Off to University! [Archive]

GrassDragon

04-09-2008, 1:43 PM

TheBB

04-09-2008, 1:52 PM

the choice is just too important to make without having seen the campuses first.

Wouldn't some other factors enter the picture here, somewhere before campus "good-lookingness" became important?

Good luck anyway. I've been studying math for 4 years now. In a year I'm finished. Then I'll be in your shoes (well... sorta). :)

GrassDragon

04-09-2008, 2:00 PM

I'm not visiting the campus to see their "good-lookingness" - I can find that from their websites. But I will be staying with a student host overnight at both campuses, and visiting classes in the morning. The idea is to get a feel for how the school operates, how the disparity in the size of the cities affects campus life, the make up of the student body, and the teaching style. I already know what their academics, research, and faculty are like, I can find all that online.

I understand that the academics come first when we are talking about universities, but I still have to live there for four years, and I'd rather not end up somewhere completely foreign and be miserable because I hate the city.

TheBB

04-09-2008, 2:04 PM

Yeah, well, unfortunately, it's hard to get a good feeling of how your everyday life will be just by staying a day or two :(.

GenocideAlive

04-09-2008, 2:56 PM

Yeah, well, unfortunately, it's hard to get a good feeling of how your everyday life will be just by staying a day or two :(.
Wow, are you being an obstinate jackass today or what? What's he supposed to do, take the next year off to spend months living in various colleges to decide where he wants to go to school? Stop hijacking the fucking thread and find something to do with your life.

GD--have you picked a major? I haven't really heard much about either of those two colleges, but my suggestion would be to not move too far from home. You can always stop back by and do some laundry and eat for free at home. :D As for the programs, IDK, my good friend (math MS, computer / physics / math BSes) swears by small classrooms with a down-homey atmosphere. Personally, I prefer bigger classes, because then there's way more diversity. I hate being stuck looking at the same ugly 200 faces.

Thedutchjelle

04-09-2008, 3:22 PM

I got rejected for the.. uh.. 'college' i wanted to do, so after my exams i'll do 2 years of Atheneum at my school.
( http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheneum for reference even though it's in dutch -_-')
I'm not really looking forward to say goodbye to all the people i know >_<'

GrassDragon

04-09-2008, 3:22 PM

TheBB: I'm doing what I can. Two days is better than none.

GA: I plan to study physics, and I am definitely moving far away from home :P Once you're more than a couple hours driving it really doesn't make much of a difference anyway, especially since I won't have a car.

Being homeschooled, I have a lot of experience with small classroom settings and working on my own, so I am definitely looking for that. I seem to be able to learn much better by myself or with a tutor than in a classroom. All of the schools I applied to are relatively small (in the 5k-8k undergrads range), and most of them count physics majors in the dozens, so I'll definitely be getting my small classrooms.

Also, I'm surprised you haven't heard of Brown.

EDIT:

Thedutchjelle: Couldn't you have applied to more than one?

Thedutchjelle

04-09-2008, 3:26 PM

Thedutchjelle: Couldn't you have applied to more than one?
Probably yes, but I didn't. This one was the best one, the others that gave the course I wanted to follow are on the other side of the country and I don't want to leave my home yet.
And now I feel that I didn't really wanted to do that course anyway, so it's not such a huge deal to me anymore >_>

Battlecruiser

04-09-2008, 4:12 PM

Got accepted ED in Cornell. Going to be studying engineering, but I'm not sure which one. I'm mainly considering electrical and computer engineering, mechanical, or engineering physics.

Congrats on getting in Brown and UChicago. Both are great schools. Early on, I was considering UChicago but they don't have an engineering department. If I went there though, I'd definitely take some classes from their economics department.

GenocideAlive

04-09-2008, 5:01 PM

Actually, I have heard of both. But what I meant was I haven't heard anything about them--my only real recollection of UChicago is that it's an architectural school, which could be a complete fabrication. For one reason or another, I associate the two, anyway.

Otherwise, yes, Brown. It's Brown! What it's a school for or what it excels in, I have no idea.

BTW, don't be a physics major unless you want to graduate from college and wonder what you're going to do with the rest of your life. Go into engineering, it's the closest you'll get that'll land you a job when you leave college.

TheBB

04-09-2008, 5:31 PM

TheBB: I'm doing what I can. Two days is better than none.

I know. I'm not complaining, as some people seem to think.

Wow, are you being an obstinate jackass today or what? What's he supposed to do, take the next year off to spend months living in various colleges to decide where he wants to go to school? Stop hijacking the fucking thread and find something to do with your life.

Well, uh, no and no?

Protogod

04-09-2008, 5:35 PM

University of Chicago is a pretty good school. It's not UofI or anything, but its a very nice choice and a lot of my teachers/counselors have listed it as a school I should consider.

