Summer Start and its Benefits

Summer Start is a special opportunity for first-year students to jump-start their academic experience by earning six hours of course credit through a track program.

Virginia Tech is one of a select number of universities in the nation to offer a Summer Start program. More than 1,500 students have benefited from Summer Start since it launched in 2012.

For 2026, both freshman and transfer tracks will be delivered virtually only. The tracks allow students to customize their learning experience based on your interests and go into the fall semester with a strong GPA. 

Architecture students share their experience

Settling in

Both you and your parents will participate in an online orientation.  By doing so, a separate orientation session is not required.

Your enthusiasm for Summer Start is equally matched with Virginia Tech's supportive faculty. These individuals love the unique teaching experience that Summer Start provides with small class sizes, and getting to know students on a first-name basis.