Admission Procedures

Domestic students

Complete the online graduate school application shown in the graduate school admission website. A $70 applicant fee is required to submit an application.
Fee waivers are available for domestic students, providing this is the first time an application has been submitted to VCU. The application fee will be paid by the Department of Chemistry once the application is complete. To request fee waivers, you should contact Dr. Indika Arachchige at gradchem@vcu.edu
with scanned copies of GRE and unofficial transcript(s). Please wait until you hear back from him prior to submit your online application. Please note that GRE is not required for admission.
Submit a one-page personal statement describing your career goals and how a degree in chemistry would help you meet those goals. Include prior work or life experience that relates to your interest in chemistry and any other information that you think will help in the evaluation of your application.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Submit three letters of recommendation. The preferred route to sending letters of recommendation is electronically by listing the names and email addresses of those who will provide you with a letter directly on the online graduate school application. In the event that this is not possible, those writing a reference letter can email the letter to gradchem@vcu.edu
Submit official General (required) and Subject GRE (optional) scores and the Virginia In-State Tuition form.
Resume/CV. Recommended, but not required.
The online graduate school application allows you to upload your personal statement, unofficial transcripts, a photocopy of your GRE scores, resume, a writing example (an abstract of your prior work or research) and the names and email addresses of those who will provide you with a letter of recommendation. Please contact Dr. Indika Arachchige at gradchem@vcu.edu if you have any questions.

For more information, visit the Graduate School Website.

International students

Complete the online graduate school application shown in the graduate school admission website. A $70 applicant fee is required to submit an application.
Fee waivers are also available for international students, providing this is the first time an application has been submitted to VCU and your test scores are greater than or equal to the following: combined GRE general exam score of 300 with a minimum analytical writing score of 3.0, and a TOEFL score of 92 with a score on each individual section of 20 or higher. To request fee waivers, you should contact Dr. Indika Arachchige at gradchem@vcu.edu with scanned copies of GRE (optional), TOEFL, and unofficial transcript(s). Please wait until you hear back from him prior to submit your online application. Please note that GRE is not required for admission.
Submit a one-page personal statement describing your career goals and how a degree in chemistry would help you meet those goals. Include prior work or life experience that relates to your interest in chemistry and any other information that you think will help in the evaluation of your application.
Submit transcripts from prior colleges or universities (English Translation)
Submit three letters of recommendation. The preferred route to sending letters of recommendation is electronically by listing the names and email addresses of those who will provide you with a letter directly on the online graduate school application. In the event that this is not possible, those writing a reference letter can email the letter to gradchem@vcu.edu (Chemistry Department, preferred); they must include your full name and the program you’re applying to in the subject line. The letters need to be on university letter head (if appropriate) and electronically signed.
The online graduate school application allows you to upload your personal statement, unofficial transcripts, a photocopy of your GRE scores (optional), TOFEL scores, resume, a writing example (an abstract of your prior work or research), and the names and email addresses of those who will provide you with a letter of recommendation. The external credential evaluations will be completed by the graduate school with no cost to you. Please contact Dr. Indika Arachchige at gradchem@vcu.edu, if you have any questions.

International students should refer to the VCU Global Education Office website for additional admissions information.

Submit any additional supplemental documents (if needed) to:

US Citizens or permanent residents:

Virginia Commonwealth University
Office of Admissions
Box 843051
Richmond, Virginia 23284-3051

International students:

Virginia Commonwealth University – International Admissions
408 West Franklin Street
Box 843012
Richmond, Virginia 23284-3043, U.S.A

Suggested application deadline dates:

March 15 (Fall admission)
October 15 (Spring admission)
Applications are considered until positions are filled.

Questions or comments:

Phone: (804) 828-1298
Email: gradchem@vcu.edu