Virginia Tech has recorded a historic high in first-year admissions applications for the second year in a row. The information was announced by President Tim Sands during his State of the University address on January 19 at the Moss Arts Center. For fall 2022 admission, a school record 45,214 first-year applications were received, breaking the previous mark of 42,084 set a year earlier.
A notable improvement is the 19% increase in applicants who identify as first-generation college students. Gains were also achieved across every underrepresented and underserved group. Applications from people of African descent surpassed 2021 by 6%. Applications from Hispanic/Latino students increased by 9%, while those from Native Americans increased by 8%.
Juan Espinoza, associate vice provost for enrollment management and director of undergraduate admissions, stated that when admissions hurdles are removed, more students can clearly envision themselves as members of the student body. Being a land-grant university is all about accessibility, so we are happy that more students are considering Virginia Tech as a possible college choice. “.
Virginia Tech changed its admissions procedure in 2018, introducing two shared application platforms, the Coalition and the Common Application, as well as a more thorough review process. These modifications have helped broaden the pool of candidates vying for a spot in Virginia Tech’s entering class by streamlining the fee waiver application procedure and enabling students to self-report their academic records.
Applications for Early Decision also demonstrated a notable improvement, increasing by 20% for 2022. For first-year applicants who have strong academic credentials, choose Virginia Tech as their top choice institution, and intend to enroll if admitted, Early Decision is advised.
Espinoza stated, “This diverse pool of gifted students is evidence that our admissions process is effective, and we are very excited to see how this entering class takes shape.” “This fall, we can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2026 to Blacksburg. It’s a great time to be a Hokie.” “.
Acceptance Rate
Because of its excellent report card and high rank on Niche.com, US News & World Report rankings, and accolades from the Princeton Review, you would think that VT is a highly selective school. However, the acceptance rate hovers around 70%, making it a moderately selective school. Do not be fooled into thinking that the acceptance rate is a primary determinant of a school’s quality; as you will see, VT is a high-quality school with excellent research programs and high-quality faculty.
VT is a specialized institution that prioritizes cutting-edge research in the STEM fields. Furthermore, it is located in a modest-sized college-town in Virginia. Certain applicants are drawn to it, especially those who want to pursue excellent STEM education and don’t mind living “in the middle of nowhere,” ” In sum, VT has a self-selective applicant pool.
Requirements & Admission Tips
According to ThoughtCo, VT’s admitted students typically fall within the top 35 % nationally regarding average SAT scores. A high percentage of admitted applicants boast GPAs between 3.8 and 4.26, with only 25% coming with a GPA below 3.8. That is an extremely impressive academic profile! Contrary to what a high admission rate might suggest, you will not find underachievers among prospective students. VT students are academic superstars and work hard throughout their four years.
High SAT scores, although they are optional, and a high GPA will undoubtedly help you make the cut. What exactly is the admissions committee looking for? However, as we frequently point out, each applicant is more than just a collection of grades and numbers. Your chances of admission will increase if you write a compelling admissions essay that demonstrates your individual voice, interests, experiences, and aspirations. It’s critical for you to stand out from the crowd to have extracurricular pursuits and a record of community service that correspond to your interests and objectives.
Last but not least, you want to demonstrate that you will succeed in Vermont and that you are a good fit for it. As we stated in the previous section, Vermont is a top institution that attracts a select group of college applicants. Investigate VT and speak with your high school guidance counselor to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Notable Alumni
Despite its emphasis on tech and the sciences, VT alumni are accomplished in a variety of fields, including music and literature. Two famous musicians include Charlie Byrd, a jazz musician who played in the school’s orchestra, and Keith Buckley, a famous vocalist and lyricist. Newbery Medal award winner, poet, and author of children’s fiction, Kwame Alexander, is a VT alumnus as well. He is a bestselling author with 21 books under his belt and has recently been named as a top 100 author by the African American Literature Book Club.
Given that VT’s research focuses on the sciences and technology, it stands to reason that its graduates are successful in academia, business, government, and the military. Craigslist. The impressive list of notable VT alumni includes the CEO and founder of the organization, Jim Buckmaster, and renowned roboticist and Pirelli Award winner, Robert Michelson.
The alumni are just as noteworthy as the faculty, as is the case with any excellent school.
Faculty
VT boasts world-class faculty who contribute to its exceptional research profile. Many faculty members belong to prestigious National Academies for science, medicine, and engineering. The faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering are particularly outstanding. Dr. Mehdi Ahmadian is the Director of the Center for Vehicle Systems & Safety and has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the SAE International/Magnus Hendrickson Innovation Award.
