Prospective Students

Frequently asked questions

We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions related to admissions and financial assistance. Please feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.

1. Can I substitute MCAT scores for GRE scores for admissions consideration?
   Only student applying to the Basic Health Sciences Certificate program are allowed to substitute MCAT or DAT scores for GRE scores.

2. What is the code for Virginia Commonwealth University to report my GRE scores and do I need a Department Code?
   The code is R5570. No department code is necessary.

3. How many students do we accept into the Ph.D. program?
   The number of Ph.D. students accepted into the program varies from year to year depending on the quality of the applicants. The starting Ph.D. class ranges from three to six students per year.

4. How many students do we accept into the Genetic Counseling program?
   Each new matriculating class for the genetic counseling program is set at five.

5. What is the minimum TOEFL score do I need to get accepted into the program?
   A minimum of 250 must be achieved on the TOEFL exam.

6. What is the minimum GRE score do I need to get accepted into the program?
   We do not have specific GRE criteria for admissions.

7. Do you accept students for the spring semester?
   We accept application for the fall semester only.

8. How do I apply for a student assistantship?
   You do not need to apply separately for a graduate assistantship. It is automatically done for Ph.D. applicants including international applicants. Unfortunately, we do not have assistantships for master’s students at this time. The student must apply for financial aid and loans separately.

9. Do I need to choose a mentor before applying to the program?
   Students do not need to choose a mentor before they start graduate school. Students will be assigned a temporary advisor in their first year of graduate school. Students will perform two to three laboratory rotations in their first year. They typically choose their mentor after their first two semesters.

10. Where do students live?
    Most students live off campus and there are resources available at VCU to help locate off-campus housing. In addition, there is on-campus housing for graduate students. You need to apply for on-campus housing early.