How to Get Into Virginia Tech: Admissions Stats + Tips

What’s Covered:

• How Hard Is It to Get Into Virginia Tech?
• Average Academic Profile of Accepted Virginia Tech Students
• What is Virginia Tech Looking for?
• How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Virginia Tech

“At Virginia Tech, we’re reimagining how education and technology intersect,” says the university. “This approach transforms the ways we teach and learn, perform research, and engage with communities around the world.”

Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech is a land-grant, research institution offering comprehensive programs spanning nine colleges and a graduate school. How do you get into this leading university?

How Hard Is It to Get Into Virginia Tech?

In 2020–2021, 65.8% of students were admitted — 30,770 applied and 20,239 were accepted.

While Virginia Tech is selective, your personal chances of admission depend on your unique profile. To understand your odds, use our free admissions calculator. Taking into account your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your chances of acceptance and give you tips on improving your profile!

Average Academic Profile of Accepted Virginia Tech Students

GPA

Enrolled students had an average high school GPA of 3.96.

SAT/ACT

The middle 50% SAT range was 1170-1370, with 83% of students submitting scores. The middle 50% ACT range was 25-31, with 24% of students submitting scores.

What is Virginia Tech Looking for?

Virginia Tech performs a holistic review of your application within the context of your high school. This includes an academic review, evaluating the rigor of your program, grades, standardized test scores, and the major requested on your application.

The university also performs a personal review, which includes factors like:

• Activities outside of the classroom like jobs, clubs, sports, family responsibilities, service, research, etc. 
• Disciplinary record
• First-generation college student status
• Interest in the Corps of Cadets
• Legacy of parents, guardians, grandparents, or siblings
• Participation in Virginia Tech pipeline programs
• Personal statements through the Ut Prosim Profile
• Race and/or ethnicity
• Residency
• Veteran status

How VT Evaluates Applications

According to Virginia Tech, these factors are “very important”:

• Rigor of secondary school record
• Academic GPA
• Application Essay
• First generation 
• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Racial/ethnic status

These are “considered”:

• Standardized test scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• Alumni/ae relation
• Volunteer work
• Work experience

These are “not considered”:

• Class rank
• Recommendation(s)
• Interview
• Religious affiliation/commitment
• ​​Level of applicant’s interest

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Virginia Tech

1. Achieve at least a 3.96 while taking the most challenging classes available.

The average high school GPA for enrolled students is a 3.96. That means you should work hard in your classes, while taking a challenging curriculum — the most rigorous one available to you. If your high school offers AP, honors, and/or IB courses, you should take them. 

If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA. If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Aim for a 1370 SAT and 31 ACT.

While VT is currently test-optional, we recommend submitting scores (assuming you can take the test safely) if they are at or above the 25th percentile of admitted students. Scores closer to the 75th percentile will make you more competitive, but either way, students who submit scores are accepted at higher rates than those without.

Students can get recommendations on whether or not they should apply test-optional using our free Chancing Engine. 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars.

Generally speaking, colleges evaluate activities according to 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, with Tier 1 representing the most exemplary and rare and Tier 4 representing the most common and least impressive. 

Try to have a couple activities that are at least Tier 2, grouping all your extracurriculars around 1-2 well-developed interests, to demonstrate a “spike” or passion.

4. Write engaging essays.

Essays are a helpful way of setting yourself apart from other academically qualified applicants. Use this space to showcase your voice and personality. Don’t forget to proofread carefully and get another set of eyes on your work.

5. Apply Early Action/Early Decision.

Virginia Tech offers both Early Action and Early Decision plans. Typically, applying early can increase your chances, even when controlling for profile strength. This is particularly true of ED. But bear in mind the limitations of applying ED — such as the fact that the plan is binding, so if you’re admitted, you’ll be required to attend.

6. Consider program options.

Virginia Tech considers the major you’ve selected on your application, so choose carefully. There are 110 undergraduate degree programs, so you have plenty of options. Of course, you should pick the one that aligns with your academic and extracurricular profile, as well as your interests.

How to Apply to Virginia Tech

Deadlines

Application Requirements

• Common App or Coalition Application
• Coursework and grades
• ACT or SAT scores (currently optional)

Learn more about Virginia Tech

• College Admissions Story: Lane from Virginia Tech
• Virginia Tech Student Panel
• What Does it Cost to Attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University