When I went to UT for a tour, I already had in mind that I wanted to go there, but the guides made the statement that they let you select your own major, basically design it how you want it, and that there are a vast number of alternative courses for core requirements. If it weren't for the alternatives, I don't think I would learn nearly as much about what I want to learn about.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
UTK is my home away from home. I miss being there and being able to socialize with my friends, as well as just find my own personal me space to go study or practice. The music facilities are top-notch, especially since the music building is under construction and they've had to acquire makeshift facilities. The band truly is spectacular and I always recommend UT above any school because of the comfortable learning environment and the school's deep-rooted traditions.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Compared to most universities, UT is very affordable. Room and board is relatively inexpensive as well, so for the out-of-state student, or for the in-state student that just wants out of the house, UT gives you a great living environment for what it's worth. The classrooms are set up amazingly with a lot of state-of-the-art technology. And I'm always amazed by the selection of books in the library that are just there for all of us students -- and it's free! UT is definitely worth going to because it's not just affordable, but there are so many free services available to all students.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
-Be prepared: If you're one of those kids in high school like I was, studying isn't your favorite thing to do. College is a BIG step up and studying will make every class fly by easier.
-Communicate: Don't be afraid to be that kid who answers all the questions. You're in college to learn, and it really helps the teachers to know that you're learning, not just sitting there dead like everyone else can be at 8 in the morning.
-Socialize: It's college and you only live once. But do it wisely. Like your parents always warned you, watch out for the bad crowd. But make friends! College is an entirely different atmosphere than high school in that, for the most part, cliques are ignored! And having a good group of friends takes a load of stress off your shoulders when finals come around, or when you just need to talk. Plus, it's always great to be in the crowd that's going nuts on gameday.
-Again, be prepared: Nobody likes 8am courses. But chances are that you might have to take them because it's the only class open and you need it. But avoid that mindset. Instead think, It's 8am. All those annoying people that distract me aren't in here. It's all the smarter students that WANT to be here, those people who have the passion to do their work and follow their career choice. This may not be my best subject, but these people can help me and it'll be a lot easier for me to learn.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If I said all, it'd be a lie, but it would also be a lie if I didn't. UT, like any college, is a choice of preference. The teachers care, the work is as easy or as hard as you make, the environment is a prestigious, tradition-filled one. Everyone that's there has a drive to be there. If you're not a big campus person though and you want a small school, UT may not be right because the campus has a lot of walking room and a lot of hills to cover. But even then, the campus has buses running all the time. But if you can overlook the crowd and size factor, UT is a great and highly recommended learning facility, and I wouldn't tell anyone any different.
When I went to UT for a tour, I already had in mind that I wanted to go there, but the guides made the statement that they let you select your own major, basically design it how you want it, and that there are a vast number of alternative courses for core requirements. If it weren't for the alternatives, I don't think I would learn nearly as much about what I want to learn about.
UTK is my home away from home. I miss being there and being able to socialize with my friends, as well as just find my own personal me space to go study or practice. The music facilities are top-notch, especially since the music building is under construction and they've had to acquire makeshift facilities. The band truly is spectacular and I always recommend UT above any school because of the comfortable learning environment and the school's deep-rooted traditions.
Compared to most universities, UT is very affordable. Room and board is relatively inexpensive as well, so for the out-of-state student, or for the in-state student that just wants out of the house, UT gives you a great living environment for what it's worth. The classrooms are set up amazingly with a lot of state-of-the-art technology. And I'm always amazed by the selection of books in the library that are just there for all of us students -- and it's free! UT is definitely worth going to because it's not just affordable, but there are so many free services available to all students.
-Be prepared: If you're one of those kids in high school like I was, studying isn't your favorite thing to do. College is a BIG step up and studying will make every class fly by easier. -Communicate: Don't be afraid to be that kid who answers all the questions. You're in college to learn, and it really helps the teachers to know that you're learning, not just sitting there dead like everyone else can be at 8 in the morning. -Socialize: It's college and you only live once. But do it wisely. Like your parents always warned you, watch out for the bad crowd. But make friends! College is an entirely different atmosphere than high school in that, for the most part, cliques are ignored! And having a good group of friends takes a load of stress off your shoulders when finals come around, or when you just need to talk. Plus, it's always great to be in the crowd that's going nuts on gameday. -Again, be prepared: Nobody likes 8am courses. But chances are that you might have to take them because it's the only class open and you need it. But avoid that mindset. Instead think, It's 8am. All those annoying people that distract me aren't in here. It's all the smarter students that WANT to be here, those people who have the passion to do their work and follow their career choice. This may not be my best subject, but these people can help me and it'll be a lot easier for me to learn.
If I said all, it'd be a lie, but it would also be a lie if I didn't. UT, like any college, is a choice of preference. The teachers care, the work is as easy or as hard as you make, the environment is a prestigious, tradition-filled one. Everyone that's there has a drive to be there. If you're not a big campus person though and you want a small school, UT may not be right because the campus has a lot of walking room and a lot of hills to cover. But even then, the campus has buses running all the time. But if you can overlook the crowd and size factor, UT is a great and highly recommended learning facility, and I wouldn't tell anyone any different.