Virginia Tech Undergraduate Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Virginia Tech, a public land-grant research university established in 1872 and located in Blacksburg, Virginia, attracts highly competitive students from across the nation and over 100 countries. Known as VA Tech, the university has a diverse student body comprising over 36,000 students, including around 29,300 undergraduates and 7,000 graduates. Securing admission to Virginia Tech requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the university's requirements and preferences. This comprehensive guide provides prospective undergraduate students with detailed information about Virginia Tech's admissions process, academic expectations, and application requirements.

Academic Preparation

Sustaining an academically rigorous course selection throughout high school is the best way to prepare for admission to Virginia Tech. The university seeks applicants who have challenged themselves with advanced coursework and demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence.

Language Study Requirement

By the time students graduate from Virginia Tech, they must meet a language study requirement. The minimum requirement may be met in middle/high school by completing 2 years of a single foreign or classical language. Some majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and the College of Science may require 3 years. The requirement also may be met after admission by earning 6 semester hours of college-level foreign or classical language credit.

Application Process

Applying to Virginia Tech involves several key steps, from completing the application to submitting required materials. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Application Options and Deadlines

Virginia Tech offers several application options for prospective students:

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Early Action: This option is available to all first-year applicants. The deadline for Early Action application is November 15.
Regular Decision: First-year applicants applying for Regular Decision must submit a completed application by January 15 and will receive a notification of the admission decision in mid-March.
Transfer Applications: Transfer applications for summer/fall admission are due March 1, and students will receive notification of the admissions decision by mid-April. Students offered admission must respond to the offer by June 1 (May 15 for summer entry).

Application Submission

Prospective students should apply to Virginia Tech using the Common App. Ensure all materials are submitted by the application deadline. The official online application fee is non-refundable: $60 for first-year, transfer, and non-degree students; $70 for international students.

Required Materials

After completing the application, applicants must submit additional materials to be considered for admission. These materials include:

Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR): Applicants must submit a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) for review. Your STARS Record (formerly known as SRAR/SSAR) should include all courses and grades received for years 9-11 and all in-progress and planned coursework for year 12.
Transcripts: At any point must submit their transcript(s) for review. Submit your academic materials through your Applicant Portal. This ensures quick matching to your application. For applicants submitting a STARS Record, you should access that form directly from your Portal.
Test Scores (Optional): Virginia Tech is test-optional for students entering through Fall 2028. On the application for admission, you will be able to select whether or not you would like your scores to be reviewed as part of your application. If you do not want to include test scores in the review of your application, it will not impact your admission decision. If you are required to submit a STARS Record, you will provide the scores there.
English Language Proficiency: International first-year applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. In addition, international students whose native language is not English must document proficiency in the English language by submitting a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score, Pearson Tests of English PTE, or Duolingo score.
Transcripts from Schools Outside the US: Students who have attended high school outside the US for any amount of time may submit the self-reported academic record (SRAR) or transcripts. Non-English transcripts and documents must be submitted in their original form, accompanied by a certified English translation. Unofficial documents and documents without accompanying English translations will not be accepted. All university-level work completed outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional educational credential evaluation service.
Health History Form: Each student entering Virginia Tech must furnish a health history form, completed by a home physician, for the University Student Health Services. The form will be available online to applicants who accept the offer of admission. Failure to meet Health Services standards may result in dismissal from the university.
Official Final Academic Transcripts: For new incoming students, official final academic transcripts from all colleges previously attended should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Holistic Review

Complete applications will be reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee. When your application is complete, it will be reviewed holistically by our admissions committee. We will look at your achievement inside of the classroom, as well as who you are outside of the classroom. This includes looking at your application within the context of your high school. The committee will consider your school’s course offerings, grading scale, and any other school-related information provided to review your academic achievement.

Admission Requirements and Preferences

Virginia Tech's admission process is moderately selective. The Virginia Tech acceptance rate was 54.8% for the most recent incoming class. For Fall 2025 admission, we received more than 57,000 applications for approximately 7,000 spaces in our entering class. The university seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, engagement outside the classroom, and a commitment to the university's motto, "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve).

Academic Performance

While Virginia Tech admissions does not report a minimum GPA requirement, the average applicant maintained a 4.06 GPA, which is significantly higher than the national average. The average Virginia Tech applicant has a 4.0 GPA. Competitive applicants will achieve mostly Bs or better. In majors where applications exceed available space, the competitive grades will be considerably higher. The applicant's overall grade point average and the quality of the student's former academic program are critical factors in admissions considerations. Most transfer applicants who are offered admission have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Standardized Tests

Virginia Tech is test-optional for students entering through Fall 2028. The 50th percentile of Virginia Tech applicants’ SAT scores was 1330. The median ACT score at Virginia Tech is about 29.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to a strong academic record, VA Tech admissions looks for engagement outside of the classroom. VA Tech admissions uses a holistic review process. As a result, ensure you have a variety of extracurricular involvements. Extracurricular activities include jobs, sports, clubs, family responsibilities, and research.

Essay Questions

Each Virginia Tech applicant is required to submit responses to several short-answer supplemental essay questions. These questions are related to Virginia Tech’s motto, which is Ut Prosim, meaning “That I May Serve” in Latin.

Virginia Tech's motto is "Ut Prosim" which means 'That I May Serve'. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved?

Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community support access and inclusion by affirming the dignity and value of every person, respecting differences, promoting mutual understanding and open expression, and strives to eliminate bias and discrimination. Reflect on a time when you were not able or allowed to express a different or diverse position or opinion (or you witnessed another person or group experience the same situation)? How did you respond or wish you would have responded?

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Share a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership. What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance?

Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal?

Additional Considerations

First-Generation College Attendees and Virginia Residents: The Common Data Set also shows that Virginia Tech strives at admit applicants who are first-generation college attendees as well as Virginia residents.
Unique Educational Backgrounds: Virginia Tech attracts highly competitive students nationwide and from over 100 countries. An increasing number of these students have unique educational backgrounds that require additional evaluation. The university administration recognizes that students from educational backgrounds other than accredited schools may not study in the traditional classroom environment and that they are unable to provide the traditional documentation needed to evaluate their academic performance.

Transfer Students

If you have already graduated high school and have attempted 12 or more credits at the college/university level, then you should apply as a transfer applicant.

Important Factors

The most important factors considered for admission are: completion or substantial progress toward completing required, strongly recommended, and recommended courses as stated in our Transfer Admission Roadmaps; and overall GPA in college course work.

Transfer Credit

To receive transfer credit, official academic transcripts from all colleges previously attended should be received in the Office of the University Registrar no later than the end of the first term of the student's first enrollment at Virginia Tech. Class standing will be based upon the number of credits designated as acceptable for meeting graduation requirements. Courses from another institution in which a grade of "C-" or lower was earned, and courses taken on a pass/fail or audit basis, are not acceptable for transfer credit. Only grades of "C" or higher in courses consistent with those offered at Virginia Tech are certified for transfer credit. Grades in transfer courses do not transfer or appear on a student's record at Virginia Tech, and are not included in a student's Virginia Tech GPA computation. AP, IB, Cambridge, and CLEP scores should be sent directly to the University Registrar at Virginia Tech from the testing services. Credit will not be awarded from high school transcripts or another institution's transcripts. From two-year colleges (like community college) students can transfer a maximum of 50% of their intended VT degree--which in many cases is 60 credits. From a four-year institution, students can transfer up to 75% of their intended VT degree worth of transferable credit. AP credit has a different "cap" of 38 credits maximum.

Transfer Agreements

Admission preference shall be given to transfer students who have completed a transferrable A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. (Associate in Arts and Sciences) at the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College. Per State Policy on Transfer, students who receive their associate degrees from transfer programs at a Virginia Community College or Richard Bland College, based upon a baccalaureate-oriented sequence of courses appropriate for their major, and are offered admission to Virginia Tech will be granted junior level status upon admission.

International Transfer Students

International transfer students are required to submit additional documentation. The Office of the University Registrar requires documentation in addition to what is needed for Undergraduate Admissions, in order to evaluate.

Advanced Placement and Advanced Standing

Virginia Tech recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma or certificate by awarding credit in accordance with institutional policies. The university encourages completion of the IB diploma. Students must have transcripts sent directly to the Office of the University Registrar at Virginia Tech from the IB Board. With the IB Diploma, credit is awarded for Higher Level (HL) courses based on minimum scores shown in the HL Credit Table. Credit for only one Standard Level (SL) course is awarded provided the minimum score shown in the SL Credit Table is earned. With the IB Certificate, credit is awarded for Higher Level (HL) courses based on minimum scores shown in the HL Credit Table. No credit is awarded for Standard Level (SL) courses. In addition, no credit is awarded for Theory of Knowledge or Extended Essay. Through Advanced Placement examinations administered in May of each year by the College Entrance Examination Board, students receiving required scores may be considered for Advanced Placement credit in certain subjects in which they show proficiency. Final determination of credit will be made after the test results have been evaluated by the university. Students must have scores sent directly to the Office of the University Registrar at Virginia Tech (school code 5859) from the College Entrance Examination Board. Credits allowed for advanced placement are shown as transfer hours on Hokie SPA, and may not exceed 38 credit hours. Conditional Advanced Standing refers to an arrangement that permits a student, based on SAT or ACT scores, to place in a course without completing the prerequisite. This process also awards credit for the prerequisite after successful completion of the course. Virginia Tech offers Conditional Advanced Standing for specific English and Math courses based upon the fulfillment of the corresponding requirements. In order to be eligible for advanced standing a student must present SAT or ACT scores. Advanced standing with credit will be awarded for students who qualify and meet the criteria as established by university policy. The criteria for the validating courses is it must be the first attempt and a grade of "C-" or better must be earned at Virginia Tech, or a "C" or better in transfer credit.

