Apply to the Corps of Cadets - Admissions and Aid - Virginia Military Institute MyVMI Offices A-Z Calendar Give Visit Talk to Us Prepare Apply Acceptance Transfers International Applicants Readmission of Former Cadets Members of the Armed Forces Costs and Aid Appointed Students Our Graduates Staff Apply to the Corps of Cadets VMI’s Office of Admission conducts a mission-aligned holistic review of every applicant. This review ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment of the “whole student” rather than disproportionately focusing on any one factor to determine admissibility and the ability of applicants to successfully complete the Institute’s unique educational experience. While heavy weight is placed on academic performance, the holistic review considers other criteria such as personal experiences, attributes, leadership experience, physical fitness and athleticism, civic engagement, extracurricular involvement, and level of connection and interest in VMI. This holistic approach allows VMI to identify, recruit, and matriculate top-talent in support of the organization’s overall mission of producing educated and honorable citizen-leaders. The application cycle for admission to the Institute opens each year on August 1 and enrollment occurs only at the start of the following academic year in August . Applicants are normally not less than 16 or more than 22 years old at matriculation, must be in good physical condition , and may not be married or a parent. A one-year age waiver may be granted for an applicant who has served on active duty in the armed forces or for other extenuating circumstances. 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. Applying to VMI is the same whether you are a high school senior, a transfer student, or an international student. REMINDER: VMI is on Common App (see below). All first-year students (high school seniors) have the option to apply to VMI through VMI’s system application OR the Common App. College transfer students will continue to apply through VMI’s system application. Please be sure to only submit one application Readmissions of former cadets is achieved through the Miller Academic Center and not through the Admissions office. Application Options Dates & Deadlines Application Instructions Apply to VMI for Fall 2026 starting August 1. Use VMI’s Online Application or the Common App (first-year applicants only). College transfer applicants must use the VMI Online Application. Be sure to review guidelines and requirements for each student type before beginning your application: High school seniors / First-year students College Transfer Students International Students Critical Dates & Deadlines AUG. 1 VMI's application opens for high school seniors / first-year students, international students, and college transfer students NOV. 15 Early Decision deadline . Applicants who submit all supporting documents by November 15 will receive their appointment decision no later than December 15. FEB. 1 Regular Decision Priority Deadline. Applications and supporting documents will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available. MAR. 1 FAFSA priority deadline . In order to receive financial aid , applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Application Process and Instructions Congratulations on taking the first step towards joining our storied Institute and the Corps of Cadets. Our Team is here to assist you along your application journey! Complete your application to VMI, either through the VMI Application or Common App ALL required documents must be submitted before your application will be reviewed for an admissions decision. For in-state tuition, you must complete the application for Virginia in-state tuition rates Checklist of Required and Supplemental Documents: High School Seniors / First-Year Students Submitted through the VMI Application or Common App: School Official Recommendation REQUIRED Secondary School Report REQUIRED Personal Statement OPTIONAL [recommended] Submitted by a school official to VMI Admissions upon your request: Official High School Transcript REQUIRED Transfer Students Submitted through the VMI Application or Common App: Letter of recommendation from a College professor/instructor OPTIONAL [recommended] Personal Statement OPTIONAL [recommended] Submitted by a school official to VMI Admissions upon your request: College Report (download & follow instructions) REQUIRED Official High School Transcript REQUIRED Official College Transcript REQUIRED International Students HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Submitted through the VMI Application or Common App: School Official Recommendation REQUIRED Personal Statement OPTIONAL [recommended] Secondary School Report REQUIRED Submitted by a school official to VMI Admissions upon your request: Official high school and/or college Transcripts REQUIRED Test Scores: Official English proficiency exam results (if first language is not English) REQUIRED (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS COLLEGE TRANSFER STUDENTS Submitted through the VMI Application or Common App: Personal Statement OPTIONAL [recommended] Submitted by a school official to VMI Admissions upon your request: College Report College Report (download & follow instructions) REQUIRED Letter of recommendation from a College professor/instructor OPTIONAL [recommended] Official high school and/or college Transcripts REQUIRED Test Scores: Official English proficiency exam results (if first language is not English) REQUIRED (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS You may also download the complete Application Document Checklist Notice Regarding Standardized Tests 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. Applicants whose first language (mother tongue) is not English are still required to take and submit scores for an English proficiency exam to VMI Admissions such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) or International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ). If you have further questions before getting started, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office at: 540-464-7211 or email admissions@vmi.edu Complete the standard FAFSA application NOTE: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is tentatively scheduled to open Oct. 1 .  In order to receive financial aid applicants must complete the FAFSA by March 1, 2025. The earlier your FAFSA is submitted, the sooner you will receive your financial aid award. The Office of Financial Aid is the best resource for up-to-date instructions, requirements and deadlines. There are a number of scholarships available from VMI and other sources. Some are handled without separate application, but others, such as merit scholarships and ROTC scholarships require additional documents and information, and come with their own eligibility requirements separate from admissions requirements. Prospective cadets may also find additional financial aid information from the U.S. Department of Education's office of Federal Student Aid . The U.S. Department of Labor also provides a Scholarship Finder tool to search more than 8,0 00 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid award opportunities. 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. Worried about the cost of attending VMI? Financial aid is able to offset a large portion of the cost of attendance for qualified applicants, and 84% of the Corps of Cadets receives some form of this aid each year on average. For those on ROTC scholarship who are also selected for Call to Duty scholarships , the cost drops to $3,600 Connect with financial aid today for more information. Contact P: 540-464-7211 P: 800-767-4207 F: 540-464-7746 admissions@vmi.edu Admissions Office 319 Letcher Avenue Mailing Address: For USPS: NAME (If to an individual) Admissions Office 510 Burma Road P.O. Box 1839 Lexington, VA, 24450 For Other Carriers: NAME (If to an individual) Admissions Office 510 Burma Road Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA, 24450 VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders