Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

To find the right college, look at about ten different colleges. Half should have what the student/parent thinks they want in a school and half should have something that is different from what is on the "Ideal College List." Visit these colleges and do a ton of research to make sure this is the right college in which the student can feel comfortable and safe and the parent can feel that their child will be safe and happy. To make the best of one's college experience, try everything. If one tries something new, he/she might find something that they really love that they hadn't thought of before. Don't do the nothing but studying route or the nothing but partying route. A healthy combination of schoolwork and fun makes the college experience enjoyable and productive.

Every person is different so it is difficult to say one way someone could find the right college for them. I would recommend getting as much information as you can, take tours of the campus, talk to students who currently attend that school, and try and focus on the schools where you know you would feel comfortable. I knew Virginia Tech was the school for me by the way my high school was. I knew I wanted something different and since I had always been a Hokie Fan, just learning more about the academics of the school made it that much easier to decide this was the place for me. As for making the most out of your experience, always remember that it is something different and takes some getting use to. But always remember there is another day and another chance to get out there and meet people and have fun. Everyone should try and surround themselves with positive people and people you can count on. Speaking from experience, it sometimes gets bad before it gets great, but I never gave up and I love every minute that I walk on campus and spend time with my friends.

The advice I would give to students about finding the right college for them is to really look for something that you love at that school. For me, I love football, and Tech is a HUGE football school, so it was the perfect fit for me. I love the school spirit the whole atmosphere and when I visit other schools, it is not the same and I know that I chose the right school. It just fit. To make the most out of the college experience is to try things that you have yet to do. You may have always wanted to try, but never got the chance or never even thought to try go do it! Academically, socially, career-wise, everything. Choose a school that is going to allow you to explore and build on your talents, hobbies, and interests and you will be guaranteed the most out of college.

I would tell the parents and the student to make sure he or she is going to their chosen college for the right reasons. Simply because if they are not going for the right reasons like academics and a future careeer in what they want in life, they will not last and be wasting both time and money. I am in Army ROTC and in the Corps of Cadets here at Virginia Tech and if you are not here for the right reasons you are weeded out very quick. I watched many of my friends fall out of this program for this specific reason. College is not for everyone. I realized this after my freshman year. Families should be aware of all the factors that come into getting a certain degree and what life will be like at their chosen campus. My overall statement is, make sure the student is going to their college for the right reasons. Set yourself up for success and everything else will fall into place.

Finding the right college is extremely important. Looking at a college for its academic standings and ratings is important, but you should never select a college for just that reason. If you dont choose a college in a place where you are comfortable, are able to maintain the best balance of social and academic life, and where you feel you will flourish, you will still have a memorable college experience, but for the wrong reasons. College should be one of the best time of a persons' life and is also one of the most importance times. For this reason my advice is choose the college thats best for you! Weigh all of the important factors and dont choose a school just because its one that other people approve of. Happiness is the best policy, and if your serious about your academics you can flourish at whatever school that you choose!

Don't let anything stop you from going to the college you want. Even if you don't get accepted at first you can always apply to transfer. The world is a big place so don't try and go to school that's 15 minutes from your house because you want to stay close to your family. Follow your dreams.

Be open to possibilities and doors that you may never have anticipated. Don't be afraid to change. I changed my college decision at the last moment, and this was one of the best decisions of my life. To make the most of your college experience, embrace the novelty even when it's scary and don't judge things by the surface. Seek out opportunities and make the most of them. And most of all, be friendly- the key to college success is friends.

I know that it is difficult to know exactly what you want in your future no matter what your age is, but the question that you have to ask yourself is "Where do I see myself in X number of years?" and take that information and figure out what school best coincides with making that goal a reality. There are other specifics that you should take into consideration as well such as whether or not you are willing to take out student loans, whether you want to have good football to watch, location, and how big of a school you feel comfortable going to. Wherever you go, it is up to you to make the most out of your own college experience.

The student has to be comfortable with the school. If He/She thinks it will be too dificult for them (either a school or a specific major), then it probably is and you shouldn't pressure them too hard into either taking that major or going to that school. Finding the right school can be tricky, and it helps if you look into what that school is known for. If your child wants to be an engineer look into schools with good science math and engineering curriculum. If your child wants to go to be a journalist, find a school with a good english or liberal arts curriculum.

