I read something that said “When applying to high level engineering schools, GPA does not matter. What matters is the grades in high level math and science courses.” How accurate do you guys think this is?
@Volty123 Virginia Tech says that the recalculate your GPA, but they don’t say how they do that. So, they are essentially weighting Honors and AP classes differently (maybe) from your High School. That said, whether the Engineering Department also has their own formula which only includes science and math courses…not sure. It’d certainly benefit my son, since all of his AP classes were science, math, or computer science.
@Volty123 What was the source for that quote? Seems dubious to me… afterall, engineers need to be able to read, write, etc. right? And considering the amount of non-math/science coursework that most HS’s require for graduation, it seems unlikely that an admissions dept. is going to disregard performance in 2/3 of an applicant’s courses. All universities have minimum requirements (as well as recommended) re: HS coursework as a condition for applying - usually 4 years English, History/Humanities, 2-3 years Foreign Language, etc. They are required for a reason.
Now, assuming there are 2 applicants who both meet minimum requirements, but one has AP/IB level math/science and the other does not, well then of course they are applying more weight to the more rigorous coursework, even if overall GPA might be a little lower. I’m pretty sure admissions doesn’t apply a lot of weight to Honors level courses unless that is the highest/only advanced coursework a HS offers. AP, IB, and DE are viewed more heavily.
Slightly off-topic, but I’ve noticed the received date for “self reported coursework” in my S’s portal has changed every day (to reflect the current date) for the last 30 days or longer. I first noticed the date change in December right before the holidays and figured his app was under review or something. But I’ve checked often since then, and every day there is a new date. Anyone else?
yup happens to me aswell…
@aewlmom Honestly, the VT portal is atrocious compared to other universities. When I first applied, it told me that I needed to send my transcript in for more than a month despite the fact that VT doesn’t require that. Mine also shows my date changing every time I login. It’s like a current_date() instead of a static one. LOL
Can I switch my major after applied, or is it too late for the EA deadline?
Our date hasn’t changed. It still has October.
According to VT website - you can’t change major after the application deadline date.
Hi! I was wondering what my chances are for VT 2024 early action 
Major: Business Undecided
GPA- 3.821 (weighted)
SAT- 1430
Extracurriculars: Debate, Science Olympiad, camp science instructor, 2 retail jobs, piano
In-state
My junior year grades were a bit rough because in my AP classes I got a D+, C and a C+ but the rest were two B’s and two A’s. One of the B’s and both A’s were honors classes.
Thank you!
Which student will VT select first? Just want to list out the scenarios for feedbacks. By the way, this is for College of Science.
Student A: WGPA 4.2 (with 4 APs and 4 Honors classes), SAT 1250, good ECs and essays.
Student B: WGPA 3.9 (with 8 APs and 8 Honors classes), SAT 1350, good ECs and essays.
@PLO2020 You haven’t given enough information based on what VT has said they use. Your weighted GPA doesn’t mean anything to them. If those were unweighted, I’d say Student B gets in. Most colleges want to see students that have challenged themselves. And the SAT scores are better, as well.
I think most colleges are going more toward looking at grades vs standardized tests
I was wondering what my chances are for VT early action!
Major: Business Undecided
GPA- 3.821 (weighted)
SAT- 1430
Extracurriculars: Debate, Science Olympiad, camp science instructor, 2 retail jobs, piano
In-state
My junior year grades were a bit rough because in my AP classes I got a D+, C and a C+ but the rest were two B’s and two A’s. One of the B’s and both A’s were honors classes.
Thank you!
Gpa is a little low but hopefully the higher than average sat will make up for it. I’m going to say 55% yes (my random thought). The D could be the downfall though.
Would you say the D+ being an AP class make a difference?
I don’t know. But I would think any D on a college applicTion will raise concerns.
@astonmartin55 OOC, did you take the AP exam for that class? Perhaps a good score on the AP exam would offset the D to some degree.
Yes, I got a 3 on the Calculus BC AP exam. (the class I got a D+ in). I’m also taking multivariable calculus now with a higher grade.
What does 65%/70% mean on Parchment for VT admission? Still have good chance to get in for EA?