Virginia Tech is my ride or die...how should I proceed?

OP- let me give you a piece of advice- do NOT plan upfront to transfer. While you are busy pining away for V Tech, you will be missing out on all the wonderful things that your current life could offer you.

If you get in- great. Be prepared to work your tail off. And if you don’t get in- work your tail off somewhere else and bloom where you are planted.