<p>I got an invitation from gtech regarding Grand Challenges. Can anyone explain it to me what is it and what all things are required and do those who accept live separately ? And will it be beneficial for me to join? (Beneficial as in getting job)</p>
<p>Hi nikrules! I am a current GT student and member of the Grand Challenges Living Learning Community. Like you, I wasn’t really sure what to think when I received an invitation to apply for GC (We love acronyms, here). That’s because Grand Challenges is a pretty unique program. The goal of the program is to teach students to creatively problem solve and work in teams to tackle a real world “Grand Challenge” in society. (If you want to know more specifics about our projects, check out our website!) My team’s project, still in the development phase, is proving to be very successful. In addition to learning a ton and gaining an awesome resume builder, you also get 109 close friends. The GC group is super close (we refer to ourselves as a family). Our dorm is exclusively GC (Howell) and located on East Campus. It is also great. It has a fantastic study lounge, TV room, and 3D Printers!!! (Only dorm on campus to have those, I’m proud to say). Lastly, with regards to job preparation, I absolutely think GC is beneficial. The problems you work on are real: you build a multidisciplinary team, manage a budget, establish a network, etc. Also, it sounds awesome in an interview 
If you have more questions, please feel free to contact GC and ask to talk to Sara. I’d love to tell you more about it. Good luck with your decision! </p>
<p>thanks saradydx your comment was really helpful but what it got me wondering was that if we were to live in a separate hall then would that mean that we are secluded from the rest of the students? I mean all the people that I could interact to will be GC as our classes will be same and even the dorm so won’t that kind of limit the social life? </p>
<p>Hi again, I think I see where you’re coming from with your question. As much as it may seem that GC students are secluded (i.e. taking their own class, living together, inter-program clubs, etc.), I find that I have just as much contact with non-GC students as someone outside of the program. Although one of our classes is exclusively GC, all of your other classes will consist of the general student body. So, this is really a win/win situation. You’ll always have someone you know to sit next to in class, at lunch, in meetings, etc. However, you have just as many opportunities to make friends outside of the program as everyone else does (on that note, when trying to make friends outside of GC, try not to steer the conversation towards what you made on the 3D printers last night or how awesome it was to see a show at the Fox Theater with GC for free or any other program perks until at least your second encounter). Another comment on the GT/GC social scene: Most likely, you will be involved in other organizations/clubs/activities outside of GC (I highly recommend it, as there are some pretty amazing opportunities in that regard). As such, you will quickly develop multiple peer groups and social circles that include all types of people, not just Grand Challengers. Whether it be Greek life, community service groups, a Freshmen Leadership Organization, athletic team, or even the artificial intelligence club, there’s something here for everybody. Trust me that there will be a point where you will have to make some tough decisions on what to be involved in, what you don’t have time for, and how much sleep you can live with. On that note, Jacket Pages is a pretty great website for scoping out some of the awesome clubs here (<a href=“http://jacketpages.gatech.edu/”>http://jacketpages.gatech.edu/</a>). I hope this was helpful!</p>
<p>thanks again sara, but being a part of GC, did it affect your studies or your GPA in any way. I mean it must take up more of your time doesn’t it. And one more thing, how do they always select 110 students. I mean what if someone rejected or too many accepted? JUST CURIOUS :p</p>
<p>@nikrules: I’m sure they go based upon past data to estimate. They probably also do it based on how many among the accepted that Georgia Tech will yield. Also, other freshmen have demanding extra curriculars. Is anyone really concerned about how it effects their studies? Why would GC be any different? You strike a delicate balance, and being part of a learning community (which aids in study group formation) probably helps ease it a bit as opposed to taking a demanding course load and EC’s essentially on your own. It’s a collaboration. I was in a program like it (it was focused on getting early research and development oppurtunities. We came in as a cohort and were told to take certain advanced, intermediate, or special section science courses together along with a freshman seminar where we had to develop and defend a proposal/project), and it enhanced the outcome if nothing else. Seriously, don’t worry about it. This will likely enhance your experience. </p>
<p>Thanks bernie12 this helped a lot </p>
<p>Does anyone have an acceptance rate percentage? I really want to get in! Also, how long did you guys who applied spend on the 150 word question? </p>
<p>Hi again, nikrules! I apologize for taking so long to respond; it’s been a busy couple of weeks here!</p>
<p>I would say that the GC program has helped me maintain a strong GPA. I don’t have any statistics to back up my hypothesis that, on average, GC students have better grades than other Tech students, but I haven’t heard of a GCer who isn’t succeeding academically.</p>
<p>This probably stems from the fact that we have so many great resources at our fingertips. The best of which, I might add, are your dorm-mates. Whenever I’m having trouble with a concept/assignment, all I need to do is head down to the study lounge and ask. I’ve yet to find a problem that I can’t get help with. </p>
<p>I know there are a lot of rumors about how difficult the academics are here (some, but certainly not all, are true). However, what I didn’t know before getting here is how hard everyone works to help you succeed. Take advantage of your professors’ and TAs’ office hours, the tutoring facilities, the concept classes/review sessions, and study groups. Most importantly, don’t stress before you even get here :)</p>