One thing to investigate vis-a-vis VT is what sub-communities exist that interest him. Some schools and programs may have close-knit communities of their own that make a larger school feel smaller. Likewise on the residential side, there are living-learning communities that might appeal. It’s all about finding a good niche (or more than one). I’d be looking into how much “community” seems to exist around his majors of interest, and the schools/divisions within which they reside. Because in terms of academic fit and cost/value, it sure looks like a great fit; and I’ve heard nothing but great things about the quality of life (apart from the big housing-crunch problem a few years ago, which I think has leveled out).
(All that said, I’ve seen some surprising denials of high-stat in-state VT applicants on here in recent years. I don’t think one can count chickens until the acceptance comes in… although hopefully his desired programs aren’t as rejective as some.)
@aquapt - my older son was one of those sort of surprising denials at VT, well, technically, waitlisted. Over 4.0 GPA (he only ever got A’s, took multiple APs in a fully rigorous HS courseload), 1560 SAT, Eagle Scout, Co-Captain Varsity Crew Team, solid essays etc. He was applying to the engineering school, which I imagine was part of the problem, but for an in-state student, those credentials should’ve been enough. He got into every school he applied to except VT - WPI, RPI, Case Western, Lehigh, Pitt/Engineering. And good merit aid money from all but one of them, yet waitlisted at our in-state engineering school. He had plenty of STEM experience (three years of HS engineering classes including a capstone project, all honors and AP science classes, all honors and AP math classes) and was also well rounded (5 years Latin - including AP, full complement of English including two years of AP offerings, full complement of “social studies” incl three APs in history/gov’t/human geography) and fives on every AP exam but one. We did demonstrated interest - he toured even though it was pandemic, he did multiple online info sessions, including more than one for his Department and major. So with all of that, a little luster has worn off of VT for our family. That in-state tuition would’ve been a nice option to have. I’m going to assume that it was the selectivity of engineering, and the fact that the engineering department is the easiest way for VT to lure in out of state higher paying students and that, since my second son won’t be applying to the engineering school that hopefully his chances will be better. But the whole family felt the sting of that waitlist, and no idea what on earth they could have been looking for in an admit if it wasn’t him.
Sigh. Clearly I’m still a little cranky about it. (Kid is at WPI and very happy, for the most part. So ultimately no complaints other than the tremendous cost differential which, with merit aid, is about $25k/year.)
Anyway, back to your main point. Yes, the sub-communities are the way to go. The majors he’s interested in there are, I would guess, on the smaller side so he’ll need to find a way to find his place and his people. He’s a pretty sociable kid who makes friends easily, so I’m not too worried about that. I am worried about whether he’ll go to class and keep up with his work - and I feel like in a bigger school it’s easier for people to slip under the radar and not be noticed if you just don’t show up. But hopefully because the majors he’s looking at are smaller, the classes will be smaller and the opportunities to interact with professors will be more readily available.
Thanks @Twoin18 - this is an interesting idea for me to throw out to him when the time comes. He has a very fuzzy idea of what he wants and doesn’t want to do, and I think the more options he can find or I can show him exist with the majors he’s thinking about, the more comfort he’ll feel about pursuing them.
I would be salty about that as well!! WPI is a great school, but I’m guessing you could’ve found another way to spend that extra 100K, too. Frustrating after supporting the public U’s with your taxes to have a kid who clearly should have gotten access be shut out. Maybe Kid 2 will have better luck.
A good friend of mine has a very similar story with her son from last year with similar stats and background as yours. Wait listed in engineering at Tech but got in everywhere else including NC State which is very difficult to get into OOS and is ranked higher for engineering. Its such a shame that our surrounding states prioritize in state students yet our state of VA does not. It makes it very tough.
