The Georgia Institute of Technology

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: A-

After a semester at Tech, my best advice to give is to FIND A SOCIAL NETWORK of some sort. Its very easy, as I have observed, to hole yourself up in your dorm, play video games(which are of course fun, I play them.. but not on friday nights like some), watch porn, and not get out much. Many people in my dorm are like this. However, if you go out looking for social opportunities, you can find them. I personally joined a fraternity, which I had no intentions of doing from the outset, and it has been the best part of my experience so far - there are enough fraternities to cater to any type of individual taste. There are plenty of groups though to join, one just needs to get out of the dorm room and explore.

As for the academics, I can't comment too much as I've only completed a semester. However, while academics must be your highest priority, do not let them consume you, it will hurt in the long run, and I have the advice of many a 5th year backing this statement. Learn to balance your time, to study effectively (quality, not quantity), and to relax and have some fun. Get out, see Atlanta - its not as hard as some would tell you. Its an excellent city, and if you get the right connections, the girl problem at georgia tech will become less of one for you personally.PS yes it does suck, the ratio, but there are some true gems of females, and the fact that about half the freshman males are perpetual dorm dwellers helps even things out. But get into meetings girls while you are a Freshman, as it will grow your connection base for other potential dates later down the road.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Surrounding City: A, Useful Schoolwork: C-

I think the three most important things to ga tech are marketing, publishing, and football. Education is a low priority. I think everyone should read the article "What is a good school" on this website. People say ga tech is a good school, but why? If all you want is a valuable degree, then it is a great school. But if you want to learn as much as possible, then it is not a good school. When people say ga tech is hard, they dont mean that in a good way. Reading a physics book is hard in a good way. Reading curious george while getting shot with paint balls is hard in a bad way. Ga tech is hard because it's unfair, irrational, poorly taught and NOT motivating.

1st Year Male -- Class 2009

Surrounding City: A+, Education Quality: F