On Aug. 1, Virginia Tech began using artificial intelligence to assist with decisions for the upcoming admissions cycle.

Previously, the admissions process was based solely on human judgment, with two readers grading on a 12-point scale. Now, AI will review applications in place of one human reader. Virginia Tech News reports that the update was made to expedite the decision-making process, following a 10.2% increase in applications for fall 2025 compared to fall 2024.

During the process, AI will use a rubric to evaluate the application as a whole, including test scores, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, campus visits and any other factors previously used to determine decisions.

“Artificial intelligence helps us to read our growing number of essays quicker, with more accuracy and consistency, so that families and students can receive the feedback in a timely manner,” said Virginia Tech spokesperson Mark Owczarski.

Previously, the admission process allocated a four-point difference between the first and second reviewer. If there was a four-point difference or higher, a third reviewer was brought into the process. Now, one reviewer and AI will have a two-point threshold, before a second human reader is asked to review the applicant.

“From four to two means we’re actually going to be more stringent on making sure the essay is addressing things that we’re seeking it to address,” Owczarski said.

The decision to incorporate AI into the admissions process followed three years of research done by admissions staff and faculty in the College of Engineering. According to Virginia Tech News, the AI reviewer uses internal university resources.

“We’ve got three years of work and study to see how it can help our process, and the assessment of it will begin moving forward with the actual admissions process,” Owczarski said.

Though this is a new adaptation to the admissions process, researchers and the admissions team are going to be checking for consistencies and ensuring that human judgment stays active in decision-making.

“It’s the responsibility of the office of admissions to ensure that the process of applying is handled well and handled fairly,” Owczarski said.

The fall 2027 application cycle began on Aug. 1 for prospective students and will end Nov. 1 for early applications. Throughout this time, the admissions team is going to be monitoring the trends of AI and improving when able.