Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA, USA

Reviews

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Ryan

from Richmond, VA

Alumni

1 person found this review useful

What tips can you share with prospective students?

Virginia Tech is just about the friendliest place on Earth. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there - go to as many club info nights as you can, say hi to the other students sitting around you in class, ask to sit with a group on the quad - don't let social anxieties hold you back from making Tech home.

In what clubs or organiziations have you participated and how have they impacted your overall experience?

I was a member of a gender-inclusive academic fraternity and couldn't recommend the experience enough. I joined during the second semester of my freshmen year and made HUNDREDS of friends that I called my "brothers." It also gave me the opportunity to run for elected leadership positions, which opened my eyes to my own personal interests and strengths that became foundational for my future career goals.

How has your college supported your career development and future goals?

I was required to complete a practicum and an internship as graduation requirements for my major. This experience was invaluable in preparing me for the workforce for two reasons: first, because I got first-hand experience in my chosen field, and second, it encouraged me to start developing my own professional network for when it came time to search for my first full-time job. I was so much better prepared for anticipating corporate cultural norms and understanding expectations as a new employee as a result of these experiences. I feel like I got a "leg up" on my fellow gras and was able to secure a job, in my field, before I graduated.

Benjamin from Jeffersonton, VA

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
For prospective engineering students, look no further than Virginia Tech. The school has one of the finest engineering programs in the country and as such all graduates leave with a slight advantage in their job hunt. It is a very rigorous program, but you learn quickly and efficiently. To start off, you enhance your math skills with basic calculus and linear algebra, study chemistry, and learn the basic of engineering and design in a workshop. These include studying the individual fields within the engineering discipline, working with LabVIEW programming, understanding the design process, and even building your first prototype in a team environment. It's a very hands-on process and the professors are eager to help their students succeed.

For those who are not interested in engineering, don't count of Virginia Tech just yet. It also has excellent architecture, science, and business majors, and many more. Whether you intend to study in the field of technology or liberal arts, Virginia Tech provides all the resources a student could possibly need to succeed.
Am enjoying being here
There are well over 100 student programs on campus in Virginia Tech, so a student always has something to do with his/her free time. Whatever the hobby, whether that's sports, games, cultural experiences, etc., there's a group for that. If not, then a student can always make a new group with at least two other people. Student organizations are a great way to get connected on campus and forge lifelong relationships.

Virginia Tech has a strict anti-discrimination policy. The goal is for every man or woman of any ethnic or religious group to have an equal opportunity and the right to live on campus without fear of prejudice. These standards are strictly enforced.

Did I mention that Virginia Tech has been recently voted the number one dining halls in the nation? The food is great and you never have to go hungry.
Bang for the buck
It may seem that a great school like Virginia Tech would have a huge pricetag, but that's simply not true when compared to other state colleges. Virginia Tech was my first choice when I was college hunting, but I expected that I would not be able to pay for it. To my surprise, other schools such as the University of Virginia and others were several thousand dollars more expensive. So not only does Virginia Tech provide an excellent education, but it does so at a fantastic value! It's really quite a deal.
Tips for prospective students
Obviously I would recommend that you study hard and keep your high school GPA up. That certainly helps for admission. Virginia Tech recieves thousands of applications every semester, so you'll want to keep an edge. I also recommend a lot of community involvement and extra-curricular programs. If you have the opportunity to cultivate leadership skills, whether in a job or an organization, do it. It looks fantastic on an application.

As a fair warning, college life is nothing like high school life. They are not even in the same ballpark. For a lot of students entering Virginia Tech, they did not even have to study to succeed in college. The engineering class fo 2013 entered campus with an average GPA of 3.97, to give you an idea. But college has a tendancy to weed out the students that cannot adapt and take their education seriously. Expect to spend the majority of your day behind a desk with your nose buried in some book, working out derivatives or determining the quantum structure of an atom. If you don't think you can handle spending at least eight hours a day studying, then perhaps you should rethink pursuing college. It's a very trying experience, but the rewards are definitely worth it.

