Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

For students, I'd first suggest visiting the school to get a feel for the campus and if it is a place that you could be for four or more years. Next if you already have an idea of what you want to major in the visit that department, and if possible maybe sit in a few classes. Also veiw the school's website and find out if there are ways to become involved at the school, and if there are any ways to be able to get involved in your personal hobbies. Furthermore, look into statements from current students or alumni for advice.

Make sure there are things there you want to grow into. It is easy to sustain your pasttimes that you are passionate about at most any school, so it is important to make sure you are carrying yourself in the right direction. My personal greatest struggle has been to find the same new and refreshing passions that fueled my efforts and gave my academic and social pursuits direction in the past. Be certain that where you are heading is a place where you can mix things up. Too small a school will sometimes limit what you end up doing with your time there but too large a school allows you to completely drop things and move on. Any place that offers continuity with enough flexibility for you along the way is without a doubt the right choice. Make a school your own and be passionate about the people and experiences there. No other time is more liberating and exciting than the years of college and it is a shame not to live them to the fullest while continuing to discover yourself and put yourself on the map.

My advice would be to visit as many colleges as you are interested in with an open mind and do physically visit them. You never know which school will surprise you and which school will let you down. In order to make the most of the college experience I believe balance is the key. If you can manage your time in such a way that you can get all of your work done and still have time to relax and go play volleyball with your friends or something along those lines, you will keep your stress level low and have the most fun while still getting a good education at college.

make sure you visit the school before you go! if possible you should try to go during a promotion like a campus days where everything they have to offer is presented to you AND visit on any normal week to get a feel for what the campus is really like on an everyday basis. as far as making the most of college once you're there; that's all about getting out and participating in everything you can. no one has fun sitting in a dorm room waiting for people to find them. also, STUDY HARD! whether is you or your parents, someone is paying alot of money to get you to school. dont be lazy and waste it.

Definitely visit first! Talk to as many students as you can. If you know your major, meet with the program chair. Many programs have a prospective student ambassador who is more than willing to answer all your questions and have you shadow them for the day: see what a typical day in classes is really like! Wandering around campus, definitely visit the student center and get a list of activities, exhibits and shows going on that week/month. For me, it was helpful to make a list of all the things I do at home, and all the things I wanted to experience in college. Then I matched that list to what was available at my schools. Don't worry too much about financial aid! There are numberous opportunities for both need-based and merit-based funding. It's also very easy to get an education loan (even in the bad economy) and paying back post-graduation is a cinch! I would NEVER trade my 5 years of out-of-state tuition debt for all my college memories and experiences! I went to a great school, made fantastic friends and memories that have truly shaped my life.

College is a place for learning and growth, so you should take your time in deciding which school is right for you. Decide which school you feel most comfortable at and go with it. When you are a student at whichever school you finally picked take advantage of every oportunity given to you. Most important is your school work, so go get tutoring help if you need it, but also go to football games, join an intermural sport, and live it up with your friends because this will be this best four years of your life.

The biggest advice I could give is to find a school that feels like home. Evaluate what your interests are and use that to find a school. I am a huge sports fan and I love being in large groups and socializing. When I came to my school and saw the stadiums and how large and lively the campus was, I immediately knew that's where I wanted to be. Use your instincts, if a place doesn't feel right, don't try to force it to work. And most importantly, don't let anyone make the decision for you. YOU are the one who will be living and learning at that school for four years of your life. Make sure that you can make the most out of them. Good luck!

I started with what I wanted to do "when I grew up" and what my degree needed to be for me to attain that goal. Next I found what schools were as close and as far as I wanted to go distance wise from my home. Students, visit as many college campuses as you can. I thought that I wanted to go to a university in a city and then I went and visited one and realized that it really was not for me. And I ended up in a small town of southwest Virginia. Also something that was extremely helpful for me was, once I had narrowed down my options to two school, I went and stayed with a friend that I knew at each of them. Making sure that the school has all of your academic needs is definitelty the number one priority, but the social life that you want to be experiencing for the next 4-5 years of your life is key as well. In college really finding out who you are as an individual so try as many new things as physically possible and make those four years count!