Visit campuses - You must feel at home there. College is a time to learn about yourself and how you relate to the world. Pick a school that will nurture individuality and treat you with respect - the faculty is really important to your success, so form good relationships with them. You will make the best of wherever you are, but always surround yourself with intelligent, creative, hard-working, caring people. Make friends, and be open-minded when meeting people. If you end up disliking the college you are attending, don't feel locked-in but give it a chance. Transferring isn't a big deal Never close yourself off from opportunities. Study abroad - finding financial aid is not as hard as you'd think, and it is extremely rewarding. Don't stick too close to your parents, but don't cut yourself off either. You need to figure out how to support yourself. Work hard, not for your parents, for a grade, or for competition. If you neglect your classes, you are only hurting yourself by wasting your own time and money and depriving yourself of education. Time is precious. You are young. Don't waste a single second.

It is a time to stand out rather than fit it. Meet new people and become more independent.

Choose what you believe to be right for you, not what you can pay for or what your parents feel is best. Choose a place you feel comfortable the moment you walk on campus, where you can see yourself excelling academically, socially, and mentally.

It is vital to find the college that suits you best. Otherwise, you are not going to get the most out of your experience here , which should be the best years of your life. You should visit as many colleges as you can before you apply to see where you might want to go. Make sure you ask a lot of questions when visiting these campuses, especially from current students that you might see randomly around campus as they are usually the most honest. Once you have chosen the college that is best for you, make sure you get involved when you are attending. You will find that you will have a lot of free time and you want to make the most of it. (Don't just sit around and watch TV or play video games like some students do) Go out and join a club, fraternity or sorrority, and if you can, participate in a varsity sport. Overall remember that you take the time to study and get good grades because that is why you are here in the first place!

For students finding the right college can be a strenuous task, but find one that suits what you are looking for. Don't choose a college that your parents are trying to get you to look at because if you don't fall in love with that school then you may have second thoughts about your decision. To make the most of your college experience I have two words : Get Involved. Whether you get involved with Greek Life, Clubs, Sports, etc. just get involved because it exposes you to many great things. Parents, letting go of your children can be a difficult task, you may want them close to home, but they have to find what college makes them comfortable and at home. This is where they will spending the next 4 years of their academic career. They may choose a college right around the corner from home, and they may choose one on the opposite side of the country. Money may be short or you could have an abundance of it, but I believe you should choose where to go because you feel comfortable there and believe you can suceed because it will be where your child chooses.

I think the student should make the decision based on what they feel they want to do as a possible career. Parents should support and guide the student through the decision-making process, as they can have valuable information from their own experiences to pass on. If the student is unsure exactly what they want to do, find a campus you might like for social life, with academics being a secondary parameter. It is easier to determine you found the right college when you know what you want to do. The college experience is NOT all about classes! It's wonderful! Get outside of your room, join a club or sport. Hang out with new friends you make from class. Explore your campus and the town surrounding it! You may be surprised at what you find. Colleges are great mixing bowls for all kinds of people. They are sure to broaden your perspectives on all aspects of life, so don't be shy! Remember, you're all there to learn, so you already have something in common. But above all, college is what you make it.

You need to find the college where you feel comfortable and at home and the people are friendly or else you will be miserable. I have never been homesick just because Virginia Tech is like that. Also choose a school that potential employers will know by name and they know that the program you received your degree from is reputable. Finally, make a lot of friends and be involved, but don't let your social life overtake your academic life. You are paying for college to learn and in four years have a good GPA and great experience for your starting job.

Yay!

Ask around would be my first advice. I have lots of potential students and parents touring the campus asking what I think about the school. I would recommend this school to anyone anywhere and am proud to say it. As for manking the most of your college experience, get involved! I never joined any clubs and/or sororities, but wish I had taking that opportunity. It's a great way to meet people just like you. Looking back on it now, I would have even sat in on a few classes just to test the waters. There is nothing worse than starting out at a school and finding out it really just is not the right one for you. I would even talk to former alumni to see what they have to say about their past experiences with the school. The alumni at Virginia Tech will tell you what a wonderful campus it was was and still is. Get to know the college you want to go to because more than likely you will be there for 4 or more years.

The best advice for finding the right college is to just take a trip to the school and take a tour. On the tour, you will see the campus and the lifestyle and get the chance to meet full-time students there. When you find the right school, you will know it right away. You will fall in love right away with that school. When you first come to the school for orientation, dont just sit back and be shy. You need to be outgoing and make friends and be personable. Your life will be much easier if you take the time to get to know people. Find a group of people in your dorm or a class and go out to eat... Get to know people because these are the friendships and relationships you will remember for the rest of your life.

