Looks like the 4 questions are required this year. Not really essays. Are they really just 120 words each? that is about 10 sentences each. My son just started looking at them.
That’s what it looks like for this year. My son had already worked up some “Why Virginia Tech” points anticipating that at least that prompt would remain the same. It was good for him to ponder regardless. Some of these prompts are pretty weighty for 120 words. Best of luck!
another new thing is that (I confirmed this through email to admissions) VT is no longer accepting a teacher recommendation with your application. You used to be able to send ONE with your transcript. Now they aren’t accepting at all. It’s hard to see how the review process is holistic when there is no teacher recommendation and the essays don’t reflect much being only 120 words each!