Everyone has urgency, a passion, for something that must be discovered and embraced. The content, auspicious, and complete persons embed allow their passions to guide their career choices and aspirations leading to lives of vibrancy and flow, rather than lives of ?quite desperation? ? Thoreau. Thus, I would advise one to identify his/her passion and then find a school that mirrors the discovery. It is important to find a school and community where you will ultimately be happy. As apposed to enrolling the most prestigious school to which you gain admittance, I would reccommend that you pick a cool at which you are most comfortable. This is because, I believe, college is a tremendous adjustment for many persons and so it is important that one choose a community in which he/she feels embraced, respected, and confident in. Because, in the end, the prestige of the school you went to may not be nearly as important as what you did whle you where there and even afterward. Collegewill be what you make of it and so embrace this opportunity and find a place you never want to leave.

Follow your heart! If it doens't feel right, don't go! You should never settle for a school, keep working to get where you want to go.

Make sure to visit schools beforehand. It is really important to try to find a place where you feel you will fit in. If you decide to attend a large school, introduce yourself to the professors and go to office hours frequently so that you will have someone to write recommendations for you when applying to graduate school or for a job. Take advantage of the extracirricular opportunities that the campus has to offer, they are not as accessible after you graduate. If you're have too much free time, try to change that. If you do not have any free time, change that as well. Even though they will be easy to forget about because you will be so busy, do not forget to call your parent(s)/guardian at least once per week or month. And remember that if you do not like where you end up, you can always transfer.

In order to find the right college, you do not necessarily need to know the major in which you want to pursure. Visit as many colleges that interest you, and talk to some of the students and faculty there. Observe the environment and schoo spirit around you. When you have found the right college, you will feel it.

Don't be too quick to pick a college take your time and examine all your options. The first thing you'll notice about college is the workload. It will be heavier and more intense than you ever experienced before. The major challenges of college work are the large volume of reading, the short deadlines, and the writing. You'll be making a lot of new friends. Continue to be yourself. Don't strike a pose or play the role of someone you're not. Select your friends with the same care and patience you have always used. Believe it or not, your college friendships will be among the most satisfying and long-term of your life. You may even start to think about your future. Be on the lookout for role models. Maybe a certain professor is especially inspiring. Perhaps your school has some ground-breaking research going on. Be sensitive to your own gravity. If some area of study attracts you, find out all you can about it. It might be the beginning of your self-definition process. Going to college is as much about finding out who you really are as it is about getting that degree.

If there was one piece of advice that I would give to a parent about finding the right college for their child it would be to start looking at schools early (Junior year of high school). It is important to do this because not only does the student have more time to decide what college is best for them but the parent also has time to help in making that decision, which may include scheduling campus tours and researching the schools in depth. To further their progress in choosing the right college the parent and child should make a list of all the schools that they are considering and go from there. Now that I have graduated from college I am pleased to say that I do not regret any part of my experience there and that is because I was involved in my school. I think that is the main thing in making the most of a college experience. Getting involved in activities and organizations on and off campus. It can be anything from sporting events to charitable work for the community. Being interactive with your school and peers will allow a student to have the best college experience.

College experience is one of the most important experiences in ones life time. To get the full benefit of it, it's important to have good time management skills. There are so many things that you can be exposed to aside from the academic side of college. Getting involved in different organizations and clubs to build your leadership skills, volunteering your time to service projects, attending social events, career fairs, and all these things will demand time. Therefore, if you want to be successful, you have to know how to best manage your time, your school work and social life. It's important to know your priority and have a balanced life. Good luck!

RESEARCH! and visit many campuses!

Definitely visit schools before deciding, because the atmosphere could mean everything. I wasn't interested in Virginia Tech at all until my parents drove me around the drill field area where there were tons of students hanging out and I could see the whole campus. The college life is how you make it, so even if you choose one that's not right for you, getting out there really makes any school more fun. Definitely look at Virginia Tech though! It's a great school with a really beautiful campus!

