Virginia Tech Reads Common App Essay: What You Need Know

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Virginia Tech is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. As a top-ranked institution, the university receives a large number of applications from prospective students each year. To help facilitate the application process, Virginia Tech uses the Common App, a standardized online application system used by over 900 colleges and universities across the United States.

For students applying to Virginia Tech, understanding the Common App essay requirements is crucial to submitting a successful application. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Virginia Tech Common App essay requirements, including the prompts, word limits, and tips for writing a compelling essay.

Understanding the Common App Essay

The Common App essay is a critical component of the application process, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. The essay prompts are designed to help students demonstrate their writing skills, creativity, and ability to think critically.

For the 2022-2023 application cycle, the Common App essay prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Virginia Tech Common App Essay Requirements

Virginia Tech requires applicants to submit one Common App essay, with a recommended word limit of 650 words. While there is no specific prompt required, students are encouraged to choose a prompt that allows them to showcase their unique qualities and experiences.

In addition to the Common App essay, Virginia Tech also requires applicants to submit several supplemental essays, including:

• A 250-word essay on why you want to attend Virginia Tech
• A 250-word essay on your academic and career goals

Tips for Writing a Compelling Common App Essay

Writing a compelling Common App essay requires careful planning, creativity, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose a prompt that resonates with you: Select a prompt that allows you to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives.
• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, outline, and draft your essay.
• Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, rather than simply stating them.
• Edit and revise: Carefully review your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, and revise as needed.
• Get feedback: Ask teachers, counselors, or mentors to review your essay and provide feedback.

Conclusion

The Common App essay is a critical component of the application process, providing students with the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. By understanding the Virginia Tech Common App essay requirements and following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of submitting a successful application.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and information to help you navigate the Virginia Tech Common App essay requirements. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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