Prospective Students: FAQ

Can I apply to Virginia Tech online?

Of course! You can also track your application's progress online once it has been submitted. We will send you an e-mail supplying instructions on how to check your application status.

Can I still get a paper application?

You can request a paper application if submitting an application online is not possible. You may download a paper application (US Student Application, International Student Application) or make a request by:

Will you do a pre-review of my application with a copy of my transcript(s) and ETS scores? I will submit official copies if I am accepted.

We do not pre-review applications. We will evaluate your application materials once you officially apply to the Graduate School.

How long does it take to process an application?

It depends. Your application will not be sent to CPAP for consideration until all required materials have been received. Some departments hold applications and process them all at one time; in such cases the processing time may be longer. With the department's recommendation, the Graduate School will make the final decision, and a letter from the dean of the Graduate School will be sent to inform you of the decision.

How can I find out the status of my application?

That's easy. After we receive your application, you will be sent an e-mail with instructions on how to check your application status on the Web. Please allow for processing time as you are monitoring the status.

How will I know if my application is incomplete?

The checklist on the application describes each component that is required by the Graduate School, such as test scores or transcripts. Once the Graduate School receives your application, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to check your application status. Due to the large volume of applications received, we kindly request that you utilize the online tracking system.

Have you received the letters of recommendation from my references?

Please contact CPAP to check on the status of your recommendation letters.

When can the Graduate School tell me if I have been accepted?

Your application undergoes a thorough review by the Graduate School and by CPAP. After the review committee meets, a recommendation is sent to the Graduate School. You will be notified by postal mail of the final decision. The Graduate School is unable to release admission decisions over the phone.

Why does the department not have my file?

Virginia Tech's policy is to wait until we have your completed application file before sending it to the prospective department. An exception can be made if the department requests the incomplete folder from the Graduate School.

Why was my admission denied?

Admission can be denied for several reasons. Some of the most common reasons:

• The applicant's TOEFL scores are lower than the minimum of 213 (computerized).
• The applicant is not competitive with other candidates due to the outstanding pool of applications that we have received.
• The applicant's academic background/goals do not fit the objectives of the program.
• The applicant's previous academic record does not meet minimum standards.
• The program is full to capacity and no other applications are being accepted.
• Application materials were incomplete (Applicant submitted materials past program deadline)

How do I reapply if my application has been denied?

The Graduate School will hold denied applications for one year. If you wish to be reconsidered within this period, you must contact CPAP or the department to which you have applied. The Graduate School can only honor requests from the department for an application decision to be appealed. You also will need to supply any additional information you can to strengthen your application (new test scores, reference letters, statement of purpose, etc.).

My application was denied for one department. Can I apply to another? Should I apply to another?

You can apply to another department if you are not accepted to your first choice, but students are advised not to "shop" for departments that will accept them. Instead you should set definite educational goals and seek a way to fulfill them. Students submitting an application to more than one department will be charged an application fee for EACH department to which they are applying.

How do I reapply if I do not enroll for the term I am admitted?

If you are accepted to Virginia Tech and do not enroll, you can request a deferral until a later semester. This request must be made to the Graduate School from your academic department. If permission to defer is granted, you then will be eligible to enroll for the agreed upon academic term. Your application fee is good for up to one year. If you defer your admission for more than a year, you will have to pay the application fee again.

International Student Information
Do I have to submit financial documentation with my application for admission?

Financial/funding information and documentation may be submitted along with the application for admission or after the admission decision has been made.

When was my I-20 mailed and to which address?

To find out when and where your I-20 was mailed, you can call the Graduate School at 540/231-8486 or e-mail igss@vt.edu . International students should refer to the Graduate School's Prearrival Information web page for more information.

Where can I find more information about requirements for international students?

You can visit the International Graduate Student Services section of this website. There you will find the latest regulatory information, access to forms that you may need to complete for our office, and questions most frequently asked by international students.

If I'm an international student transferring to Virginia Tech from another school, what do I need to do to get an I-20 from Virginia Tech?

You will need to complete a Transfer-In Form. Complete the top portion, and take the form to an international student advisor at your current school. They will complete the bottom of the form, send it to our office for processing, and release your SEVIS record to Virginia Tech. If you are accepted for admission to Virginia Tech, then we will pick up your I-20 record from SEVIS and print a new I-20 for you. The I-20 will state "Transfer Pending from N University". Once you arrive at Virginia Tech, you must come by the Graduate School to check in and to have your transfer completed so that you show as a continuing student at Virginia Tech.

Additional information about the Virginia Tech admissions process is available at http://www.grads.vt.edu/index.html