Georgia Tech Science and Math Reddit-Ask Us Anything Date: Thursday, January 21, 2016 Fall 2016 Prospective Students posting questions for current GT science and math students [–]summerj2016CLASS 2 points 3 days ago How well do you think the pre-health advisors prepared you for medical school? Did you feel you had enough guidance, connections for shadowing, and a competitive GPA and MCAT score for the Medical College of GA? [–]elizabethwGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago

Well, luckily GT just hired a new advisor. Throughout my time here, different advisors would come and go, and I never got to have a close relationship with either of them. So, most of my preparation was individual. The AMA does a great job of giving pre-meds timelines to follow for when to take the MCAT and apply, etc. The GPA is completely up to you and the effort you are willing to put into school. Georgia Tech gives you SO many opportunities to get involved in research and really challenge yourself academically. I am a biochemistry major and have a competitive GPA for medical school. My shadowing was mostly done through personal connections, but you can join clubs on campus that connect you with nearby hospitals. The Stamps Health Ambassadors club actually allows you to shadow at Stamps Health Services if you are an active member. So, yes, I feel I am prepared for medical school after attending Georgia Tech. Even better, you develop such great study skills here that will really help you in medical school.

[–]summerj2016CLASS 1 point 3 days ago Thank you so much for your input! I only know of an engineering major at Tech, so it's great to hear non-engineering majors' perspectives!

[–]elizabethwGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago You're very welcome! Also, Chemistry and Biochemistry just added a Pre-Health track starting this semester, so getting the pre-reqs will be even more streamlined. [–]DCollard_CHEMPROF- 1 point 3 days ago I am a Professor of Chemistry - I actually met with the pre-med advisor yesterday. He was pretty positive about the success of

Tech students, esp. at MCG, but also further afield. Biology and Biochemistry are the most popular majors for pre-med (and other pre-health -- vet, pharm, dent) students - in part because all of the courses required by med schools are in the curriculum already. However, there are also pre-med students in other majors as well (e.g., CHEM, PHYS, PSYC). Plenty of connections for shadowing in medical facilities in midtown ATL. There is a good advising network and an active chapter of AMSA (housed in the School of Biology).

[–]summerj2016CLASS 1 point 3 days ago That is very exciting to hear! I am a Biology major, so I am glad that those students (and others) are experiencing success!

[–]deltaformation3 1 point 3 days ago Biology major here! Many people believe Georgia Tech is not helpful for pre-med but I would disagree, there are a lot of opportunities that are available. The pre-health advisors send emails with upcoming opportunities and are always available, and they conduct many seminars such as tips for an interview and a pre-health wokshop. Also, AMSA provides resources by welcoming medical schools to speak and creating networks with upperclassmen to help you out along the way. There is even an annual pre-health conference with conferences, workshops, one to one mock interviews, etc. to prepare you for medical school. Overall I think Georgia Tech does provides many opportunities academically and through organizations such as AMSA, and Student Hospital Connections. [–]megGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Hi! I am also a Biology Major at Tech as well. I agree with everyone in that there really are a lot of Pre-Med opportunities. I got to shadow last semester on-campus at our Stamps Student Health Center with one of the clubs on campus, got connected to shadow at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta through the American Medical Student Association Club we have on campus, and the GPA and MCAT score are not impossible to get if you are willing to put in the time and effort. I met with the advisor, and they are there if you need them, but there are also a lot of Pre-Health organizations. It is also nice because the Biology department is

smaller, but a large amount of us are Pre-Med, so it is a really great community.

[–]JuanDiaz2016PHYSICS 1 point 3 days ago How difficult is it to get into one of the marching bands or concert bands

[–]elizabethwGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I can only speak for marching band, and it is not difficult. You are only auditioning for a chair, not to be a part of the marching band. [–]aharris48 1 point 3 days ago 4th year Math student here, and I've been in marching band all 4 years and concert band once. -Marching band: you're just auditioning for part placement, nothing else. We accept all interested! -Concert bands: There are auditions for chairs, and you get placed into orchestra, symphonic band, or concert band. Again, don't think I know of anyone that has been turned away. [–]Rebecca_GT 1 point 3 days ago This is secondhand knowledge, but everyone I know that did marching band in high school was able to get into the GT Marching Band. For band (concert, symphonic, orchestral, percussion, jazz), you can find more info about applying and auditioning online; the difficulty of getting in is based on how well you audition. [–]bkempleGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I've played in the symphony orchestra for 2 years, and I have never heard of anybody being turned away. So if you can string a few notes together on your instrument, you can get placed! The auditions are online too at the gatech band website, so you can get a feel for how much you would need to practice beforehand.

[–]njohnson78 1 point 3 days ago Do freshman have to live in a dorm? If so, are the students placed into dorms by their major? Like will I live with other chemistry majors?

