Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

The best advice I could offer to students embarking upon the college search process is this: Take your time! Deciding where to apply, as well as which school to attend is a big decision, and you want to ensure that you'll be happy with your final decision. So, weigh your likes and dislikes of every school before you decide. Know what makes you happy, whether it is a small teacher/student ratio, the opportunity for extracurricular activities, or the availability of off-campus resources. Doing the proper research will help you to make the most out of your college experience. Don't pick a college just because a friend is going there, or because the dorms are air-conditioned. Sure, compromises will have to be made in regards to something, but just make sure that the college you choose is going to make you happy, and allow you to rise to your full potential.

Research what you really want to do and above all plan a budget that you can live with.

In looking for the proper college atmosphere, an applicant should determine if they want a college in a city or out away by itself, then decide if they want a large collge (more than 15,000) or a smaller college. Sports (the varsity sport I participate in and football) and other extra-cirricular activities were a very large determination for where I chose to go to school. Another big determining factor when I chose my school was how affordable both location and kind of school I was going to choose. In-state or out-of-state schools have a huge amount to do if the applicant wants to travel home for breaks, it also may help make a decision based on tuition. I love the connection I have with everyone here in addition to the growing alumni community that is located all over the country. I will never be afraid to say that I graduated from Virginia Tech when I meet someone new or apply for a new job or career. Enjoy your time in college, so make friends and have a good time, but remember, classes could help you out for the rest of your life so try hard!

Don't let the orientation boards of any school get you too pumped up about the school. Some colleges have very well planned out advertising and then do not diliver half of what they say they do. Do your research before hand and talk to students who go to or have gone to the school, they will only have bias if they have had a good experience or a bad one. The people on the orientation board are usually paid to say what they do. Basically, do your research first and dont be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. College is a big thing not to get your moneys worth out of. In addition, once you pick a college, one of my professors told me "while highschool is a time to fit in, college is the time to stand out" and I've never heard a truer word spoken. College is what you make it, and it is you, not your teachers or your parents that desides if you will get anything out of college or not. Stand out from the croud and strive to become who you were born to be.

Try your best to find a family member or friend who attends or attended your prospective school. There's nothing better than talking to a student who experienced a college first hand. As parents, definitely do not pressure your child in a certain direction. Obviously give them support, but having them find their own way with your guidance you can be certain they will find what THEY want and this will allow for the highest probability of their happiness. Be there as a sounding board for your children to bounce ideas off of and to vent to if they're struggling or stressed. Even if they don't say it they will definitely appreciate it and they'll feel comfortable knowing you're there if they can't turn to anyone else. Teenagers have friends to turn to for certain things and parents for other things. Make sure you know your boundaries and help them when you can, don't force it. For incoming freshman: everyone's a stranger at first so do your best to reach out as much as possible as soon as possible because these are the friends you'll most likely make for life.

To find the right college, definately visit websites that have actual students describe the university or talk to actual students of universities. Its the best way to get an idea of how much you might be able to get out of your college experience. Also, as a student, if you happen to know what kind of career you'd like to pursue, check to make sure the college you want to attend supplys the right major to get you there. How does one make the most out of their college experience? Be friendly! Remember, everyone is in the same boat as you, and are looking to fit in, and make friends just like you are. Check out the college webpage for different clubs that might intrest you, its a good way to meet people. And, acedemically, go to class, and save partying for the weekends only.

Don't just go look at the school, make sure to look at all the opportunities that each school has to offer and make sure that the school you choose has a variety of majors that you are interested because chances are you'll change your major many times before you finally settle with a specific major. I personally have changed my major 3 times from chemistry to biology and pre-pharmacy then to psychology and now to psychology and communication. As for the college experience, enjoy it, but make sure that your school work still comes before your social life because you won't have much of a college experience if you party too much

When you're a high school senior, college sounds pretty scary. Even mastering the terminology (public vs. private, greek life, FAFSA, undergraduate research, SATs, course request, resident advising) is an arduous task, and you're not even in class yet. But it's really not that bad once you learn the big secret: The key to both choosing a college and to succeeding once you get there is to just ask questions. Lots of them. Visit campus, take the tour without your parents, and ask a school rep about the campus and its history. Then ask some students what they actually think. Attend a lecture of a subject you think you might like, and talk to the professor afterwards about their program (I promise you're allowed to do that). Talk to the Financial Aid office, even if you don't think you're eligible. Ask graduates what they would have done differently. Do these things for every school you might attend. So you got in? Great job! But no surprise, since your questions meant you knew what the school was looking for. Now just keep asking questions for the next four years and you'll be just fine.

Finding the right college is about finding "home". You'll be here for the next 4-6 years of your life. This is where you will sense freedom. Don't go to a college where your significant other or friends are going to. You want to be able to live out this experience. This opportunity only comes once. Yes, consider all the academic programs, but also consider what more you can do on the campus. More than academics, college is a place where you'll learn and grow into an individual, and it begins with your college decision. My one advice about college is live it out without any regrets. Like i said, this is where you'll have freedom. You'll be away from home and be on your own. Do everything that you want to do and don't hold back (as long as it's legal). Experience everything now because you won't get something like that in the "real world". Be involved in fraternities/sororities, fellowships, community service, sports, and other activities. Take advantage of the community around you. Explore the campus and the cities around it. College is meant to be fun, not dreadful.

Take the most of the chances you are given. It is never too late to join a club or interest group of any type. Go ahead and jump right into everything, take chances, and put your neck out. Granted there will be a million things a student will not know about the college when first entering it; things like job and research opportunities, academic help, various interest groups, etc. Take the next four or five years of your college life to figure it out. It is the only way to go through college. Don't be afraid to be a fool in front of others, as long as you are yourself. And do research before selecting classes so that you do not get stuck with the extremely crappy teachers like I have done. Trust me on that. And bring vitamins and stuff so that you get your nutrients because you will most certainly not get your nutrients through college campus food and off campus dining. GOOD LUCK.