First-year application review
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. The 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. The courses below are a guideline for applicants to the College of Engineering and should be considered in conjunction with university guidelines.
- Four units of college-prep mathematics, including at least one full credit beyond algebra II (Credit in 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
A typical admitted student has mostly A's and B's in all high school credit courses. Grades are evaluated in conjunction with course selection. Therefore, students with many advanced courses may have fewer A’s and students with fewer advanced courses will have more A’s.
Middle-ground admitted applications have about half A’s and half B’s.
All grades from 9th through 11th grade are considered, and grade trends can impact final decisions. In some cases we may request to review mid-year grades for 12th grade prior to making a final decision.
2022 admitted students weighted GPA
- 25th percentile: 3.64
- Median: 4.00
- 75th percentile: 4.29
- Average: 3.96
While our review process considers all of your high school courses, we pay extra attention to STEM course selection and grades. Advanced level classes in sciences, math and computer science are beneficial, but only as long as you maintain B’s or better.
Applicants are not required to submit test scores for admission to the College of Engineering. Applicants who would like their scores to be used in our application review may still submit scores through the VCU Office of Admissions.
2022 admitted students SAT (ACT equivalent)
- 25th percentile: 1170 (24)
- Median: 1310 (28)
- 75th percentile: 1430 (31)
- Average: 1294 (27)
Scholarships and Affordability
We’re here to help you finance your education at the College of Engineering. Our flagship program is the Wright Engineering Access Scholarship, which offers undergraduates a low- or no-debt path to a high-value degree. We also have an array of merit-based and need-based funding opportunities.
Visit VCU
Don’t take our word for it. Come and see what the College of Engineering is all about. We have information sessions available throughout the week that include a tour of our facilities. For more information about visit times, please see our registration calendar. Personalized group visits are also available.