I'm planning to apply to Virginia Tech soon and would love some tips on crafting a strong application. What are some key things I should highlight in my essays or extracurriculars to stand out?
To craft a strong application for Virginia Tech, pay particular attention to your essay. Their essays are unique and can allow you to showcase your personality in ways that grades or test scores can't. Given that the Virginia Tech essay prompts change each year, you should carefully read and understand the questions before writing your responses.
They often ask about experiences that shaped your values, communities you belong to, or your future plans following graduation. Be honest, candid, and introspective in your responses. Find a personal angle or a unique perspective to take, this will enable you to stand out from the crowd.
As far as your extracurricular activities go, make sure you're emphasizing quality over quantity. Virginia Tech, like many institutions, uses something akin to the 4 tiers of extracurriculars to judge the quality of your activities. Schools prefer to see that you're deeply involved in a few activities rather than minimally involved in many. If you hold leadership positions or have made a significant impact in any extracurricular activities, be sure to highlight those. Virginia Tech has a strong student spirit and community engagement culture, so any experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute to this can be beneficial.
Lastly, focus on demonstrating interest in your chosen major. If you're applying to an engineering program, for instance, be sure to include any engineering related experiences, such as clubs, projects, or competitions you've participated in. Similarly, if you're planning on majoring in the liberal arts, highlight related academic achievements or extracurricular activities.
Remember, the key is to authentically present your interests and activities in a way that aligns with the values and mission of Virginia Tech. Best of luck with your application!
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