It depends on what major you are applying for. When dd applied and got accepted into engineering one of her ec’s was doing research that got published. Admissions told us on the phone that was a plus point on her application.
VT has so many clubs. I still think they want students that are going to be engaged and involved in school activities and spirit.
http://admissions.vt.edu/apply/freshmen/requirements.html
There is mention of leadership and service.
There are almost 1000 organizations to participate in on campus so I don’t think they want students that are only studying but that are involved.
https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organizations