologists, engineers and computer scientists.

“We are excited to partner further with leading researchers in the commonwealth to bring this technology to market,” Corcoran said, “with the ultimate goal of impacting the speed, accuracy and cost of genomic analysis and improving patient outcomes.”

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