Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1968 with the merger of the Medical College of Virginia and the Richmond Professional Institute, VCU has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities. The university is known for its strong programs in art, health sciences, and social work.

Academics:
VCU offers more than 200 degree and certificate programs through its 11 schools and colleges:

1. College of Humanities and Sciences
2. School of the Arts
3. School of Business
4. School of Dentistry
5. School of Education
6. School of Engineering
7. School of Medicine
8. School of Nursing
9. School of Pharmacy
10. School of Social Work
11. L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

The university is committed to research, with a focus on areas such as life sciences, health care, social and behavioral sciences, and engineering. VCU is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Campus:
VCU's campus is spread across two main areas in Richmond: the Monroe Park Campus and the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) Campus. The Monroe Park Campus is home to most undergraduate programs, while the MCV Campus houses the health sciences programs, including the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry. The two campuses are connected by a shuttle service, making it convenient for students and faculty to navigate between them.

Athletics:
The university's athletic teams, known as the VCU Rams, compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. VCU offers a variety of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, and more. The mascot, Rodney the Ram, and the colors black and gold represent the university.

Traditions:
VCU has a number of traditions that foster a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Some notable traditions include:

1. Welcome Week: A week-long series of events to welcome new students to the university.
2. The Peppas: VCU's pep band, known for its energetic performances and enthusiasm at athletic events.
3. Paint the Town: An annual event where students, faculty, and staff volunteer to help beautify the local community through various projects.
4. The Siegel Center: Home to VCU's men's and women's basketball teams, it's known for its energetic atmosphere and passionate fans.

Admissions:
VCU has a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as academic performance, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and personal essays. The university also offers an Early Action program for students who wish to receive an earlier decision on their application. In recent years, VCU has become test-optional, meaning that standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission.