<p>At what point are the textbooks purchased...is it after classes actually begin? My son did receive an email from his English professor with the names and isbn#'s of the books needed for that class, but he hasn't heard from any others yet. Do they get the info on the first day of classes?
Also, does the purchase of the books go on to the Bursar account?</p>
<p>the best way to see what books are needed is to have your class schedule handy, go to the Barnes and Noble at GT website and click on textbooks. Here you can type in your classes and it will give you a list of everything that you should need for your classes. You buy the books straight from either Barnes and Noble or Engineer’s Bookstore, so it does not go on your bursar’s account.</p>
<p>First of all, you shouldn’t buy books from the Engineer’s Bookstore or the GT Bookstore - both are overpriced. Try searching online. You should only buy from an on campus bookstore when it’s critical to get the book immediately.</p>
<p>Second, most students do not purchase books until after the first class. In the first class, the professor will hand out a syllabus with everything your son needs to know: when the tests are, how grades are calculated, what books to buy, attendance policy, etc. The professor will usually also make a comment about the necessity of the books. It’s not uncommon for a professor to come in and say “The Department says you should have XYZ book for this course, but I’m not going to use it.” Then after the first day, your son can order his books.</p>
<p>That makes sense, GP. But as for paying for them, I thought that books were factored in the COA so I figured that the cost for them was covered. I guess we have to pay out of pocket?</p>
<p>The COA estimates the cost of books and that is included. However, books are not charged to the Bursar’s account, and that’s good for you. The GT bookstore charges a premium on books, so you probably don’t want to be locked into them.</p>