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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.
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.
The online VMI Application for Fall 2025 is now OPEN! Students ready to join a legacy of honor, duty, and leadership can take the first step toward an extraordinary future.
High school seniors and international students are now also able to find Virginia Military Institute and apply via Common App.
* Any students with questions regarding their fall 2024 application for admission should contact the admissions team directly if they need assistance.
- High school seniors/first-year students
- International students (first-year & college transfers)
- College transfer students *
- High school seniors/first-year students
- International students (first-year)
- * College transfer students must apply through VMI's system application.
Review guidelines and requirements for the following student types:
High school seniors / First-year students | College Transfer Students | International Students
Critical Dates & Deadlines
VMI's application opens for high school seniors / first-year students, international students, and college transfer students.
Early Decision deadline. Applicants who submit all supporting documents by November 15 will receive their appointment decision no later than December 15.
FAFSA priority deadline. In order to receive financial aid, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
NOTE: Applications and supporting documents will be reviewed on a rolling basis after early decision applicants have been reviewed.
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.
Checklist of Required and Supplemental Documents:
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 8,000 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.