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Admissions

DEADLINES AND DECISIONS

You can apply to the Brandcenter within these deadline windows each year:

  • Early-wave deadline: March 1
  • International applicant deadline: April 10
  • Final deadline, all applicants: May 15 

Admission decisions are made within four to six weeks of each deadline. Want to know if you’re in? Keep an eye on your inbox — decisions are sent via email.

 

Application available

NOVEMBER 1

Request application

Contact us

Hawley Smyth
Senior admissions counselor
smythh@vcu.edu
804-827-8878

Each year we carefully select 100 talented students to join our elite force of creative problem-solvers. Our application, much like our program, is rigorous.
We hope that if you do embark on our application, you will learn not only a lot about yourself, but also where you see your future.

How do I apply?

After you request an application, you'll receive an email that includes:

  • Step-by-step instructions on how to apply
  • General program requirements
  • Track-specific requirements

Only apply to ONE of the five tracks: art direction, copywriting, creative brand management, experience design or strategy. Check out details about each one on our program page. You can also attend one of our information sessions held throughout the school year.

International admissions

In addition to the Brandcenter application, international applicants must submit the VCU Office of Admissions international graduate student application. In the personal statement field, enter "Please see Brandcenter application." Contact International Admissions with any questions.

Requirements and test scores

International applicants must hold the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree or, if you have a degree from a three-year program, be eligible for graduate education in your country of citizenship.

As a communications program, we require these minimum scores on the following tests:

  • TOEFL: 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test or 100 on the internet-based test
  • IELTS: 6.5 minimum score.

Student demographics

  • 10-12 percent international
  • 20-24 percent minority
  • Average age: 25

Some of our students are married. Some have kids. About 70 percent have at least one year of post-college work experience — anything from working at a college bookstore to several years of agency experience.

Ask Hawley: Tips from our admissions counselor

The Application
Application Specifics
Personal Interview
Who Can Apply?
Choosing a Track
Letters of Recommendation
When is it too late to apply?
Receiving Your Admissions Decision
Working While Attending Brandcenter

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