Nominees for this award must have earned at least one US patent for a unique and original design that represents a significant engineering achievement in vehicle dynamics. Dr. Ahmadian is also an internationally renowned scholar.
Another faculty member worthy of mention is Dr. Laura Freeman, Research Associate Professor of Statistics and Director of the Information Sciences & Analytics Division of the VT Applied Research Corporation. She has published extensively on the performance and evaluation of A.I. systems. Her research has been featured in some of the top journals in the field.
Dr. Ahmadian and Dr. Freeman are just two examples that substantiate VT’s status as a research powerhouse and its well-earned place among the most premier research universities in the country.
Similar Schools & Ranking
James Madison University, George Mason University, and the University of Virginia are institutions with characteristics similar to VT. These universities are renowned for their academic offerings and research credentials. Although the overall quality of these institutions is comparable, Virginia Tech stands out for the variety of opportunities it offers.
The US News & World Report is one of the most trusted, thorough guides for colleges out there. With that said, the VT’s excellence is confirmed by its high rank on USNWR’s list of top “National Universities.” In the most recent publication, the school ranks among the top 45 schools for veterans wishing to continue their education.
According to Niche.com, VT has a stellar report card, with straight A’s or higher in all categories: academics, diversity, campus, party scene, athletics, and value. It is an impressive feat for a school to earn such high marks in all categories.
VT is evidence that excellence can be achieved without a strict admissions procedure. Although selectivity frequently relates to exceptionally high academic standards, this is not always the case. Anyone seeking an exceptional and well-rounded college education and experience should consider attending this school.
Tuition & Scholarships
Many prospective students and their families are in a desperate scramble to pay for a high-quality education due to the skyrocketing costs of tuition and other college expenses. The price of a private institution can cause just as much sticker shock as the cost of attendance at a public institution.
As a public land grant research institution, VT has a two-tier tuition and mandatory fees table. As of 2021, tuition and fees for in-state students are $14,175 a year, a $400 increase from the previous year. For out-of-state students, tuition and fees are a total of $33,857, which is also an increase from the previous year. Room and board are another $9,800 tacked onto the price tag. We should not forget the cost of textbooks, classroom materials, and tech.
Thankfully, the VT board has decided to set aside a substantial amount of funds toward undergraduate financial aid, to help low and middle-income families cover the cost of attendance. There are also ample scholarship opportunities available. The school offers a competitive scholarship program, the Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship Initiative, which is awarded to a maximum of 85 in-state students who show academic promise and demonstrate financial need.
Is Virginia Tech Right For You?
According to student testimony, VT students are motivated, hard-working, and open to engaging with other students from diverse backgrounds.
The school attracts applicants who are serious about pursuing careers in math, science, and technology. While VT is home to a liberal arts program with majors in English, philosophy, and foreign language, the school’s strongest suit is in the STEM fields. A prospective applicant with a strong interest in the humanities may not necessarily feel out of place here, but it is worth looking into a school’s prestigious programs and academic strengths. VT’s strengths are in engineering, agriculture, statistics, and architecture.
Another, often overlooked, factor you should consider is location. Blacksburg is a university town with a smattering of cultural and recreational opportunities for college students and young professionals alike. Virginia is also known for its humid, sub-tropical climate, which is often an attractive option for students hailing from the colder and snowy regions of the US.
In conclusion, Vermont is a great option if you’re a STEM nerd who values hard work, loves football, and is drawn to the vibe of smaller college towns.
Shocking Mass Rejects from Virginia Tech (Fall 2022)
FAQ
Is Virginia Tech hard to get into it?
Virginia Tech admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 56% and an early acceptance rate of 64 3%. SAT scores between 1210 and 1410 or an ACT score between 26 and 32 are required for admission to Virginia Tech for half of the applicants.
Is Virginia Tech hard to get into out of state?
It’s interesting to note that the acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants is frequently higher than the acceptance rate for applicants from within the state. State residents made up 72% of the Class of 2024. That year, the out-of-state acceptance rate was 76% compared to 63% for Virginia residents
What is the average GPA to get into Virginia Tech?
Average GPA: 4. 04 With a GPA of 4. 4. You have to be at the top of your class to attend Virginia Tech. To compete against other applicants, you’ll need to earn nearly straight As in all of your classes.
Can I get into Virginia Tech with a 3.8 GPA?
No minimum GPA is necessary to apply, but the admissions office notes that applicants with a 3 or higher 0 GPAs or higher will be more competitive.