Additional Opportunities

Undergraduate Students Enrolling in Graduate Programs or Courses

Virginia Tech offers the opportunity to outstanding undergraduate students (Seniors/Juniors) nearing the end of their bachelor’s degree program to enroll and receive credit for coursework taken to apply toward a future graduate program. Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or better may apply to be admitted to the Dual Student Status for their last semester to take graduate-level courses. Juniors with a GPA of 3.3 or better may apply for admission in the Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Degree Program to take graduate courses during the senior year. Please check with your department to check for specific admissions requirements. Undergraduate students wishing to enroll in graduate-level courses may do so. You should review any restrictions listed for the course in the Timetable of classes and speak with the faculty member teaching the course to obtain permission.

Summer Sessions

Virginia Tech offers the option of two summer sessions of approximately six weeks each or one full twelve-week session. Credit courses on other than the regular time schedule, including intensive courses for teachers, are also offered. Enrolled Virginia Tech students, as well as visiting students, are invited to participate in summer sessions. Enrolled students follow the same registration procedure for summer courses as they would for fall and spring. New or visiting students may enroll in summer sessions in either a degree or non-degree status. Such students should visit www.summer.vt.edu for information. Entering freshmen and transfer students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to be cleared for summer entry. On-campus housing is available in the summer. Summer students have access to most university academic, athletic, and recreational facilities and programs, including the Horticulture Gardens and miles of cycling and walking trails.

Non-Degree Students

Virginia Tech makes every effort to provide educational opportunities to individuals who are not seeking a degree from the university but who wish to continue their education by taking courses at Virginia Tech for college credit or, in some cases, degree credit. Such students include, but are not limited to, students enrolled in other colleges or universities and senior citizens. Non-degree applicants must be in good standing from all previously attended educational institutions with no serious disciplinary infractions. Students who enroll at Virginia Tech under this program may not be considered candidates for degrees unless they apply formally for regular undergraduate or graduate admission. The application should be submitted by the published deadline for the term selected (May 1 for Summer, August 1 for Fall, December 1 for Spring). Non-degree-seeking students will be able to register on a space-available basis only. Students who have previously been enrolled at Virginia Tech may not reapply as non- degree-seeking students.

Additional Information

Campus Visits

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the campus any time the university is in session. Then, schedule a campus visit to view Virginia Tech in person and ensure the school is the right fit. Consider visiting Virginia Tech. The best way to learn if Virginia Tech is the best fit for you is to try it out! Learn about the visit opportunities here.

Orientation

Orientation at Virginia Tech is a hybrid program that combines virtual experiences and in-person events so students can engage in a variety of ways. During virtual orientation, entering students (first-year, transfer, and international) will complete virtual orientation modules, learn about academics, campus resources, policies, and next steps in their transition to Virginia Tech. Weeks of Welcome (WoW) is part of the extended orientation and transition experience- and the official start of the Virginia Tech academic experience for new Hokies. Signature events include college and academic sessions (including College Social), residential well-being community days, Living-Learning programming for students residing in an LLC, Hokie Hi spirit rally, transfer student luncheon, international student orientation.

Laptop Requirement

Virginia Tech requires that entering students have a laptop or tablet computer and strongly recommends the computer meets (or exceeds) the university baseline specifications. Each spring, the university establishes baseline specifications for students entering in the fall of the next academic year. Transfer students are subject to the requirements that were in place for students at the same class level into which they enter. University baseline requirements are listed under the University Studies (undecided) major. If you have declared a major, review the list of specifications for your major. Some majors recommend a different configuration than the minimum outlined by the university.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The purpose of the reports is to provide information about security on campus to include: campus and community crime statistics, policy information, safety tips, resource phone numbers, and a brief overview of the many services the university provides. Keep this information where it can be easily located; it serves as a useful reference source of information. To request a printed copy of any campus report, stop by the Virginia Tech Police Department.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

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