Nephi

04-09-2008, 5:42 PM

In collage now, and I'm lucky enough to have some major schools close to me so i'm just commuting to school as of now, however I'm plannin on doing law school then i'll have to wonder away from home....nothing new i guess liveda away from home for 2 years. Just will miss the dinners and my parents are fanatics about buying movies which is nice for me :)

best of luck in your decisions sounds like your a spot on kid, i'm suprised your not going ivy league...I guess brown is pretty dang close to that tho, I don't know much about UofC

Best of luck, enjoy it!

GrassDragon

04-09-2008, 6:41 PM

University of Chicago is a pretty good school. It's not UofI or anything, but its a very nice choice and a lot of my teachers/counselors have listed it as a school I should consider.
I think you have U Chicago mixed up with another school.

best of luck in your decisions sounds like your a spot on kid, i'm suprised your not going ivy league...I guess brown is pretty dang close to that tho, I don't know much about UofC

Brown is Ivy League. Good luck with your studies and law school!

Battlecruiser

04-09-2008, 6:51 PM

Actually, I have heard of both. But what I meant was I haven't heard anything about them--my only real recollection of UChicago is that it's an architectural school, which could be a complete fabrication. For one reason or another, I associate the two, anyway.

Otherwise, yes, Brown. It's Brown! What it's a school for or what it excels in, I have no idea.

UChicago is well known for it's science and economic majors. Basically, if you want to learn a lot of theoretical stuff, UChicago is a great choice.
Brown, from my understanding, is pretty much a very good liberal arts college. I heard it has a good med program as well.

Protogod

04-09-2008, 6:55 PM

I think you have U Chicago mixed up with another school.

Yeah, living in Chicago i am totally unaware of U of Chicago.

Sorry about that. [/seething sarcasm]

3Vee

04-09-2008, 6:58 PM

And then there are those of us graduating from college this year. But maybe I should make another thread?

Anyway, good luck with the decision-making. I feel like I should blather about it being an exciting transition and stuff, but honestly I don't remember the transition too clearly, other than being v. awkward! Other than that, no advice.

GroG

04-09-2008, 8:31 PM

Like 3Vee, I'm graduating college in a month. Hooray! I actually just accepted a job offer a week ago, too. Gonna be livin' the dream, working day in and day out for the rest of my life. I can't wait!

Anyways, I wouldn't worry so much about the academic stuff, pick the one you like. You can go out and learn about any topic you want on your own, the school is just there to give you the "OK guys, he's good to hire" tag for employers, and maybe give you a little hands on experience with your subject matter (don't expect too much, like 90% of what I learned was theory).

Oh, and try to make a couple of friends. It'll make shit a lot easier and more fun down the road - I learned this late in my college career. Just remember, everyone is as uncomfortable as you are - break the awkward silence by saying "Hi, I'm .." then go from there. Talk about video games and shit, everyone plays video games. Especially try to make a friend or two in your major, that way you have a couple of buddies to sit next to in class, and potentially talk about what the hell you just "learned" for the last hour and a half.

Oh, I also highly recommend working a part time job, even if you don't need the money. It'll get you away from just school 100% of the time, an outlet to get away. Then there's responsibility, time management, etc. Even a shitty job like a taco joint or the cafeteria is fine, there'll be lots of other college kids working there, too.

Just don't get anti-social when you go.. it happens to a lot of people. Happened to me even. Just went to classes and went to my apartment afterwards for a year straight, I had no money, no job, no car, no real friends.. it sucked something awful. Just make sure that it doesn't happen to you, it was probably the most horrible year of my entire life.

Oh, and get an internship during a summer (or more, if you can). Employers fucking LOVE them. OMG. I randomly decided to get one my last summer at school, and it was the best thing to ever happen to me. Practical experience in my field, resume builder, good pay, and when I was interviewing this semester for a job, I had plenty of shit to talk about for their questions. I highly, highly recommend it.

Leosam096

04-09-2008, 9:18 PM

Mines like GrassDragon's:
Yup, for you high school graduates, it's time to take another step and move into college. Especially for me, I just graduated and I'm going to a University here in the Philippines. The University of Santo Tomas. One of the best Universities(and oldest) in the country. Glad I passed the exam, now I'm trying up for scholarships. Come on, guys! :D

Modred

04-10-2008, 4:15 PM

Congrats on admission into Brown. I'm finishing up my third year of university right now and have an internship for the summer. The current plan is to finish my BS in Computer Science next May, then follow it up with a MS in Computer Science in May 2010. Currently working on the paperwork to get into the accelerated MS degree program.

