<p>Virginia Tech’s essays are optional. There are 5 topics given. You can answer 0-3. With admissions very tight it’s better to send an essay. It may not be an elite school, however it is a highly competitive engineering program and large state university. Students whose families used to readily consider oos (Michigan or GaTech) can’t justify the oos tuition in this recession with instate expences around $18k. Demand is up so admissions are tighter. It’s best to send an essay, even if you ‘recycle’ ones from other apps.</p>