Thursday, January 27, 2011

In need of loot? Scholarships and financial aid info


Now that you have completed and submitted your application, are you wondering how to you are going to get the loot to pay for college?

If so, then the best thing to do - no matter if you think you will qualify for financial aid - is to complete the FAFSA. It's available now and you can use estimates to complete it. I know it seems like a chore, but it should be worth it in the end.

At Virginia Tech many of our scholarships start with two things: a completed FAFSA and the General Scholarship Application. The priority deadline for both at Virginia Tech is March 1.

Visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid website to read all about the different types of aid at Virginia Tech. There's a handy financial aid estimator to help you estimate your eligibility on their site as well. Also, you can set up a free account to view the Scholarships Gateway at Virginia Tech to see what specific scholarships you would like to throw your name in the hat for.

For those of you who wish to join the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, there are a few scholarship opportunities for you and only you! Keep in mind that just because you join the VTCC it doesn't mean that you have to make a commitment to the military. You can enroll in ROTC, but you don't have to in order to join the VTCC. Learn more

Best wishes to all of you who did apply to Virginia Tech (freshman application deadline was Jan 15). I know waiting for your admission decision is a pain, but at least you can pass the time with things like filling out the FAFSA, right?!

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Time to review your application

By Amanda Sparks
Assistant Director
Undergraduate Admissions

The weather might be cooling down, but things in the undergraduate admissions office are heating up! We're sure that things are pretty busy for you as well, but make sure you are keeping up with your application to Virginia Tech.

Even though you should have submitted you application by now if you were planning to apply to Virginia Tech, there are still a few things you could be doing.

To track your application, visit the application status page. If you submitted your application within the last few days, please keep in mind that you had lots of company. As a result, it might take up to two weeks for you to be able to see your application status online. Please try to be patient and know that we are processing your application as fast as possible. Keep checking the application status page.

Don't hesitate to contact our office with any questions you may have. This can be a stressful time of year for you, but it doesn't have to be complicated!


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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

College of Science Insights


Virginia Tech's College of Science is one of seven colleges that offers majors for incoming freshman and transfer students.


Within the College of Science (COS) there are many student organizations in which you can get involved - from Astronomy Club to the Math Club, you are sure to find an organization that peaks your interest.

In addition, COS offers undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities.

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Friday, December 3, 2010

College of Natural Resources Insights

Visit www.inventyourfuture.vt.edu and watch Gabriela's story. Gabriela, a Wildlife Science major in the College of Natural Resources, tells us about her undergraduate research experiences at the Center for Bear Research, which is one of only two places in North America that does significant captive bear research.



Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment is one of seven colleges that offers majors for incoming freshman and transfer students.


Within the The College of Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE) there are many student organizations in which you can get involved - from The American Fisheries Society to the Pre-Vet Club to the The Wildlife Society and much more.

In addition, CNRE offers undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities. Fiji, Belize, Dominican Republic, Antarctica anyone? If either of those locations strike your interest, then you should check out the study abroad opportunities. In addition, there are many student organizations in which you can get involved - from The American Fisheries Society to the Pre-Vet Club to The Wildlife Society and much more.

If studying abroad is not your thing, then there are many opportunities to on campus. CNRE students have access to a state-of-the-art research laboratories and facilities.

Cheatham Hall houses fully equipped laboratories for studies in the physiology, nutrition, and genetics of trees, fish, and wildlife. Wood chemistry laboratories are also maintained for the analysis of wood and its components.

The Thomas M. Brooks Forest Products Center is one of the most sophisticated forest products labs in the United States. Dedicated to national and international research needs, it houses research laboratories, an experimental dry kiln, facilities for composites manufacturing, and advanced testing equipment for wood physics, mechanics, and processing research.

The Center for Bear Research, which is one of only two places in North America that does significant captive bear research. It is an approved site for research on captive black bears.

The Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Center is the leading facility for research and production of imperiled freshwater mussels.

The Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center is a 780-acre research and education center located in Virginia's Piedmont region less than two hours away from campus. It is equipped with a laboratory, greenhouse, shade house, aquatic research ponds, and field sites.

The Fishburn School Forest is a 1,353-acre teaching and demonstration forest close to campus.


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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Insights: Lauren's story

By Lauren, a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Major: Biochemistry & Spanish


Video (below):
Molly is a senior majoring in communication with a concentration in electronic and print media and minoring in theater arts and international studies. In this video, Molly discusses why she chose Virginia Tech.


Being a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech is nothing like the college experience I expected of a school of 30,000 students. I saw Virginia Tech's campus for the second time ever when I came to Orientation in July of 2007. I met my advisor and set up my class schedule the morning after I slept in East Ambler Johnston, which was my first time ever staying in a residence hall. I was overwhelmed by the entire Orientation process, as I was in an unfamiliar place and I knew nobody.

