Major: Environmental Engineering

Email: vmarinelli02@gmail.com

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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? 

I took mostly introductory math/physics courses for engineering at MSU and found them to be very similar to courses at Shen. All my SUNY, SUPA, and AP credits transferred to MSU and got me out of all my general electives. In fact, first year MSU courses were slightly easier than Shen college courses because of the tutoring and extra help offered in MSU's first year residential engineering program.

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

By being accepted to the honors college, Michigan State gave me a paid undergraduate research position for my first two years of college in addition to a study abroad scholarship. I capitalized on both of those opportunities, not only researching but actually presenting my work at an undergraduate forum. I also studied abroad and took courses towards my degree path over the summer. At such a large university, opportunities are plentiful and easy to come by.

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

MSU provided mental health resources and encouraged student to student communication during these times. Professors made deadlines more flexible and finals were moved online. Office hours remained the same but were held over zoom.

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

MSU offered a housing credit to those no longer living on campus, and many administrators took pay cuts to alleviate the financial burden of the pandemic. Administration was very transparent in their actions as everything unfolded.

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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?

My extracurriculars include research and the Environmental Engineering Society. Plenty other clubs exist on campus, ranging from underwater hockey to squirrel watching. Engineering classes have limited my free time, but I would encourage students to check out sparticipation, an annual club festival the university holds at the beginning of each semester.

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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?

Sporting events dictate the activity of campus on a weekend. If Spartan football is playing, expect tailgates as far as the eye can see starting at 6am on Saturday mornings. Similarly for basketball, if there is a game then campus will be buzzing with excitement. There's nothing like it. Other weekends, the university activities board plans fun activities for students, almost always featuring giveaways and prizes.

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Are you involved in athletics at your college? How do you balance sports, academics, and extracurricular activities?

I'm not in athletics, but I'm a passionate fan of them. Balancing things in college is similar to balancing things in high school, with the only difference being your parents aren't there. If you're personally accountable, the college transition is easy. If you aren't personally accountable yet, college may drill it into you after a rude awakening or two.

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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?

I researched 8-10 hours a week, but other students I knew worked in dining halls and at the campus convenience stores. It's similar to having a part time job in high school, but hours might be more difficult to come by depending on your class schedule.

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Extra Questions

 

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

Apply before November 1st to be considered for all the scholarships

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What makes your college special to you?

The atmosphere of walking along the fall trees on the red cedar river on game day is unparalleled. Being at MSU gives you the sense of being a part of something much bigger than yourself, and nothing encompasses that spirit more than screaming with 75,000 of your new friends on Saturdays. The community of Spartans young and old makes MSU special.

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

Great question! I wish I knew that 8am classes weren't that bad in the fall, but in the spring it was cold and dark at that hour. On that note, I wish I knew just how cold walking 5 minutes to class really was.

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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?

I would recommend meeting someone online with similar interests. It doesn't always work, but it has a higher success rate than going in randomly, although the people I know who went random ended up fine. MSU sets up a Facebook group that people introduce themselves on. First year dorms are all fairly similar, most have a dining hall in them which is super convenient.

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

MSU gives out substantial aid, again I would recommend applying before November 1st though. Don't be scared by the out of state price, you likely won't pay that full amount.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

MSU has been a great place for me to expand my worldview, meeting people from all over the US and the World. My experience at MSU has been amazing and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world if I could do it all again.

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