VTCC Parents/former cadets on getting in?

Hi everyone,

So basically, I’m just wondering if anyone could help me on giving me a little advice or maybe what they think what my chances would be on getting into Virginia Tech. I don’t really have anybody to help advise me with stuff like this, so here goes.

Basically, i’m worried about my cumulative GPA. It’s not that high. Unweighted, it’s a 3.1. It’s because my freshman and sophomore year, not to make excuses, but I kinda struggled with a lot of things going on at home and the rigor of high school that I had a hard time adjusting to. I pulled a few C’s in my AP classes. But my junior year, at the beginning of the year I found the courage to turn things around for myself because I really wanted to chase after my military dreams, and it’s paid off for me. This year, my GPA’s a 3.8 unweighted in all AP classes as well. Even though I learned a lot through that struggle, I understand that cumulative GPA is painful to look at.

Other info:
-My SAT score: 1300
-I’ve also been volunteering with the SPCA and at the VA hospital, I have over 150 hours so far, plan to do more this summer before I apply.
-New volunteer trainer at the SPCA (finally got a leadership position there)
-I’m also getting a part time job this summer.
-I’ve played cello competitively for 7 years
-I’ve been in varsity orchestra for one year
-State/region cellist
-principal cellist for three years in a row at my school
-section leader at region competitions for orchestra this year
-performed at Carnegie Hall in April
-I had been running on my own for a long time, but I joined cross country this year to run with the school and make some friends. Really liked it, plan to do it again senior year
-I also joined Running Club after school
-I took cello lessons after school for 5 years.
-I’ve heard being Hispanic, and a first-generation college student is important to them too?
-I want to apply for early acceptance, maybe it’ll help?

I want to major in Chemistry and join the Corps of Cadets, but I know that big state schools like these worry more about numbers rather than stories. My mistakes from freshman and sophomore year are really dragging me down, but do y’all think what i’ve accomplished so far would compensate for my low cumulative GPA? If not, is there anything I can do besides just apply and see what happens? Should I submit a letter of recommendation even though it says it’s optional? Also, i’m applying out-of-state, I’m from Texas.

Thanks so much for any help!

isue38011 said:

I know that big state schools like these worry more about numbers rather than stories.

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I really don't think that's the case. Make sure the difficulties you faced are highlighted in some way in your essays and interviews. Overcoming adversity is always important.

Getting accepted at VT as a student is no different than any other college. You need to have competitive grades, competitive SATs, competitive leadership, athletics, etc. Getting accepted into the Corps of Cadets, which is a separate process is perhaps a bit more difficult and a bit more competitive. You don't just automatically get admitted to the Corps.

You nailed it. Doing your best and applying is the only way to find out if you make the cut. Keep in mind that Virginia only allows 25% (I think) of the student body to be from out of state so that's one strike against you, but go for it. Make sure you have backup plans. I'm sure Texas A&M is among those back up plans?

I had similar stats and got waitlisted. I ended up getting off the waitlist a few weeks ago and am attending this fall.

If it's your first choice I'd recommend applying early decision, your chances are tremendously higher. Even if you don't do ED, EA will still help because the Corps wants to build their class earlier than later. From what I've heard and read, they enroll about ~300 new cadets every year. A letter of recommendation will definitely help. The other thing you can do to help you is retake and raise your standardized tests to outweigh the lower GPA. From the people I've talked to enrolling in the Corps this fall, the norm has been about 1350ish.
Let me know if I can help with anything else! I also got into VMI and can help with that application process, you should consider that too if you're set on a military career.

@isue38011 If you hope to attend VT from out of state, be aware that Virginia state colleges can only accept about 25% from out of state. That will make the competition more fierce if you live elsewhere. As always, keep working back up plans as well, including an in-state college.

kinnem said:

@isue38011 If you hope to attend VT from out of state, be aware that Virginia state colleges can only accept about 25% from out of state. That will make the competition more fierce if you live elsewhere. As always, keep working back up plans as well, including an in-state college.

