Another record high: Virginia Tech receives more than 47,000 applications for first-year admissions

For the third straight year, the number of first-year applications for admission to Virginia Tech rewrites the record books. President Tim Sands shared the news during his State of the University address on Jan. 18 at the Moss Arts Center. 

A historic high 47,128 first-year applications were submitted for fall 2023 admission - an increase of 4.4 percent over the previous record of 45,124 set a year ago. First-year applications have increased 47 percent since 2018, shortly after major changes were implemented in the admissions process.

This is the strongest applicant pool in the school's history when measured by academics. The average GPA of all 2023 applicants is 4.06, compared to 4.0 in 2022.

Noteworthy gains include a 5 percent increase in applicants identified as first-generation college students. Gains also were achieved across every underrepresented and underserved group. Black or African American applications surpassed the 2022 mark by 5 percent. Applications from Hispanic/Latino students realized a 9 percent increase while Native American applications rose 14 percent.

"Three record years of first-year applications continue to affirm that the transformational changes made in 2018 have made Virginia Tech a top destination for students," said Juan Espinoza, associate vice provost for enrollment management and director of undergraduate admissions. "Our innovative recruitment strategy continues to find ways to connect students to the university with a strong focus on access and affordability."

In 2018, Virginia Tech put into effect changes in its admissions process including the development of a more holistic review process and the introduction of a shared application platform, the Common Application. In addition, Virginia Tech began collecting self-reported academic information and streamlined the fee waiver application process. These changes resulted in a larger, higher quality, and more diverse pool of applicants seeking admission to Virginia Tech.  

Early Decision applications jumped by 17 percent for 2023. Early Decision is recommended for first-year applicants who have strong academic qualifications, select Virginia Tech as their first-choice school, and intend to enroll if admitted.

“Great things are happening at Virginia Tech and students are attracted to the impact that Virginia Tech is having," said Espinoza. "We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2027."

Admission decisions for those who applied for early action will be announced in late February. Regular decision applicants will be notified in early March. Early decision applicants were notified in December.  

Applicants who have been accepted to Virginia Tech will have until May 1 to respond. Students seeking to transfer to Virginia Tech for the summer or fall sessions will have until March 1 to apply. For more dates and deadlines, visit the Admissions section on vt.edu.