VCU Board of Visitors

Office of the President

Suggested steps for completing your application

You’ve received your invitation to apply. The deadline to submit materials is 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024. Now what? 
Here are some suggested steps to ensure that you can complete and submit your application prior to the deadline to avoid adding more stress to the end of the fall semester and winter break.

When you receive your invitation to apply

  • Read the award criteria thoroughly and determine if you plan to apply. If you have questions, check the FAQs. If you still have questions, please email scholarships@vcu.edu.
  • Open the application and familiarize yourself with the information required. You’ll notice that some of the “Applicant” fields are prefilled with your information. You can update this information if needed. To save changes, click submit. You can access your application through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024.

By Nov. 28

  • Confirm that your professor will be willing and able to provide a recommendation for you before the Jan. 1 deadline. Instructions will be sent to them via email after you have submitted their information in the application.
  • Complete the “Faculty Reference” portion of the application with the faculty member’s first and last names, phone number and VCU email address. Read the consent statement and click on the checkbox to indicate that you Agree. Click Submit. This will send an email directly to the faculty member with a personalized link for uploading the reference letter.

By Dec. 5

  • Review your resume. Ensure that it includes the breadth of activities, paid and unpaid, that you are involved in at VCU and in the community.
  • Write a first draft of your essay.
  • Check with your faculty reference to ensure they received the request to submit a reference and will upload the letter prior to the deadline. 

By Dec. 12

  • If the faculty recommendation has not been submitted, reach out and let them know that that deadline is quickly approaching.

By Dec. 18

  • Put the finishing touches on your resume and essay.
  • Upload your updated resume and final essay to your application. Ensure that all of the information on the application is correct. If your faculty recommendation has been uploaded, it will be noted on the form. Click Agree and Submit. (Note – you can submit your materials whether or not the recommendation letter has been uploaded.)

By Jan. 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Make any last minute changes, if needed. Your application cannot be changed after the deadline.