Transfer applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline for the fall semester will receive a decision by May 1, 2025.
Applications to this program are accepted for fall semesters only.
Due to the competitive admissions process for the Cinema Program, there are a limited number of seats available for transfer students. As part of the application process, you are required to have an information session with Advisor Martha Harper (harperma@vcu.edu) before your application is reviewed.
Application steps
Please ensure that your address stays active for at least one year, as we will use it to communicate with you throughout the application process. Use the same email address for all VCU business. Check your email frequently for updates on the status of your application.
Note: you can upload your Cinema essay and visual storytelling exercise in any order and/or at different times before the deadline.
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.
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
Note: you can upload your Cinema essay and visual storytelling exercise in any order and/or at different times before the deadline.
Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each previously attended college or university, including summer schools. If less than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours have been completed, applicants also must submit high school transcripts.
Official transcripts must be delivered to the Office of Admissions unopened and sealed in their original envelope.
Transcripts should be sent to:
VCU Office of Admissions
Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526
VCU does not require applicants to submit recommendations. If you choose to submit recommendations, please send them to arts@vcu.edu.
Applicants should review VCU’s Student Financial Services’ financial aid checklist, available here.
Applicants are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. States and colleges also use FAFSA information to award grants, scholarships and loans.
The FAFSA form is available starting December 31. To be considered, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline of March 1.
