Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Rebecca

I think finding the right college for you takes a lot of time and research. The most important thing you can do before choosing your college is visit all of your options. If available stay the night on campus, go to a class with a friend, do everything you can to get the feel for the school. When I was making my decision, I was torn between two schools, in the end I picked the college whose campus I felt most comfortable on. My advice to you is while in college get involved in as many things as you feel like you can handle. College isn't about the classes you take it's about all the things you experience while there. So, join the sky diving team or try out for a play, these are the decisions that will truly impact your college career.

Jill

First of all, make sure that it is a school YOU want to go to, not the person your dating, or even your parents. It is your choice, you are the one who will be going there. Secondly, figure out what is most important to you: location, cost, major, population. Prioritize these and make sure your college fits. Some things will be more important than others... make sure you follow your gut. To make the most of your time in college, GET INVOLVED! This doesn't mean you have to run out and join every club you hear about... pick something you like, there are bound to be people on your campus that like it too. And... if there's not already a club focused on what you like, make one! Also, make sure you utililze your school. By this I mean take some time when you are a freshman or sophomore to look into interning, co-oping, and studying abroad. I actually used the money I made co-oping to study abroad.. my parents loved that! If I were to make sure I did anything over again, it would be study abroad. My most eye-opening experience ever!

Nicolas

Make sure you can find a school that you can " work hard, and play hard." I believe a balance of social, physical, and academic aspects are the key to getting the best experience from college and reaching your highest potential.

Elizabeth

Know what is important to you (values, ethics, politics, religion, location, etc), make a list of colleges and match what you want, and look into them. If they are more expensive than you would prefer, look into scholarships and loans- it will be worth it! The college you choose will be your life (social, work, home, etc) for the next couple of years and more than anything you want to be happy! It's ok to make mistakes and be unsure of yourself, you just want to make sure you're at a place where you feel comfortable to feel those things and know how to deal with them.

Zachary

I think that you should look at the college and analyze what the college has to offer the individual. It can be very difficult moving away from home to attend a college/university, but it will certainly be worth the investment if you put the right time into the search for the right college. Academics is very important and should have a significant influence on one's decision, but a balanced life is equally important. Being involved in extra curricular activities will help develop relationships that are very important to have in college. There are numerous aspects to look at when deciding where to go, so it is very important that the right time and effort is given to the search.

Nick

Finding the right college: Look at college rankings, visit the college, sit in on classes, calculate total cost of attendence, consider the location, find out how hard it is to get internship/co-op job Making the most of college experience: get involved in SOMETHING right away (a 4.0 GPA by itself will not get you a good job). Choose a small number of clubs/extracurriculars to join and be very involved in them, apply to be a TA or do research if that interests you, consider being involved in Greek life or other social groups. You MUST stay in dorms freshman year. You will meet tons of people and lifelong friends. Find your balance of social life, extracurriculars, and academics. Dont overdo any of them, although studying does come first. Be open to new ideas and activities and soon you will find where you belong, your niche. Never plagarize or cheat. It could permanently scar your future. Do stuff in your city: go to concerts, eat out, go to clubs, go shopping, see movies, etc You only go to college once: Think about what you want to get out of it and make sure you accomplish those goals.

Nicholas

Take all the AP classes you can and study hard for the AP test it is the most valuable thing you can do to not waste you time at college either to relax or graduate early.

Kia

Make sure you have the resources to succeed at that particular school. Not every school is for every person. Also, start of strong, doing well when you first start college will make it easier to finish in high honors.

KaNisa

Visit! And try to get overnight campus visits in, especially if you get an opportunity to stay with a student. They will give you a better idea of how life there is like.

Raissa

In choosing the right collge, just go with you gut feeling. As for making the most of your college experience, make sure you balance out your academics and you social life and remember to enjoy yourself.

Tiffany

The most important thing to do when deciding on the right school is to remember that you'll be spending four years there; so everything matters. It is absolutely necessary to visit the campus, but that should not be the end. Instead, take time to explore it all. I wish someone had told me to spend a weekend in the cities of all my serious college options because what I forgot was that you're not just choosing a school but also a home. You should find out what there is to do both on campus and off; talk to students on campus and see how they feel about their own choice. No matter where you go just make sure above all you're in a place you know you can be happy because even the best education in the world can't make up for happiness. If that means somewhere warm, in a small city, near the beach, whatever it may be, just be sure to choose a school for you, and of course do the research so you know when you've found the one.

