Quick Questions Thread - Page 10

Lepsis3942 · 04-15-2009, 12:44 AM

Hey, so I was admitted as a US student instead of engineering (met all requirements save for taking a physics class) and was planning on transferring in whenever I could. But, I have absolutely no intention of becoming an engineer, I want to major in Computer Science so I'm wondering if I can simply wait until my sophomore year and declare my major in CS avoiding all those classes that would put me behind. Math is not my strongest subject so lagging behind and having to rush through courses is not something I am too keen on and I don't plan on taking the AP AB Calc test so I will be starting with that and other basic math classes.

Zimmer07 · 04-15-2009, 09:24 AM

My son is a CS major - Even though you don't want to become an "engineer", you will still have to take that beginning engineering course, chemistry, and physics, as well as linear algebra and geometry (even if you made a 5 on AP Calc, you still have to take those 2 math courses). As a US student, you should try to take the linear Alg, Geometry, Freshman English, Chem, and if you can't get into the Freshman Engineering course during your first year, then take electives that fulfill one or more of the core requirements. Soph year, take Calc, Physics, the engineering course (if possible - you may have to take this during the summer, ask your advisor), and the beginning CS courses.

chuy · 05-27-2009, 12:53 AM

Bump, but with a blurb to justify it.

If you've got a half hour or so free on weeknights or weekend nights there's a theater (mostly shows movies, but has some live shows) in Blacksburg called The Lyric which could use your help volunteering. It's a community theater and the people who staff the box office and concession stand are all unpaid volunteers. Basically all you have to do is show up a half hour before the movie starts, pour drinks/popcorn for people at the concession stand, and then you're done. You finish up just as the movie starts so you can get a free popcorn and watch the movie for free if it's something you want to see. It isn't a huge time commitment (a half hour/45 minutes a week and the manager will love you) and helping out helps keep a really cool place open, and while there aren't a lot of college students who volunteer there regularly there are a lot of nice, interesting people.

And if you don't want to volunteer, The Lyric is probably the #1 cheap date spot for a freshman to take a girl. Tickets are between $4 and $5, it's usually not crowded, and it's within exceptionally easy walking distance from campus. It's not quite as nice as the newer theaters like in Christiansburg and it doesn't usually show first releases, but the upside is you don't have to navigate your way into Christiansburg and pay over twice as much.

Sorry if this sounded like an ad, but The Lyric is a really cool, sometimes overlooked place in Blacksburg and a real service to the community and students. I know hardly anyone here is in Blacksburg right now (other than me) but try to keep it in mind when you do head there in the fall.

shurgie · 06-16-2009, 01:13 PM

I attended Virginia Tech as well and will be a sophmore as well in the Fall. I agree about the Lyric. I attended a show there 2-3 times last semester and while it may not be a name brand theatre it still is a great place. It has that old school feeling and is in the heart of downtown. One good tip for everyone coming to visit is check out downtown don't just go around campus. Part of the college experience is getting off campus and Blacksburg has a great atmosphere.

Congrats all those who are getting in!

I also will be able to answer any question you have, I am a Communication Major and was a part of the RLC (Residential Leadership Community) dorms. (Don't mean to take over your thread chuy)

chuy · 06-16-2009, 02:16 PM

By all means feel free. I just have my experiences at VT to draw from, the more in the thread the better. I agree about downtown. I walk from my apartment to downtown just to walk around a couple times a week because A) I'm easily amused and B) there is actually a good bit going on. Even during the summer there are a good number of people down there, especially Wed-Saturday nights.

redathe · 06-17-2009, 05:36 PM

Awesome thread! A quick question: I'm an incoming freshman who intends to major in math. I was told that there is a large difference between the honors and non-honors beginning math classes. I have a long history of being bored with math and really want a challenge. I'm a bit of a nerd.

Despite my nerdy qualities, I was rejected from the honors program. I was wondering if honors classes are limited to those in the program or if they are a separate thing.

Thanks!

Zimmer07 · 06-19-2009, 08:06 AM

Honors classes are limited to those in Honors, unfortunately. And you'll probably be quite bored with the required freshman math courses as well (Linear Algebra and Geometry) - they must be taken even if you scored a 5 on AP Calculus. Get through that though and you'll find more interesting math courses to choose from later.

chuy · 06-19-2009, 01:12 PM

The good thing about Linear Algebra is that since it's all online you can knock it out in a couple weeks if you want, and not having to worry about it again.

sthomas92 · 07-05-2009, 08:20 PM

are freshman required to live on campus?

chuy · 07-05-2009, 09:28 PM

Technically I think they're supposed to, but they always offer to pay off people to move off campus (in dining dollars) due to overcrowding.

sthomas92 · 07-07-2009, 11:57 PM

thank you so much for the reply. so if i told them i was gonna rent an apartment off campus you think they would def allow it? and might even give some perks? wow, that'd be awesome!

sunxrunner · 07-28-2009, 09:19 PM

I got into Newman Hall and I need info

lisag428 · 07-29-2009, 04:03 PM

Anyone have info on Slusher Wing - my son was assigned to a room on the 1st floor.

kindaslick89 · 07-30-2009, 04:00 AM

I was on the first floor of slusher wing last year. All I can say is it is hottttttt. There is carpet like stuff on the walls that just trap in the heat. I would suggest a high quality fan (or two/three/four). The first floor is also really long and narrow and rooms are grouped into little pods of about 6 or 7. Real easy to make friends as you are in close proximity. Its not really all that comfortable (HEAT) but the pod-like structure of the rooms makes it easy to meet people. In my experience it is not one of the nicer dorms on campus but hey...its only just for a year. I believe there are two RA's on the first floor, a few small study lounges, and a big laundry room. The floors above belong to the WING program (people who want to "share" the freshman experience) and Hypatia (which is for female engineers). There is nice interaction between the floors, as in my case the RA's tried to arrange activities and events. The wing is connected to slusher tower which is 12 stories high, and there is a great big lounge in between the two where one could watch tv or study with friends. Again, in my experience it wasn't one of the nicer dorms on campus, but your experience in it is what you make of it. Hope this was somewhat helpful...

chuy · 11-08-2009, 03:36 PM

People are probably going to start looking at places to apply soon, so I'll bump this up to the top for them.