What should I know about Virginia Tech admissions?

I'm a junior considering applying to Virginia Tech and want to understand their admissions process. What are the key factors they look at in applications? Any tips for standing out as an applicant?

Virginia Tech employs a holistic review process when evaluating applicants, but there are some key factors that traditionally play a significant role.

Academic performance, particularly your grades in core academic classes and the rigor of your high school curriculum, plays a significant role. Like many universities, they will want to see that you have challenged yourself with the courses available to you, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if your school offers them.

Another important factor is your application essays. Virginia Tech normally requires short answer responses as part of their application, and these responses are a vital way to show your personality, ambitions, and commitment to your intended major. Make sure these essays are insightful, demonstrate critical thinking, and offer a clear sense of who you are as an individual.

Extracurricular activities are also an important part of your application. You'll want to show deep involvement, leadership, and drive in a few key activities, rather than shallow participation in a wide range of clubs or organizations. As a quick refresher, the 4 tiers of extracurricular activities classify such activities based on their selectivity and level of achievement. You ideally want at least one Tier 1 or 2 activity (national or state level achievements) to truly stand out.

Remember, it's essential to cater your application to Virginia Tech specifically. Research the school in detail, know why you want to go there, and make sure that this is reflected in your application. For instance, if you're aiming for an engineering program, understanding their pedagogy and how it aligns with your learning style, can give you a specific argument in your essays.

Lastly, Virginia Tech, like many universities, now offers an option to apply test-optional. If you believe your SAT or ACT score doesn’t reflect your academic potential, you can choose not to submit it. However, if you've performed well on these tests, submitting your scores could potentially bolster your application.

Keep in mind that these are just general recommendations and the admissions process can vary greatly based on each specific case. Best of luck with your application!