Campus Visit Questions

When can I tour campus?

Unless otherwise noted in the calendars on our Visit page, our student-led walking tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10:00 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. and Saturday (except in May or June) at 10:00 a.m. and noon. We do not offer tours on major holidays (when the university is closed) or during student breaks. We have an open-door policy, so no appointment is necessary to visit campus or take the tour. Saturday hours vary, so check the website before planning your fall Saturday visit.

What does the tour include?

On the tour, you will see a residence hall, a gym, and several academic buildings. Your guide will also point out dining halls, the library, the bookstore, and other campus facilities. The walking tour lasts approximately one hour.

When are information sessions offered?

We offer general admissions information sessions Monday–Friday at 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and on Saturdays (except in May or June and and certain selected dates near the holidays) at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (except on major holidays when the university is closed). No appointment is necessary. On Saturdays when there is a home football game, only a 9:00 session will be offered. See the Visit page for up-to-date scheduling information when planning your visit.

What does the information session include?

The session is conducted by one of our admissions directors who will tell you about our admissions process, what we are looking for when we review applications, some history about Virginia Tech, and our wealth of student activities. There is an opportunity at the end of the session for you to ask questions.

When are your Open House programs?

Open house programs, one-day admissions programs that take place on selected fall weekends, are offered on four dates each year. Reservations are required. Updated Open House information is posted on our website each summer on the Open House page.

How do I get to Virginia Tech?

For more information, you may listen to directions on our travel line at 540/231-2330 or go to the university's Directions page.

Application Questions

When are applications due?

Application Deadlines:	Apply by:	Notified on:
Fall Freshman Early Decision	Nov. 1	Dec. 15
Fall Freshman	Jan. 15	Apr. 1
Fall Transfer	Feb. 15	May 1
International	Feb. 1	Apr. 1

Applications for spring semester are accepted on a space-available basis only.

Note: Agriculture Technology applicants should call 540/231-7649. This program has a separate admissions process.

How much is the application fee?

The non-refundable application fee is $50 for freshmen and transfer students, and $70 for international students.

How can I obtain an application fee waiver?

If you feel that you are in financial need, have your guidance counselor submit a written request or complete a College Board application fee waiver form on your behalf.

If you are planning on using an official fee waiver, please do not start an online application. You MUST apply using the paper application, and attach the fee waiver to it upon submission.

What is the minimum GPA required for admission?

For admission consideration, at least a C average is required from academic course work at the high school level. However, because admission to Virginia Tech is competitive, applicants who have a B+ average or better are more likely to be offered admission.

For transfer students, a minimum of 2.0 is required, but students with a GPA of 3.0 or better are more likely to be offered admission. In majors where applications exceed available space, such as architecture, communication studies, computer science, and engineering, the competitive GPA may be even higher.

What tests are required for admission?

All freshman applicants must take either the SAT or the ACT.

The TOEFL is required for freshmen and transfers who live in a home where English is not the primary language spoken. The minimum TOEFL score is 550 on the paper test and between 207–213 on the computer test.

What is the minimum SAT score required for admission?

We do not require a minimum score, but the middle range of students offered admission is 1130 to 1310 (combined score of the math & critical reading sections).

How are the new SAT scores used in the admission process?

Currently, admissions will use the SAT math and critical reading scores when evaluating applications. Writing scores may be used for placement in the appropriate freshman English section if admitted, but will not be used for admission.

How about the SAT Subject Tests?

Freshman applicants for Fall 2006 and later who have not yet taken the SAT or ACT, or will be re-taking the SAT or ACT to improve their scores, should take the new SAT (which includes a writing component) or the ACT plus writing for placement in the appropriate freshman English section.

To clarify, we recognize that this is a transitional period for the SAT and do not wish to penalize students by requiring that they pay for additional tests to fulfill the writing requirement. Students applying for Fall 2006 who do not present writing scores will be evaluated on any available criteria and will be placed accordingly. Students who are satisfied with SAT I scores received in January 2005 or earlier do not need to take another test just to satisfy the writing requirement.

Do you require a foreign language for admission?