To be honest, the day and a half I spent on campus was kind of a blur; it all happened so fast. I only remember bits and pieces now; I could't tell you what my Orientation Leader's name was, what information sessions I attended, or what questions I had during the day. What I do remember is that the advisor who was assigned to me for a day and a half during Orientation turned out to be one of the biggest influences of my undergraduate career. I had no idea that there would be someone who was with me every step of the way, be it with class selection, questions about the future, or even just looking for an adult to talk to who wasn't Mom or Dad.

As a pre-med student, my advisor suggested that I look into a Latin minor because of its practicality with medicine. I agreed, which was possibly the best thing I could have done for myself. In agreeing take a few Latin classes, I connected with so many people whom I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise. I have had the opportunity of a lifetime, getting to be extremely close with a very small community of students and professors alike in CLAHS. I went in day one knowing I wanted to study Spanish, and I have now taken classes in Spanish, Russian, Latin, and Greek. I'll graduate as a Spanish and Biochemistry double major with Latin and Chemistry minors-- not what I had planned.

You might ask, "Why so many languages?" As I started thinking of what classes I wanted to take during my junior year, I came to the realization that I wanted to not only take a class to learn the material, but also I wanted to study under different professors. Because the Classics Department at Virginia Tech is so small, many of my classmates and I became very close from the very beginning. For example, when I heard friends talking about taking Ancient Greek with Dr. Becker, my aforementioned Orientation Advisor, I knew that I had to take a class with him before I graduated. So, with no previous knowledge whatsoever of Greek, I signed up for Dr. Becker's Ancient Greek 1105 class in fall of 2009. Greek 1105 has nothing to do with my major, and I honestly will probably do nothing with Greek for the rest of my life. However, the knowledge and experience that I gained during my time in the class completely surpassed my expectations. Greek 1105 was hands down the best class taught by the best professor that I have taken during my four years at Virginia Tech.

During my time in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, I have never once had a class larger than 25 students. I'm currently taking my fourth Latin class with the same professor, just because I know him and get along with him so well. While taking some larger courses in Biochemistry, it's a breath of fresh air to be in such an intimate class setting. I would imagine that not many people have the opportunity to interact regularly with professors outside of an academic setting; I see every Latin professor that I have had every Friday at our weekly, "Classics Table," during which time 20 or so students and I go to a restaurant downtown and talk about the week’s events, and occasionally throw in some conversation about classics. I've had multiple professors offer their homes to students for end of semester festivities and other celebrations. I truly could not ask to be part of a more close-knit community. For me, being a part of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences has been an amazing and unforgettable experience.

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Molly is a senior majoring in communication with a concentration in electronic and print media and minoring in theater arts and international studies. In this video, Molly discusses why she Virginia Tech.



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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

College of Engineering Insights: Sigridur's story

By Sigridur, a student in the College of Engineering

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor: Spanish

Vice Chair, VT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Director of Recruitment, Hokie Ambassadors

Dean's Team, VT College of Engineering


Video (below):
Michael is a fourth year student majoring in civil engineering. In this video, Michael discusses undergraduate research.

First of all, being a part of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech definitely gives you a confidence boost. I am proud to be a part of the nation's 13th best Engineering College. Coming in as a freshman, I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to take, luckily our engineering program is very organized. We have two different paths you can take: the Digital Track and the Design Track. The Digital Track includes Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. The Design Path consists of all other disciplines.

You don't have to decide on a specific department until the end of freshman year, so by sophomore year you will be in one of the 13 engineering departments. I chose Mechanical Engineering because I would like to work in the energy industry; the Mechanical Engineering department has the most to offer within that field. Regardless of the path you take, you will have access to supportive faculty and great undergraduate research opportunities within the Virginia Tech College of Engineering.

Being a research institution, all of our professors are required to do some kind of research, so getting involved in a project is very simple. Talk to your professors to see what they're working on. You might find yourself interested, and more than likely, they would appreciate your help (not to mention it's a great resume booster). In most departments, in our senior year, we are required to do a senior design project. Senior design projects are a great way to incorporate the "hands on, minds on" training received during the first years.

My experience here at Virginia Tech has shown me how far you can take your learning. Freshman year I wasn't involved in many things, but starting sophomore year I decided to make the most of my time. I joined the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a professional organization within my major. Slowly, I started to understand how many opportunities there are here. Hopefully you will find whatever suits you best and make the most of it as well!

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Michael is a fourth year student majoring in Civil Engineering. In this video, Michael discusses undergraduate research.



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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Fall Open House - November 6/7




In this video, Justin, a Hokie Ambassador and junior majoring in Sociology, discusses Open House. We hope you are planning to come to our Open House November 6/7! Open House is a one-day event, so you can pick which day suits your schedule. To participate in this free event, all you have to do is register online.

What to expect:
The opening session begins at 9 a.m. From the opening session, you can attend the various college and major information sessions. In addition, there will be information tables from various areas on campus (including dining services and housing) in both lobbies of Burruss Hall. Campus tours will be held throughout the morning.

Special information sessions will be held to answer any questions you may have about:
Also, there will be two interactive student panels held. Check out the Open House schedule online. Think of Open House as a one-stop shop for all your college admissions questions. We hope to see you soon!

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