Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

Finding the college :: Visit the campus. Talk to people. Stay overnight. Experience: It's cliche, but college is what you make of it. You can be happy mostly any where. That being said, don't think a place will grow on you. Every place can be great or terrible. Don't stack the deck against you, though.

I would suggest that students and their parents look at schools they would not normally consider - I thought I wanted to go to a tiny private school but decided to tour Virginia Tech on a whim one day and fell head over heels. I cannot imagine attending anywhere else. I would also urge students to keep their minds open about your major. Work hard at whatever you do but know that it is OKAY to change your mind. There is no "magical" four-year graduation date. Realize that college is a time of discovery - you have so many options open to you, why would you NOT try something new? I, a conservative southern girl, went out on a limb and took a bellydancing class one day and have been absolutely hooked ever since. But most importantly, say "hi" to a few new people - at a shchool with a few thousand strangers, you never know who could turn out to be a lifelong friend. It could be the guy or girl sitting next to you in Freshman Biology.

Prospective students and their families should look at all aspects of a college. First, it is important that something about the school matches with the student's interests, whether it is sports, research, nature, etc. Next, a student should get insight about the type of classes and professors that are available at the college because some students prefer large lectures whereas others prefer a small class that allows more interaction between the teacher and the student. He/she should make sure that the students, faculty, and community members at the college are friendly, supportive, and caring. There should be activities at the college that the student is more than willing to participate in such as clubs, organizations, sororities/fraternities, volunteer opportunities, internships, and more. It is also important to look at the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses to make sure it is affordable on the family's budget, and some schools offer more financial aid and assistance than others which may be helpful. The student and his/her parents should most definitely visit the college to get a feel for the school and it's community, in addition to conducting research on what the school has to offer.

The best advice I can provide to students and parents looking for the right college is to follow your heart. After visiting a handful of schools I chose the one where I felt at home. I chose the one that I fell in love with when I walked around the campus. I chose the one where I talked to the students and faculty I knew I could develop relationships. I chose the one that I knew I couldn't wait to be a part of, the one I knew was where I wanted to be. It's very easy to get tied up in rankings and all of the hype in choosing schools but when you go somewhere you love and it feels right it can foster the type of growth and learning that cannot be found anywhere else. So do the research, visit the schools and find the one you are excited about. There's no exact science and there is certainly no cookie cutter answer, so choose the school you fall in love with, you won't regret it.

Definately do you research. I'm lucky that I ended up in a wonderful place without much research but I know some people who hated their freshman year. Visit the school, talk to students!

Find a school that cares about its students and gives back to the community.

Start preparing and planning early.

College is the time of your life to experience new things and people , but you have to remember that you are there for academics which should be the most important aspect of your time there.

I would tell students that going to college and getting an education is one of the best things that can be offered to anyone. I also think that is a smart idea for children to go away to school. There is something about being away from your family and your old friends that allows to students to better find themselves. I live four and a half hours away from where I attend school and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I do not consider myself to be outgoing but since I have been away at school I have come out of my shell. I joined different clubs and have made many new friends. I feel mature and independent and I feel that my parents as well have seen this change in me. So, I say to parents to allow and encourage their children to go away for school and I feel that this will be a vital step in their children growing up and maturing to the individual that they want to see them become.

The best advice to give a student about finding the right college is simple: Choose the college for the right reasons. First make sure you know why you are attending college; to enhance your knowledge and find a reputable occupation. For example if you would like to become an engineer, make sure that your college of choice has a prestigious engineering program. Also research the staff, the presence of prominent professors is always a plus. Secondly, now that your priorities are in order, you must think about making the most of your college experience. Be active and get involved in your college?s extracurricular activities. Not only is it an excellent way to meet new people in your new environment, but it?s also a great resume additive. Third and most importantly, it?s said that college constitutes the best years of your life. One may choose to attend Florida State for its illustrious football program, while others may choose a college in order to maintain relationships with close friends. Whatever the case, make sure you choose wisely to ensure yourself the best chance of having the ?time of your life?.