Georgia Institute of Technology | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Travis

Class: Junior
Major: Chemistry
Gender: M

High School: Soddy-Daisy High School
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

I think I'll answer each of the suggested topics. The best thing about Tech, for me, is amount of challenges it presents to me, academically. Like I said above, I was never challenged in high school, and Tech has brought that to me, and more. I've learned more in the past two years at Tech than I learned in 12 years of public education. There is never NOT something to figure out in your classes... which to me is great. I would change the level of commitment of the professors. Since Tech is major research university, sometimes I feel that the professors are made to teach to extend their tenures and research groups, and don't really care about the courses they teach or how their students do in them. I feel it's just the right size, although I wouldn't mind it being larger. Whenever I say I go to Tech, the first thing people say is "Wow, you must be really smart". Since I don't live on campus, most of my time is spent either in classes or in the management building's study rooms. Atlanta is huge, so it would be hard to call it a college town because of its diverse nature. That being said, one can usually find something to do whenever, although it gets boring at times. The administration at Tech is alright... could be better, but could definitely be much worse. Controversy........We don't honestly have much of that... The City of Atlanta fosters attitudes of cohesiveness in its self, and I feel like Tech does its best to promote a unified campus, regardless of differences. There is a crap ton of school pride.. makes me kinda sick at times... The biggest abnormality about Tech is its students... you meet so many people who are way over your head all the time, and I definitely don't think it happens as much at other schools. I'll always remember the first Tech v. Notre Dame football game. There weren't enough tickets to get in, but my friend and I just walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere...and drinks. Most frequent complaints.... "This is so hard"; "I don't understand why we need to know this stuff".. mostly about the classes.

Academic Life

Most of the first two years' classes are your gen. ed. stuff, so there are about 250 students in each... in those, none of the professors knows you by name unless you go and bug them every day. Once you actually start getting into your major classes, you will continue to see the same profs. one a weekly, if not daily basis, and this does foster a sense of friendship. I think Tech encourages its students to interact with professors as much as possible because it is seen as a learning experience for both, and a way to expand upon concepts learned by the student. My major department is Chemistry. Chemistry isn't huge, but its not the smallest either. That being said, I think that all the Chem. majors know everyone else, with the exception of a small few. It's pretty unified. Education at Tech is geared toward learning, only, in my opinion. I think when you're accepted, you're expected to know how to apply the skills and concepts you have learned over the course of your degree in whatever field you go into. Tech is not about to hold your hand and do everything for you, but it will help you as much as possible.

Student Body

First and foremost, there is a club for EVERYTHING at Tech, including any racial makeup/combination, sexual orientation, religious belief, sport interest... anything. That being said, for there being so many different clubs, everyone really gets along pretty well. There are always conflicting beliefs, but I think most of us know how to respect each other's opinions and beliefs. The only out of place student I see is one who is not really up to par, intellectually. All different types of students interact on a daily basis. Although there are cliques, everyone talks to everyone at some point. There are no completely defined black and white social boundaries. Students at Tech are mostly politically aware, although we don't always have the time to participate as much as we may want. The dress for class: mostly sweats and t-shirts. Dress up if you want..