Anonymous
03/04/2026 22:06
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
I translate that to mean they want an easy academic school. . .
That's not VT at all. However, it does have a great work/life balance, which many students are after.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 22:05
Subject: Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous
03/04/2026 22:05
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
The data from Ivywise does not support the above statement. The past three years (this year not available yet) show a bigger drop in yield rate from VT compared to W&M and UVA.
When you make claims, citations would be appreciated. I went to Ivy Wise and your "information" is flat out false. VT's yield rate has increased, not decreased over the past three years. It's on the same par as W&M.
VT yield rates:
22.63% 25.35% 26.73%
W&M yield rates:
26.24% 26.62% 28.20%
Anonymous
03/04/2026 21:39
Subject: Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:I don't think our state schools should be giving any merit or FA to OOS students. Resources should go to Virginia kids.
Totally agree. Which is why I appreciate that they give none or very little to OOS students.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 20:28
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
I translate that to mean they want an easy academic school. . .
Anonymous
03/04/2026 20:27
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
The data from Ivywise does not support the above statement. The past three years (this year not available yet) show a bigger drop in yield rate from VT compared to W&M and UVA.
With the Common App and application fee waivers, students apply to schools with the click of a button just for the heck of it with no real desire to attend. Yield data now means nothing.
It is impossible to apply "with the click of a button," especially for a school like VT that requires supplemental essays.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 20:26
Subject: Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:I don't think our state schools should be giving any merit or FA to OOS students. Resources should go to Virginia kids.
If a supporter wants to provide funds for merit scholarships that could go to OOS students, are they supposed to say no?
Anonymous
03/04/2026 20:21
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
The data from Ivywise does not support the above statement. The past three years (this year not available yet) show a bigger drop in yield rate from VT compared to W&M and UVA.
With the Common App and application fee waivers, students apply to schools with the click of a button just for the heck of it with no real desire to attend. Yield data now means nothing.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 20:09
Subject: Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:I don't think our state schools should be giving any merit or FA to OOS students. Resources should go to Virginia kids.
Merit aid is just a pricing strategy, it’s not cash into kids’ pockets. Universities still get more money from OOS students.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 19:48
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
The data from Ivywise does not support the above statement. The past three years (this year not available yet) show a bigger drop in yield rate from VT compared to W&M and UVA.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 18:13
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Which high school?
Anonymous
03/04/2026 18:12
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
You just described UVA and, to a large extent, W&M too.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 17:19
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
Lots of students at our high school choose VT over both UVA and W&M.
Same at ours. Students are liking the vibe at VT over UVA and W&M. Not sure why, but it’s true.
DP. I think it’s pretty evident why. It’s a school that has it all, to include smart, well-rounded students, excellent academics (not just STEM - their liberal arts college is fantastic too), a wide variety of activities and clubs, a beautiful campus and surrounding area, and fun social life.
The in-state yield rate for VT is 45%; the in-state yield rate for UVA is 60%.
True, but I think a shift is starting to occur. Current high school students are looking for quality of life because they know the future is uncertain even for those who pushed themselves so hard with AP’s, extracurriculars, etc. At some point, kids get burned out and want to enjoy life while also getting a good education.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 17:17
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
I don't think our FCPS HS is so clear-cut. It's generally UVA at the top, but I know a few students who chose W&M over UVA. And I know quite a few students who chose VT over W&M. I agree that JMU is the fallback among the rest, though students love JMU when they end up there.
People may have different taste, PP is talking about difficulty getting in. The stats are pretty clear on Naviance.
Anonymous
03/04/2026 17:16
Subject: Re:Is VT non-engineering a tougher admit than JMU from Fairfax County?
Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why this isn't a simple answer? OP- yes, it is absolutely harder to get into Virginia Tech than it is to get into JMU. My kids went to a public school in LCPS- and JMU was the fallback to Tech. (Both great schools, but in order of difficulty in getting in, it was definitely: UVA, William and Mary, Tech, and JMU. (Minus the Tech Engineering applicants)
This exactly. My kids are in FCPS.