By Sue Luse

Campus Overview

Georgia Tech’s campus occupies 400 acres in the heart of the city of Atlanta.  It is often said that Atlanta was built around Georgia Tech, and most students feel they experience the best of both worlds – lush green space in the middle of campus and all the advantages of being located in an urban area. I had a great tour and was impressed with the bustling student union, the library full of  enthusiastic students – many working with two computers, the updated labs and lecture halls and the obvious school spirit.

All freshman enjoy The Freshman Experience. There are over 400 student organizations to become involved in as well as 583 intramural teams.  Georgia Tech boasts a 300,659 square-foot recreation center (rated #1 in the country in 2011 by Princeton Review)

Academics/Colleges

Georgia Tech offers coursework leading to degrees in thirty-four undergraduate majors, forty-seven master’s programs, and thirty doctoral programs as well as preparatory programs for law, dental, medical, and veterinary schools. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in the Colleges of Architecture, Computing, Engineering, Sciences, the Scheller College of Business, and the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.

Admissions

Georgia Tech is a selective institution; therefore, the freshman application process is competitive in nature. Their holistic review includes consideration of four primary factors:

• GPA/Rigor of Curriculum
• Standardized Test Scores
• Extracurricular Involvement
• Personal Essays

Georgia Tech Admissions Staff don’t look at your major choice, recommendation letters, interviews or transcripts. They are interested in research, resume’s and especially your essay. Georgia Tech’s admission rate is 55%.

2012 Freshman Class Profile

• Mid-50% GPA: 3.77 – 4.08
• Mid-50% SAT: 1960 – 2160
• Mid-50% ACT: 28-32
• Average # of AP/IB/Dual Enrollment classes taken: 7.31

Georgia Tech awards undergraduates more than $105 million in need and merit-based aid. Students also use work, research, and study abroad experiences to help make Tech affordable. Every student in their co-op program, 87 percent of students in their internship program, and 92 percent of students in their work abroad program are in paid positions. SmartMoney magazine named Georgia Tech as the #1 best tuition investment in the United States for the second year in a row. Their job placement is highly notable and the yearly median starting salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Tech is $57,300.

Student Body

While maintaining a diverse student body, about half of Georgia Tech’s population are from Georgia, with approximately 35% Non-Georgia (U.S.) and 14% are international students. Approximately 65% of students are male. Greek life is popular with roughly 1/3 students participating.