Eric

Find a college that will challenge you and show you how the world works. Don't be afraid to find a tough college and spend every moment worrying about your GPA. Surviving tough schools counts more than you think, and there are tons of opportunities to have fun and socialize. But when it comes down to it, pick the school you are most likely to succeed in -- but don't count success as simply a high GPA!

Howard

Its not where you go its what you do there. If you really have to read about other people's experiences you are not out there making your own.

COREY

SELECT YOUR COLLEGE VERY CAREFULLY AND BE SURE TO VISIT THE CAMPUS.

Michelle

I found myself amid an educational institute held in high esteem for its rigorous programs of study, quality of professionalism, and high standard for ethics and academics. I looked to my school as a place where my passion of the arts could become an everyday part of my life, by taking one of its programs that offers me a chance to mix what I love and turn it into a lifelong career. Make sure to always take advantage of every opportunity and resource available that will help you learn, grow, and sharpen your skills, not only at your school of choice but throughout the rest of your life. I advise taking campus visits and tours, because that in itself will motivate and excite you once you see all that is offered to you. Take a moment, look around, and ask yourself "Do you FEEL comfortable here?", "Can you SEE yourself walking these halls, eating here, studying there?" I don't believe there exists a "right " school, but there does exist a school where you will feel a genuine heartfelt sentiment for its resources, academics, social elements, and environment. You will be proud to be undergrad there, future alumni.

Gowthami

When you are in search of finding the right college to go, remember one thing, do not go to a college because of its high standing. Think about what you want. I have met some students who came to a college just because of its standing and are suffering either academically or socially. Visit the campus and the students; determine if you will fit in. Check out the housing and think of whether you will be able to live in such conditions. After considering these issues and you have picked the right place to go, try to make the most out of your college experience. Try new things; meet new people and make friends. The first semester will be the most challenging since you have to adapt to the new college life. You have to change your study skills from high school to college. Also, you are now independent; with this in mind, make good decisions. Don?t party too much and stay focused on your academic progress. If I could redo a year at college, I would most likely want to change my freshmen year because I wasn?t as focused on my grades as I should have been.

Matthew

The key to finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to be open. Be open to new ideas, new places, new faces, and new ways of thinking. Be open to new friends, new lifestyles, and even new foods. This attitude of acceptance will be invaluable when selecting between the colleges that have accepted you, and also when living through your college years. When searching for the college that will be the best match for you, it is important to shed any preconceived notions you may hold concerning the institution in question. Approach every campus visit as if you have never heard of the school before and really try to create a perception from scratch. Once this is accomplished, you should listen to other's opinions on the college, but creating that base idea will keep the decision your own. Once you have selected the perfect school be sure to remain open-minded as you progress through your education. There are many opportunities available on a college campus that you may not be aware of so keep your eyes and ears open and utilize the new found freedom you have acquired.

In

Just look into a school that you have intrests in. Do not choose a school because its close to home. Try and find a place where you feel like you will fit in.

Chris

My advice for finding the right college is to start by looking on the internet for universities with strong academic programs in the career fields that interest you most. Also, be thinking about what kind of campus life you want out of your school, and evaluate how well these universities fit with your conceptualization of an ideal social life in college. After making a list of potential candidates, visiting the schools is a great way to get a feel for the campus and determine if you will enjoy studying for four years at this place. In the end, enroll where you want to go, not where parents, advisors, or friends think you should go. To get the most out of your college experience, it is very important to be open to new people and ideas. Living on campus is an excellent way to meet people and make lasting friendships. Try to join a club or organization, because doing so will increase your sense of belonging at your school. In all, try to get involved in the activities that interest you, and college will be the most enjoyable four years of your life.

Sarah

A large school or large classes are not necessecarly bad to the college experience. If a student takes an active role in her learning by seeking out professors outside of class and asking questions in class, she will get much more out of her education regardless of the class size. Likewise, if a student sits in the back and doesn't always pay attention or attend class, she will do poorly even at a small school with small classes. Students can also spend a year or two at a smaller local college and then transfer to a big name school or private college, saving money while still graduating from a well regarded institution. She would also likely avoid large freshman and sophomore lecture classes that are more conducive to weeding students out than teaching them.

