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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]So one of the few useful things I’ve learned about on DCUM is the Common Data Set. After trying to follow this discussion (and also interested because my DC is a junior interested in Virginia Tech) I looked at it today. For the academic year 2020-2021 (kids who started as freshmen last fall) it says the following are “Very Important” for freshman admission decisions: Rigor of secondary record, academic GPA, [b]Application Essay,[/b] First Generation, Geographical Residence, State Residency, and Racial/ethnic status. So instead of arguing or speculating, the CDC tells us what’s most important. Interestingly, nothing listed as “Important”, the second highest category. The following are “Considered”: standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, alumni relation, volunteer work, work experience. NOT considered: class rank, recommendations, interview, religious affiliation, level of applicant interest. It also says test scores will be considered if submitted for those applying for entrance in Fall 2022, which includes my junior. [/quote]

It's important to note that the application essay is only their 4 specific questions.  They do not look at the common app essay at all.  They put a LOT of emphasis on the essays. The questions allow a pretty short answer (120 words) and cover:

1) A community you have been involved in and how you serve that community (very important to VT, reflected in their school motto)  
[b]2) A time you experienced or were involved in an act of discrimination (a chance for URMs in particular to show their resilience, harder Q for your typical White student to answer)  [/b]
3) Example of leadership
4) Long term goal.  It doesn't say it in the Q but Admissions told DS they are really looking here for a career goal. This is your chance to say how VT/particular major fits into your goals and how you have been working toward that.   I wonder if this was a big miss for some of the high-stats kids that got waitlisted. Seems unfair to me that they aren't clear about that in the question.[/quote]

Serious question. How does a middle class or UMC kid (esp one that is white) answer this question? I mean, I'm pretty sure my child will never truly experience this . . . not on the same level as a POC. SO that's it, they're out?[/quote]

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