The Virginia College Application Week Logo fading into an image of a group of college students walking together outside.

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Virginia College Application Week

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For the past 10 years, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has teamed up with Virginia colleges, universities and the national education nonprofit ECMC to bring you Virginia College Application Week (VCAW). We’re thrilled to continue this annual event, dedicated to helping students access and succeed in higher education throughout the Commonwealth.

This year's VCAW will be held during the week of October 20-24, 2025.

Virginia College Application Week provides a fantastic opportunity for students in under-resourced Virginia high schools to receive support and guidance as they apply to at least one postsecondary institution. We want to make sure that all students have the chance to pursue higher education.

Public high schools that register to host the event are provided materials to support the week’s coordination. So, mark your calendars and get ready for Virginia College Application Week! It’s your chance to take control of your educational journey and open doors to new possibilities.

 

Host High Schools

Host High Schools receive the following:

  • Site coordinator training
  • Events Guide
  • Posters, downloadable and customizable flyers and forms
  • "I applied" stickers for seniors
  • List of college contacts and available resources/services
  • Application Fee Waivers*

*Benefit may only be available to schools that serve a population of students where 50% or more are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

College Application Fee Waivers*

Virginia College Application Week (VCAW) application fee waivers are available to students attending a registered host high school that serves a population of students where 50% or more are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Colleges and universities may also offer fee waivers to schools that do not meet this criteria. Instructions for accessing each waiver are forwarded directly to the host site coordinator. Site coordinators are asked to use discretion in sharing instructions and to adhere to the eligibility requirements provided by each participating institution of higher education. Students with financial need who attend schools not participating in and/or not eligible to participate as a host site for Virginia College Application Week should talk with their school counselor or advisor/coach. Many institutions have their own application fee waiver process that students can use. In addition, most institutions accept application fee waivers from ACT, SAT/College Board and NACAC.

Higher education institutions are invited to support VCAW host sites in a variety of ways, including:

  • Waiving college application fees
  • Volunteering faculty/staff support
  • Forwarding marketing and informational materials
  • Providing admissions opportunities
  • Providing virtual college application walk-throughs

Please contact Melissa Benavidez, Senior Associate for College Access, if you would like to learn more about how your institution may support this year's events at VCAW host high schools.

Site Resources

**Disclaimer**
The resources provided for Level Up Virginia events are intended solely for educational purposes and to assist in preparing students for education after high school. Any customization of these resources must align with the mission of promoting academic readiness and higher education access. Level Up Virginia reserves the right to revoke access to these resources if they are used in a manner inconsistent with our mission or values.

Terms of Host Participation

There is a lot of flexibility in how Virginia College Application Week events are delivered; however, each site is required to adhere to the following rules:

  • School leadership will be informed about Virginia College Application Week and related Level Up Virginia events.
  • Resources and assistance will be made available to the senior class at your school.
  • A site coordinator will be identified and will serve as the primary contact and supervisor.
  • The site coordinator will assemble a site team to help plan and implement Virginia College Application Week.
  • The site coordinator and/or other site team member(s) will participate in event training opportunities and use provided resources as they are made available.
  • The site coordinator will submit the required information and documents as instructed (e.g., schedule of activities, number of participants and site coordinator and student surveys).
  • The primary activities associated with VCAW will occur during the school day the week of October 20-24, 2025. This will require providing the senior class with the necessary time, assistance, and computer access to attend; facilitating visits from college admissions representatives; and/or conducting virtual or face-to-face student workshops. Computer lab space, with internet access and printers, must be provided for all senior class students. Supplemental activities, such as extended computer lab time and parent/guardian workshops, may occur after school hours.

General Resources