Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly referred to as Virginia Tech or simply VT, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1872 as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, the institution has evolved over the years and is now one of the leading research universities in the United States. Virginia Tech is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and architecture.

Academics:
Virginia Tech offers over 110 bachelor's degree programs, as well as a wide range of graduate and professional programs, including master's and doctoral degrees. The university is organized into nine colleges:

1. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2. College of Architecture and Urban Studies
3. Pamplin College of Business
4. College of Engineering
5. College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
6. College of Natural Resources and Environment
7. College of Science
8. Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
9. Graduate School

The university has a strong emphasis on research, and its faculty and students participate in various research projects across disciplines. Virginia Tech is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Athletics:
Virginia Tech's athletic teams, known as the Hokies, compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The university offers a variety of varsity sports, including football, basketball, soccer, track and field, and more. The HokieBird, a costumed turkey, serves as the school's mascot, and the colors maroon and orange represent the university.

Campus:
Virginia Tech's main campus covers more than 2,600 acres in Blacksburg, Virginia, and features various academic buildings, residence halls, recreational facilities, and research centers. The university is known for its distinctive Hokie Stone, a native limestone used in many campus buildings. The campus also features the Drillfield, a large, central open space where students gather and events are held.

Traditions:
Virginia Tech has several longstanding traditions that foster a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Some notable traditions include:

1. The Hokie Hi Picnic: A welcoming event for new students during the first week of classes.
2. The Corps of Cadets: A military-focused program that has been part of the university since its founding, offering leadership training and military instruction.
3. Skipper: A cannon fired at home football games to celebrate Hokies touchdowns and victories.
4. The Big Event: A university-wide community service initiative, where students, faculty, and staff participate in various service projects around Blacksburg and the surrounding area.

Admissions:
Virginia Tech has a competitive admissions process, with factors such as academic performance, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and personal essays taken into consideration. The university also offers an Early Decision program for students who have selected Virginia Tech as their top choice.