No, we do not require a foreign language for admission; however, the university requires at least two years of a foreign language (some programs require more) to graduate. This requirement may be met in high school by completing two units of a single foreign or classical language (or three units for students whose majors have a three-year requirement). The requirement may also be met by receiving credit by examination, or by earning six semester hours of college-level foreign or classical language credit (or the appropriate amount required for graduation in the student's selected program of study). American Sign Language (ASL) is accepted by Virginia Tech to satisfy the foreign language requirement.

What is needed to complete the freshman application?

The following is needed to complete the freshman application:

• A check or money order for the non-refundable application fee
• High school transcript (official or unofficial copy)
• SAT or ACT scores reported to us from the testing institution
• TOEFL scores, if applicable
• A list of courses you are taking your senior year

What is needed for the transfer application?

The following is needed for the transfer application:

• A check or money order for the non-refundable application fee
• Official or unofficial high school transcript
• SAT or ACT score, if available
• Official college transcript(s)
• TOEFL scores, if applicable

Are test scores and high school transcripts required of transfer students?

Only a copy of the high school transcript is required for admission to determine whether a student meets the foreign language requirement.

If I was previously accepted to the university, took classes, and then left in good standing, do I have to reapply as a transfer student?

No. You need to contact the Registrar and ask to be reinstated.

What are Virginia Tech's testing codes?

CEEB code: 5859

ACT code: 4420

I just submitted an online application and now I need to make a change. How do I do this?

If you have submitted an online application and payment has been authorized, you will need to let us know of any changes by filling out the appropriate form from our Application Change page. Please DO NOT create another account and submit a secondary application. No refunds will be given for secondary application fees.

Is Early Decision binding?

Yes, we do consider our Early Decision plan to be a binding agreement that, if offered admission, you will accept the offer and enroll as a Virginia Tech student (and withdraw any applications you have submitted to other institutions). You can find the most complete description of our early decision plan in the application instructions.

General Questions

Do you require interviews? Essays? Recommendations? Personal statements?

No, Virginia Tech does not require interviews, essays, personal statements, or recommendations as part of the admissions process for freshman applicants. If there is anything in your school record or testing that needs explanation (for example, a dip in grades that occurred during a personal crisis, etc.), then you can use the optional personal statement field to let us know. There is also an optional diversity statement you may wish to fill out, if there is something you can bring to Virginia Tech in addition to a strong academic record, like musical talent, leadership experience, or anything not otherwise represented on your application or supporting materials.

Transfer students who have questions after reviewing the information in our Transfer section may wish to contact one of the directors in the admissions office. If so, they may call or e-mail for more information.

When will I be notified of my admission decision?

Fall freshman early decision: on December 15.

Fall freshman regular decision: on April 1

Fall transfer: on May 1

is there a deposit required when accepting an offer of admission?

A $400 deposit is required to hold a space for each student who accepts our offer of admission.

Is the deposit refundable?

The deposit will be refunded if this office is notified in writing, postmarked by the deadline of the date for refunds:
Freshmen: May 1
Transfer: June 1

No refunds will be given after the deadline has passed.

Are a certain number of students accepted into each major every fall semester?

For most majors, there is no set limit for the number of students who can be admitted. However, we have certain capped majors for which demand far exceeds space.

Do you accept spring applicants, in all majors?

Typically, yes, but applications for spring semester are accepted on a space-available basis only.

All majors are not open for spring. Some majors do not have space available, or the program structure will not allow for mid-year acceptance/transfer.

Do you accept CLEP or service credit?

Generally, no, we do not give credit for CLEP. Some departments will allow CLEP credit for certain courses.

Can you tell me which courses will transfer to Virginia Tech from colleges I have attended previously?

Individual departments and colleges at Virginia Tech determine specific transfer credit for courses completed at other institutions. Students should contact the department/college into which they wish to transfer for guidance. Students attending Virginia community colleges can view the VT Transfer Equivalency Database (TED) online for information on transferable courses.

Can I take classes at Virginia Tech if I am not a full-time, degree-seeking student?

