I’m still trying to figure out how they determine who gets the VIT invitations. S24 is high stats and definitely in GPA/SAT range I have seen on here, and we are also OOS. Those of you who received it, had you previously toured Auburn? We already toured in May, so I am wondering if that has something to do with it. Also, do the invites come by mail or email? He received a WED invite, but no VIT so far.
If my understanding is correct, it’s based on test scores. Not sure GPA factors in as admissions wouldn’t have access to that info before a student applies and sends a transcript. I believe 33 on the ACT is the minimum for VIT qualification (not sure about SAT). Our invite came in the mail. My son had gone ahead and submitted his scores to Auburn during junior year, since he knew he would be applying.
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We have a 35 on the ACT and haven’t received an invite to a single event. Not that we are particularly concerned, but the invitation process seems totally random.
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I’m not saying that is what happened. My response was to someone stating that the acceptances previously came out on Wednesdays. I was only sharing what I had read as far as it pertains to Wednesday decisions. If it did happen that way it was probably some kind of placemarker in their system, but I cannot say for sure as I did not see it myself. Everything is pretty much hearsay with everything you read so you have to take it with a grain of salt. There are obviously going to be some disappointed parents and kids regardless of how the acceptances come out. We can only hope and pray for the best and have a backup plan in the end.
I read on Auburn’s website that VIT has to do with residency too. The ones that I am reading about receiving the invite have all been OOS. Are you OOS? This is what it states on their website under FAQ " Why did I receive this invitation?
The Very Impressive Tiger program is designed to recognize students with outstanding academic achievements. Our VITs have been selected because they are eligible for the Academic Presidential Scholarship or Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship—based on residency status. For more information about our competitive merit scholarships, click here. During your visit, a member of our staff will be available to answer any additional questions you may have about scholarship opportunities."
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Thanks for the info. Yes, we are OOS. Are these invites to special events coming via email or regular mail? We have definitely not received anything via regular mail.
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That’s interesting. We are in-state and received the VIT invite so honestly, I have no idea how they decide who makes the cut.
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I have read that they have been received in the mail and via email. One could have very well been sent to you and was lost in the mail. Try not to worry. Best of luck to your child. This is certainly stressful. We all want the best for our kids.
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It’s also possible that an invite got lost in the shuffle of postcards, flyers, lookbooks, and other college marketing materials that flood the mailbox. I agree, try not to stress. If your child is really interested in Auburn, maybe they could proactively reach out to the admissions counselor for your area (you can find that info on the website) and ask about opportunities.
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Perhaps by residency they meant not available to international students? I’m just guessing since instate and OOS students have received the invitations.
We received both VIT and WED Tour invites (we are OOS Florida) and went with the WED on Oct 27th knowing we would probably have admittance and Presidential Scholarship offer in hand already and would make for a better tour knowing that our son was “IN”.
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VIT is BIG for OOS. Especially Florida. Remember, ANY Florida kid with a 1340 SAT and 3.5 GPA (Unweighted) GOES FREE to ANY Florida State School, including UF. Auburn wants these kids. We went through the same thing 2 years ago with my older son.
Why do you say VIT in particular is big for OOS? We are GA so similar situation that my son could go to any in-state public school tuition-free (including UGA & GA Tech). His stats qualify him for the Presidential at Auburn but that still leaves us a long way from the GA in-state options. I know he got WED invitation. Not sure on VIT. I’ve honestly lost track with all the mail and emails. We already had a visit scheduled so weren’t concerned with adding another. Does VIT itself indicate something better than Presidential?
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VIT is strictly a marketing tool, that’s it, for top performers specifically marketed to “mostly OOS”. Alabama in staters already knows about AU from birth. The more top performers AU gets whether in state or OOS it helps in recruiting future top performers and most importantly MORE MONEY in endowments will flow in if the student academic bar is consistently raised. It would be the same thing if AU football won the National Championship. CHA CHING
I just received an email for the College of Education Fall Preview Day on 11/10. Has anyone been to one of these events for their prospective major? I did a campus and department tour over the summer. Was wondering if it was similar?
After “Merit Scholarships” are awarded at admission, which is probably tomorrow, then the internal scholarships are awarded. Specifically for my son, there is a lot of internal Engineering Dept. freshman money for the taking. About 60+ scholarships at last count for STEM, Latin, and Dependent of a Disabled Veteran. We do not qualify for need-based though. So whether it’s AU, Texas A&M, or Purdue he will probably go free as he would in Florida. His other 2 choices Penn State and Notre Dame I will definitely have some money out of pocket.
Do they allow you “stack” these scholarships on top of the merit scholarships?
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And do you have to apply separately or are you automatically considered?
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YES ABSOLUTELY. Merit is at admission and can stack for future internal AU and AU Departmental scholarships, which require the FAFSA. Also, be mindful that Merit Scholarships are EARLY ACTION Applicants ONLY, and they are all dispensed by Jan 2024.
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Separate Application through the AU Portal once you are admitted, paid the admittance fee, issued an email address, have a profile, etc. Those internal scholarships are all awarded by mid-April prior to the last “National Signing Day” which is May 1st.
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