Review of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
from Mullica Hill, NJ
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
I am a second year Chemistry Major here at Virginia Tech and while the classes are difficult they are not impossible. Almost all of the proffesors are also researchers here at Tech, so they definately know what they are talking about. While at times they may go past your level of knowledge they are always sure to fully explain and thoroughly teach the major concepts at hand. Furthermore, if for any reason you are having difficulty understanding something there are numerous resources available to you. The Professors have office hours but in almost every course there are specific tutors available. Based on your level of aid required you can either attend group tutoring sessions or obtain a private tutor. Basically the Univerisity has every possible form of help, it is simply up to you as a student to seek out the amount that you require. Furthermore, this does not simply go for the college of science classes. I have also taken classes in Psychology, Gender Studies, Horticulture, and Mathematics, and have never found the teachers excessively difficult but have always found help readily accessible. Virginia Tech simply has amazing academics.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love being a Hokie! This school has it all, amazing academics, a beautiful campus set in a Valley in the Appalachian Mountains, a winning football team with adoring fans, and some of the best dining centers in the country. I like to think about Tech as the perfect combination. Hokies work hard but play just as hard. We are definitely highly regarded in the academic circles, particularly for our Architecture, Engineering, and Science, but our Football team was also the ACC Champion last year. So if you're looking for a well renowned school where you can also be sure to have fun on the weekends, Tech is the place to be. With numerous clubs and activities to participate in, both major and non major related, highly regarded academics, and an awesome football team, there really isn't anywhere else that can balance everything so perfectly. I love being a Hokie!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I attend Virginia Tech out of state and incomparison to my In-State choices, Tech is not that much more expensive. Living on campus Tech is about $30,000 where for in NJ In-State on campus is about $24,000, so for an extra $6,000 a year I might as well go to a school I love. Not that $30,000 a year is cheap, but when you consider the numerous $50,000 schools you learn to appreciate the difference. In-State for Virginia Tech is basically a steal, it's about half of the Out-of-State tuition. For all the resources that are made available to us you definitely get your money's worth. The campus is kept in pristine condition, all of your labs have the most advanced technology available. Convenient and clean buses run just about anywhere you could consider going. The lecture halls are spacious and comfortable, sometimes too comfortable for those 8am's... There are numerous clubs available and if something does cost extra money there is almost always some discount for a being a student. Basically I love Virginia Tech and it's made even more appealing for its relatively inexpensive tuition.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
It should be warned that Blacksburg weather is slightly bipolar. During the school year from August to May, we have about two months of warm weather, 2 months of in between when the weather can't decide between warm or cold, and then about 5 months of pretty cold. If you don't like the cold you may not like Tech. During the late spring and early fall semester the campus is beautiful, warm, and everything is bright green. However, try to remember this is the mountains. The campus is still beautiful but it will get cold here, so if you aren't used to the winter, or don't like the cold this might not be the school for you. New students, invest in a BIG Jacket and gloves and a hat you will need it strolling across the drill field.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you're a student that knows how to manage fun and academics Tech is the place for you. While on Saturdays during the football season things can get a little crazy around Campus, everything settles back down by Sunday afternoon and people are fully back to work on Monday. Before attending Tech I didn't know how I would react to craziness about sports, but in all honestly the school spirit is infectious and is now one of my favorite things about this University. I love that the school encompasses everything, great academics but fun too. So if you're looking for that perfect balance between work and play, Virginia Tech is the place for you.
I am a second year Chemistry Major here at Virginia Tech and while the classes are difficult they are not impossible. Almost all of the proffesors are also researchers here at Tech, so they definately know what they are talking about. While at times they may go past your level of knowledge they are always sure to fully explain and thoroughly teach the major concepts at hand. Furthermore, if for any reason you are having difficulty understanding something there are numerous resources available to you. The Professors have office hours but in almost every course there are specific tutors available. Based on your level of aid required you can either attend group tutoring sessions or obtain a private tutor. Basically the Univerisity has every possible form of help, it is simply up to you as a student to seek out the amount that you require. Furthermore, this does not simply go for the college of science classes. I have also taken classes in Psychology, Gender Studies, Horticulture, and Mathematics, and have never found the teachers excessively difficult but have always found help readily accessible. Virginia Tech simply has amazing academics.
I love being a Hokie! This school has it all, amazing academics, a beautiful campus set in a Valley in the Appalachian Mountains, a winning football team with adoring fans, and some of the best dining centers in the country. I like to think about Tech as the perfect combination. Hokies work hard but play just as hard. We are definitely highly regarded in the academic circles, particularly for our Architecture, Engineering, and Science, but our Football team was also the ACC Champion last year. So if you're looking for a well renowned school where you can also be sure to have fun on the weekends, Tech is the place to be. With numerous clubs and activities to participate in, both major and non major related, highly regarded academics, and an awesome football team, there really isn't anywhere else that can balance everything so perfectly. I love being a Hokie!
I attend Virginia Tech out of state and incomparison to my In-State choices, Tech is not that much more expensive. Living on campus Tech is about $30,000 where for in NJ In-State on campus is about $24,000, so for an extra $6,000 a year I might as well go to a school I love. Not that $30,000 a year is cheap, but when you consider the numerous $50,000 schools you learn to appreciate the difference. In-State for Virginia Tech is basically a steal, it's about half of the Out-of-State tuition. For all the resources that are made available to us you definitely get your money's worth. The campus is kept in pristine condition, all of your labs have the most advanced technology available. Convenient and clean buses run just about anywhere you could consider going. The lecture halls are spacious and comfortable, sometimes too comfortable for those 8am's... There are numerous clubs available and if something does cost extra money there is almost always some discount for a being a student. Basically I love Virginia Tech and it's made even more appealing for its relatively inexpensive tuition.
It should be warned that Blacksburg weather is slightly bipolar. During the school year from August to May, we have about two months of warm weather, 2 months of in between when the weather can't decide between warm or cold, and then about 5 months of pretty cold. If you don't like the cold you may not like Tech. During the late spring and early fall semester the campus is beautiful, warm, and everything is bright green. However, try to remember this is the mountains. The campus is still beautiful but it will get cold here, so if you aren't used to the winter, or don't like the cold this might not be the school for you. New students, invest in a BIG Jacket and gloves and a hat you will need it strolling across the drill field.
If you're a student that knows how to manage fun and academics Tech is the place for you. While on Saturdays during the football season things can get a little crazy around Campus, everything settles back down by Sunday afternoon and people are fully back to work on Monday. Before attending Tech I didn't know how I would react to craziness about sports, but in all honestly the school spirit is infectious and is now one of my favorite things about this University. I love that the school encompasses everything, great academics but fun too. So if you're looking for that perfect balance between work and play, Virginia Tech is the place for you.