Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Top Questions

Everyone is looking for something different out of college. Find out what you need/looking for and apply to your college choice.

I would advise parents to let their children make there own decisions. Even though their children will not always make the right choices, they need to learn from their own mistakes. I strongly encourage parents to let their children know how important it is for them to go to college and graduate. And once they're in college, get involved with as much they can. It is very important ato make friends and to make the right friends. If they get involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, then they will get chance to experience everything that college has to offer. College is about finding out who you are because most freshmen entering college don't know who they are and who they're supposed to be in the world. After some time goes by, they will learn what all life has to offer them. They will be able to live the life that they want to live and be confident in living it.

Dont let the average GPA and the lack of lifestyle deter you. Georgia Tech is an absolutely amazing school with SO much to offer you. No matter what you major in, people will look twice at you as a GT Gradute. If you want to make it, you will!

Talk with upperclassmen that go to the colleges you're looking at to determine if it's the right school for you. Specifically, find upperclassmen that are in your potential major and that aren't affiliated with the university. The tours and orientations are very misleading. Find out if the learning style is the right one for you. Find out if the school allows you to easily change majors. Will you need a part time job to help pay for school? If so, an engineering program at a college may not be a realistic option. In my experience, you'll have the option of choosing two of the following: pass classes, work, sleep, or have fun. Going to school somewhere away from home is a great way to meet new people, branch out, and move on from high school. People that stay near their hometown rarely make new friends and new social circles.

Studentes should look for a college that has their program of interest in mind, and is affordable. Also, a college with many extracurricular activities is helpful to take the student's mind off of the course work, and meet new friends in the college. Joining clubs, and being active in the school will make the most of the college experience. There are many clubs that directly relate to certain majors at the college, and this allows the student to easily find other students who share that student's interests. Becoming a member of these clubs will often times, give an advantage in employment oppurtunity, or give more experience and applications with the skill set needed for classes. Students should also look for a college where they can fit in and just have fun. It never feels good to not fit in somewhere. Having fun is definetly one of the biggest parts of the college experience, and it also helps to relax the student in stressful situations.

Students should take campus tours and attend orientation; parents should encourage their children to go off to school if possible. Students stand to gain more by venturing off to new places and taking on new challenges. One can learn a good bit about oneself by being taken out of his or her comfort zone and meeting a variety of different people who come from various cultural backgrounds. Other benefits for students include a greater sense of independence, life-long friendships, and networking opportunities. Community colleges have their advantages; however, sometimes it can be an extenuation of one's experiences from high school by continuing their education with peers from previous academic years. If the student enters college with an undeclared major, at least have an idea of what subject in which he or she would like to pursue a degree and make a more specific decision later.

A campus visit to the college is a must. I just got a great vibe from the campus here. I would definitely encourage parents to let their kid talk to other students (alone!).

Parents and students who are chosing a college should take many things into consideration. College is way more than paying tuition and going (or not going) to class. Students should really look into the extra-curriculars on campuses and find out if their top schools have opportunitites for them to get involved and enjoy being involved. Parents should voice concern when neccessary about housing, meal plans, and such; they should try to be encouraging throughout the process as much as possible. If I could go back and change one thing about finding and applying to college I would have had my parents visit campuses with me instead of not touring any of them. College for most students is a long time far away from home. You want to make sure you pick a place that you can feel comfortable, safe, and happy while pursuing a degree and participating in countless activities that you never would have dreamed of if you were not there.

Advice to an incoming student? The kust is long! Finding the right school for you is a very important decision. But it's not a decision that cannot be corrected if the school you choose turns out to be wrong. Fear not! I think that is one of the most important things to remember when looking at colleges. Before making a set decision, be sure to visit all the schools on your list. A place may look fabulous in pictures, but things take on a whole new perspective when you're up close and personal! In order to make the most of the school that is right for you, get involved! Meet new people. Find something you love and stick with it. Join a club, an intermural team, etc. Make the most of your college experience, but don't let your classes suffer!

To Students: I would urge students to truly consider what is most important to them when choosing a college. Don't just settle for a university because you can't afford the one you really want and don't judge a school on their stereotype. I would encourage students to actually visit the schools they're interested in to decide for themselves. To Parents: Don't be so hesitant for your child to take out loans. I mean, give them the proper guidance and warn them about interest traps, but honestly, most students are coming out of school in debt, and they should be able to find a good job with a college education to pay off their loans within the alotted amount fo time. Also, let go. Your child will not gain the proper social life if you guilt them into going home every weekend.