Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

For my own college search, I already knew what major I wanted: engineering. Knowing your intended major will narrow your search immensely. After I found a handful of colleges with great enineering programs I visited them, heard their speal and looked at the programs and extra curriculars they offered. I picked based on marching band, but you might want a specific sport. It all depends on what you want to do. If you don't have anything specific in mind yet, I suggest trying a community college just to get started. It's cheaper and you can start looking for what interests you most. To make the most of undergrad, I suggest getting involved. My school is big, but through getting involved I've made so many friends it doesn't seem that way anymore. Also, I've found classes outside my major that interest me, like sociology, music, and study abroad. Don't let getting your degree get in the way of your education.

When visiting colleges, talk to students that seem to be most similar to you. Ask about the negative things, especailly what he or she faced as a new students. Also, do not be scared to go off to schools that your friends are not interested in. These people might not be your friend s in the coming years. I know that this process is scary, but so many people have been through it... and you're probably smarter than so many out there.

It's important to find a place where you feel at home. Don't go somewhere just because you're parents went there of your brother or sister goes there. It has to fit for you. Be sure that you feel comfortable and safe.

When trying to find the right college make sure you visit every campus that you intend on applying to. Seeing the campus and the people that attend that college may help you to make your final decision. Also, to make the most of your college experience be sure to make friends and get involved in as many extra curricular activities that you can with your work load.

After being in college a few years, and going through the application process myself I've learned that what you get out of the experience depends on how much you're willing to put in to it. While searching colleges, it's important to find a place where you feel you could get the most out of your experience. College years are your most fun, but also very demanding. Find a place that suits your academic needs as well as recreational oppurtunities that would interest you. Also make sure to visit the school to get a feel for the student body, and the overall feeling of the campus. As far as making the most out of your college career, as I said, you get out of it what you're willing to put in to it. Oppurtunities are everywhere for the people that look for them. Talk to proffessors, volunteer for undergraduate research, apply for internships. All of these allow you the oppurtunity to get a feel for what your field is really like in the real world. Overall, you're college should be a place that will allow you to grow in to the person you want to become.

Make sure you know what you want to do before getting to college because if you don't then you may have to stay a lot longer than planned. Make sure to keep partying to just the weekends and focus as much as possible on studying and making good grades.

The best advice for parents and students when selecting a school is to pick a college known for a variety of programs. Chances are that you may change your area of interest while in college. After all, college is really about shaping you into your future self and you don't have to know who that is right away. When visiting a college, get a feel for the students and the campus and seriously consider how those factors fit with you. While you want to choose a college that fits your academic interests, make sure that the campus you're going to call home for a few years, feels like home. The number one piece of advice that my parents gave me was to not sweat the small stuff and work to the best of your abilities, and if you put forth the effort, you'll reap the benefits.

In order to find the right college, I think it is important for a student to not only consider his or her long-term goals, but also personality. One should choose an environment that is conducive to his or her needs. By doing so, a student can ensure that he or she will stay motivated and feel comfortable at school (which is vital for success). I would highly recommend for a student to get involved in some extracurricular activity in his/her first year of school. I believe that this can improve the overall quality of the college experience because it can help him find people that share similar interests. It is the friends a person surrounds himself with at school that can greatly influence the experience he or she has with the school as a whole. Most importantly, one should keep in mind that college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a time in one's life where lessons are to be learned both inside and outside the classroom. My advice: study hard; make lots of friends; get involved in the community; and absorb as much information and memories as possible.

Definitely visit every college you are interested in. You might think you want to go to a certain school but actually visiting it could change your mind! Also, get involved. That is my biggest mistake. I never wanted to be in a sorority which is big on Virginia Tech campus but there are other options. Join clubs that interest you and make friends in classes. Thos classmates could become lifelong friends!

Go in with an open mind. It is hard considering cost, but if its the best school for your major and the size school you want, you'll figure out a way to pay for it. Try new things, dont be afraid to join a club or group that you never thought you would, its a great way to meet people and when you look back on your experience you will be glad you did it. You have lots of resources right at your fingertips in college, use them while you can. If you get an opportunity to study abroad, do it! Find a happy medium between school and socializing, if you only stay in and study you will miss out on a lot that is part of the college experience; if you only go out and socialize you miss out on the great education you are paying to receive. Take in every moment, it will be over before you know it!