Yes, you may enroll as a part-time non-degree-seeking student.

What classifies a person as a non-degree-seeking student?

Non-degree-seeking applicants are:

• students who want to take a few courses at Virginia Tech and transfer them back to their primary college/university.
• highly qualified high school students at the junior or senior level who want to get a head start on college requirements.
• people who need to take a few courses to help in their careers, for teacher certification, or self-enrichment.

Note: All students must be in good standing at their current school and have at least a 2.0 GPA to be considered for non-degree student status. Transcripts are required. Individuals who are not currently enrolled must be in good standing at their previous institutions(s) and transcripts may be required.

Note to summer applicants: A different procedure exists for Summer Sessions. (See www.summer.vt.edu for more information.)

If I don't get accepted into Virginia Tech for freshman/transfer admission, can I take classes as a special student?

No, the non-degree-seeking student status is not a way to get a foot in the door at Virginia Tech. It is for non-degree-seeking students only.

I've had a change in plans, and I cannot attend the term I'd originally applied for. Can I defer my enrollment?

Yes. You request a deferment, as long as you specify what semester you would begin studies. Read the application change section to defer your enrollment

Do all majors require a personal computer?

Yes, it is a university requirement that all students have their own laptop computer. Computer specifications are provided to all admitted students in the early summer before they enter Virginia Tech in the fall. You may visit www.compreq.vt.edu to view the current specification and additional computer requirement information. Specifications vary by major.

How many applications do you receive each year?

We receive approximately 19,000 freshman applications each year and about 2,000 to 3,000 transfer applications.

How many students attend Virginia Tech?

We have approximately 21,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students. We have 420 professional students in the veterinary medicine program.

How many in-state/out-of-state students do you have?

We currently have about 70% in-state students, 30% out-of-state students.

What is the freshman class size?

We generally have approximately 5,000 incoming freshmen each year, although the size will vary from year to year.

What is the current cost of tuition?

Current tuition costs and fees are available from the University Bursar.

What are the requirements for residency?

Eligibility for in-state tuition privileges is governed by §23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia. The provisions of this law are set forth, defined, and discussed in the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's Domicile Guidelines.

All students who wish to qualify for in-state tuition, including students who have always lived in Virginia, should complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates included in the application for undergraduate admission. To qualify for Virginia residency, you must meet the following criteria prior to the first day of classes for the desired term of entry. These are minimum criteria; additional proof may be required to qualify for in-state tuition privileges.

• Twelve months of continuous residency in the state of Virginia. Students who are living in Virginia for educational purposes only are unlikely to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
• During the period of residency, proof of participation in the "activities of citizenship" must be documented.
• “Activities of citizenship” can be defined as: vehicle registration, drivers licensing, voters registration, payment of state income taxes, or other proof of affiliations within the state of Virginia.
• Any other proof of Virginia as the state of permanent residence. One may not have more than one state of domicile.
• Where applicable, visas allowing the establishment of domicile within the United States.
• Active duty military stationed in Virginia may qualify for immediate domicile through a change in the tax status and the Leave and Earnings statement.

Prospective students with residency questions may contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 540/231-6267. Current students may contact the Office of the University Registrar at 540/231-6252. Additional information is available in the residency instructions and on the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates.

Do you have tuition reciprocity (academic common market) agreements with other states?

Yes. We participate in the Academic Common Market, a cooperative tuition-reduction agreement among 10 Southern Regional Education Board states. Check the Registrar’s website for a list of participating majors and states. Please call our office at 540/231-6267 or e-mail us if you have questions after reading the information at the above link.

Is housing guaranteed for all students?

Housing is guaranteed for freshmen. Upperclassmen may be guaranteed a space by submitting a housing contract at the beginning of spring semester to Student Programs (Residential and Dining Programs) prior to the year they desire on-campus occupancy.

Can freshmen live off campus?

Not as a rule. All freshmen are required to live on campus unless living at home with their parents and commuting to Virginia Tech. Requests to live off campus during the freshman year must be approved by the Student Programs (Residential and Dining Programs) office.