[–]TheAstroChemist 1 point 3 days ago GT Chemistry student here! Freshmen are not required to live in a dorm but the vast majority in fact do. Students are not placed into dorms by their major so you'll meet people from a wide variety of different majors in your dorm. [–]bonniesGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago

I don't recall if Freshman were required to live in dorms my year, but I do know that they recommend it. You aren't placed by major though. By chance, there could be some people from your major in your hall, but definitely it won't be all chemistry majors. [–]maybeforonce 1 point 3 days ago I'm a fourth year CS/Math student. Do freshman have to live in a dorm? Nope, but the vast majority do, >90%. If so, are the students placed into dorms by their major? Like will I live with other chemistry majors? No. If you choose to be a part of the "Freshman Experience" program, though, you will live in a dorm with other freshmen. [–]scypherGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I'm fairly sure it is not required for freshman to live on campus for their first semester at Tech. The housing is sorted by preferences of where you want to live, and whether you want to be a part of the 'Freshman Experience' or not. You will be living with students from varying majors, and it's actually a great way to meet people. I am a Chemistry major, but my roommate was a Nuclear and Radio-logical Engineer. [–]thechloestanton 1 point 3 days ago Freshman are not required to stay in dorms, but it is recommended. I did, and it was definitely beneficial to orient myself with the campus. Most dorms are assigned based on your preference, but there are several Think Big programs that sort students into groups base don interests. You can find more info about the Think Big program here:http://housing.gatech.edu/reslife/Pages/Think-Big.aspx [–]Z_RasheedGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago* Hey there, 5th year Earth and Atmospheric Science major. I like clouds [–]MELeeGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago You don't have to, but if you are part of the Freshman Experience program you do. It is suggested that you do (and I also personally suggest that you do). There is also the SMART Living Learning Community, which will put you in a dorm with other science and math majors. I was in that program and I definitely

suggest you apply. There's more information and you can apply at: http://smart.gatech.edu/ [–]LauraWGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Freshmen are encouraged to live in dorms and depending on what other kind of programs you are involved with, you may be required to. For example, if you are in the honors program or grand challenges, you are required to live in their respective dorms. You can choose to be randomly matched with a roommate, or you can choose one on your own: either a friend from home, someone you met previously, someone you matched with on Facebook. The GT class facebook page will have a roommate survey you can fill out and share so that other people can match with you. If you want to live in with another chemistry major, you're welcome to do so, but you don't have to. I STRONGLY recommend living on campus your freshman year. It's a great way to meet people, become involved, and have plenty of fun experiences with your Hall Director and Residence Life. West campus is traditionally the quiet side while East campus is more "lively." You're free to choose which side of campus to live on. As you progress through Tech, different organizations will have "blocks" in upperclassmen apartments. These blocks may be band, grand challenges, honors program, scholarship groups, etc. There's a lot of freedom. [–]MaeveNagleGTStudent 1 point 3 days ago Hey there! Fourth-year chemistry major here. Freshmen do not have to live in dorms, but most choose to do so (and its awesome so you should). However, you can live off-campus and commute if you want to. There is a program called Freshman Experience where you live on a dorm floor with other freshmen and your Peer Leaders plan bunches of events to introduce you to Georgia Tech and Atlanta (http://housing.gatech.edu/reslife/FE/Pages/default.aspx). If you're a chemistry major, I suggest you apply to the SMART program (http://smart.gatech.edu/). I was in it and its really great. It's a living-learning community where you all live in the same dorm building and you get to take classes together and

have the option to do a bunch of science-based activities (lectures, trips, etc). [–]adiegraves 1 point 3 days ago Sign up for the SMART Learning and Living community - awesome for science and math majors! [–]allisonGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago You do not have to live in a dorm or even on campus for that matter, but it might be encouraged that you do, as that is the easiest way to get to know your peers and really make GT your home away from home. You will not be matched with other chemistry majors, and will most likely be matched based on your answers to a lifestyle survey that you fill out when applying for housing (http://housing.gatech.edu/Pages/default.aspx), unless you specifically request to be roomed with a friend and the friend requests you as well on his/her application. As a freshman, you have the option to join the Freshman Experience program, where you will be placed in dorms that are exclusively filled with other freshmen (not necessarily same majors) so you can make friends more easily and perhaps study together for common freshman classes that everyone usually takes their first year. If you don't want to join Freshman Experience, that is fine as well. You can also apply for housing buildings of your choice on the housing website, and live in on-campus apartments or suites with friends (if you sign up together) or be randomly placed with other GT students who opt for random roommates, based on answers to the survey as mentioned above. If you are interested in meeting more of College of Sciences majors specifically, there is a SMART LLC program (http://smart.gatech.edu/) that you can apply to; it is a living and learning community where you will be placed in a dorm building with other members that have majors within the College of Sciences (Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology). I was in the program, and got to meet other physics majors, as I am a second year physics major, and I really liked that the

program helped create a sense of close-knit community with other science and math majors.

[–]njohnson78 1 point 3 days ago Is it possible to do a double major at Georgia Tech?

