ETA: I just looked at a weather report for Starkville, and it said the average summer temp was only 80...? Is that true? Obviously, there's like 90% humidity, but I was imagining worse, I think.
I wish it stayed in the 80's!! It is pretty darn hot down here in the summers... I had my third year Food Animal and Equine rotations during July and August, and even with the "mild" temperatures this summer, it was pretty miserable at times.... (but of course, totally worth it in the end =)
GTR (Golden Triangle Regional) is the only local airport, at about half-hour outside of Starkville. Only Delta flies there, and only connects through Atlanta and Memphis. The flights are usually more expensive, but if you purchase in enough advance, they can be reasonable.
Birmingham, Alabama usually has the most economical airfare, and is 2.5 hours away. Jackson, Mississippi's airport is around 2ish hours away, and Memphis is more like 3 hours.
I definitely recommend staying at the Hampton Inn, it has reasonable prices and is only a stone's throw from the school. The Comfort Suites is also quite close, although I've never stayed there so I can't speak for it's accommodations.
The transportation situation sucks. You can ask your second or third year interview mentor for a ride to the school, but it's kind of a lot asking to be picked up from the airport that's so far away =) Most of us just sucked it up and rented a car.
The pizza party is a good opportunity to meet your fellow interviewees, ask questions of the staff and your mentor in person, and get a detailed tour of the school. It is by no means a requirement though, and doesn't alter your chances of being admitted, so if it will cause you undue stress to attend, I wouldn't worry about it!
I'm currently a 3rd year (on my break!), so let me know if you have any other questions about Mississippi State!
🙂