Find a college that has a good campus dining program, Virginia Tech is #1 in the nation. Also find a college that has a good layout and teachers focused on teaching and not just research.

Go to community college if you are unsure about your acedemic plans, it is a lot cheaper and you get to stay home with people you know for an extra year or two. Wait and see which college is right for you before heading off into something you are unsure of.

Finding the right college for you is all about diving into the unknown and letting go of your fears. It may not feel right at first, but stick it out for a bit. If you and your school end up just too different to date, you can always transfer to another. One problem for me coming out of high school was the extreme fear of what lied ahead; a fear that whatever I decided to do determined the rest of my life, and was absolutely set in stone. The best advice I can give to anyone is to live for today, but don?t forget about tomorrow. You may be shy and meeting new people may seem difficult, but you'd be surprised to learn that the president of that club you?ve thought about joining, is shyer than you. One day you?ll realize that nothing is owed to you, but everything is here for you. You just have to find it, grab it, and pursue it. College, like life, is what you make of it. So put your head up, put a smile on, and go make a life for yourself. It?s shorter than you think.

If I were to give advice about college selection, I would highly recommend that parents and future students spend a good deal of time at the various campuses they visit. Iteraction with current students and faculty is essential, as this is the most proven way to get a true "gut" feeling about the university. In terms of making the most of college, I recommend getting involved, and putting yourself out there. At a university such as VT, there are endless venues in which you can learn, grow, and flourish, and they are readily available for the taking if you are willing to make that first leap. Don't be shy, there is no need to be. Every other student at the school is in the same boat as you are, and the opportunity to reinvent yourself is one that happens very rarely in life. I recommend placing your grades first, because everything else falls in line with that. Diligent study is the heart of being happy at college, and taking advantage of the professors and peers in school will reap huge benefits down the road.

I would say that that single most important thing to do in picking a college that is right for you is to visit every college you are interested in, even in the slightest. If you are only a little interested in a college, visit it, take a guided tour, you may find that you like it better. Also, obviously you want to pick a college known for its scholastics in the area you are interested in. (Don?t go to a liberal arts school if you want to be an electrical engineer.) Make sure you like the campus and the way it feels. To make the most of your college experience you have to find a way to balance school work, fun, and maybe a job. This is not easy to do. There is a lot more work than in high school and it counts for a lot more. For the first few weeks, get into a rhythm with your school work, don?t worry about everything else. Once you get that on a regular schedule, then go out and have fun and find a job, while still keeping your school work on that schedule.

The most important things is to find somewhere you are comfortable. I am from NC and I didnt know a single person at Tech. I was a little uneasy about living with strangers because I am from a real small town. I came to Tech and visted and I know that this is where i needed to be. So always go viste and get a fill for your school. For the parents always sopport you kids becuase college is not easy and sometime we just need to here "hang in there or you can do it". Last but not least get out and experience life and the college life. If you have sports go to the games meet new people and have fun!!!

Most importantly, make sure the major they are interested in is provided and the atmosphere is one you feel comfortable in. The best thing you can do is to visit the school and stay overnight, thats the only way to gather a genuine opinion about it. After they leave for school it's important to break out of your comfort zone! You need to meet new people and make new friends. This can be hard in a big school so the best way to go about this is to join an organization of interest. Something else to keep in mind is to remember to balance the social aspect of college with the academic portion. You can't forget why you're really in college and it's easy to get too caught up in all the craziness, but at the same time don't forget to have fun!

Research EVERY school in EVERY state. I didn't initially know about this school when i was applying in high school and if I hadn't found out about it I would sincerely feel like I've missed out on a great experience of my life. I also think you should look inward at your personality and look for a school that matches your values and goals. Virginia Tech, where I attend school, is all about giving back to the community local and abroad, being a great person in this world, and making a difference. That's what I'm all about, and thus I have found the right place for me.

Whether you like your college or not depends mostly on the people and atmosphere of the school. If you prefer to be surrounded by academically driven and competitive peers, Virginia Tech is not for you. However, if you still want a great education while enjoying college in a relaxed and friendly environment, Virginia Tech is a good option.