[–]katiegardnerSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Tons of people double major. I have a couple of friends that are Earth and Atmospheric Science and public policy for example. Its very doable. You can also pick up a minor or certificate if you would rather not take on the workload of two majors. [–]scypherGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Also, minors are a great way to fill in your schedule if you happen to come in with a lot of AP or IB credits. [–]mindyrGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Yes. I know a couple of people who are doing that now. The only thing is that you would be at Tech for much longer than 4 years (depending on which majors of course). [–]gracemathis 1 point 3 days ago A double major might take 5 years, but it will be shorter if you have AP/IB/dual enrollment credit. [–]staciekimGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I am double-majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. It is definitely possible to do a double major, but it is more beneficial if the two majors are somewhat related, as you can double-count as many major courses as required. There is a school-wise policy that no matter how many courses are double-counted for both majors, you still have to take additional 36 free elective credit hours for a second major. I gave up on the idea of double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science when I found out it would essentially require 60 additional credits, as opposed to when I considered Biochemistry as my second major, it only required me to take 10 extra major classes, as I had a surplus of free elective credits already. [–]maybeforonce 1 point 3 days ago Yes, I'm Math/CS. Fourth year. I'm math because I love math, it's my passion. But I'm not convinced I'll make a career out of it. So I'm doing CS as a backup. There's a rule that you have to have 30 something extra hours to be able to do a double major. (I think it's 36?) So certain

combinations of majors aren't allowed, that have a lot of overlap of hours. I would only recommend getting two degrees if 1) you are getting another degree as a backup, like me or 2) you know you're going to take a lot of classes in the second major anyway, so why not declare it as a second major? Though in case 2, I would recommend looking into minors. [–]LauraWGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago 3rd Year - Biochem. Major, Spanish and Management Double Minor --> TOTALLY possible. Tech will allow you to pick up a max of 2 majors and (possibly or?) two minors. It's very popular, among all of the colleges. Even if you don't decide to double major or minor orrr earn a certificate, you can take classes to satisfy free electives. Additionally, I am in the Honors Program and we have special topics courses, they are co-curricular courses that bring together various disciplines, such as "The Effect of Red Bull, Chocolate, and Coffee on Society" where you study psychology, biology, sociology, the engineering of these products, etc. I had a friend who double majored in music and aerospace engineering...very different subjects...but she now works at Boeing as a specialist engineer designing quiet engines [–]JustinGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I am doing a Biochemistry and CS double major. It will take me five years for sure although it takes many people at Tech five years anyway for a single major so its not that bad. Georgia Tech is pretty rigid in the classes it requires, so expect a lot of coursework and not a lot of double counting classes between both majors. That being said, I have loved my classes at Tech so I am looking forward to it!

[–]madim966 1 point 3 days ago Do you recommend living in a Living Learning Community? If so, which one(s)? I received some info about the SMaRT LLC.

[–]aharris48 1 point 3 days ago 4th year Math student here, I was in the Grand Challenges in its first year at Tech back in 2012-2013.

LLC's are a neat way to develop relationships with the people that you live with. You're working with the people around you, and get to do some really cool projects. [–]MaeveNagleGTStudent 1 point 3 days ago Definitely! Especially with SMART, it's great living near people who are studying similar things as you and taking the same classes so you can get homework help and have study buddies. It's also a nice resume booster and offers you opportunities to network with professors. There are more Living Learning Communities, but most are for second-years and above. [–]bonniesGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I personally did not live in one, but I have a friend who really enjoyed Grand Challenges. I think the communities are a great way to get to know a lot of people and get involved early on. [–]MELeeGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Hi I'm a second year physics major and I was in the SMART LLC its first year. I really enjoyed it - it was especially nice to have other science majors in my dorm. Most of the other science majors I know talk about being surrounded by engineers and not believing that other science majors existed until after Freshman year when they got into higher level courses. SMART also reserves some classes for you to get into, so you're in the same classes as other people on your hall and in your building and it's much easier to form study groups. I live with 3 other people who were in SMART with me now - and we're all physics majors! :) The program has matured more since its first year too and is only getting better!

[–]MarcusWilder-16Class 1 point 3 days ago Would it be easier to do a double major in the same area of study, or is there not a noticeable difference?

[–]maybeforonce 1 point 3 days ago Fourth year math/cs. What do you mean, "in the same area of study?" [–]Rebecca_GT 1 point 3 days ago I know people who either double major in biology and biochemistry or do one as a minor. The difficulty lies in the overlap of credits because they both have similar classes that can't be "double counted." Each class is different and if that's the

area of study you're really interested in it's a good way of getting a broader range of classes. [–]TheAstroChemist 1 point 3 days ago You could do something like a double major in physics and chemistry, and I'd imagine that might be less difficult because you'll see considerably more overlap than say, physics and economics. [–]jjosh_h 1 point 3 days ago It depends what you mean. If your thinking physics and literature obviously those wouldn't really compliment one another. On the other hand, double majoring in aerospace and mechanical engineering probably wouldn't be worth it because so much of the material is the same. I think there is a nice medium where the two compliment one another yet don't repeat. For example, I have a friend who is doing "physics" and "Materials Science and Engineering". Another example might be physics and geophysics (in the EAS department).

[–]MarcusWilder-16Class 1 point 3 days ago Thank you all.

[–]JamesBorovilas2016 1 point 3 days ago Is anybody in or involved with the physics major? I would like to know what you guys think about the opportunities in research that GA Tech provides. Is there a lot of variety, are the labs generally open to undergrads, and are the professors willing to teach students the techniques to perform laboratory procedures not typically taught in an undergraduate setting? I'm interested in research (high energy, biophysics, ect..) and possibly summer research abroad (at CERN, for instance.) Also, does the physics community at Tech largely participate in "The Society for Physics Students?" It sounds like an interesting program/organization and one I'd definitely look into more.