The most important thing about college, aside from getting that degree, is having fun. Really, if you take care of your classwork like you should, then receiving the degree should be a given. So beyond that, be sure to follow GroG's advice to make friends and live it up.

GrassDragon

04-10-2008, 4:22 PM

Just don't get anti-social when you go.. it happens to a lot of people. Happened to me even. Just went to classes and went to my apartment afterwards for a year straight, I had no money, no job, no car, no real friends.. it sucked something awful. Just make sure that it doesn't happen to you, it was probably the most horrible year of my entire life.

I understand completely. This is basically what I've been doing the past year. I loaded up on classes and shut myself off from my friends, and I've been miserable. I intend to turn things around next year, but for now I just have to work like mad for finals next month.

Darmago

04-11-2008, 10:58 AM

seeing the college campus is a major decision point.

I didn't go to Georgia Tech, University of south Carolina, and Carnegie Mellon university, all because I didn't like their campuses. (specifically cities, I don't like being in cities.)

mranderson

04-11-2008, 11:37 AM

Interesting that no one's said this yet so I will. Not to say you shouldn't ignore the other posts because they are valid.

Have fun, don't make the news because most likely if it's at the national level it will be bad, have fun, go to classes. There is plenty of time for stuff as long as you don't waste it all day on warboards :P. Good luck with getting social again, because it isn't like a light switch (I'd work on it in the summer), and don't worry about girls (depending on your ideological preferences), there will always be more out there. Don't put on the freshman fifteen, and exercie, eat, and sleep like a normal person. And definitely get room mates you like and make good, tight friends.

Basically what I'm trying to say is...

have fun, be succesful, and have a good life. You only get one.

Maegtelluma

04-11-2008, 5:51 PM

Congratulations on getting accepted, both of those schools are certainly not shoo-ins. The campus visit is very important (it's how I made my decision) and if you're going to actual classes that will help even more.

On a side note, congrats to Battlecruiser on getting into Cornell. I should have applied ED myself, ended up being waitlisted in the end and regretting it. I have a feeling you'll experience some of the same horrible northern New York weather that we have here at RPI though, haha!

EvilEmpire

04-11-2008, 6:13 PM

Cool to hear GD!
Im also going, away, made my choice im in process of plying and its not near home (the uni). Enough about me tho. (oh and its a geeky course too, ofc)
Good luck mate.

Brown? From Family Guy, right? id go for that :D

Edit: buy a laptop if you aint got one, i think everybody has one of these on unis lol

Battlecruiser

04-11-2008, 6:54 PM

On a side note, congrats to Battlecruiser on getting into Cornell. I should have applied ED myself, ended up being waitlisted in the end and regretting it. I have a feeling you'll experience some of the same horrible northern New York weather that we have here at RPI though, haha!

Heh, probably. But I'm from Long Island so I guess it's not as much of a drastic change as it is for someone from Cali. Oh, and thanks.
I know a person who goes to RPI (Freshman), and some of my friends applied this year to it and I would have as well if I didn't get in ED.
Are you doing engineering?

Maegtelluma

04-11-2008, 7:38 PM

Yeah, I'm in Aeronautical Engineering. It has been.....interesting....so far, but good overall.

singo

04-13-2008, 9:12 AM

Wouldn't some other factors enter the picture here, somewhere before campus "good-lookingness" became important?

Not neccessarily, I based my choice of University entirely at random.

Enjoyed it thoroughly too, possibly too much actually as I promptly failed and ended up at a different one.

And DEFINATELY pay attention to having a social life of some description - if you just wanted a qualification you would be getting an apprenticeship or on-the-job training somewhere, university is about the experience as well remember.

Kingscrab

04-14-2008, 3:29 PM

Oh, I also highly recommend working a part time job, even if you don't need the money. It'll get you away from just school 100% of the time, an outlet to get away. Then there's responsibility, time management, etc. Even a shitty job like a taco joint or the cafeteria is fine, there'll be lots of other college kids working there, too. This is a good idea. I suggest being a waiter, counter guy or bus boy in a popular local restaurant.

It's a great way to meet people and get some exposure. "Hey dude... I recognise you. You're that guy from Olive garden! Blah blah.." etc. You get the idea.

I got a job as a busboy once so I could practice my Spanish back in the kitchen. Worked like a charm.

Um, did I mention meeting cute waitresses too...? ;)

Neo

04-16-2008, 8:08 PM

I'm actually wrestling with this decision myself. Although it has less to do with where to go and more to do with what I want to go for.

I either go and follow an IT track, specifically either moving into Security, or... I go the design route.

The problem is that I enjoy both fields, and currently I'm leaning towards the design aspect. I've been flipping constantly here to be honest, so I'm sure this will be null tommorow, but I've been thinking, why not go and get a degree in visual communications, and simply continue working at getting certifications?