When you think about schools, you need to consider what you really want in an education. Do you want to be trained for a specific line of work or do you want a more general liberal arts education? Pre-professional schools prepare you for a specific jobs such as engineering and pre-med. Some schools have very strong programs for those interested in the sciences but might not be right for someone interested in literature. A liberal arts education equips you with general knowledge and reasoning skills suitable for many jobs. Does the college rank in the major you want to study? . While it may be too early for you to know what you want to major in , check out how strong the programs and professors are in the various fields you are considering. One indication of how much emphasis a university places on a major is to find out how many students are studying that major, how many courses are offered in the field and how many faculty members teach the courses associated with that major and others like it. This should give you an idea as to the size of the department and the range of courses.

It's always best to visit the college campus and talk with several students (especially ones that are similar to you) about their college experience. Everyone's experience is different and it's always good to keep in mind that when you visit a campus that their putting on their best face too. It's really good to make sure you, the student, is not making decisions based on the wrong reasons, like attending school because all of your other friends are going or because your parents want you to go. Certainly college is what you make it, but it's also an opportunity to grow as an individual, step outside your comfort zone, learn more about the world, and challenge your current ideas of the world around you. Especially for minorites, it's really important to consider how willing you are to encounter/correct predjudice and accept the fact that you may be the only one that looks like or thinks like you and be comfortable with that. In addition, it's also really helpful to have a good network of people you share alot with in common. Their support in my experience has been vital to my success.

Pick a college that is not too far away from home, but not too close. Being away is a great experience and a great way to learn about yourself. Choose a college that is not too expensive, but do not sacrifice a good education to save some money. Find a college with a nice environment and setting. Avoid a large college if you want to feel close to your professors.

Finding the college :: Visit the campus. Talk to people. Stay overnight. Experience: It's cliche, but college is what you make of it. You can be happy mostly any where. That being said, don't think a place will grow on you. Every place can be great or terrible. Don't stack the deck against you, though.

I would suggest that students and their parents look at schools they would not normally consider - I thought I wanted to go to a tiny private school but decided to tour Virginia Tech on a whim one day and fell head over heels. I cannot imagine attending anywhere else. I would also urge students to keep their minds open about your major. Work hard at whatever you do but know that it is OKAY to change your mind. There is no "magical" four-year graduation date. Realize that college is a time of discovery - you have so many options open to you, why would you NOT try something new? I, a conservative southern girl, went out on a limb and took a bellydancing class one day and have been absolutely hooked ever since. But most importantly, say "hi" to a few new people - at a shchool with a few thousand strangers, you never know who could turn out to be a lifelong friend. It could be the guy or girl sitting next to you in Freshman Biology.

Prospective students and their families should look at all aspects of a college. First, it is important that something about the school matches with the student's interests, whether it is sports, research, nature, etc. Next, a student should get insight about the type of classes and professors that are available at the college because some students prefer large lectures whereas others prefer a small class that allows more interaction between the teacher and the student. He/she should make sure that the students, faculty, and community members at the college are friendly, supportive, and caring. There should be activities at the college that the student is more than willing to participate in such as clubs, organizations, sororities/fraternities, volunteer opportunities, internships, and more. It is also important to look at the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses to make sure it is affordable on the family's budget, and some schools offer more financial aid and assistance than others which may be helpful. The student and his/her parents should most definitely visit the college to get a feel for the school and it's community, in addition to conducting research on what the school has to offer.

The best advice I can provide to students and parents looking for the right college is to follow your heart. After visiting a handful of schools I chose the one where I felt at home. I chose the one that I fell in love with when I walked around the campus. I chose the one where I talked to the students and faculty I knew I could develop relationships. I chose the one that I knew I couldn't wait to be a part of, the one I knew was where I wanted to be. It's very easy to get tied up in rankings and all of the hype in choosing schools but when you go somewhere you love and it feels right it can foster the type of growth and learning that cannot be found anywhere else. So do the research, visit the schools and find the one you are excited about. There's no exact science and there is certainly no cookie cutter answer, so choose the school you fall in love with, you won't regret it.

Definately do you research. I'm lucky that I ended up in a wonderful place without much research but I know some people who hated their freshman year. Visit the school, talk to students!

