<p>My cousin is going to tech next year. What kind of students go there? He is planning on studying enginering. I've heard it's a pretty campus.</p>
<p>Arnie1 ~</p>
<p>I don't have a S or D at Tech, but I do live in VA and have general knowledge about the school. The campus is really beautiful...along route 81 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.</p>
<p>Generally, Tech is the place the others travel to for campus excitement.</p>
<p>It offers great academics and athletics. It offers a great engineering program.</p>
<p>Tech students are probably the same type of students that you would find at any university where college pride matters. They're not snobby, but they are committed and active. Since the school is relatively large, there are a variety of "types".</p>
<p>Have you looked on campusdirt.com or studentsreview.com. They often have some student comments that are helpful. Also look for online student blogs or journals.</p>
<p>Good luck to your cousin. Nice of you to help out like that! :O)</p>
<p>My nephew just started there. Engineering has initial weedout courses since it is the core of the school. Students are bright and spirited. Football is huge there and there is a regional fan group in the state and beyond. It is hard to learn in the large classrooms, but there are break out study groups with TAs. At least a third of the school is from the more urban corridor that feeds DC burbs and also coastal Norfolk, VA, but the school is in gentler SWestern VA and has a more relaxed vibe. Selectivity is getting tougher and the school is on an ascent. It has all the positives and negatives of a larger university but has a core campus that is lovely and traditional.</p>
<p>My daughter just started at VT this year, but fell in love with it 5 years ago when we looked at it for my son. From that point on, that was the only school she wanted to go to. The campus is definately one of the nicest we saw in our searches. </p>
<p>Coming from NH, she didn't want a big city school, but one that would offer a lot to do and friendly people. That is what she noticed right away. There's plenty to do, even without the "big city life". Everyone is very friendly and you can find your crowd - no matter what type of person your are. Although she has only been there 3 months (won't come home until Thanksgiving) she is very happy and has never regretted her choice.</p>
<p>I can't speak to the classes, as school has always been hard for her - but the first-year Math classes are different. Everyone goes to what is called the Math Emporium and takes their classes online. They do have TAs around to help you, if you have questions - but that is hit or miss. I hear after the first year, there are real classes for math. Just thought your cousin might want to know that. My daughter is far from a math genius, but has actually done quite well with this self-instruction method (which I thought would be terrible). She hates it, but she's learning - so I guess that's all that matters.</p>
<p>I'm also from Virginia and my son was accepted but didn't go.</p>
<p>Pros
1. Attractive campus. The buildings are architecturally similar built with "Hokie" stone from the university quarries.
2. The school generates fanatical loyalty among its students and graduates.
3. Excellent football. I went to the USC-VT football game a couple of years ago. 75,000 Hokies can make a lot of noise.
4. Good, but not great, academics. Strong in engineering.</p>
<p>Cons
1. Isolated, rural campus, small town, four plus hours from DC area.
2. Campus is very spread out.
3. Not much diversity. Few people of color or Jewish students.
4. Students not as strong academically as those at UVA (except perhaps in engineering) or CWM.
5. Not especially strong in sports other than football. Men's bb is improving.</p>