[–]thechloestanton 1 point 3 days ago So I am not a physics major, and I'm sure they could give you a better answer, but I know a little. The major does not have a huge number of students, which is a good thing, making access to profs. and to labs really easy. (I know many physics majors who started in labs as freshman.) SPS is HUGE at Tech. It's great bonding for majors and others who are interested. I personally

am not a member but I have a lot of friends involved. They are always having a lot of fun. Edit: and yes, you will be helped along the way of your research career. Most profs. are really encouraging and want you to succeed. [–]MELeeGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Hi, I'm a second year physics major and the secretary of the Society of Physics Students. The department is very welcoming to undergrad research - I got research the first semester of my Freshman year with a biophysics/nonlinear lab. Our department has a wide variety of pretty much everything but high energy (sorry), but you can also do an REU elsewhere. I did one this past summer at William and Mary (they do high energy). SPS is really active, but unfortunately we haven't updated our website recently (don't look at it!). We do several projects every year - last year we built a fusion reactor and the year before we built a muon chamber. We have meetings every Friday at 5 in L5 in Howey (the physics building), so if you live near the Atlanta area you can totally stop by one of our meetings! We also go on two major trips every year: our fall trip this year was to Huntsville, Alabama where we visited the Space and Rocket Center, and this semester we're going to DC and touring the Pentagon, AIP, and NIST. [–]SunLR 1 point 3 days ago 5th year physics major here. Like an earlier commenter, I also have been involved with undergrad research since my freshman year, so you definitely will find plenty of opportunities here. Whether you want to be an experimentalist or theorist, the professor most likely won't leave you stranded (I can't speak for all professors of course) and will give you materials to help you learn. In my case though, I largely work with the grad students and postdocs in the lab and meet with the professor to give updates every two weeks or so, since professors are generally very busy. We have a very active SPS chapter, feel free to stop by room S203 in Howey (physics building) anytime. [–]TTipSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago

3rd year physics major. It's a small department, which makes the professors very accessible. Doing research is as easy as talking to a prof about their work and asking if they have room for an undergrad. We do have a variety different lab styles, from building electronics to vacuum chambers, pure theory, computation, and more. We have a lot of biophysics covering the range of scales from proteins to animal kinematics. Unfortunately we don't really have high energy physics; the closest thing would be high energy astrophysics. We do have a really active SPS chapter, of which I'm the VP. Like a commenter said before, we have trips every semester and do a lot of cool projects and stuff. The SPS is also a great about providing support, personally and academically. My closest friends are fellow SPS members, and working in homework groups and talking to upperclassman are invaluable resources for the tough upper level classes.

[–]VelvetUndergrad99 1 point 3 days ago Is getting a double major in applied and discrete math strange or even doable? [–]maybeforonce 2 points 3 days ago Fourth year math/cs. 100% not allowed, school of math doesn't let you. Anyway they're overhauling the MATH majors soon anyway so it doesn't matter. There won't be Applied Math and Discrete Math. There'll be just one degree, and you can register for various "specializations," similar to the CS threads program. (I don't know anymore about it.) [–]DCollard_CHEMPROF- 1 point 3 days ago Right, there will be an overhaul of the math major, but this will give MORE options. The Math minor can be combined with any major in the College of Sciences or in engineering. It requires 18 credits at the 3000 level or above:http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/colleges/cos/math/ugrad/minors.php

[–]VelvetUndergrad99 1 point 3 days ago Wait, so will there still be a major in math or only a minor? Because I can't see myself majoring in anything else.

[–]greg9381 1 point 2 days ago

There will still be a math major, don't worry. Like they said above me, it will be a single degree program with specializations (like statistics, discrete math, etc.) instead of applied vs. discrete math majors. As far as I know, there aren't going to be any changes to the existing math minor program

[–]tbur16 1 point 3 days ago It's hard to delve into the atmosphere of a college without visiting, which I'm unable to do currently. I have a large college book which tries to shed some light on this issue, amoung other parts of the school in order to give a quick summary to differentiate it from other schools. Georgia Tech's programs excelled, however, the students were depicted as extremely competitive; more than some Ivy League Colleges. Have you found this to be true?