Studying for so long can leave you exhausted, so I strongly recommend breaking it up into pieces and taking short, fun breaks. Find some student program or event that catches your interest and check it out. If I hadn't found Campus Crusade to break up my Thursday nights, I probably would go mad. These events help your mind to relax and you're refreshed for the next stretch of studying.

Another tip: do not neglect your nutrition. I've seen it happen many times (and I was guilty of it myself). Students are finally free from their parents' control and decide they want to eat whatever they want. Pizza for breakfast, cake with every meal, burgers and fries galore. Virginia Tech has so many great dining halls, this is easy to achieve. It's fun for a little while, but even...
Great for these types of students
Virginia Tech is great for engineering students. No question about it. The school's reputation is strongly founded in that program. Any engineering student would do well to choose Virginia Tech as a prospective college.

Virginia Tech has several programs, but architecture to business to art. As an engineering student myself, I cannot speak with certainty about these majors, but if my own classes and professors are any sort of indicator, I would guess that Virginia Tech provides plenty of resources and opportunities for these students as well. Basically what I'm trying to say is that just because Virginia Tech is known as a technology school, don't count it out if you aren't interested in technology. It's an incredible school and I would strongly recommend at least attending an information session to see your options.

Michael from Kapolei, HI

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is such a wide range of classes available to take at Virginia Tech. Think of anything and the university will have a class that focuses on that idea or is similar to it. Most classes are very engaging and the teachers really care about the students and want them to learn the material.
Am enjoying being here
Although the campus may be somewhat in the middle of nowhere, there are many activities both on and off campus for the students to get involved with, including jobs, clubs, and movies. Also, since there are so many people attending the university, you are bound to meet people that will become your close friends or who will change your life.
Bang for the buck
Virginia Tech aims at providing quality education at an affordable rate, and they accomplish this task excellently.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be intimidated by the size of the campus; as your first year goes by, you'll find that the campus actually gets smaller and smaller. If you're bringing a car to campus, make sure you follow the parking rules because the cops over here really are out to catch students that break those rules. Make sure you space your classes out accordingly so that you can eat, rest, and get to the classroom on time. Finally, get involved with something, anything; you will meet so many new people and make a ton of connections and it will make your first year transition much smoother and make college more enjoyable.
Great for these types of students
Virginia Tech is the number one architecture school in the country, so attend this college if you're planning on majoring in Architecture. They have a superb engineering program as well.

Saul from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The faculty is very knowledgable and is intent on helping you succeed in whatever major you may choose.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy so much being on my own on this beautiful campus with a very traditional college environment. I would never trade my experiences here, It is also very easy getting around since the whole town is pretty much the campus. Not to mention it is the most beautiful campus I have ever seen.
Bang for the buck
Although it is a bit costly for me because I am out of state. I have learned so much. It is totally worth it, and I will work as hard as I can to continue my academic career here in Blacksbur, Virginia.
Tips for prospective students
Dont waste your time sleeping, or doing nothing. Its college! Aside from it being very rewarding by educational standards, these will also be the best years of your life.
Great for these types of students
Students who are intent on growing up and learning from experience. Also I believe this is a school for students who wanna take a step outside the ordinary, who wish to make their own footsteps instead of following in other's.

Kayley from Mullica Hill, NJ

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am 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.
Am enjoying being here
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!
Bang for the buck
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.
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.
Great for these types of students
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.