Find a school that cares about its students and gives back to the community.

Start preparing and planning early.

College is the time of your life to experience new things and people , but you have to remember that you are there for academics which should be the most important aspect of your time there.

I would tell students that going to college and getting an education is one of the best things that can be offered to anyone. I also think that is a smart idea for children to go away to school. There is something about being away from your family and your old friends that allows to students to better find themselves. I live four and a half hours away from where I attend school and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I do not consider myself to be outgoing but since I have been away at school I have come out of my shell. I joined different clubs and have made many new friends. I feel mature and independent and I feel that my parents as well have seen this change in me. So, I say to parents to allow and encourage their children to go away for school and I feel that this will be a vital step in their children growing up and maturing to the individual that they want to see them become.

The best advice to give a student about finding the right college is simple: Choose the college for the right reasons. First make sure you know why you are attending college; to enhance your knowledge and find a reputable occupation. For example if you would like to become an engineer, make sure that your college of choice has a prestigious engineering program. Also research the staff, the presence of prominent professors is always a plus. Secondly, now that your priorities are in order, you must think about making the most of your college experience. Be active and get involved in your college?s extracurricular activities. Not only is it an excellent way to meet new people in your new environment, but it?s also a great resume additive. Third and most importantly, it?s said that college constitutes the best years of your life. One may choose to attend Florida State for its illustrious football program, while others may choose a college in order to maintain relationships with close friends. Whatever the case, make sure you choose wisely to ensure yourself the best chance of having the ?time of your life?.

Go with what your heart is telling you and don't second guess yourself. I knew Virginia Tech is were I needed to be even though I could have saved money going somewhere else.

Its all about the student. They have to pick the school where they feel the most comfortable and the most at home. The school should have a good program in what the student is interested in and be a place that the student can spend four years of their life and enjoy those four years and not regret their choice. Most importantly it just has to feel right, deep down in your gut it has to feel like home.

If you are fincially able the parents need to let the kids go were they want to learn to be there own person.

Please parents, let your children make the ultimate decision on where they want to go to college. If a student does not enjoy the college he or she is studying at, then studies and their experience is not what they want. Giving advice is important, but do not intentionally or unintentionally pick colleges that you as a parent could see yourself or your child going. Let your son or daughter choose where they could see themselves going. Also, do not be negative to the idea of transferring after the first semester or first year. They may have loved the school initially, but the students at the school can affect their love for the campus. And lastly, be open to the fact that they will want to take road trips and visit friends and come home in the first few weeks of the school year. Adapting can be hard. And just understand that and be open to travelling and adapting in their own way. Encourage joining fraternaties and sororities for socializing. Thank you.

Finding the right school doesnt have to to hit or miss and no second chances. And the final decision should be left up to the student and not forced by parents to attend a school that the student will not enjoy from the initial moment. If the student likes the campus and gets a good feel of the other students that are on campus then the student will effectively be able to succeed in school work. and even if after finding the "right" school and after a semester or a year it doesnt feel right the student is better suited to make a possible decision on transfering. from being at the "wrong" school he or she is knows what they do or dont like or comfortable with. The point is you wont know untill you try, so jump in and take a chance, and know that its not the end of the road but rather a begining of an adventure of building knowledge, friends, memories and experiences that you will never forget.

My advice would be to really consider what the student wants to get out of their college experience. While this may seem like a silly question with an obvious answer, but there are a lot of angles to consider, and by deciding on this the search will become much easier.

I would start by saying, look at places away from home. To experience the whole college atmosphere you need to feel like you are independant and on your own. When you visit a college take in everything, the people, the place, the academics, the sports. Look for a place that will offer it all, they are out there you just have to find them. Apply to all schools that you think will fit you the most and do not be discouraged if you get denied, they are losing out. To make the most out of college, I would suggesust a couple of things. First, get involved in campus groups. It's a great way to meet new people and get out and do things. Second, do yourself a favor and look into an on campus part-time job. This will provide income and a sense of giving back to the school. Last, have fun. Go out and socialize, college is not all about books. Go to sporting events and party responsibily. Enjoy yourself!