Parents must let their children decide on their own. Children might want to get out and see a different part of the country and they should not be restricted to that. If you can't afford out of state tuition, there are so many ways for your child to get scholarships and grants, all they have to do is look. Students, do what feels right. Don't choose a college just because thats where your best friend or boyfriend is going. You will make a new friend everyday in college. Choose a school that can prepare you for your career to the level you want to achieve. To make the most out of your college experience you need to have time management. Monday through Friday should be school work days and the weekends free to do what ever you please. Don't allow your social life to take away from your academics. College should be fun so don't stress over every single little thing. Have fun and work hard.

Finding the right college is about visiting the colleges you're interested in and choosing the one that just "feels right". As for making the most of college, I would say to work hard, but don't let work rule your life. Get out and have fun, responsibly and safely of course, and just sit back and enjoy the ride that is college.

When looking for a college, try to find a place where you feel comfortable. Look around and especially get to know the type of people attending the school. If you're really into the arts and music, go to a school thats artsy and matches your personality. If you want to go to a school with a lot of people, find a school with a good football team and large campus.

go to class

Make sure you apply to a school that you will be able to afford. Do not apply to colleges who have outrageous tuition fees. Apply to colleges that will be able to give you scholarships and will offer you the best alumni network for post college graduation.

Always visit a campus before you decide which school to go to. All schools look good on paper, but it's the community that you are going to fall in love with. Orientations and various campus fairs will let you best know which school you will feel at home in. Being at a school that makes a person feel invisible isn't a good way to start. Visit several campuses so you can decide what kind of school you want to be involved in. And always use the resources your school offers. Go to the seminars; go to the study groups. Immerse yourself in the community.

Exploring my options was what I had neglected to do, but ought have done. This goes beyond looking at in-state, out-of-state, or private schools. Find out what you want to get out of college, or find it out as you search. Never limit your options too early. In addition, find a school with extra-curriculars that you like. This is important to keep you well-rounded, which many employers like to have, people who are comfortable in different situations. Finally, make a flexable schedule for yourself so you can study, work, sleep, eat right, and have fun.

It's normal to be nervous about your college decision. After all, its probably the first major decision you have to make. I was torn between two schools when it came down to choosing the perfect college. One year later, I have absoultely no regrets on the college I chose. Some of the things I thought I'd hate the most ended up being my favorite parts of the school. I recommend VT to everyone that's trying to decide which college to attend because I think everyone will love being a Hokie.

You've heard that it doesn't matter where you go to school; you can just make it work. You've heard that you should only go to a school with a well-recognized name. You've also heard the college experience is kind of irrelevant; the only thing that matters is that you come out with a degree. Oh, so wrong. First of all, narrow down your colleges by three things: location, population, and academics. Don't go to a small, country school if you love the city! Once you've narrowed it down, start looking at those colleges' websites to search for various clubs, organizations and other opportunities that might interest you. Those "other opportunities" will reshape you (in a good way) as a person. It is the experiences, hardships you endure and relationships you develop outside the classroom, that teach you how to cooperate with others and the world around you. College life encourages personal growth and cultivation into a well-rounded adult. Your grades are VERY important, but so is your outside life. Supplement good grades with your interests and college will equip you with tools that last a lifetime. Your only option is to succeed!

You never know what the college is going to be like until you visit it. Don't go wherever everyone else wants to go, and don't go somewhere just because your parents want you to. There are a million options and opportunities waiting for each person out there, so go find it! Try new things when you get there! Get involved! Meet people in your building, in your classes, and be yourself. Strap down your first semester so you don't have to pull your GPA up the rest of your college career, but do things you may have thought you would never do! There are so many options on campus to be a part of the community, get yourself out there! Don't do anything you don't want to do. As mom always says, don't do it just because someone else likes to do it. Keep up with old friends, make new ones, and take lots of pictures! There's a lot to pack into four years, so make the best of it!

The biggest thing that I needed to master when I came to Virginia Tech was figuring out when I should study and when I could spend time doing things that I enjoyed doing. Every college student struggles during their first year. No matter how easy the transition may seem from the outside, students are seeking to learn time management and strike a balance within their new independant lives. I love my school and the organizations that I am involved with. I love my friends, but I also love my major and the classes that I am taking. If I didn't have classes, there wouldn't be any reason for my being in college in the first place. If I didn't have friends, or if I stayed in my room the whole day, I wouldn't ever be happy. Extremes in either direction can make college life a miserable experience. However, if students find their calling in both areas, and avoid overworking just as much as they avoid overplaying, they are sure to have a wonderful college experience. After finding that balance, college, for me, has become manageable and fun because I am passionate about everything I do!

