I think they could simply be using the standard A-F/4.0 scale and plotting letter grades by courses taken. Then you could just tag results that represent the most rigorous course offering for that school with an asterisk. Then add the asterisks. Highest standardized GPA’s with most asterisks are then the top of the scale. Offers are made from there (with other aspects included of course). The data reported in IR&E after the fact goes back to an average of the individual GPA’s (with or without weighting).
Actually, during our admissions tour, they stated that they do apply their own weighting system to transcripts based on AP, Honors, and other courses. I was just curious if that information is actually known somewhere. I never look at anybody’s weighted GPA on CC, because of all of the variations to that information.
Is today the day for VT to pull a bunch of students (hopefully mostly in state) from the waitlist? If not today, when?
That would be amazing. Hopefully, that happens, but let’s see!
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Actually, during our admissions tour, they stated that they do apply their own weighting system to transcripts based on AP, Honors, and other courses. I was just curious if that information is actually known somewhere. I never look at anybody’s weighted GPA on CC, because of all of the variations to that information.
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I think when they say “weigh” they mean it as “consider” rigor of coursework (AP/IB, etc.), but I don’t think that means they are adding some kind of standardized numerical value (weigh as in “add weight”) that results in a new customized GPA range for the applicants. The “weight” could be as simple as tagging records in the data file. And they’ll never tell how they actually manage it - can you imagine the impact on these forums if they did, lol?
In either case, the final average GPA data that’s posted for admission results is almost certainly based on a 4.0 scale and is the average of the results as they appeared on applicant transcripts, not a custom VT GPA.
For those who are still on the waitlist, here is the information from my conversation with VT admission staff this morning regarding their waitlist process. VT has pulled a bunch of students from the waitlist few days before May 1st deadline and they are currently waiting for those responses (by May 15) before they will process another run to pull more kids out of the waitlist if necessary. It looks like the wait to get off waitlist will take even longer than we expect.
Yeah, I figured that was the case based on the May 15th date that the recent students were given. I’m surprised they are giving 2 weeks to decide. Other schools are giving as short as 36 hours to decide. I guess they aren’t predicting as many iterations.
My guess is that any 2nd round pulls on or after 5/15 will be given that shorter leash re: decision requirement. That, and once that shorter deadline hits then that will be it. Just a hunch, but I think they will want to wrap up the numbers as quickly as possible, even if it means being a little under capacity in certain majors.
If I remember correctly, historically about 70% of the students who are offered a pull accept the offer. No data on how many “rounds” it took to get to that final number.
How do you think the chance to get off the waitlist after 2nd round pulls (on or after May 15) if you are not picked from the next round? Please share your opinion on this.
There is unfortunately no crystal ball on this. Each year, the admissions cycle is different. And this one has the current situation on top of normal stuff. I am surprised, like @HokieCrazy , that they are giving kids getting off the waitlist so much time to respond. Years ago and of course everything changes, but a son was given 8 days to respond, and that seemed like more than enough time to make a decision ( frankly too much if anything ). The waitlist went into at least mid June. For those waiting, I hope this gets wrapped up sooner than that, so that you can either be admitted or truly move on if that is not meant to be. Good luck to those still waiting and hope you enjoy wherever you land!
Not based on any precedent, but considering the over enrolllment last year it would seem somewhat likely that they would be satisfied with a smaller incoming class this fall. That’s why I believe that if there is a 2nd pull (5/15+) it will be relatively small and with a quick turn requirement re: accepting offer. Then the door shuts. Facing known budget cuts regardless of incoming class size, there’s no need to extend the process.
the 5/15 deadline doesn’t mean no pulls prior to 5/15 … many who get pulled from waitlist won’t wait until 5/15 to decline if they have decided to stay committed elsewhere. But your in stage of final department by department fill in where some departments may already be full and done.
How do they determine who gets off the waitlist? Do they just re-review the applications? Also, when they’re done pulling, will we get notified?
They will most likely say when they are done pulling in applicants - probably by June. They say not a ranked waitlist… but pretty much think it means that each department has their own ranked waitlist (I don’t think they ever at this point go back to applications - just pull next on list).
My son is thinking he’ll stay on the waitlist until the hopeful mid-May pull. After that, if he’s not pulled he’ll probably withdraw from the waitlist. He needs to focus on finding a roommate at his deposited school (also a great choice) and picturing himself there instead of holding out hope for VT. With the abrupt end to senior year, it would be great to have him 100% decided on where he’s going. Of course, then we move on to worrying if they’ll even get to go back to in-person classes, wherever he ends up…
@Adwc19 - I totally agree with you. This should also be the plan for those who are still on the waitlist if you are not pulled in the next round around mid-May. Focus on the school you have committed to, move on with a big smile and be very proud of yourself. Life will go on for better!
Do you guys think that applying for general engineering would have hurt my chances of getting on the waitlist, rather than applying for something more specific like an interest in Civil engineering? (I know that during the first year all engineering students take the same classes)
I meant getting off the waitlist 
During our campus tour, the engineering session said that they do not look at the specialty in COE, so I don’t think it has affected you one way or the other.
This may be a dumb question, but my GPA 1st semester significantly boosted. I put that in my LOCI but is there any other way I can get them to consider that?