Felicia from Newport News, VA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most Theatre Arts majors, such as myself, are pretty much open to different ideas and experiences. That is why Virginia Tech is perfect for me. The professors here come from different backgrounds and thus are full of different ideas and teaching methods, and they are willing to share them with their students.
Am enjoying being here
The thing that makes Virginia Tech stand out in comparison to other colleges is the spirit. It's impossible to go one day at Tech and not see one or more students or faculty members wearing maroon and orange. When I came for my tour of the college we got lost and a student helped us find the check-in building. There are a lot of nice people here, the teachers are great, and the football games are amazing!
Bang for the buck
Don't get me wrong, tuition is pretty ridiculous, but other colleges' aren't much better. Plus, the spirit at Tech surpasses the spirit at all of the other colleges I've been to. Maybe I'm just saying this because I'm not paying the tuition, but to me, you can't put a price on quality education.
Tips for prospective students
Blacksburg (A.K.A. Bleaksburg) gets extremely cold in the winter and can also have very heavy rains so don't forget to pack a heavy coat, rain gear (coat, umbrella, boots), gloves, and warm clothes and shoes. It takes the normal person no more than 15 minutes to walk across campus, but make sure you leave for your classes about 25 minutes before they start to give yourself some extra time.
Great for these types of students
Students who like the idea of a big college but who like the idea of getting personal attention from teachers. Students who are open to different ideas.

Marecka from Spring Grove, VA

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The teachers are always here to help. Tech also has several study groups and tutoring programs for students who need a little extra to grasp a concept.
Am enjoying being here
Every day I am greeted by a smiling face. The students and faculty are all warm-hearted. Each person is connected by a common love for what they do and who they are.
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth the money...
Tips for prospective students
Apply for as many scholarships as possible, make the grades, and stay focused. There are lots of activities you will want to do here, but none of that will be possible if you don't stay on top of your grades.
Great for these types of students
Students with lots of spirit.
Those in love with scenic areas.
People who love outdoor activities.

Delaney

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Virginia Tech is a beautiful place full a good people and food. The community is very welcoming and engaging to students. There is a wide variety of courses and you will always find something to do that you like.
Tips for prospective students
Bring a wind breaker and a kite: it is windy most of the time. Engage in the Blacksburg community; it will enrich your college experience. Talk to the professors ; let them know you are more than a number and most actually like getting to know students.
Academic Rigor
There are always challenging courses available that teach more than subect matter, they actually teach you to think.
Dorm Life
There are a variety of types of dorms. The RA's are really good at instigating get togethers. The dorms are good quality with many currently being renovated.
Food and Dining
Wonderful food, even in the cheaper dining halls. There are many choices from student suggested venues to commercial chains. A brand new dining hall is opening summer 2012 on the academic side of campus.
What to do for fun
There are many options for fun. The Drillfield is a great place to hang out and get involved in pick up games of football and ultimate frisby. We have an amazing theater program, many walking paths, an adventuring program, and tons of student clubs and activities.
Bang for the buck
You get a great education, a great location, a wonderful local community, and an amazing campus community. There is a large town less than ten minutes away and a city roughly forty five minutes away. There is both country side and mountains to explore, amazing campus and local cuisine, and a beautiful place to learn.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Drillfield is this wide field in the middle of campus separating the residential and academic sides of campus. It is about two football fields long and wide. There is always something happening on it whether the Tighty Whities practising, an ultimate frisby game, people fighting with swords, or a giant snowball fight. Two other cool places are the Hahn Horticultural Gardens and the Duck Pond.
Great for these types of students
Really anyone. Outdoorsy people, country folk, city folk, foreigners: there is a wide range of people ready to welcome and help you.
Clubs and Activities
There are a ton to choose from: ballroom dancing, Students for Creative Anachronism, Habitat for Humanity, knitting, ultimate frisby, the Running Club, horseback riding, fencing, archery: you name it, we probably have it. And if we don't it is really easy to start a club. All you need is a faculty adviser and three student officers.
Greek Life
I chose not to be a part of Greek life but there are always signs up about them and I see them doing everything from blood drives to Relay for Life to throwing parties. If you are interested, there is a place for you.
Campus Safety
I know everyone hears about the shootings that happen here but that does not happen often at all. There are these blue light boxes every hundred yards or so all through out campus that you just need to push a button and police will arrive. The police are always patrolling in cars and on bikes. You recieve emails detailing the things that happen on campus. There are alerts via emails, calls, and texts about major stuff and they are always testing the system. All classrooms have clocks that scroll alerts as needed. There are self defense sessions offered by the police. Campus is well lit. I walk home past midnight often and nothing has ever happened to me. And if you don't want to walk home, the police and campus has teamed up to offer something called Safe Ride that takes you anywhere in Blacksburg from campus after dark. You are extremely safe at Tech

