Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Top Questions

Everyone will tell you its going to be difficult, which may be an accurate statement for other schools. You, however, chose to follow a dream that takes you down one of the hardest paths available to you. Difficult is an understatement. You won't be able to continue with the same amount of effort as high school and do well. You're going to have to give it your all,but make sure you don't overwhelm yourself. You can still do this, but don't get too ambitous. It may seem like the best option to take a lot of hours so you will graduate faster, don't worry about that, because your going to have a hard time no matter what. Give yourself some time to warm up to the pace and difficulty, you'll need it. Don't get too distracted by other things, although sometimes its necessary to relieve some stress, but only sometimes. Good luck, you have a lot of people that believe in you and you really are capable of doing it.

I would tell myself to jump straight into college and the college environment rather than waiting a year or two before doing so. In high school I was extrememly involved in various activities during my final two years, but did very little during my first two. That trend has continued now, and I regret allowing that to happen. If had become heavily involved with school activities and academic research as soon as I got into Georgia Tech then my life right now would be significantly different -- most likely for the better. Internships and scholarships would be much easier for me to achieve had I done that, and my social life would be better as well. In short, I would give myself this advice: "Do not be timid. Be brave, be adventurous, and become more than who you are right now." I am living that advice right now, but I wish that I had known it much earlier.

I would tell myself to study hard, but don't put too much pressure on myself. I would have told myself to apply for colleges sooner and tried to get more scholarships, and to make sure to get into the habit of reading ahead of class.

If I could go back in time, the advice I would give myself is: the only true failure is when you stop trying, so never stop. As a college student, it is important to understand that course load will not be similar to high school and that the material is more difficult. I have went through many phases of wanting to quit, transfer, and leave Georgia Tech, only to realize that the amount of effort I put into something is equal to what I will recieve. What you give is what you get. High school students must come to a realization that in college, school, leadership experience, work experience, and community service are far beyond more important than "having fun". Being involved within the student body allows me to grow as a person and gain the communication, organizational, presentation, and interpersonal skills that I will need in the future as a professional.

As a high school senior, I was carefree. I had already been accepted into college and I had already taken all of my major tests in high school. I was mainly focused on track and field, as it was my final year and I was team captain. When I got to Georgia Tech, it was a totally different experience than high school. I got no sleep and I felt like everyone else was doing so much better than me. I cried almost every day. I couldn't believe that this process was taking so long to get adjusted to. I signed up for an appointment with the school counselor to help get me through this depressing stage. If I could go back and give advice to myself, I would tell myself that "it's going to be hard, but you're going to have to learn to dust yourself off and get back up again." Those simple words would've got me through many hard times. The words would've been resonating in my head. Everyone told me that the work was challenging, but never was I told that the process was that difficult.

The decision of what college you choose is a very important decision that must be made by an individual. The decision cannot be made with pressures from friends, teachers or anyone else. The decision is yours and your family's. Although institutional finances must be taken into account, it must take its place behind the prospects you will be granted with a degree from that school, the comfort you feel in a particular campus, and the chances you have to succeed in the environment you choose. It may be easy to choose a school based on a familiarity with the institution or those who attend it, but we must realize that we are onmly young adults and must learn to adjust to new situations. College is the perfect proving ground to show independence. When you introduce yourself into an unfamiliar environment and succeed, the rewards outweigh the initial awkwardness. In a worst case scenario, your career is not set by choosing a college, thousands of students transfer to other colleges each year. In terms of school work, I must advice students to learn how to commit their time accordingly. Learn how you study best and master the art.

I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO GO TO A 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY INSTEAD OF A 2-YEAR COLLEGE. WHEN APPYLING AS A TRANSFER STUDENT THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO DEPENDING ON WHAT SCHOOL HE OR SHE WANTS TO ATTEND. I WOULD ALSO SAY SAVE PLENTY MONEY BECAUSE THE COLLEGE LIFE IS NOT CHEAP. FINALLY, LIVING CLOSE TO HOME HAS ITS PROS AND CONS BUT I RATHER LOOK FOR OTHER OPPRTUNITIES BUT LIVING VERY FAR FROM HOME CAN BE EXPENSIVE.

As a high school senior from a rural town in Georgia, I felt like I had a l lot to prove. I was the first to attend college in my family and took the venture very seriously. I worked day and night during my first few years of college and because of my dedication and hard work, I have maintained a 4.0 average throughout my college career at Georgia Tech. After a few years in college, I recognized that my life was unhealthy and unbalanced; my social life was non-existent. I made marked changes in my daily routines and study habits, making it easier to socialize and make friends. Today, I am still a successful student but I have a brighter outlook on life. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell my high senior self not to stress out so much. I would tell myself that I don't have to be perfect. I would convince myself that a social life was arguably as important of a part to becoming a successful student as studying and attending class. Succeeding in college is all about balance.

I was intimidated by the workload I would be forced to bear at a school like Georgia Tech. I had attended a small school, where I had known all of the students and teachers, my entire life. Although I was always a good student, I knew I had a team of people ready to help me if I needed it. College would be my first time in a school with thousands of others where I knew absolutely no one. However, my perspective was changed on one of the first few days of class when a wise professor spoke these words: “The process of solving problems on your own is agonizing – that’s where you learn.” He was speaking about the homework that week, but his words applied to so much more. From assignments to heartbreak, learning comes from solving problems on your own. I felt a sense of ease after these words were spoken. Finally there was someone admitting to what a struggle college would be at times, yet he revealed the growth that would be found through that struggle. Since hearing such a powerful statement, I’ve been inspired and unafraid even during the tough times.

I would tell myself to really get more involved while I was in school. I was always a very shy person, but it wasn't until I got to college that I realized the opportunities I missed out on. By getting involved in your school you keep yourself busy; so you don't turn to other, self-destructive hobbies that others may exhibit. Additionally, you can find the friends that you will have for a lifetime, and for someone that was never used to asking for help, feeling like someone was there for you was an irreplaceable feeling. Other than that, I don't regret anything. I love my college and am proud of what I accomplished. Oh... keep studying!