Yarden

Pick a college in which you will be happy

Michael

Make your decision about the college you will attend based on what is best for you. No matter where you go you will make friends, go to parties, enjoy football games, etc. What is really important is your education, and the career you are preparing yourself to pursue after school. Do not make your decision based on where your friends are going or where your boyfirend/girlfriend is going.

Herron

Make sure that the prospective college student is placed in an environment that will enrich their thirst for knowledge. To do that make sure to communicate well with them and know their likes and dislikes. So, as you evaluate the school you'll be able to see the school from their perspective and with a parents added wisdom ensure the proper place for their development into adulthood.

Kella

To this day I wonder if I chose the right college, and I imagine many people feel the same way. The important thing to remember is to chose a college that fits what you like, what you want to do with yourself, and who you want to become. It also helps to remember that even if you can't attend your first choice (for whateevr reason) there was also a compelling reason why you applied to the other schools on your list--remember that reason, and find as many more as you can in the coming months. To make the most of your experience, go out and Do Things. Pick an organization or two or three, see what is going on; go to a meeting with some people you live near. Whatever you do, don't sit in your dorm room by yourself. (and of course, do try and keep up with your schoolwork--it sucks to have to find a loan/scholarships half way through the year)

Sarah

Research as much as possible and ask for any advice from students that actually attend the school. Make sure you know what you can handle and what you can't and whether or not you can push yourself further and how long you can last with that extra push. Don't go to a school where no matter how hard you try, it never really pays off.

Courtnay

I think the first and most important decision in choosing the right college is whether or not it is a small or large college. I know that I was debating going to a college without a football team and I think I would have really regretted it. I really enjoy the part of my college experience that consists of going to football games. Also, I think the next decision should be rather the college should be in state or out of state. There are many advantages to in-state which I took advantage of such as the HOPE scholarship. I also wanted to be close to my family and to not have to deal with the hassle of moving my items far away. Finally is choosing the school that challenges you and also offers opportunities that you enjoy to get involved with. As far as making the most out of your college experience, I believe the best thing you can do is get involved whether it be in a fraternity or sorority or a club or organization that interests you. Getting involved allows you to meet people so you can enjoy yourself and also possibly to network with.

Christopher

I think that the best way to find a college that is right for you is to go there and experience what life is like for students. Talking to students and even participating in programs where you get to spend a night or so with a current student is the best way to learn what going to that school will be like. Finding the right school also depends on your interests and career path. A person who knows exactly what they want to do should go to a school that is known to have a good program in that area. Assessing how comfortable you are being away from home and your high school friends is also very important.

Michelle

The best way to decide on a college is to visit it personally. I never thought I would live in a big city but the campus feels small and safe. Once I visited I knew it was for me.

Christina

Visit the college first! There's no amount of information that can serve as a substitute for actually being on campus for a few days. Getting a feel for the campus is invaluble in making a descision about which college to attend because it's one of the best predictors of your happieness at that institute.

Colt

Take your coursework seriously. Take absolutely nothing for granted. Studying is important; remember that no matter how perfect you think you are today, go home and PRACTICE.

Caryn

It's really important to find a place that not only offers the course of study you want to take, but also offers you a sense of home . If you aren't comfortable at your school, you won't enjoy any classes, no matter how interesting they sound. Look around at the people on a campus and consider whether or not you think they could be your life-long friends. Once you've finally chosen a college, realize that the students there are your new family and that they'll be your support academically and socially. Friends at college are the people who will keep you from going absolutely crazy during your years there. The more you put into a school, with regards to extra-curriculars and academics, the more friends you'll make and the more you'll appreciate your college. Once you find a great balance between your academic and social life, you'll have more fun at school than you would ever think possible.

Justin

I would definitely adivise all parents and students to investigate the campus; go take a tour, stay a night, sit in on some classes. The stronger a feel you get for a campus, the more likely you're able to understand if it is a perfect fit or not. Also, apply to many colleges so you gain the best possible advantage in chosing where you want to go.

Megan

When looking at schools rankings should become less important. What really matters in selecting a school is how you feel on campus. When I was looking at schools I would stop and think if you coudl see yourself at the school that you are looking at.

Mary

Choose a school that you will like and choose a degree that is practical that will allow you to get a good job. Try new things, meet people, join clubs or study abroad if possible.

Lauren

You need to find a school that fits YOU, not the other way around. Make sure you give yourself some wiggle room - you may decide that you want to go down a different path, and you should give yourself the opportunity to do so. Also, make sure its the atmosphere and challenge you need and want - don't go to a school that is going to drive you crazy just because it is a good school.