Let you kids find where they are supposed to go.

The right college can only be found by experiencing the campus and interacting with the students. Schools can look great on paper and just not give off the right energy in person so visiting each potential school is a must. Students should at a wide variety of schools, from the local community colleges all the way up to their dream university in another state and parents should be supportive no matter what. When it comes to making the most of "the college experience" the real key is to not let yourself (I'm talking to you students) get too overwhelmed with schoolwork. Get your work done but don't forget to meet people. You'll only have those quintessential experiences if you go outside your comfort zone and meet new friends. Once families find their student "that" school and he/she gets over any shyness they are going to have too many wonderful experiences to ever remember them all. And to me that's the key to having a great time at your college: having too many memories to count.

Choosing the right school is all about instinct. When you visit a school and feel like it is going to be a great fit, go for it! Factors like specific specializations and majors that only certain schools offer might weigh in if you are looking into an advanced field, but if you choose a school based strictly on these limited premises you could be miserable. Likewise, just because your parents or friends are going or have gone to a school does not mean that it is going to be right for you, simply due to the basic fact that everyone is unique. Another factor to consider in selecting a college is finding one that is financially feasible for your family, which can lessen the stress on everybody; however, if you truly want to go somewhere that your family will have a hard time affording do not let it stop you! Start you money hunt early and make it work by finding monetary aides such as scholarships, grants, and student loans. Ultimately, it will give you a greater sense of personal accomplishment and in return build a great deal of character. Let your gut feeling lead the way, good luck!

Take a chance, go somewhere interesting that you may have always wanted to. Don't be afraid to make a jump and leave the nest.

I think that the college experience is probably one of the most important things a person can go through in their lives. Finding the right college is all about what the student wants, and it should be researched carefully because it is where they will spend the next chapter of their lives and where they will develop not only mentally but physically and emotionally as well. Even if a student does not get into the college of their choice, they must realize that they will have a great time at college essentially anywhere they go and if they work hard enough, they will be able to transfer anywhere they please. Students must not forget to not only work hard with their studies, but to make sure they go out and meet other people. Being social and meeting new people is essential to the college experience and to make the years become enjoyable.

In the words of my father; it is most important to know yourself. The first thing to look for when touring colleges is to make sure the things you enjoy most are available to you. Determine what interests you most academically, and see if that program is a focus at the school you are considering. Then check to see that the school has clubs and activities you enjoy, whether that be watching football games or volunteering in the surrounding community. Many people think they can determine whether a school is right for them based on the tour or the people they meet one day visiting. The truth is that bad weather or one person in a bad mood could completely skew one's opinion on the particular school. More likely than not, if you choose a school which has the activities you enjoy, you will be with like-minded people who you enjoy spending time with in the fall.

Visit any college that you think you may want to seriously consider. Spend a night or two on campus in a dorm room or at a friend's place. You should also try to go to a sporting event if you can to really get a feel for the atmosphere at the school with the students and the alumni. Once you choose your school, get involved with something extracurricular. Involvement could be anything from helping a professor conduct some research, to joining greek life, to playing club sports. But whatever you do, GET INVOLVED.

Don't go somewhere because all of your friends are going there. Go to a college you feel comfortable with after touring the campus and one that is affordable to your parents. I made that mistake and my parents are struggling with tuition, so if you decide to go for an expensive college, consider help from the financial aid offices.

When entering into the college process I thought I knew what I wanted and my ego led me to believe I could have whatever I wanted. However, the reality was different for me . I did not know and there is no absolute control, only preparation. This is not just my reality, but it is the reality for everyone. Finding a school is about preparing as much you can then letting go and seeing what doors open. For there is no way to know for certain what is right. Once one's doors open then keep an open mind. Look at all the possiblities, because that is the true reality- a new world of opportunity. I am positive that amazing possiblities exists at every university, it just requires one to seek it out. Be honest with yourself and keep your eyes open and with these things your reality becomes guaranteed success.

Ask current or former students what the student and social life was like and be sure to visit and get to know the area before you decide.

Dont be close minded, comming from a city suburb I never thought i'd enjoy a southern atmosphere. I took a chance and went in open minded and could not be happier