What are the curriculum requirements for School of the Arts Majors?
Always refer to VCU’s Undergraduate Bulletin for curriculum requirements.

What kind of SAT scores and high school GPA should I have?
We don't have any set minimums for SAT scores or GPAs; we examine your overall application (portfolio/audition, test scores, grades, extracurricular activities) to determine your potential for success in the School of the Arts.

That being said, you probably want to see some numbers anyway.

Visual Arts: The average SAT score of all accepted students in Fall 2007 for Math and Verbal was 1102. For Math, Verbal and Writing, it was 1628. The average GPA was 3.29.

Performing Arts: The average SAT score of all accepted students in Fall 2007 for Math and Verbal was 1060. For Math, Verbal and Writing, it was 1578. The average GPA was 3.24.

What about financial aid?
Financial Aid is available. You must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To learn more, or to download the FAFSA, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions webpage.

What kind of scholarships are available?
To ensure your eligibility for a VCU merit scholarship, make sure you submit your completed application by January 5. To learn more about VCU scholarships, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions webpage.

In addition to University scholarships the School of the Arts and its departments offer a variety of scholarships. Browse the database.

Is a portfolio required for admission?
All visual arts and design applicants, except Art History and Fashion Merchandising, are required to submit a portfolio with their application. Portfolio requirements can be found here.

Is it possible for me to apply online but submit my portfolio through a postal service?
You may apply online and mail your portfolio separately; please be aware that your application to the School of the Arts is not considered complete until all parts of the application are received. Convenient online portfolio submission is available here. If you mail your portfolio, please clearly label each item with your name and birth date and address them to: Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 821 W Franklin St, PO Box 842526, Richmond, VA 23284-2526.

Is an interview required for admission?
We do not interview applicants or conduct person-to-person portfolio reviews as part of the admissions process, unless you are applying to a performing arts major.

Is an audition required for admission to Music/Theatre/Dance and Choreography?
Yes, an audition is required for all performance majors. Please check audition dates and further information on the departmental websites:

Dance and Choreography Audition Information (link)

Music Audition Information (link)

Theatre Audition Information (link)

(Technical Theatre applicants should submit a portfolio instead of auditioning. See portfolio requirements here.)

Is an interview required for admission to a performing arts major?
Yes. Interviews are conducted at the time of the audition. Technical Theatre applicants should also sign up for an interview.

If I want to major in film, do I need to submit drawings in my application portfolio?
We want you to show us your best work, in any medium. We prefer to see a range of practice, but if your work is concentrated in a single medium, you may show work exclusively in that area.

At this point many students say: “But a person does not need to be able to draw to make a film,” to which we respond: VCUarts is committed to training its students as artists; and artists of all types should be trained in such basics as color, composition, perspective, art history, literature, etc. The Art Foundation Program will give future filmmakers that kind of well-rounded training.

Film education is offered through several sources at VCU School of the Arts:

Cinema Program
BA in Film: focus on narrative feature film (story films). This is a new offering and does not require the first year Art Foundation Program.

Photography and Film
BFA in Photography and Film: study all forms of film with a focus on documentary

Kinetic Imaging
BFA in Kinetic Imaging: Focus on animation and experimental film

Theatre
BFA in Theatre: Scene Design/Technical & Production Management (focus on managing film sets)

What courses should I take in high school to be eligible for admission?
Critical thinking, analytical skills and problem solving abilities are important to the education of an artist or designer. You should pursue a well-rounded high school program; avoid specializing only in art. Develop your math skills, language skills, an understanding of the methods and processes of scientific research and literature. In arts classes, you should spend time developing skills in various media, as well as the ability to draw from observation of the figure, still life, landscape and/or cityscape. (You may enroll in VCU's School of the Arts with a GED, provided you have met admissions requirements. SAT is not required for many GED holders.

Who can be an Arts Honors student?
You must be admitted to the Honors College. Go to https://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/honors/prospective/admissions.aspx to see admissions requirements and procedures for the Honors College.

Why would I want to be in the Honors College?
There are lots of reasons: benefits include an honors residence hall, early course registration, honors-only scholarships, special library privileges and access to the honors center’s computer-equipped study rooms and lounge areas. Click here to find out more about the Honors College. Click here to find out more about earning Arts Honors awarded by the Honors College and VCUarts.

What if I was home-schooled? Can I still attend VCUarts?
Yes. Home-schooled students should take the GED and a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT prior to applying for admission, unless he or she is older than 22.

How much is tuition?
For the most up-to-date information on university base tuition and fees, click here. All full-time undergraduate Arts majors pay a fee of $265.00/semester; full-time graduate Arts majors pay $490.00/semester.

Each department offers classes that require enrolled students to pay a "Course Materials Fee" - these fees go toward equipment, materials and services (i.e. figure models, studio/shop/computer equipment, security for after-hours studio access, etc.). Course fees vary from $30/course to $100/course. For more detailed information, visit the Student Accounting website.

Art supply costs vary for each student, we recommend budgeting $1500 in supply costs per semester.

What is an Art Major Fee? What does the School do with that money?
The art major fee is used by the School of the Arts and by individual departments for general operations. These funds provide support for such operational expenses as:
• wages for part-time faculty and specialized technicians and staff
• maintenance of the School’s Visual Resource Library and the acquisition of 10,000 slides annually
• the Computer Center and upgrades to labs and visualization software license fees
• the School’s wood shop
• the Graphics Lab
• operation of the performing arts stages and rehearsal spaces including the Grace Street Theatre
• security systems and security guards
• costs related to accreditation

If the answer to my question isn’t found here, what do I do?
You may email us at arts@vcu.edu or give us a call at 1.866.534.3201.