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Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions and answers about engineering orientation can be located below to support you as you begin your academic journey in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech

  1. What is my current major?
    First-Time in College (FTIC) Students: FTIC students applying to Building Construction are directly admitted to Building Construction. FTIC students applying to Aerospace Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Engineering and Management, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Ocean Engineering will begin their academic journey in the general engineering program, hosted by the Department of Engineering Education. Students are eligible to declare one of these degree programs after meeting specific program requirements, which is typically prior to their second year at Virginia Tech. 

    Transfer Students
    : All transfer students admitted to the College of Engineering are directly admitted to their application major.

  2. What are the requirements for GE students to change into a degree-granting engineering major?
    To change into a degree-granting major from general engineering, you must complete the course requirements, earn 12 minimum GPA hours at Virginia Tech, meet the 2.0 minimum overall Virginia Tech GPA, and have a 3.0 overall Virginia Tech GPA to be guaranteed your first choice major.  For complete details, including the course requirements review, visit our Change of Major website

  3. What should I do to get started as a College of Engineering student at Virginia Tech?
    Complete all items listed on the Engineering Orientation Checklist.

  4. Are the university virtual orientation modules mandatory for the College of Engineering?
    Yes, all students are required to complete the virtual orientation modules. Check your VT email for more information. If you have questions about the virtual orientation modules, review the New Student and Family Programs website or email New Student and Family Programs at orientation@vt.edu.

  5. Is Engineering Orientation - Virtual Academic Advising and Course Registration mandatory for the College of Engineering?
    Yes, all students are required to register for and attend a virtual Engineering Orientation session. If you have questions about engineering orientation, review the Engineering Orientation website or email Dr. Marlena Lester, Director of Advising (marlenal@vt.edu).

  6. What courses will I take as a College of Engineering student at Virginia Tech?
    View each major’s requirements using the checksheets (graduation requirements).  Requirements for students starting in Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025 should be available in July-August 2024.

  7. What computer and additional supplies are required or recommended for engineering students?
    Review the Engineering Computer Requirement and Additional Supplies webpage.

  8. How do I register for classes at Virginia Tech?
    Details for registering for courses can be located on the Course Registration webpage. Students can begin registering for courses as soon as the registration system opens and do not need to wait for orientation virtual academic advising. Schedules can be adjusted through the first week of classes.

  9. Do I need to complete placement exams?
    The ALEKS assessment is used to determine eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225 and CHEM 1035/1045. Take the assessment as soon as possible, one assessment is used to qualify students for eligibility in these courses. Access to ALEKS is available now and is offered free of charge for Virginia Tech students. All first-year General Engineering and Building Construction students should complete the ALEKS assessment, regardless of anticipated AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, or other transfer credits. Students admitted as transfer students do not need to take the assessment.

  10. I am expecting AP credit for MATH 1225, do I need to complete the ALEKS placement assessment?
    Yes, if you do not have confirmed credit for MATH 1225, you should complete the ALEKS placement assessment to earn eligibility to enroll in CHEM 1035, CHEM 1045, and MATH 1225 as soon as possible. AP scores from exams taken this spring will not be provided to VT until early July. 

  11. I have AP credits, should I retake the courses at Virginia Tech?
    No, if you have AP credit for a Virginia Tech equivalent course, it is not recommended that you retake the course. If you are enrolled in a course you have AP equivalent credit for, the university will automatically drop you from the duplicating course through periodic duplicate credit reviews.

  12. What is the College of Engineering foreign language requirement?
    College of Engineering students must have completed 2 years of a single foreign language in high school or one year at the college level (6 credit hours) of the same language. All first-year students must send their high school transcripts.

  13. I am a transfer student, do I need to send my high school transcripts?
    Transfer students that completed 2 years of a single foreign language in high school will also need to send their high school transcripts to fulfill the foreign language graduation requirement.

  14. I have expected AP, IB, CLEP, and/or Cambridge Credits, where do I send the scores?
    All score reports should be sent to the Office of University Registrar using the Virginia Tech school code 5859.

  15. I have expected Dual Enrollment/Transfer Credits, where do I send my transcripts?
    All transcripts should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through electronic transfer (i.e., Parchment) or through mail to the below address:

    Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Tech
    925 Prices Fork Road
    Blacksburg, VA 24061

  16. How will my expected AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, dual/transfer credits transfer?
    Complete a Self Evaluation of Transfer Credits to understand how prior credit may transfer to Virginia Tech.

  17. How do I know that Virginia Tech has received my expected AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, or dual/transfer credits?
    Continually verify receipt of AB, IB, CLEP, Cambridge, and additional transfer credits on Hokie Spa > Hokie Spa > Grades Menu > Transfer and Other Additional Credits.

  18. Are there any additional scholarships available for newly admitted students in the College of Engineering?
    All scholarship awards for new College of Engineering students are provided in their offer packages. Each January the College of Engineering accepts applications for upper-class scholarships. More details on that process can be located here.

  19. What type of academic and personal support is available for me?
    Commonly used academic and personal support resources can be found on our Resources and Support website.