Raschel

When I first looked at colleges Dad told me money wasn't an issue. For me, this meant GREAT news! Originally from Wyoming I knew I should go out of state, which meant expensive tuition. I only applied to two schools because I knew I wanted Georgia Tech. Fortunately I was accepted. However, I also got into my second choice and was offered a full-ride academic scholarship. Since Dad promised me I could attend any school I obviously picked Georgia Tech. After hearing I got a full-ride to a different school, my dad backed out of his promise. Determined to attend Tech, I turned down my full-ride scholarship, got a job, and worked out a not-so-favorable financial agreement with Dad. Currently I have student loans that I have no idea when I'll pay, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. My advice for students choosing colleges is to push for what you want and FIND ways to make your dream happen. It will definitely be worth it no matter the cost. If you are unhappy at college, you are less likely to keep your grades up. Without decent grades, what's the point?

Kyung

Boy to girl ratio matters! It will change the course of your life. Make sure you can get at least a 3.0 GPA at your college, if you don't, no one will let you do anything; companies will not consider you, you will not be able to study abroad, you won't even be able to join clubs or fraternities. Private schools will give you better grades and state schools won't; you pay for your grades.

Juan

Look for the best college that you got accepted to. There is a lot of financial aid out there, so make your decision without thinking about money. And also remember, being away from home, while it may be terrifying at first, is actually quite an experience. You learn to do things yourself and most of all, develop a sense of independece that one does not have at home. And remember, you can always go back home after the semester is over.

Jeffrey

The single most important thing I would suggest parents to do you incoming freshmen is to encourage them to live in traditional dorms. Any suites or apartments with personal rooms will not reflect real college life. Getting to know new people and making new friends is a integral part of being in college. However, meeting new people, and crowds in general, may be uncomfortable for some young people. College is like nothing freshmen have ever experienced and it would benefit them greatly to get out of their comfort zone. I cannot begin to describe how pathetic it is when group members or classmates cannot bring themselves to speak in front of their piers. That being said, another important element of college life, and for parents it's THE most important, is the almighty GPA. Yes, college is hard. To make it easier, I suggest that all incoming freshmen follow a junior or senior around for a day, if not a few days, to see exactly what is in store for them. This "upperclassman shadowing" will give them some much needed insight to the life of an actual college student. In summation: Work hard but have fun.

Alex

Don't go here. You guys have set up your word count script so that it counts any punctuation as delimiters, so essentially I can inflate my word count by doing something like this t,h.i.s;c,o.u.n't/s?a!s@m#a&n*y,m.o.r.e,w.o'r,d's.t,h.a,n*y(o)u&i(n^t#e@n$d@e#d. I can't see any reason for this mistake - you must have just accepted a large range of ASCII values for spaces, when you really should have just looked for the space character (32d). If there were more girls at this school, I wouldn't be writing this to you right now, and you wouldn't be wasting your time reading this. So, please - tell girls to come here. That is all. Please?

Justin

The best advice that can be given to a student searching for the right college is to get out there and visit the colleges and decide what works best for you. The key to succeeding and making the most of your college experience is to learn time management skills. Learning to succesfully balance school work with your social life is the key to minimizing stress while at the same time having a fun and enjoyable experience. Once you learn to manage your time wisely, you can easily make it to most of the campus parties, football games, and other gatherings while still maintaining a decent GPA.

June

Be open. College was nothing like what i expected it to be (sitting on the quad in a group of people, discussing literature or some philosphical issue or even politics as another group of students play frisbee), and so i spent far more time that I care to admit trying to get over the fact that Georgia Tech was nothing like what i expected, then accepting that Georgia Tech was never going to be what I had wanted it to be. After that, it was a much more pleasant experience.

Stephen

It helps if friends are attending!

Acelyn-Marie

Finding the right college can be difficult, but remember that the right one is out there. Determine what is most important to you, whether it be academics, the football team, or the social life. Then prioritize those important factors by weighing each one with a certain percentage. Research the schools to find which is a best match for you. Visiting the campus is sometimes what makes or breaks the college decision. A school may look great on paper, but it may not have the atmosphere you had hoped. You will only know if it is the best match if you do all the research you need to. Once you're done with the hard part of choosing the school, making the most of it is fun. There are always events to attend, but it is up to you to go to those events to maximize your fun. Find the clubs you want to join. Whatever your interest, there is bound to be a group just as excited about it as you. If not, be courageous and start one. The college experience is about discovering and developing yourself, but remember education is why you are in school.

