VCU School of Medicine offers an M.D. program in Richmond. Applicants submit a verified AMCAS application and MCAT score; Casper is also required. VCU reviews academic preparation, experiences and personal attributes, invites selected applicants to a supplemental application, and uses Multiple Mini Interviews. Its published minimums are a 3.3 undergraduate GPA and a 503 MCAT.
- Program
- Allopathic Medicine
- Credential
- MD
- Location
- Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP10111
- Next deadline
- October 15, 2026 (AMCAS submission)
- Interview
- Multiple mini interview (MMI)
- Length
- four-year MD
Casper Requirement for Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- American Professional Health Sciences Casper · CSP10111
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- AAMC Number or AMCAS ID
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
All applicants, including reapplicants, must complete Casper for this admissions cycle.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- AMCAS
- Applications open
- Early May; AMCAS submission begins in early June
| What | When |
|---|---|
| AMCAS Early Decision submission | August 1, 2026passed |
| AMCAS submission | October 15, 2026upcoming |
| Final supplemental application submission | January 30, 2027upcoming |
| Supplemental application | Within 30 days of the invitation |
VCU reviews only complete, verified AMCAS applications. Select applicants receive a supplemental-application invitation through the applicant portal.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine Admissions Statistics
Period: VCU admissions profile, updated August 2026
- Average GPA: 3.79 undergraduate GPA
- Average test score: MCAT 512
- Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.3
- Minimum MCAT: 503
VCU gives priority to Virginia residents while considering applicants' academics, experiences and attributes.
Eligibility Requirements for Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine
- Degree / credits
A degree from a U.S.-accredited college or university, or a Canadian equivalent, is required.
- Residency
Favors in-state applicants
- Citizenship
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents or Canadian citizens when they apply.
The program accepts applicants through the Fee Assistance Program (FAP). Details on international eligibility are limited.
Other requirements
- Criminal background check: Accepted applicants undergo a Certiphi Screening background check.
- Health insurance and immunizations: Medical students must maintain health insurance and complete required immunizations within six months of matriculation.
Selection Factors Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | Two semesters One semester must include grammar and composition. |
| College mathematics | Two semesters |
| Biological science | Eight semester hours with laboratory General biology, zoology or botany may count; no more than half may be botany. |
| General or introductory chemistry | Eight semester hours with laboratory |
| Organic chemistry | Eight semester hours with laboratory |
| General or introductory physics | Eight semester hours with laboratory |
GPA
- How it is calculated
VCU reviews academic metrics alongside applicants' experiences and personal attributes; it does not state that science GPA receives greater weight.
- Minimum
- 3.3 undergraduate GPA
The minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.3. VCU lists an average undergraduate GPA of 3.79 and reviews grades as part of a holistic assessment.
Admissions tests
- MCAT (required): Minimum score: 503; VCU-listed average: 512. VCU evaluates the most recent single score or the average of tests taken during the current application year.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
VCU considers clinical experience, community service and extracurricular activities in holistic review. It does not specify a required number of experience hours on its admissions page.
Supplementary application
VCU invites selected applicants after reviewing verified AMCAS materials, including transcripts, MCAT scores and recommendations. Submit the supplemental application within 30 days of the invitation.
How applicants are ranked
VCU reviews complete applications holistically, considering academic metrics, experiences and personal attributes when deciding whom to interview. Following interviews, its admissions committee makes offers; applications may also be held for an interview decision. Review timing does not disadvantage later applicants.
Interview Format at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Format: Multiple mini interview (MMI)
VCU conducts Multiple Mini Interviews by Zoom, with six to eight scenario-based stations assessing skills including critical thinking, communication and ethics.
- Who is invited
- Applicants selected by the admissions committee after application review; invitations and scheduling information arrive through the applicant portal.
- When
- Late August through early March
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Prepare for Casper and Your Interview
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine
- Program length
- four-year MD
- Structure
Years one and two build foundational knowledge; year three is core clinical rotations (clerkships); year four (M4) is 44 weeks of electives and 8 weeks of acting internships.
- Campuses
- Richmond
The ACCESS Program trains students for global health leadership in low-resource settings. Teaching emphasizes competency-based assessments at affiliated sites like VCU Medical Center.
Campus and facilities
Located in Richmond, Virginia, VCU SOM integrates with the VCU Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center. Students access cutting-edge simulation labs and diverse clinical rotations in urban and community hospitals. The program culture draws blue-collar backgrounds, with minimal Greek life, fostering a focused environment.
Tuition and Funding at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
M.D. tuition has a first-professional program rate; the general undergraduate and doctoral figures are not M.D. tuition. Consult VCU's first-professional rates and account for program-specific fees and required health insurance.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report that strong service experiences boost competitiveness even with average stats. Matriculated students describe abundant research opportunities. Premeds note 79% switch majors due to rigor.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine Application
- Verify prerequisites and aim for a 3.5+ GPA by senior year.
- Schedule the MCAT early enough to allow a competitive score and retakes if needed.
- Practice at least 50 Casper scenarios on Bright Doctor's platform to master ethical and interpersonal themes.
- Submit AMCAS followed by secondary essays emphasizing service and urban health interest.
- Secure letters from research or clinical mentors.
- Prepare MMI responses focusing on equity, using timed simulations for feedback.
- In-state applicants should leverage Virginia ties for the interview-rate advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Allopathic Medicine
Does VCU School of Medicine require Casper?
Yes. All applicants must take the American Professional Health Sciences Casper (CSP10111), including applicants who took Casper in an earlier cycle.
What is the minimum MCAT for VCU School of Medicine?
VCU's minimum MCAT is 503; its listed average is 512. Check the current eligible score window before applying.
What GPA do I need for VCU School of Medicine admissions?
VCU lists a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 and an average of 3.79. It considers academics alongside experiences and personal attributes.
What is the VCU School of Medicine interview format?
VCU uses Multiple Mini Interviews conducted by Zoom, with six to eight scenario-based stations.
How competitive is VCU School of Medicine for out-of-state applicants?
VCU gives admissions priority to Virginia residents but also considers out-of-state applicants. Its admissions page does not give separate interview rates.
Does VCU School of Medicine accept international students?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents or Canadian citizens when applying.
What is the VCU School of Medicine curriculum structure?
The four-year M.D. curriculum begins with scientific foundations and applied medical sciences, followed by clinical clerkships and advanced clinical training.
Is research experience required for VCU School of Medicine?
VCU considers applicants' experiences holistically; its admissions requirements do not list research experience as a prerequisite.
Sources
- VCU Prospective Applicants
- AAMC Admission Policies and Information
- VCU M.D. Bulletin
- Acuity test dates
- VCU Interview Process
- VCU Tuition & Fees
- VCU Criminal Background Checks
- VCU Health Policies
Last updated: September 26, 2026