ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

In examining the credential of applicants, admissions personnel consider the applicant's Christian experience, commitment and character. Academic ability as revealed in high school and college grade point averages and standardized test scores as well as extra-curricular activities contribute to the decision making process.

For the regular seminary course(M,Div) students are expected to give evidence of a call to the ministry, which includes the pastorate, missionary and evangelistic work, Christian education, and other forms of vocational Christian service. The scholastic requirement is graduation from a four year college or university with the degree of bachelor of theology, or its academic equivalent.
An official transcript of the applicant's college work must be on file on the VCU by the time of registration. This is, requested by the prospective student, not the VCU. Special students who are not working toward a degree or who are not able to pursue theological studies full time are occasionally admitted by the Faculty.


SPIRITUAL REQUIREMENTS

The spiritual requirements for study at the University have priority over any and all academic requirements. Because the University prepares its students for a spiritual ministry, it must seek certain spiritual qualities in prospective students. Therefore, each applicant for admission is required to submit the following items:

(1) A statement of personal conversion and of Christian experience and service.
(2) A signed application form which indicates that the applicant is in agreement with the doctrinal position of the University, as found in the doctrinal statement of this catalog, and will abide cheerfully by the spirit and standards of the University. Applicants who are not in full agreement with the University's doctrinal position may request Special Student status.
(3) The name and address of at least three persons who can testify to the applicant's Christian or moral character and suitability for graduate study. Whenever possible, these should include the pastor of the applicant's home church, the dean or faculty advisor of the college which granted the applicant's undergraduate degree, and an employer or teacher.
(4) When possible, a personal interview with the Director of Admissions with regard to personal, academic, and spiritual qualifications for advanced biblical study and for the ministry of the gospel. An interview is required to enter the Christian Counseling program.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

The ability to perform successfully in the College's academic environment is judged by the student's previous educational experience and test scores, with greater emphasis being placed upon the former.
Because the Christian University is a school of undergraduate and graduate study, prospective students need to meet minimum academic prerequisites consistent with undergraduate and graduate school standards. Those minimum standards are as follows:

(1) Complete transcripts....A bachelor of theology degree or its equivalent is required for entrance into all programs. For applicants to the Th.M. program, a Master of Divinity degree from a recognized seminary is also required. The prospective student is responsible for having complete transcripts of all past school credit sent directly from the institution to the Director of Admissions of the VCU.
(2) Grades...Four factors are considered in relation to the applicant's high school grades: (a) the overall grade point average; (b) the applicant's class rank and the school size; (c) the grade pattern from the freshman to senior year; (d) the grades earned in subjects important to the College's curriculum.
It is normally expected that the applicant should rank in the upper half of the high school class and have a 2.0 or above grade point average (on a 4.0 system). Transfer students are also expected to have attained a 2.0 GPA in previous college work. Transfer students with a GPA of less than 2.0 may be accepted provisionally.

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT & EXPERIENCE

1. Christian Commitment.

Since the stated purpose of Virginia Christian University is to prepare qualified leaders for the Christian church and its related ministries, it is important that the values of the applicant can benefit from the programs and environment of the College, three areas are reviewed:

(1) Conversion... It is expected that students at the VCU have confessed faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Applicants are asked to submit a statement concerning their personal faith.
(2) Life style....To be comfortable in the VCU environment, the applicant's lifestyle should reflect Christian principles. To assist in the evaluation of the applicant's qualification in this respect, a confidential character reference from a pastor or Christian leader is required. Applicants must also submit a concise statement describing their family background, personal experience and professional goals.
(3) Beliefs....Since a major segment of the VCU curriculum is devoted to the study of Bible content and reformed theological doctrine, it is important that the applicant receives a copy of the VCU's doctrine position concerning some contemporary issues in Scripture.

2. Christian Experience

Most applicants who come to VCU directly from high school or college have little employment experience. In such cases the applicant's involvement in extra-curricular high school or college activities and in church and community programs is considered in the admissions decision.
Other applicants have accumulated years of experience in the business world or in Christian ministry. This life experience becomes a significant factor in the admissions decision and may qualify the student for academic credit if validated.

ADMISSIONS POLICIES

1. Equal Opportunity... Virginia Christian University admits students of any race, gender, color, age, handicap, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Virginia Christian University. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, age, handicap, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and athletic and other school-administered programs.

2. Provisional Acceptance....Applicants who transfer from an unaccredited institution, or who do not meet the admissions criteria, or who have not met the admissions test requirements or who have not completed the admissions process may be granted provisional acceptance. In such cases the conditions and time limitations for full acceptance will be stipulated. When these conditions are met, the provisional status will be removed. Except for extenuating circumstances, the time limitations placed on provisional acceptance will not be extended.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. An application should be submitted in accordance with the instructions printed on the application form. A nonrefundable application fee of $ 30.00 should accompany the form. It is recommended that high school students apply early in their senior year and that all students complete this application process by July 1 of the year of enrollment.

2. Upon receipt of the application, the student will be sent the reference forms, health form, doctrinal statement and financial aid forms. These should be distributed to the proper persons and returned the VCU as soon as possible. When a delay in acceptance is experienced, it is often because all required information has not been received by the Admissions Office of VCU.