The Final Deadline for Applications Approacheth

By Jonathan Schramm

Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Hear ye, Hear ye, prospective students one and all! The 15th day of January – in the year of our Lord and all that jazz – marks the last day to turn in your applications for Fall 2010 admission at Virginia Tech! Don't be one of those applicants who's up till the wee hours of the morning editing their essay to make it just knock-your-socks-off right or filling in that last activity to make sure the admissions officers know that they barely had time to put on their socks in high school. Start now! Start slow if you have to, but give yourself enough time to get all the material together. Applying to college should not be stressful, and managing your time can ensure that it isn't. I wish I had taken my own advice way back when...

I digress... Here at Virginia Tech, applying is pretty simple.

All you need is:

1. A completed application with non-refundable $50.00 application fee
2. Your transcripts sent to us via your guidance office (have your guidance office send any letters of recommendation with your transcripts)
3. Standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT) sent to us via your testing agency (send us all of your scores - we will combine your highest scores)

Keep in mind that the January 15 deadline really only applies to the application. All the other stuff (transcripts and test scores) can come in after the deadline - but not too long after mind you. There are optional personal statements and other things to fill out on the application, but all we require are the three things listed above.

As always, give us a call if you've got questions. We don't bite, I promise!

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College of Science Insights

If you are interested in preparing for professional school in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, or veterinary medicine, or if you are interested in advancing the boundaries of research in science or technology, then Virginia Tech's College of Science may be a good fit for you.

The College of Science offers nine majors which include:

• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Geosciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Statistics

The career opportunities for those who major in programs within the College of Science are endless. From biostatistician to space physicist an exciting career in the field of science is waiting for you. Virginia Tech's Career Services works with undergraduates to help prepare resumes and hone interview skills. In addition, you can participate in career fairs that are held on campus each year.

While you are an undergraduate here at Virginia Tech, you can get involved in student organizations specific to the College of Science. There are more than a dozen student organizations from which to choose.

If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the education abroad information on Virginia Tech's website. If research is your deal, then you are in the right place. The College of Science focuses on producing the next generation of scientific leaders through advancing discovery and solving real-world problems.

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College of Science

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College of Natural Resources Insights

Invent the Earth's future with an exciting career in the field of natural resources. The world's population uses and consumes products and food every day that come from the Earth's forests, waters, and land. We all depend on these resources and we must sustain them for the future.

The programs within Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources are ranked among the best in the country.

Programs of study include:

• Fisheries Sciences
• Forestry
• Geography
• Natural Resources (undecided)
• Natural Resources Conservation
• Wildlife Science
• Wood Science and Forest Products

There are several curricular organizations for natural resources students. Also, students are eligible for Alpha Zeta, the national agriculture honor and service fraternity. Be sure you check out the many scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students.

If you're interested in study abroad opportunities, know that there are several courses taught in a variety of countries. Learn more. To learn more about career opportunities, visit the College of Natural Resources Career Services page.

If research is your thing, be sure to check out the research opportunities within the College of Natural Resources. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences features the Virginia Tech Center for Bear Research, which is one of only two facilities in North America. Check out Gabriela's story regarding her work at the research facility.

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Gabriela's Story

College of Natural Resources

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College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences Insights

The College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences (CLAHS) is often referred to as "the people college." Whether you seek a career as a pilot or a diplomat, a fashion designer or a best-selling author, CALHS can help you achieve your dream!

There are 18 programs of study within CLAHS:

• Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management
• Classical Studies
• Communication
• English
• Foreign Languages and Literatures
• French
• German
• History
• Human Development
• Humanities, Science, and Environment
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• International Studies
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Theatre Arts and Cinema

Noteworthy items include:

• Scholarship Opportunities - Be sure to complete the FAFSA and the General Scholarship Application for Virginia Tech by March 1.
• Education Abroad Opportunities - CLAHS encourages students to participate in study abroad. They award 10-15 scholarships each semester to students participating in education abroad.
• Career and Graduate School Advising - Take advantage of individual sessions or workshops.
• Education, Outreach, Leadership and Research Centers and Institutes - CLAHS features 20 centers from an Adult Day Services Center to the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. Check out the many educational, leadership, outreach, and research centers.

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Justin's Story - Hear from one of our current students

College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

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CLAHS Insights: Justin's Story

By Justin, a sophomore in the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences

Major: Sociology

Public Editor, Collegiate Times

Classroom Aide Public Leader, YMCA at Virginia Tech

When I came to Virginia Tech in the fall of 2008, I declared myself a Public and Urban Affairs major within the College of Architecture. Although it took me two semesters, I soon realized that a major in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences was more suitable for my personality, as a people person, and one that loves interacting with others.

With a Sociology major and a concentration in social inequality, I feel as if I have found the major that I was virtually meant for, and one that I will be able to excel in as I progress toward graduation in the spring of 2012.

I chose this major and concentration due to my personal experiences. As a disabled person, as well as a person who is often in the minority, social inequality has always been of interest to me. Furthermore, the interactions between myself, others, and groups of other people has always intrigued me. I like studying things such as minority relations, group relations, and other social tendencies, and this is what I've been provided with since switching into CLAHS. I truly believe that my resulting degree will be extremely rewarding, and that is simply all that I have searched for in my college education.

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College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences

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Come and see how you can Invent Your Future at VT

Want to learn how you can invent your future at Virginia Tech? Join us for our November Open House, November 14 or 15 (Saturday or Sunday – you pick which day). This one-day event is a chance for you to tour our beautiful campus, and to learn about our majors, financial aid and scholarships, university honors, and much more. We have also orchestrated an interactive student and parent panel in which you can participate.

Consider this program a one-stop shop to see if Virginia Tech is right for you. You can register online for this free, one-day event. Once you register just show up on either Saturday or Sunday with your ticket. It's that simple. We believe that if you can visit our campus and see for yourself how great it is, you will want to be a Hokie!

At Open House you can expect to:

• get academic information, including a university overview and individual department specifics
• find out about life in the residence halls and the amazing array of dining options (from vegetarian to steak to lobster, we have excellent food!)
• hear more about financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• enjoy a student-led tour of our beautiful campus
• discover University Honors, study abroad programs, co-op and internship opportunities and more

View a tentative schedule

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College of Engineering Insights: Michael's story

By Michael, a junior in the College of Engineering

Major: Civil Engineering

Like most young children, I too had a dream to change the world. However, my inspiration originated within the confines of my six-foot-by-six-foot sandbox armed with only my vast infantry of Tonka® trucks and surrounded by a sea of LEGOs®. Yes, at age seven, I knew I wanted to be a Civil Engineer; it just wasn't until years later that I knew that's what it would be called. With my mind made up, I was determined to make my dream come true—the first step was middle school.

Fast-forward ten years and you'd find an older me eager to complete my high school degree and faced with endless opportunities to pursue higher education—so began the application process. I applied to, and was accepted to, a variety of schools, all with excellent engineering programs, but it wasn't until I walked onto campus that I knew I wanted to attend Virginia Tech.

Little did I know how profound of an impact that decision would have on my life. It wasn't long before a handshake lead to an opportunity, and an opportunity turned into a reality. In my three years here at Tech I've come to understand that learning is more than just reading from a textbook—it's actually doing. I've been afforded such opportunities as to study under world-renowned professors; work beside professional engineers; visit actual job sites, and explore contemporary issues to name just a few. Simply put, as an undergraduate student here at Tech: I'm actually doing. I've come to realize that my little sandbox is now armed with the single most important thing—the opportunity for success.

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College of Engineering

Related Blog: College of Engineering Insights

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