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Student Types
Before beginning your application ensure you’re applying as the correct student type. This may affect which application you must complete.
First-Year Students
You will apply to VMI as a first-year student if you are a current high school student or high school graduate without college credit, or if you earned college credit prior to high school graduation (dual credit, AP/IB credit) and you are a citizen of the United States.
*All required documents must be received before your application can be reviewed. School officials may submit documents through the VMI Application (when requested) or the Admissions Secure Upload Portal.
**The personal statement is completed as part of the VMI application, whether you apply through the VMI Application or the Common App.
College Transfer Students
College transfer students have enrolled in or completed coursework at a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school. Transfer applicants must meet VMI’s admission standards and complete all remaining degree requirements at VMI to earn a VMI diploma.
If your only college coursework was earned through dual enrollment or another program before high school graduation, you should apply as a first-year student.
*All required documents must be received before your application can be reviewed. School officials may submit documents through the VMI Application (when requested) or the Admissions Secure Upload Portal.
**The personal statement is completed as part of the VMI application.
International Students
International applicants follow the same application process and admission requirements as U.S. applicants. If you have not attended a college or university after graduating from high school, apply as a first-year applicant. If you have completed coursework at a college or university after high school graduation, apply as a college transfer applicant.
In addition to the standard application requirements, international applicants may be required to submit English proficiency test scores and documentation needed to obtain a student visa (F-1) and complete the enrollment process.
Which Application Type Am I?
Have you attended a college or university after graduating from high school?
No → Apply as an International First-Year Applicant
Yes → Apply as an International College Transfer Applicant
Test Scores
Official English proficiency exam results are required if the applicant’s first language is not English (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS)
Important ROTC Eligibility Requirement
All VMI cadets are required by Virginia law to participate in an Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps ROTC program throughout their enrollment. Federal ROTC regulations require participants to have an eligible U.S. immigration status.
During the admissions process, applicants must provide documentation verifying their U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, or documentation related to their student visa eligibility or application, as applicable. Applicants who are unable to meet federal ROTC eligibility requirements are not eligible to enroll at VMI.
- Legal References: Virginia Code § 23.1-2500(C); Army Regulation 145-1; AFROTCI 36-2001, Vol. 3; NSTC M-1533.2F.
Questions about ROTC eligibility or immigration documentation?
If you have questions about your eligibility to attend VMI based on your citizenship or immigration status, please contact the Admissions Office before submitting your application. We’re happy to discuss your individual circumstances and help you understand the documentation required.
* Required documents must be received before your application can be reviewed for an admissions decision. They may be submitted through the Admissions Secure Upload Portal.
Current Member of the U.S. Armed Forces
If you are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and meet VMI’s admission requirements, your application type depends on your college experience after high school.
Have you attended a college or university after graduating from high school?
Yes → Apply as a College Transfer Student.
No → Apply as a First-Year Student.
Guide to Enrollment for Current Members of the Armed Forces
1. Contact your education service officer (ESO) or counselor within your military service.
2. Contact Luke Anderson (540-464-7184) or Pervis Binns (540-464-7164) about the possibility of earning college credit for your military training and service and benefit-related questions.
3. Apply for Admission.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
5. Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn about the total cost of attendance.
6. Learn more about the types of aid available and apply for scholarships.
7. Review available veterans benefits programs.
Former VMI Cadets Seeking Readmission
Former cadets wishing to return to VMI should apply for readmission through the Miller Academic Center, not the Admissions Office.
- Fall Readmission Deadline: June 1
- Spring Readmission Deadline: November 1
Completed applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted by the applicable deadline.
Begin Your Application
Please submit only one application to VMI. You may apply using either the VMI Application or the Common Application, but do not submit both.
VMI's Application
Apply directly to VMI.
Available For:
All applicants and required for college transfer students.
Common Application
Add VMI to your list of colleges and complete your application.
Available For:
All except college transfer students.
Tips for a Successful Application
Personal Email Address: Apply using your personal email address, not a parent/guardian's or your high school's email account. You'll need continued access to this account after graduation to receive updates from VMI.
Take Your Time: It is crucial to fill out your application completely and accurately. Details matter.
Social Security Number: Needed for federal financial aid consideration.
August 1
VMI's Application Opens (Fall term entry only)
November 15
Early Decision Deadline
February 1
Regular Decision Deadline
March 15
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
Moe Tips
Review all dates and deadlines so you know what to expect before and after applying.
For advanced credit review, we encourage you to provide final transcripts for any dual enrollment courses you have completed.
ROTC scholarships require additional documents and information and come with their own eligibility requirements separate from VMI’s admissions requirements. Start reviewing their application process as soon as possible.
Additional Information
Eligibility
The Institute seeks to admit young men and women who aspire to both an academic degree and a military commission as the hallmarks of a complete VMI education. Applicants are normally not less than sixteen (16) or more than twenty-two (22) years of age at matriculation and may not be married and/or the parent of a child. An age waiver may be granted for an applicant who has served on active duty in the armed forces, or if other circumstances dictate a waiver of the policy. Read more about all eligibility requirements.
NCAA Athlete Requirements
All scholarship or walk-on athletes are required to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center for determining eligibility. Obtain a Student Release Form from your counselor.
Standardized Tests Notice
For the current application cycle, VMI will be Test Optional, meaning candidates do not have to submit either an SAT or ACT score. The absence of test scores will not be viewed as a negative in the application review process. However, candidates who do wish to submit a score should use the SAT code 5858 and/or ACT code 4418.
Some scholarships do require applicants to submit their standardized test scores. Be sure to review each scholarship’s requirements.
International Student Requirements for ROTC Participation
Pursuant to Army Regulation 145-1, AFROTCI36-2001V3 and NSTC M-1533.2F, persons who have entered the U.S. illegally (without valid entry status or documentation) are prohibited from participating in or enrolling in ROTC programs. Section 23.1-2500 C. of the Code of Virginia requires all cadets to participate in one of the ROTC programs at all times while attending the Institute. Accordingly, applicants who are unable to provide proper documentation of U.S. citizenship, their intent to apply for a Visa, or proof of their application for U.S. citizenship before matriculating are prohibited from being appointed to the Institute.