Admission Process

Holistic Admission

The University of Richmond reviews each and every application individually. In our holistic, selective admission process — there is no typical applicant and no simple formula to guarantee acceptance. 

Alongside traditional measures of academic success — grades, rigor of curriculum, test scores, and recommendations — admission officers comprehensively evaluate each application, assessing essays, involvement, special talents, creativity, independence, potential for contribution to our community, and life experience.

This ensures we reach our goal of enrolling well-rounded and dynamic students, academically accomplished and diverse in every dimension. (For a comprehensive view of the most recent class, see the first-year student profile.)

Testing Requirements for 2022 Applicants
The University of Richmond is planning a temporary change in its admission practice by providing a test optional admission path for first-year students entering in 2022. Please review our testing requirements for 2022 applicants for more information.

Application Plans

Early Action

Non-Binding Application Plan

Application Deadline

Nov 1

Notification Date*

Jan 25

Applicants automatically considered for Richmond Scholars and Presidential Scholarships

Richmond's Early Action plan is non-restrictive

Learn more

Early Decision I

Binding Application Plan

Application Deadline

Nov 1

Notification Date*

Dec 15

Early Decision I applicants automatically considered for Richmond Scholars and Presidential Scholarships

Learn more

Early Decision II

Binding Application Plan

Application Deadline

Jan 1

Notification Date*

Feb 15

Early Decision II applicants automatically considered for Presidential Scholarships

Applicants must apply by December 1 for Richmond Scholars consideration

Learn more

Regular Decision

Non-Binding Application Plan

Application Deadline

Jan 1

Notification Date*

Apr 1

Applicants automatically considered for Presidential Scholarships

Applicants must apply by December 1 for Richmond Scholars consideration

Learn more

Transfer Admission

Non-Binding Application Plan

Application Deadlines

Feb 15

Fall
(Priority)

Apr 15

Fall
(Space-Available)

Nov 1

Spring

Notification Dates*

Apr 15

Fall
(Priority)

Jun 15

Fall
(Space-Available)

Dec 5

Spring

Richmond accepts transfer applicants for the fall and spring semesters

Learn more

*Approximate date

Use your Spider Portal to review your application checklist and confirm the completeness of your application.
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Merit Scholarships

The Richmond Scholars Program is the University’s most prestigious academic scholarship. Up to 25 incoming students receive these awards — which are equivalent to full tuition, room, and meals — and join our growing worldwide community of Richmond Scholars. First year applicants must apply by December 1 to be considered.

The Presidential Scholarship is the University’s other prestigious academic scholarship awarded to up to 80 incoming students each year. The award is one-third tuition for four years. All first year applicants are considered.

Learn more about Richmond Scholars
Learn more about Presidential Scholarships
Students walk through the courtyard of the International Center, which features a large globe in the center.

International Admission

The Richmond community finds immeasurable strength in a far-reaching variety of perspectives and experiences. That’s one big reason that one in 10 UR students are not U.S. citizens. We welcome and celebrate applications from all students, regardless of citizenship or residency.

Learn more about International Admission