Georgia Tech

Forget about being a freshman. RATS are the fresh meat here at Georgia Tech. As the Recently-Acquired Tech Students, incoming students have RAT caps, and there are rules for the upkeep of the hats. Freshman cheers are also a part of this tradition. Upperclassmen settle for the freshmen to wear their caps during football games, rather than the entire quarter.

“There are three things students here want: a social life, good grades, and sleep. You can only have two.” This quote has been spoken to many freshmen, and most feel it is true.

• Good grades: You will be expected to learn things without supervision, and you will be held to very high standards.
• Social life: Tech is known as a research institute, and consequently, the social scene might seem a little lame for people who expect to find a party on every corner on any given night.
• Sleep: Well, good luck squeezing that in.

It is true that many Tech students might sometimes wish that they had chosen another, less demanding school for college. But in the end, everyone seems to be happy with their choice. Working your butt off has its rewards. Many see the school as a sort of “proving ground” for professional life.

“I’ll be proud of my five-year degree! And yes, it usually takes five years to get out.”

“I truly enjoy Georgia Tech, but I work really hard. You get your money’s worth, but you really have to try your hardest. I really love all the people I’ve met so far.”

Just make sure you figure out what D-Day, Dead Week, the Word, and Pink Slips are. They aren’t quite what you think. Find out if Georgia Tech truly has something for you, straight from the students' mouths.

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