[–]maybeforonce 2 points 3 days ago Fourth year math/cs. My experience has been there are such an incredible number of opportunities for GT students that you don't really have to compete for them. [–]scypherGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago 3rd Year Chemistry major. Competitive? No. We are all very driven to succeed, but I've have yet to see any hard-core competition like in the Ivy Leagues. Most of the students I have come across are extremely helpful. We all want to succeed as well as see others do the same. [–]LauraWGTSTUDENT 3 points 3 days ago NOT AT ALL. Tech is a highly collaborative place. It's very challenging and classes are difficult, but people struggle together. It's not like other schools where some students will hide their peer's textbooks so he can't study. Everyone understands how challenging Tech can be and everyone wants to help their classmates. I've never felt as though I was pitted against my classmates and had to do better than them. Group work is very popular and professors often encourage students to work together on homework, form study groups, or discuss the material to answer questions during lectures. This is probably my favorite thing about Tech: competition does not exist. When I was visiting colleges, I remember walking in to the libraries at

other universities...it was very quiet, everyone was working on their own, very tense environments, lots of pressure. At Tech, anywhere on campus, but most especially in the library, you find students working in groups, struggling through the workload and tough problems TOGETHER. Never competing or trying to "out do" someone else. [–]JustinGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago No way. At least among who I have worked with others in Biochemistry and cs related classes, everybody is very down to earth. In fact I remember freshman and sophomore year we would hear stories from friends up north about things being super competitive up there, and we would be like thank gosh its not like that here. You ask most in your classes for help, and they will definitely at least give you a few minutes of your time [–]allisonGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Maybe they seem competitive as some students may be shy, but I would say everyone I've met in classes and outside in clubs have been very friendly and easy to talk to. We usually joke about the difficulty of classes, and professors encourage that we form study groups. From my time here, I've found nothing but support from my peers; we're all in this together! [–]jjosh_h 1 point 3 days ago I was in the Mech engineering program and now I am working on a second degree in the earth and atmospheric science program. So I have had the opportunity to experience both the engineering and science programs, and I don't think this is a problem. The real problem here is just dealing with the large workload. Most students are happy to work together. Of course there are those who aren't, but that's less out of competitiveness and more to do with people being socially awkward. [–]staciekimGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago The course grades are usually curved, so one way to look at curved classes is that sometimes your grade depends on how well/badly your classmates do. So in this respect, people may say GT students are competitive amongst them? However, as you will find out, the curves almost always help everyone (i.e. you get curved up and don't really curved down). A lot of people benefit from forming study groups than trying to study by

themselves. After getting through all those hard classes, you form what is like a comradeship. You fight together, not against each other. [–]GTBioMajor 1 point 3 days ago Hey there! Second year biology major here! I believe what truly defines Georgia Tech is that students actually are quite competitive, but with THEMSELVES, pushing themselves to be the best they can be. However, peer-to-peer interactions are never anything but collaborative! I have spent several nights working on group projects and labs with my peers, forming some of my best memories at Tech!

[–]sainred 1 point 3 days ago I heard that a neuroscience major was in the works for the 2016-2017 year at GT. Does anyone know whether this has been confirmed? I plan on going pre-med, so if there isn't a neuroscience major, I would probably major in biochemistry. Also, what kinds of opportunities are present in the Georgia Tech and Emory partnership?

[–]bonniesGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I spoke with a professor about that last week and I believe that it is still in the works. I believe there was supposed to be a meeting about it sometime this week or next week. Even if they don't create the major, there are still neuro-anatomy courses and other neuro-related courses to take if that is of interest to you. I'm a 4th year biology major and pre-med, I've found that I've been able to take interesting classes in my field of interest without having a more concentrated major. [–]Rebecca_GT 1 point 3 days ago Don't know about the neuroscience major, but there is a new physiology minor. Tech does offer neuroscience-related classes that you could take as part of that minor or as electives. There are Tech/Emory research collaborations in Biochemistry and probably other fields, and definitely in Biomedical Engineering (BME). [–]GTscienceandmath[S] 1 point 3 days ago Assistant Dean Cameron Tyson: Yes, the neuroscience BS program is being actively worked on. It would be an interdisciplinary BS degree offered by the GT School of Biology, School of Applied Physiology, and School of Psychology. We are

working to obtain all approvals and offer in Fall 2017 (however, students that enroll in Tech in fall 2016 could easily transition into that program once approved). I think the biochemistry (or BIOL or PSYC) major would be a great way to start. FYI....Tech already has a number of neuroscience faculty and research. Definitely consider Tech if you are wanting to study neuroscience. In regards to opportunities between GT and Emory, lots of research programs on campus are collaborative. Undergraduate research in one of these labs is probably the best way to take part in this partnership. [–]LGreen_BioProf 1 point 3 days ago You'll find the most neuro-related courses in Biology, Psychology, and Applied Physiology. There are also opportunities to conduct neuro-research in many departments, regardless of your major. It's helpful to think about choosing your major based upon the coursework you are most interested in spending your time studying and discussing - the co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities will be there for you regardless of your major. And the more you like your classes, the higher your GPA, which can be more important for post-graduation options than the name of your major. [–]summerj2016CLASS 1 point 3 days ago If I am selected for the Honors program, I know I would be expected to live in that dorm for freshman year. After freshman year, though, can you still live on campus/how easy is it to live on campus? Do Honors students have any advantages in the dorm selection process after the first year? [–]aharris48 1 point 3 days ago 4th year math student here! I've lived on campus my entire time here. It's incredibly easy to live on campus, just a simple online application each spring. To my knowledge Honors gives you no advantage for future years, it is by seniority/credit hours. The apartments are a nice place to live once you are no longer a freshman- check out housing.gatech.edu! [–]MaeveNagleGTStudent 1 point 3 days ago I'm in the Honors Program, and yes there are what are called "Honors Blocks" reserved in dorms for non-first year honors students each year. I think the Honors Block is in Crecine on

West Campus this year. This is definitely an advantage to getting into the nicer dorms. Also, if you get into both the Honors program and the SMART program, you can choose to live in SMART housing if you prefer. That is what I did my freshman year. [–]Z_RasheedGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago After freshman year you have the option to stay on campus or search for off campus housing. Getting into on campus housing is relatively easy and you apply in the spring semester for one of the many upperclassmen dorms and apartments.