Can freshmen have a car on campus?

Yes, freshmen are permitted to have a car, although it is not necessary. The Blacksburg Transit (BT) bus system circulates on campus continuously, and travels to local shopping areas as well as apartment complexes. Students ride free by showing their Virginia Tech ID (the cost is included in the comprehensive fees) to any destination in the local area. For more information about bringing a car to campus, visit www.parking.vt.edu.

How can I receive information about off-campus housing?

Students interested in off-campus housing can contact the following:

• Off-Campus Housing Office in Squires Student Center: 540/231-3466
• Housing Connection: 540/951-4928
• Newspapers
• Telephone book
• Real estate agents

Do you offer housing for married students?

No, Virginia Tech does not have married student housing. Married students will need to contact the Off-Campus Housing Office at 540/231-3466 or find off-campus housing through one of the sources listed above.

Do the residence halls have suites? Air conditioning?

Some residence halls do offer suites. In general, each residence hall room has two students. There is a sink in the room and a hall bathroom with shower facilities. Air conditioning is not available in most residence halls, though some of the newer residential buildings do have it. See the Office of Student Programs website for more about Hokie Housing.

What is the social life on campus?

There is so much to do, and a wide variety of options: concerts, athletic events, distinguished speakers, extracurricular activities like bowling, video games, pool, movies, student organizations, intramural sports, and clubs of nearly every type imaginable.

Will my child be safe on campus?

Virginia Tech is ranked in the top four colleges in the state for campus safety, and our police force is nationally accredited. The on-campus "Safe Ride" service is an escort service for students who need to get back to their residence halls or other designated locations at night. Find more information at www.police.vt.edu.

Do you offer ROTC?

Yes, we have programs in all four branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

Do you have an equestrian program?

Yes, we have an equestrian club and intercollegiate equestrian team. For further information, please contact the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at 540/231-6936, or visit the Equine Science website at www.equine.vt.edu.

Do you give Advanced Placement (AP) credit and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?

We give credit for most AP scores of three and above (please refer to the University Registrar’s AP Credit page for more information.) Advanced Standing with credit for the IB diploma may be granted to students who attend Virginia Tech after receiving an IB diploma or certificate. Advanced Standing credit will be based on the grades obtained on the IB examinations.

How does one get into the Honors Program?

University Honors is available to students who have either a cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and score at least 1400 on the SAT (minimums: 620 critical reading, 600 math) or a cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale) with an SAT score of at least 1300 (minimums: 620 critical reading, 600 math). Current college students who have a 3.5 or higher GPA are also eligible for University Honors. For more information, visit University Honors.

Does Virginia Tech have a co-operative education program (co-op)?

Yes, we offer the program in more than 50 majors. For more information on co-op, visit www.career.vt.edu.

Do graduate students teach classes?

We do have some graduate students who teach, most of whom are working on their doctorates. However, 85% of classes are taught by full-time faculty members.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Need-based scholarships are handled through the financial aid office. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filled out and mailed to the federal processor by the deadline in order to be considered for financial aid. Find out more at www.finaid.vt.edu.

Academic scholarships are pursued by contacting the academic department(s), University Honors, or the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid. A FAFSA must also be completed for you to be considered for the General Scholarship Program (in addition to the General Scholarship Application).

What is the Title IV code for financial aid?

The title IV code is 003754.

Does Virginia Tech have an 800 number?

No, there is no direct toll-free number for the university.

How can I be readmitted?

Students who wish to re-enter in a different major must contact their former academic department. They must be readmitted into the major they were in when they left Virginia Tech and then complete an internal transfer to the new major.

Students who wish to re-enter the university in the same major they were in when they left should contact the registrar’s office to be readmitted at 540/231-6252 or visit www.registrar.vt.edu.

Where can I get a copy of my transcript? Replacement diploma?

Contact the registrar’s office at 540/231-6252 or www.registrar.vt.edu.

How can I get an I-20?

Students requiring an I-20 should contact Belinda Pauley at the Cranwell International Center at 540/231-6527, fax 540/231-3808, or bpauley@vt.edu.