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Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Georgia
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Rahul Shah

Shen '19

GT '23

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Minor: Health and Medical Sciences 

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

Personally, the transition from high school to college was not difficult. I found the course load to be similar to the course load I had in high school. However, the formats of the classes were different and required adaptation. Classes tend to have 2-3 tests a semester along with one set of homework due each week. This is much different from high school, but they amount to the same level of work.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

In high school, I feel that there were a very limited number of opportunities that one could engage in. In college, there are hundreds of clubs and research opportunities that are available for students to take part in. Personally, I was able to get a research position in a biomedical engineering lab within the first year of college which helped me learn more about my field as well as work closely with professors and their respective projects.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

My online experience was certainly different from being at the school. Professors tried their best to work in the students' interests with flexible homework deadlines, open book tests, and relaxed policies. Despite this, the remote learning did limit the ability to be involved in the same extracurricular activities and opportunities available on campus.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

Georgia Tech was not very communicative about their plans in March when COVID-19 first hit. The administration was unsure what was going to result of the virus and did not tell students their plans until after spring break. As a result, I had to travel back to campus the week after spring break and move out all my belongings within a day. Students did get a refund for housing and dining plans.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

For biomedical engineering, it is important to get involved in research early. Research experience allows students to get more of an idea of what they can expect from their field as well as see how what they learn in class is implemented in research. Joining 1-2 clubs is also a good idea, but don't overwork yourself.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

Many students, like myself, live in states from from campus and cannot travel home that often. On the weekends, I tend to hang out with friends and explore Atlanta. There are a lot of things to do in and outside of campus which allows for a much needed break from studying and homework.

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Do you have a job during the school year, or is it common for students to have on-campus jobs? What is that experience like?

For first year students, it is uncommon to have a job. After the first year, students tend to participate in work studies and tutoring.

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Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

Make sure you show what is important to you. This will show colleges that you are dedicated and are passionate about something.

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What makes your college special to you?

The people and opportunities. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and it's extremely rewarding to be around a diverse group of people. The opportunities to get involved and meet new people are amazing. I don't think I would have gotten the same experience anywhere else.

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What do you wish you knew about your college when you were a senior at Shen?

College is an entirely different environment. Everyone around you is smart, proactive, and eager to make the best of all the opportunities that college has to offer.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

Freshmen have to live on campus dorms and it is important to reach out to others about potential roommates. College is only four years and you want to make sure you are happy throughout those years. Having a roommate that has a similar living style is important.

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SSTAR

For our latest alumni updates, sign up for our Remind!

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Remind: Text @sstar20 to 81010

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All alumni information on this website is only intended for the Shenendehowa Students to Alumni Relations network and cannot be published elsewhere without written permission from SSTAR administrators.

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Contact

Email: shenstarwebsite@gmail.com

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This website was created by

Jennifer Vu (Shen '17) 

Joycelyn Vu (Shen '21)

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