On the other hand, my mom wants me to go into whichever field will make me money, but really... I'd rather do something I enjoy.

Anyway, another factor is time. I've visited one place, and they've been pushing for me to come, as soon as June, and I'm feeling slightly rushed -- even though honestly I've put off going to college far to long I still wanted to time research others schools.

Ah well. I'm sure I'll figure it out. I just don't want to end up taking a bunch of classes on subjects I pretty much already know. Plus I figure if I'm going to be blowing a bunch of loan money on something, I'd rather get a degree in something and goto school on a subject where I might learn something completely new that I'm interested in....

Meh, I dunno.

-Neo

Lithium

04-16-2008, 8:11 PM

QuothTheRaven

04-17-2008, 12:44 AM

I'm going to college about a month after school ends, it sucks so bad. Then again I'm looking forward to getting into culinary arts.

We were supposed to do a presentation of our dream vacation over the summer in my business tech class, guess what I did? I made a mockery power point of my soon to be "vacation" at Pima collage, including the prices to stay, location, address, phone number, advanced map of the grounds, and the catering services that I would be providing, not provided to me. the teacher loved it and thought it was funny. I got an A+.

It's scary that you will be tried as an adult if you go out with women under 18, the transition from dating women below 18 to older women is kinda scary. Really sucks and you have to hope they are telling the truth.

Neo

04-17-2008, 12:58 AM

Well, Neo, I would suggest you go the IT route because

1)There's too many Graphic Designers around now, even novice teenagers could reproduce a skilled artist's work through photoshop
2)The Sallaries are higher (On Average)

However, I as well prefer graphic designing, it's just the sallary that makes my heart explode.

1) I'm talking about a visual communication degree (ie: more then just slapping some brushes on a picture and some fancy filter work with photoshop).

2) Money doesn't really factor in for me, because to be honest, I'd rather enjoy what I do for a mediocre amount, then hate what I do for a ton.

or whatever.

-Neo

GenocideAlive

04-17-2008, 1:00 PM

Go security. I'm very biased, though.

I guess it appeals to people like me, though.

fyi, this site is not vulnerable to sql injection

hammocksleeper

04-17-2008, 2:42 PM

For those of us that are high school seniors, now is the time to finalize all the decisions about university, the biggest one being where exactly I'm supposed to go. Choosing where to live for the next four years and from where I will be receiving my degree is not at all easy.

I've been accepted to a bunch of schools, but I've narrowed it down to my top two choices, Brown and University of Chicago. I'm going to visit both of them with my dad next week; the choice is just too important to make without having seen the campuses first.

Anyone else going to college next year? Where are you going? What are you studying?

I know you didn't ask for it but...Brown blows and is for losers - go to chicago. dont be fooled by the fact that brown is "ivy league," everyone knows that brown is one of the runts and people will laugh at you behind your back. a degree from chicago is just as respected if not more so. they also have a fine economics program if you are interested (which you probably should be if you are going to chicago - some fabulous professors in that dept). but visit the school, stay over night with some students, go out to parties etc and see what you like.

where else were you accepted/applied?

Neo

04-17-2008, 7:52 PM

Go security. I'm very biased, though.

I guess it appeals to people like me, though.

fyi, this site is not vulnerable to sql injection

Yeah. I've been thinking this to, I already follow certain various security "things" for lack of a better word, but I've never really delved into the subject as much as I have, in say, design, or computer hardware, or whatever.

But I do get a kick out of Steve Gibson talking about random security related things and just rambles on and on, I actually find it interesting (who knew an explanation behind public/private keys would be enjoyable?)

But by the same token, I can just imagine myself in one of those jobs where the network I'm supposed to be securing can't be because the people manning the computers are idiots, and the higher ups are just stupid. Pfft.

Not that it matters. Since I could always just resort to deepfreeze, rofl.

-Neo

EvilEmpire

04-18-2008, 3:47 PM

Well neo, "word on the street" is that security has the future, so you have after all something that has two pluses. AND a plus is also that knowing the stuff you may be studying will just make your time at uni a bit easier too..

GrassDragon

04-19-2008, 2:10 PM

I know you didn't ask for it but...Brown blows and is for losers - go to chicago.

Thanks for the vote of confidence :P I just got back from my visits and am choosing Brown. I like the open curriculum better, the study abroad opportunities are better, and I'm not interested in economics. Plus, it seemed to me that Chicago students pretty much work non-stop and Brown students are much more chill and happier.

I applied to a bunch of schools, but also got accepted at Duke, Tulane, U Penn, Carnegie Mellon, and Tufts. I got waitlisted at Harvard, which I may still pursue.