[–]summerj2016CLASS 1 point 3 days ago This is very reassuring! I live about 1.5 hours from Atlanta, so I'm not 100% familiar with the city or comfortable (at least yet) to live off campus, so it's good to know these options exist!

[–]LauraWGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Third Year Honors Program, Biochemistry Major. Actually, yes, you do have an advantage. The Honors Program dorm just moved to West Campus (previously on East). Freshmen are guaranteed housing in the Armstrong and Hefner dorms. Upperclassmen HP students are guaranteed housing in the Crecine Apartments across the street! There's an honors program block of apartments! Alternatively, if you don't want to stay with Crecine, you can live in one of the many other apartment buildings. I've never heard of someone not getting into an apartment if they've applied. Additionally, there are brand new student housing apartments located in Tech Square: Square on 5th (where I live now) and University House! Try looking these up, too! There are plenty of options! [–]JustinGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I'm a third year honors student as well. You actually aren't required to live in the 'honors blocks' (dorms reserved for Tech students) any of your years at Tech, but you have the option to. To qualify though, all people you sign up for housing with (if you are signing up with friends) must be honors students as well. I chose Honors over SMART (or BEST as it was called at the time I think) so I can't speak for SMART but Honors housing has been a blast. I have stuck with my Honors hall mates for housing for all

three years of my time at Tech. I would highly recommend staying with Honors if you have the option. At least in my year Honors facilitated a lot of really close friendships

[–]JuanDiaz2016PHYSICS 1 point 3 days ago Is it possible to get a Master's degree instead of a Bachelor's by keeping a high GPA and doing Honors courses? I've heard of this from other universities.

[–]maybeforonce 1 point 3 days ago Nope. [–]katiegardnerSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago some programs offer a BS to MS however where you can take some classes as an undergrad that will count toward your masters degree so that the process of getting the masters is shorter. [–]jjosh_h 1 point 3 days ago The closest thing to that would be a 5 year BS and MS program that lets you do both in 5 years. But you cannot skip BS. see more here http://www.me.gatech.edu/undergraduate/bsms

[–]ryankelms1998 3 points 3 days ago What kind of research opportunities are there in the Earth and Atmospheric Science department?

[–]thechloestanton 1 point 3 days ago I am a 3rd year EAS major, and I have been doing research since I came here as a freshman. I study biogeochemistry and paleoclimate, but we have research is a bunch of different areas, including geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, climatology, and planetary sciences. It's super easy to get into labs in EAS; we are an intimate and welcoming program. [–]katiegardnerSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I am currently involved in geophysics research, specifically in seismology and creating an algorithm to calculate earthquake energy and duration and hopefully provide better tsunami warning systems. Its super easy to get involved also. I literally just emailed the professor I was interested in working with about a position and he met with me that same week. We also get tons of opportunities to do field work no matter what kind of research you do. I went to Costa Rica last march with a grad student and a professor to do some geodesy research and it was the coolest

thing ever. 10/10 would recommend doing research. It can also get you in the door for job opportunities and gets you closer to professors who can write you rec letters. [–]Z_RasheedGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago 5th year in EAS. And there are a ton of research opportunities. I would suggest looking at the GT EAS website.http://www.eas.gatech.edu/research [–]JennVarianGTStudent 1 point 3 days ago Tons of stuff! I'm a fourth year Earth and Atmospheric Science (EAS) major who loves tornadoes and volcanoes! We have research in volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, fossils (paleontology), weather forecasting, climate change, earthquakes, aerosols in the atmosphere, geology, geophysics, planetary science (OUR DEPARTMENT FOUND LIQUID WATER ON MARS!) and we love dinosaurs! [–]TTipSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago The professors are all really open to involving undergrads in their research. I'm actually studying physics and working in EAS. The department administration is great. I'm currently doing work in planetary science, which is well represented at Tech. Others have already said how diverse the topics you can get into are.

[–]njohnson78 1 point 3 days ago I am interested in some different clubs and maybe sports. Are there a lot of clubs on campus I can participate in?