Audra

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Virginia Tech offers such a wide range of classes that it would be difficult to not find a class and major that you love. Now that I have gotten settled into a major that is interesting for me and I have gotten used to the class size, I learn something new everyday. The classes are overwhelming at first but once you stick with it through that first semester freshman year you are golden!
Am enjoying being here
One of my favorite things about Virginia Tech is the availability of student activities. There are a ton of clubs and if for some reason none of those sound good enough you can start your own! The size of the school may seem daunting to some people but freshman year is all about meeting people. The dorm environment invites conversation between you and your hall-mates and trust me, life long friendships will be born! Now that I am a second semester sophomore, I never walk to class without passing someone I know.
Bang for the buck
Since it is a state school, Virginia Tech is moderately affordable. It is also a really large school which is great for networking companies. I have even been told that there are a lot of companies that will only higher VT grads. Consider the money an investment in your future, Virginia Tech can help you get a job!
Tips for prospective students
The most important advice I can give to prospective students is do not let the size scare you. I had a lot of friends who turned Virginia Tech down because of how big it is but I promise it will not feel that big once you are here. If you get involved with extracurriculars and put yourself out there as a freshman in your dorm you will make so many friendships that Virginia Tech will go from feeling like 20,000 students to 200.
Great for these types of students
Virginia Tech is especially good for students who are self-motivated. Because of the class size the accountability that professors are able to give you is limited.

Morgan from Midlothian, VA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are GREAT! They are always willing to help if you don't understand. You just have to make the first step. Most professors are experts in the subject that they teach so they can answer almost any questions. I don't have a lot of busy work, either. All the work I do is for a purpose, which is awesome.
Am enjoying being here
Virginia Tech is a completely non-judgmental environment. There are days when I run out of the dorm in sweatpants and other days where I run out in a dress and it doesn't make a difference. People don't care about looks. Hokie Nation is such a strong community and you can't help but feel it the second you step on campus. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Bang for the buck
College is expensive, but if you're in state, then it is DEFINITELY worth it to come to Virginia Tech. They offer so many majors, the best food in the country and great residence halls. You definitely get what you pay for.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! If you want to make the most out of your experience, you need to get involved. If you don't you'll end up sitting in your dorm the whole time. That being said, get involved in high school. Colleges love when you're involved, because that is a good indicator of what you can bring to the campus.
Great for these types of students
Our engineering and architecture programs are phenomenal. Our animal science and dairy sciences are good as well. The other majors are not bad by any means but they are not as well known as those four majors.

Shannon Nguyen from Fredericksburg, VA

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Here at Virginia Tech I have encountered wonderful mentors and professors who are willing to always assist you with any questions or concerns. They devote their time to answer questions after class or anytime they are available. As good professionals they have made my learning more retainable and understanding. Their enthusiasm of each subject make the classes enjoyable and very educational.
Am enjoying being here
The people and atmosphere at Virginia Tech have made my stay much more comfortable and meaningful. The staff and students are very involved with giving back all they can to the community. There are so many clubs and activities to do here that you'll never get bored. You'll be sure to find something just for you and if you feel that there is still not a club for you, you have an opportunity to create one with two more members!
Bang for the buck
The excellent quality of academic programs and housing as well as food services are worth every penny I pay to attend this extraordinary school.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking for a high quality education and trying to pursue a great career, Virginia Tech gives multiple opportunities to get started. Their website consists of mass amount of information that will help your searches for school easier and make the experience exceptionally great. The campus is extremely gorgeous and though the location is not near the city, it is very heart-warming and perfect.
Great for these types of students
This is an excellent school for anyone pursuing in engineering, business, or agriculture. It is also a wonderful experience for anyone interested in getting truly involved with the community and making a difference for those who are in need.