First Year

Admissions

VCU applications for admissions will be reviewed based on academic performance at an accredited high school. A college preparatory curriculum including advanced level coursework, especially in math and science, is highly preferred. Successful first year applicants should be academically strong students overall with a very solid background in mathematics and the sciences. The VCU College of Engineering looks for consistent performance in advanced high school or college-level classes, as that is a reliable indicator of the ability to manage time and the course work required for success in this rigorous program. Extracurricular activities and employment experience may strengthen an application.

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Applicants

Top 10 percent guaranteed admission to VCU Engineering

The College of Engineering guarantees admission for all graduating high school seniors who rank in the top 10 percent of their classes.

Typical high school courses for first year applicants

The courses below are a guideline for applicants to VCU Engineering and shoudl be considered in conjunction with university guidelines.

  • Four units of college-prep mathematics, including at least one full credit beyond algebra II (Credit in pre-calculus/calculus is desirable but not required.)

  • At least three units of lab science, including chemistry, physics and biology (Advanced-level science courses, such as honors, AP, IB, etc., are beneficial.)

  • Four units of English
  • Three units of history or social sciences and government

Test Optional for first year applicants

Applicants do not need to submit test scores for admission the College of Engineering. All applicants are eligible for test score optional review, regardless of GPA. Applicants who are able to take a standardized test and would like the scores to be used in our application review may still submit scores through the VCU Office of Admissions.

GPA and standardized test scores for previous years

  • 2022 Admitted students GPA
    • 25th percentile: 3.64
    • Median: 4.00
    • 75th percentile: 4.29
    • Average: 3.96
  • 2022 Admitted students SAT (ACT equivalent)
    • 25th percentile: 1170 (24)
    • Median: 1310 (28)
    • 75th percentile: 1430 (31)
    • Average: 1294 (27)

Supplemental materials

The College of Engineering will receive all essays or recommendations sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please do not send additional materials to the college unless specifically requested.

High school credits

If you are entering as a first year and have AP, IB or dual enrollment credits with appropriate grades, those credits will be applied toward your degree requirements within the College of Engineering. An examination report or official college transcript is required before the credit is transferred. We strongly encourage you to take the final examinations in AP or IB courses because credit cannot be granted without an examination result.

View specific AP and IB equivalencies