[–]MaeveNagleGTStudent 1 point 3 days ago Of course. You can find all the sports at http://www.crc.gatech.edu/sportclubs/. You should definitely check out the fencing club. And every other club is listed on a website called Jacketpages (http://jacketpages.gatech.edu/). There's something like 300 clubs on campus, so whatever you want to do you probably can. Or start your own club! [–]jjosh_h 1 point 3 days ago Oh yeah. http://www.jacketpages.gatech.edu/organizations Check out that page, but some are old and no longer exist. If you find one you like, try emailing them to see if they're still around. [–]scypherGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago

There are far too many clubs to count. Pretty much any interest you may have whether it be academic (like Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.) or not (Dancing, Video Games, Table-top Gaming, Fencing, etc.) There are so many to choose from. You will not have any problems finding something that tickles your fancy. [–]LauraWGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago http://www.jacketpages.gatech.edu/organizations Seriously hundreds. This is a list of all of the registered clubs on campus. (Though there are plenty that are not registered.) Sports wise, there's intramurrals, club teams, and you can try out for the varsity teams, depending on your level of commitment. [–]maybeforonce 1 point 3 days ago Absolutely! Fourth year math/cs major here. I'm pretty involved with Club Math at Georgia Tech. We're a social organization of students who love math. You don't have to be a math major to join, in fact more than half of our members are not math majors! We do a number of different things at meetings. Most of the time we have "problem sessions", where members will present problems to the club to solve. We work on them collaboratively for an hour. At other meetings, a student or faculty member will give a talk on a topic that fascinates them; we've heard talks on fractals, probability and statistics, "polymino" math, and a number of others. We also have a single "board games week" during the semester (usually right before finals week, to de-stress), and also "math arts and crafts!" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClubMath.gatech/ [–]allisonGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago There will be some club tables on the Tech Green in front of the Clough Undergraduate Building during your FASET orientation. You can look at the clubs there and sign up to receive emails about club activities, and there will be flyers for academic and social clubs all over the class buildings as well. Visithttp://www.jacketpages.gatech.edu/organizations for a more complete list of clubs. And intramural and competitive sports teams are signed up for through the crc

website: http://www.crc.gatech.edu/intramurals/. Additionally, if you're interested in Greek Life, you could look at http://www.greek.gatech.edu/. [–]SunLR 1 point 3 days ago There are fitness classes taught by certified instructor as well, like dancing, yoga, martial arts, etc. and some classes consider themselves a club. You can find out more about those classes herehttp://www.crc.gatech.edu/gitfit/content/1/about-git-fit [–]JustinGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago When I was first here (I'm a third year now), they told us Georgia Tech had the record for number of clubs across all college campuses in the country. I'm not sure if thats still true, but we certainly have a lot of clubs. [–]JennVarianGTStudent 2 points 3 days ago StORM Club! Students Observing and Researching Meteorology! You can email us at georgiatech.ams@gmail.com to get onto the mailing list and add us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stormGTAMS if you're even remotely interested in meteorology! :) We are largely community service based! But yes, there are tons of clubs to choose from!

[–]AriaCooke 2 points 3 days ago Can anyone tell me about the "EXPLORE" event on February 13th?

[–]thechloestanton 1 point 3 days ago Basically, we will give prospective students an in-person introduction to the college of sciences. You will be able to meet profs. from all departments, there will be a majors fair, a student panel, and more, all on campus. For free! The program can be found here: http://www.explore.cos.gatech.edu/program [–]megGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I'm pretty sure I helped out with that last year. If I remember correctly, it was a day designed to give incoming students more knowledge about the College of Sciences. Last year there were faculty there who talked about their respective classes and departments, current students to answer questions, and there

was a lot of opportunities to learn more about what being in the College of Sciences at Tech is like. [–]DCollard_CHEMPROF- 1 point 3 days ago Lots of students (and parents) come to EXPLORE Science and Math! We had over 400 attend last year. There are research presentations by faculty in each department, and lunch is spent with the academic advisor in your major. Current students present posters on their research. There are also student panels and presentations on pre-med, financial aid, housing, student organizations, etc. [–]KayleyB 1 point 3 days ago This program was great for me. It provided me with lots of insights into opportunities at Tech.

[–]madim966 1 point 3 days ago What is the difference between EXPLORE and Gold Carpet Day Programs? If you can only attend one or the other, which one would be preferable?

[–]GTscienceandmath[S] 1 point 3 days ago Assistant Dean Cameron Tyson: Gold Carpet Day: This event is organized by the GT Office of Undergraduate Admission in coordination with the six colleges at GT. The College of Sciences admitted students will receive an overview of the various academic programs, have the opportunity to attend a class, participate in lab activity, and attend a pizza lunch and panel discussion with current CoS students and faculty. The event is free for admitted students, but there is a fee (I think $50) for guests. Space is limited for this event. The length of the event is approximately 5 hours (e.g. 9-2pm) College of Sciences EXPLORE Math and Science Open House: This event is exclusively for admitted science and math undergraduates and their guests. Our program will include short overviews of cutting edge research by faculty, panel sessions with current students/faculty, a fair of various student organizations and departments from campus, info sessions from financial aid and housing, and a campus/housing tour option. Lunch is provided for students and guests; we also validate for parking on campus (area 1 or 3 only). This event is FREE. The

first Explore event is Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 9-3pm. If you cannot make that date, we will be offering a second Explore Open house on Saturday, April 2, 2016 (registration for that event will open in early March…..I will send reminders to any students that did not attend the first Explore). [–]MaeveNagleGTStudent 1 point 3 days ago EXPLORE is specifically for the College of Science and allows you to meet professors who teach your major, ask questions from current CoS students, see the teaching labs, talk with some undergraduate presenting research posters, etc. However, the event takes place in one building (the CULC, which is basically the center of campus) Gold Carpet Day is a more general program that shows you the entire campus and gives you a general overview of Tech life. Both are good events, so you should decide what kind of experience you would prefer.

