4 Changes to College Admissions at Virginia Tech This Admissions Cycle

COVID-19 and College Updates: How is Virginia Tech Adapting their College Admissions Process 

To find more details on all VT’s plans, head to their COVID-19 FAQs page.

VT will use the Common Application this fall.

In the past, Virginia Tech has only allowed students to apply through the Coalition Application. Starting with the 2020/2021 application cycle though, the university will now accept applications from the Common Application in addition to the Coalition Application.

VT is adopting a test optional policy which is different from previous college admissions cycles.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia Tech is no longer requiring high school applicants to submit their SAT and ACT scores for the 2020/2021 application cycle. Students who have already taken the SAT or ACT will receive no advantage, and students who have not yet taken the SAT or ACT will not face any penalty.

VT is accepting revised high school grading policies, with a caveat regarding college admissions this year

Virginia Tech will accept revised grading policies put in places by high schools as long as a Pass indicates a grade C or higher. For schools that are offering a Pass/Fail alternative where a Pass indicates a grade D or higher, high school students opt to be graded on the standard A-F scale if given the choice.

The university is offering virtual tours for potential undergraduate applicants.

Prospective students and parents are encouraged to schedule a virtual tour of the campus and information session on the VT website.

As usual, VT will offer three deadline options for applicants.

Students who apply early decision must submit their completed application by November 1. These applicants will be notified of their admissions decision on December 15, and they must accept their offer by January 15.

Students who apply early action must submit their completed application by December 1. These applicants will be notified of their admissions decision on February 22, and they must accept their offer by May 1.

Students who apply regular decision must submit their completed application by January 15. These applicants will be notified of their admissions decision on March 5, and they must accept their offer by May 1.

What does this mean for you and your teen?

Since Virginia Tech is not looking at standardized test scores from the SAT and the ACT, and they are accepting altered high school grading scales due to coronavirus, it is likely that admissions officers will be looking at your senior’s college admissions essays with more attention than usual. While the college admissions essay is always important to an application, this fall the college admissions essay is even more important for your teen as there are a limited number of options available for admissions officers to judge whether your teen is the right fit for Virginia Tech!

If you’d like to learn more about how your teen can shine in their college admissions essay and stand out to admissions officers, contact us at info@totalwritingenrichment.com or join our email list by scrolling to the bottom of this page! Don’t forget you can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Check back next week to hear about how University of Michigan is adapting their college admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enjoy your week, and remember to smile!

Moira ♥

*Moira Ritter is a junior at Georgetown University and looks forward to contributing her writing skills to Total Writing Enrichment this summer!

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