Every year, over 20,000 people apply to be among 5,000 entering freshmen. Below are some general requirements for admission to Virginia Tech.

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Academic Requirements for Freshmen

Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:

• 3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
• 2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
• additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)

Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking ONE of following tests.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Services of Princeton, New Jersey. For more information, application forms, or to obtain information about the regional center administering the TOEFL for your country, visit their web site at www.toefl.org.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. For more information, application forms, or to obtain information about the regional center administering the IELTS for your country, visit their web site at www.ielts.org.

We recommend the TOEFL or IELTS be taken by January 15. Late test scores MUST be received by March 1.

Tests/Examinations

TOEFL/IELTS

International students whose native language is not English must document proficiency in the English language by submitting either an IELTS or TOEFL.

• Students taking the IELTS must obtain a score of at least 6.5 to be considered for admission to Virginia Tech.

• Depending on the type of TOEFL used, Virginia Tech expects students to have scores of:

  • Internet-based test: at least 80, with no section sub-score less than 16
  • Computer-based test: at least 207
  • Paper-based test: at least 550

If a student does not have the required TOEFL or IELTS score, but meets other admission requirements, the student is encouraged to enroll in Virginia Tech’s Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI) program until he/she reaches the required score. Once the score is achieved, the student is offered admission as a regular degree-seeking student.

To have your IELTS/TOEFL score automatically sent to Virginia Tech, please specify Virginia Tech’s CEEB code (5859) on the test form. We recommend the English language proficiency tests be taken by January 15 and scores must be received on or before March 1.

SAT/ACT Requirements

Virginia Tech accepts either the SAT Reasoning Test (including critical reading and math) or ACT test scores. Since Virginia Tech utilizes the writing portion of each test for placement purposes, students who opt to take the ACT should take the ACT plus writing. Scores should be automatically forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (CEEB code 5859; ACT code 4420).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Virginia Tech awards college credit ONLY for the German Arbitur, A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and AP courses. To receive credit, an official copy of the exam result and a syllabus of the course(s) must be sent to: Office of the University Registrar, 250 Student Services Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA. More information can be found at the Office of the University Registrar.

Dates & Deadlines Overview of the Process