[–]sorcerers_apprentice 1 point 3 days ago Is pre-med doable at GT? By this I mean, is it realistic to expect a high enough GPA at Tech to get into med school?

[–]bonniesGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Definitely doable. I'm a fourth year biology pre-med that's gotten accepted to med school. It's a lot of hard work, but it's really rewarding when you get the acceptance letter. [–]elizabethwGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago It is very doable! It is also realistic to have a high GPA. If you care and actually try, you will have a great GPA. I got into med school without problems. I think GT prepares you really well with all of the studying skills you gain. [–]megGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Biology Major here! I would like to just say that I definitely think it is doable to get a good GPA, and I have gotten A's in a lot of my classes at Tech. That said, I also think it depends a lot on your major and what you decide to take. Biology is a really great Pre-Med major because you don't have to take a ton of super hard classes all at the same time, and the professors are here to help you. I feel the engineering majors and Biomedical Engineering Pre-Meds have a harder time with getting the GPA

they want. I know Georgia Tech has a reputation for being super difficult, but if you don't overload yourself with classes and really be proactive and stay on top of your work, then you really will be fine. [–]LGreen_BioProf 1 point 3 days ago The acceptance rate for pre-med students from GT is on par with Emory Univ, just above 50%. I don't know the rates for other area schools but google would probably turn up some. I've seen many students go on to medical school and report how well prepared and satisfied they are with their GT preparation, compared to med students from other colleges. Biol and BChem have strong curricula for preparing you for the content on the MCAT and medical school.

[–]tbur16 1 point 3 days ago My mom thinks Atlanta is a scary city as far as crime goes. Do you feel safe on campus compared to your hometown?

[–]SunLR 1 point 3 days ago The Georgia Tech Police Department is extremely dedicated, they'll always be there to help, and they frequently patrol the campus. Of course, crimes still do happen, but you can prevent them by being aware of your surrounding and avoid walking alone late at night. GTPD does host self-defense seminars as well, and there are martial arts classes on campus. However, just being aware of your surrounding is more than half the battle already. [–]Rebecca_GT 1 point 3 days ago I do feel safe, there are the police call boxes all over campus as well as an app called LiveSafe that you can use to report tips, SafeWalk, and more. The Stingerette is very useful for getting around at night because it picks you up from your location and brings you back to your housing. And as the other person said, GTPD really cares about the students so that's really nice. [–]staciekimGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I definitely feel safe on campus. I personally would not feel safe walking around after ~8 pm "near" campus, but I had no problem studying in the library until 2-3 am and walking back to my dorm (or take the Midnight Rambler). Now that I moved off campus (10-min walk from campus, near Tech Square), I take

precaution and get back to my place no later than 8 pm, so I do miss those days when I was able to stay wherever until whenever as long as I was still on campus. [–]scypherGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago Personally, Atlanta is only as dangerous as you let it be. If you are smart and minimize own risk such as not walking alone late at night (especially off-campus) and keeping valuables out of sight, you really don't have to be afraid here. Any city is dangerous, but if know how to navigate it and keep to some very basic safety rules, you should be fine. [–]mindyrGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I feel like overall campus is safe. For the most part, crimes occur off campus in the middle of the night, so if you are conscious of your surroundings and are smart about walking around at night, you should be fine. [–]JustinGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I grew up, a few blocks from Tech so I know Atlanta pretty well. Sure there are bad neighborhoods in atlanta that give atlanta a bad rap (Vine City, kirkwood, bankhead, etc.). But on campus I have always felt very safe. Georgia Tech PD has one of the most high tech police departments just in case. Students regularly wander around campus alone late at night, and in case you feel a bit uncomfortable GT has special vans/buses you can call at night to take you where you need to go. Even among the neighborhoods around GT (eg. midtown), crime is relatively low. Of course, if you are not smart and walk into the wrong areas, late at night you can get in trouble. But be smart, and you'll be fine [–]allisonGTSTUDENT 1 point 3 days ago I would say don't go venturing outside campus, especially when it gets dark out, but I don't see any problems with safety within campus. All residence buildings require a buzzcard or a key for access, and the police here takes their job seriously. With that said, I've walked over to Atlantic Station with a friend and back around this time of night a couple times, and we've never seen anything bad happen. Just make sure you know you're in the city, but coming from a quiet suburban town, I would say I feel quite/equally safe on campus. Most incidents (usually theft)

happen off campus, and we are always alerted to unresolved crimes near GT by email. [–]jjosh_h 1 point 3 days ago This is hard to judge this without letting your own experiences cloud your judgment. Every few days we get an email about a crime near or on campus late at night, but it's never happened to me. I am far less scared than I used to be. Nevertheless, atlanta isn't the best city for crime. Luckily its not much of a problem on campus. All in all, I don't think it ought to prevent you from coming.

[–]GTscienceandmath[S] 1 point 3 days ago Many thanks to our current GT students and future students for engaging in a great Q&A. We will be back in a week, January 28, from 8-9pm to answer any further questions. Welcome to Tech!