Robin

Try to remember that college is four years of your life, not the rest of your life. Most people can make happiness anywhere they go and finding the 'perfect' school doesn't usually happen. College is about self discovery and coping in new situations. Do your research, but trust that the decision that feels right in your gut can and will work. And don't forget that if you are absolutely miserable (which is rare, but can happen anywhere you go), you still have the option to transfer.

Courtney

Finding the right college is difficult and a lot of the time it can mean that you have to know what you want to major in first - photography majors aren't well-suited at technical institutes, just as engineering majors wouldn't do well at a liberal arts school (if they could find one that offered a degree in engineering). My best advice is to find a college that leaves a lot of avenues open, in case you change your mind. Make your choice based on desire to go to a particular school and academic strength of the school in question, not entirely on finances. As for making most of the college experience, understand that a lot of your classes aren't focused on teaching you specific content, rather - specific ways to think. Openly, analytically. Question your professors if you are confused and demand an answer! Most of all, take advantage of the resources college has to offer, be it internship opportunities, the vast wealth of information in the library, or just a solid social network of friends.

Helen

Finding the most appropriate college for a student is a rigorous task in itself, but researching the school's mission and knowing the school's predominent focus will assist one in choosing the best fitting school for a prospective student. Determining what the student wants to study before entering college can also bring specificity to what colleges to which they should apply. Also, making a visit to the schools that are in the realm of interest can also assist a student in making their final decision because the learning environment and atmosphere influences and tremendously impacts a student's experience in college. Being outgoing and taking advantage of resources to nurture and develop oneself will allow a student to make the most of the college experience. College is not the time to be socially reserved because great opportunities can pass a student by, in the blink of an eye. College is the time of finding balance between being responsible and boldly having fun, yet, it is a critical time to explore boundaries intellectually and push one's comfort envelop to its extents.

Benjamin

When I was searching for a school I looked for a place where I could hone in on my individual skills. Many colleges offer a variety choices. You need to ask yourself a few questions. What you want out of your college? What are your priorities? To the parent, do not pressure your child into a school that they have no desire to attend; forcing them will be unprofitable to both of you. Rather, work together on this decision; it can have a profound impact on you and your child?s future. To the student, you need to consider where you picture yourself being in a few years, after college. What will you have gained from this experience? Once you have decided what school you are going to attend, make the most of that school. First, keep your GPA up, this will help you get scholarships and excel in the academic environment. Second, make use of your professors; they are valuable connections. Many professors will even write letters of recommendation for you. Finally, network during college! Become a part-time intern at a firm that relates to your major. The columniation of these things will lead to a successful future.

Neil

In searching for the correct college, it is important that students visit the prospective campuses and develop a notion of the campus environment. Perhaps the most overlooked part of the college application process is that students analyze too much into rankings and underestimate the value of the campus setting and student body. An engineering school and a liberal arts school have completely different feels, as do city schools and campus town schools, big schools and small schools, etc. When advising students about finding the right college for them, one cannot emphasize enough the importance of the campus "feel", as college is much more than a place one goes to study for four years; the college becomes home and, just as when one shops for houses, an overall intuitive feeling of the house and the vibes emitted are just as important as the square footage, number of rooms, etc. Know whether the prospective school fits your personality type and whether there is a niche at the school in which you would feel comfortable. Assess the student body and coursework and choose the school that embraces the same ideals as you embrace. Having made the best decision, have no regrets!

Patrick

First, research online to narrow down your choices, but you have to visit each school in person - attend a campus visit. Campuses have them year round. Also, be sure to stop random students while on your visit and ask them questions about the school - they'll be completely honest. When you find the right school, getting engaged in school will maximize your college experience. I am involved a good bit of organizations on campus, and I love Georgia Tech. I have made many connections for after graduation and I have learned so many leadership skills not available to learn in the classroom. My friends who are not engaged with the school are 180 degrees opposite - they cannot wait to graduate, and when they do very well may have a rough time finding a job. Most schools (especially Georgia Tech) give back to you a proportionate amiount of what you put in - many give you more in return than what you put in. So my advice in a nutshell is one, research and be candid with questioning students, and two, get involved! It will make your college experience 100x better!