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@kinnem While bills have been proposed each year to limit to 25%, I don't think that one has ever passed. The last one in 2017 was defeated as far as I can tell. VT is currently around 31% out of state. UVA 33% and William & Mary around 37%. So I think @isue38011 is still good on that score. We also looked at that since my DD was an out of state applicant to VT. Just btw.

I had seen past threads that stated the 25%. Looks like you're correct when I look at the current VT population. Thanks for the correction.

NavyLady64 said:

kinnem said:

@isue38011 If you hope to attend VT from out of state, be aware that Virginia state colleges can only accept about 25% from out of state. That will make the competition more fierce if you live elsewhere. As always, keep working back up plans as well, including an in-state college.

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@kinnem While bills have been proposed each year to limit to 25%, I don't think that one has ever passed. The last one in 2017 was defeated as far as I can tell. VT is currently around 31% out of state. UVA 33% and William & Mary around 37%. So I think @isue38011 is still good on that score. We also looked at that since my DD was an out of state applicant to VT. Just btw.

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My DS visited UVA and VT last October. They made it very clear at UVA they only accept 20% out of state. VT did not give their stats.

Hi there! My DD is in VTCC...and she is a violinist! I'm sure she'd love a cellist in the Corps so I'm rooting for you.

My advice: I would definitely go ahead and get a recommendation letter just so you have the chance to tell more of your story - especially about how you struggled early but have gotten on the right track and are making good grades, etc. Make sure your recommender can tell this story. VT is pretty tough on the GPA requirements but more so if you are looking for engineering and similar - but if you get a chance to tell your story, that would help.

Note that VT does not have "Early Acceptance (EA)" - they only have "Early Decision (ED)". These are very different things and you should read the requirements on this before committing to applying ED. ED requires commitment on your part that you might not be willing to give. If you are going to be relying on financial aid from VT, their own site says you should probably not apply ED. So, be aware. If you decide to go through with that, on the upside, it gives them a chance to see your file early. Also, if you don't get accepted ED, they might defer you to the regular decision date rather than deny you - so it is a little like "two bites at the apple".

On GPA and stats: As you point out, VT is a big school and although their acceptance rate looks high - it is only high for those that meet their minimum standards. Your SAT is within their normal acceptance range but your GPA is definitely where you will struggle with them. As a big school, it is hard for them with number of apps to not have some sort of cutoff numbers - so, the challenge will be to get your application noticed on a more individual level. You might try talking to the Music department (they are great there, btw - my DD is auditioning for the symphony next year and we our youngest toured the school as well - the string profs were very helpful). Talk to a professor there and ask for advice - they might be able to help you get your application noticed. You can also reach out to the Corps for a personal contact and advice. I agree with those who suggest you try to push your SAT even higher - this might help counter the GPA a little.

As someone mentioned above, make sure you have a Plan 1 as well as a Plan A, and even a Plan B. Look at TAMU Corps of Cadets as well - similar SMC to VT and it is in your home state - which comes with advantages. Also, there are other SMC's as well, so if you want a Corps atmosphere, look for one with which your current stats align and secure an acceptance that way as well so you have choices. And, importantly, be prepared to love either one or all of them.

Anyhow, keep working on the GPA/SAT and good luck to you!

(BTW, full disclosure - I work in college admissions. Every school is a little different but I know that it helps when we have someone "point" us to a particular application so that IF there is an opportunity to give the benefit of the doubt, we can. Most schools will not waive their academic requirements but they might have chances to look deeper into your story if it is a close thing. No guarantees of course but you can at least try.)

It looks like VT accepted a bit more out of state than in state applicants in 2017-18. But the number of each who actually enrolled put the percentage of out of state students attending closer to 33. If I am reading things correctly, it seems being an out of state applicant is not a disadvantage in and of itself.

http://research.schev.edu/iprofile.asp?UID=233921

Never a disadvantage financially trust me. As my friend that works in Admissions at Rutgers IF WE HAD OUR WAY we would take 90% out of state