VMCAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs

Timeline

Key Actions

Prior to the Start of the Application Process

1. Research programs you wish to apply to. Keep in mind that you cannot select programs in the application until May 12, 2021. When considering programs, pay special attention to:
   • Cycle dates and deadline requirements. 
   • Application fees.
   • Recommendation requirements. 
   • Minimum requirements, including prerequisites, standardized tests, supplemental applications, foreign credential evaluations, etc. 
2. Ask your schools to send you the official transcripts you'll need to enter your coursework. 
3. Begin contacting potential recommenders to confirm their participation. 
4. Begin drafting your essay.
5. Review the instructions in this Help Center and the VMCAS Code of Conduct. 

At Least 3 Months Prior to Application Deadline

1. Create your account or reapply using an existing account (available only for accounts created in the 2015-2016 cycle and later). 
2. Select the programs you want to apply to. 
3. Complete the Colleges Attended section. 
4. Complete the Recommendations section. 

At Least 10-12 Weeks Prior to Application Deadline

1. Ask your schools to send official transcripts directly to VMCAS. If there are any holds on your account at an institution, resolve them now to avoid delays in sending transcripts. 
2. Begin entering coursework into your application. 
3. Check in with your recommenders to confirm that they received the recommendation request via email.

At Least 6-8 Weeks Prior to Application Deadline

Complete and submit your application. Review the verification process. Monitor your application for receipt of transcripts and letters of recommendation and follow up on any missing items.

At Least 4-6 Weeks Prior to Application Deadline

Continue monitoring your application until your status is Verified. 

After Deadline

Download a copy of your application for your records. 

Do I need to send transcripts?

Yes, you must submit official transcripts to VMCAS. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines on each type of transcript.

Where do I find the Transcript Request Form?

The Transcript Request Form is found in the Colleges Attended section, after you submit a college or university entry.

Should I send my high school transcripts?

No.

My transfer credits are listed on my primary transcript. Do I still need to send all transcripts?

You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. See Sending Official Transcripts for more guidelines.

How do I know what my primary institution is?

Your primary institution is the college or university where you earned or will earn your first undergraduate college degree.

Do I really have to enter all coursework?

Yes, you must enter all US and English Canadian coursework into the Transcript Entry section of the application. 

How do I list my repeated courses?

VMCAS considers a course to be repeated if you enrolled in the same course (with the same course title and prefix) again at the same college or university.

Report all attempts of repeated coursework (including those that are currently in-progress or planned) and be sure to mark them as repeated during Transcript Review. Enter the number of credit hours attempted for each course, regardless of how many credits were actually earned. 

Should I include foreign coursework in the Transcript Entry section?

No.

Why is my VMCAS GPA different from the GPA on my transcripts?

The VMCAS GPAs factor in all coursework taken, regardless of the college or university and any academic forgiveness policies. See Calculating Your VMCAS GPAs for more information.

I don't agree with the GPA. How do I change it?

The VMCAS GPAs factor in all coursework taken, regardless of the college or university and any academic forgiveness policies. If after reviewing your calculated coursework you find an error with your GPA, review Disputing and Correcting VMCAS Course Subjects and GPAs.

Why can't I select a program?

Programs are not available for selection until May 12, 2021. You can complete all other application sections before this date.  

How do I remove a program?

Your application must always have at least one program selected. To remove a program, first navigate to the Add Programs tab and select the desired program(s). Then navigate to the Submit Application tab and remove the undesired program(s).

Can I apply to more programs after I submit my application?

Yes, if the program's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

Should I submit my application if I'm still waiting on transcripts, recommendations, and/or official test scores?

Yes. You can submit your application before your transcripts, recommendations, and/or official test scores are received by VMCAS.

Will VMCAS update me on the status of my application?

Your application status for each program is listed in the Check Status section of the application. VMCAS will notify you when official transcripts and recommendations are received, and when your application is verified.

When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!?

You must reach out to your program(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.

Is there any other way to pay other than by credit card?

We currently only accept payments by credit card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

I want a refund. What do I need to do?

Refunds are not given for any reason. Review Refunding/Withdrawing Your VMCAS Application for more information.

How is VMCAS responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

VMCAS continues to operate as expected and you can contact the VMCAS Customer Service team with any questions. For additional questions and updates, visit the COVID-19 Application Updates for Students page.