If you are from virginia then virginia tech is a great choice.

To be honest, I was concerned about going to college because I was not sure how well I would be able to interact and socialize with others around me. The truth is, Virginia Tech is a great place to be and I have more friends than I had ever imagined. We form groups on the week nights to study and work on upcoming classes, but we also have plenty of time to do all of the other activities on campus. For example, I play soccer, sing, and church. The person that wants to attend this school should definitely be a person that wants to excel in life and do well in the future. But You need to be able to study and work hard for your grades and you will go far here. But don?t worry. Also be ready to have the time of your life. You will create memories that will last a lifetime. In the end all I have to say is, Virginia Tech is a great school and if anyone is considering going here, they should. Their education and social life balance out and allow the student to be the best at what they can do.

Research as many colleges as you can and don't look at just the course catalog or the available extra-curricular activities. Those things are very important, but you should also look into the school's traditions, motto and principles. These are the things that will really help to match the student's personality and needs to the right school.

Visit the school!

Go with your gut. If you don't enjoy the environment then it's not a good choice, and the school that you like right off is the school for you. Curriculum isn't everything- you can always take graduate classes at another place, but college is special and ruining that experience to 'better your career' is stupid because no one cares where your degree is from, they just care that you have it.

I would encourage parents to research about different colleges before their children apply and be willing and open enough to let their children decide for themselves what they think is the best fit. Students should also research about different schools as much as possible and discuss with parents all their options. Visiting as many schools as possible is also beneficial because it gives you a real sense of the atmosphere of the campus. Both parents and students should investigate all possible financial aid possibilities so money is not the main factor when choosing a school. Choosing a school should be based on many different factors including academic goals, professional goals, and overall preference of the student.

Make sure to choose a campus that really seems to "fit" when you visit. Think if you can see yourself sitting in the lecture halls, eating in the dining halls, living in the dorms, laughing with friends while walking around campus. To make the most of your college experience, get involved with organizations you are passionate about and really make the most out of your classes by asking questions and doing related research in the real world. As cliche as that sounds, it is key to making the most out of your college years. In organizations, you meet so many wonderful people that can become your life long friends.

Follow your heart.

In today's financial climate, make sure the student loan debt is worth the degree. While tech has a great name and reputation, I find that the cost of going to school here isnt worth the debt. In hind-sight I would have joined the core of cadets or go to a cheaper school.

Everything is a personal choice, and you should take into consideration the feeling a campus gives you when you first set foot on the grounds. Make a list of attributes you would like to have in your university and check off the corresponding components according to each of the schools you have in mind. Or, you can weigh the pros and cons, which allows you to review the attributes of each school side by side. Feel confident in your choices. Once you have been accepted into college it's completely up to you to make the best of what you are given. Keep in mind the types of things you are interested in and find clubs and organizations that will allow you to continue the development of these skills. Immediately joining organizations guarantees your ability to make a group of friends. This is a great start to your social life, and these people will support you through your first year. Say yes to as much as you can, but don't forget to say no when it's too much. Keep a balance.

Make sure to visit the schools. Pick the college that feels like home and has good academics.

The most important thing in deciding which college is the right choice is to actually visit the campus. Visiting the campus would not only help the student get a feel for the environment, but this also gives him or her the chance to speak with people who attend that college and who work for the college. Attending college is once in a life time experience. Getting to know and being attracted to a specific college will help provide a worthy experience for the four years of the student's life.

Feeling at home! This the biggest part about choosing the right college for your child. They need to feel as if they can meet people comfortably and go out of their way to achieve their goals. Also make sure that the degree they are seeking is available at the school because the resources they have are very important. Have them spend the night with an older student for the weekend and let them get a feel for what college is really like. Let your kid sit in on a class their interested in to see how the college classroom environment is. Go to various collegse and see how you like them. I don't know what it was when I came to Virginia Tech but I just had this sense of connection that it was going to work out great for me. Now I am going on to my last semester of college here and can not believe how quickly it has gone by. Tell your child that they should feel as if they are taking another chapter in their lives and be sure to pick the right book, as one would say.