Virginia Commonwealth University has announced a guaranteed university admission program for first-year freshman applicants who are among the top 10% of their high school graduat- ing class or have a high school GPA of 3.5 or above. This is the first university-wide program of its kind among Virginia’s R1 universities and is open to any qualifying student nationwide, according to a university news release.

“The guaranteed university admission program will easily connect top-performing high school graduates with a nationally ranked major research university that is committed to excellence, access, impact and innovation,” said Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., interim vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success. “And this program will have a positive impact on Virginia’s economy because we know that our talented graduates are career ready and a majority stay here in Virginia.”

To participate in the program, a graduating high school student will apply through the Common App and submit their high school transcript. No additional paperwork is necessary to be considered for the program. Enrollment at VCU requires students to complete additional requirements.

“The benefit to qualifying students is an admissions process without the stress that comes with uncertainty in the college selection process,” Dr. Bucheli said.

While qualified first-year freshman applicants are eligible for guaranteed university admission, some programs, such as arts and engineering, have major-specific requirements.

Existing guaranteed admission agreements with the Virginia Community College System and other two-year colleges are already in place to serve transfer students.

Interested first-year freshman applicants may find out more about guaranteed university admission by visiting

admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/first-year/guaranteed-university-admission/ or by contacting the Office of Admissions at ugrad@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1222.