Oakland University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Ross

I would recommend they visit the college at least two times. Once with an official college visit, getting a tour from a school student or employee, and once just as an observer. Also, it is important to get to know the surrounding area because in my opinion that is just as , if not more important than the actual school campus. As a student, it is also a good idea to talk with an academic adviser before enrolling so they can get a feel for what it will take in order to graduate on time.

kim

Make sure that the student is ready and willing to put in the time and work to suceed. If the student is still immature I would suggest going to a community college first. I have had many friends flunk out of school because they got wrapped up in the social activities.

Matthew

Go to the college get a feel for the campus se if it works for you then talk to the advisors, and make sure you what your getting into.

Ryan

If you know what you want to do, choose a school that has a program that fits. Don't choose a school based upon where you're friends are going. You will make so many knew friends. College has been the best years of my life and I have made some of my best friends here. Visit the colleges you want to attend and meet some of the faculty.

Erin

Be smart with your financees...dreaming big is great but it is not always worth the debt in the end!

Kimberly

Visit the campus before you go, maybe even talk to student while you're there. Don't just settle for a college, you'll know which one is right for you when you find it.

Nicole

Hindsight is 20/20. Consequently, I am thankful for this opportunity to offer advice to prospective college students and their families. Although financial cost tends to receive the most focus, I don't think it is the most important factor. If a student does not perform well and decides, or is forced, to leave the university any money that has been spent will be wasted. Conversely, if a significant investment is made based on the student's needs and preferences, the money that has been spent will be well worth it. The student will have a plethora of beautiful memories and the skills required to succeed and reach his or her goals. Be reasonable, but don't be cheap. It is very important for the student to ask himself or herself: -What does my ideal experience consist of? -What do I expect to gain from attending college? Will I be able to receive it there? - Will I be able to receive the proper amount of personal attention at my prospective institution? - Will I be able to focus on my education, or will I be distracted by an excess of extracurricular activities? Balance is the key. Communicate openly and listen respectfully.

Amy

Do not ever let anything slip between your fingers. If you find something that excites you, do not put it off and say that you will do it another year, before you know it you will be graduating and you will wish you became more involved. Have the time of your life and don't stress out too much about school, as long as you have goals you will do great! And with picking a school I suggest looking in to schools that have programs that you might be interested or are interested in. I suggest if you know what your career you want to go in to, jump into a University that offers that program, do not attend another school and then ransfer. Universities or career orientated programs offer the best information on how to succeed in your career choice and guide you in the right direction. Also, think about what type of classes you like, the big lecture classes, or the small intimate classrooms, that will really make a decision in your learning experience.

Jennifer

The student nust fund the rght instution for themselves. And college is not a party its a time for learning and growing.

Lindsey

With a younger brother about to start applying for college I've been asked for a lot of advice lately. The best way to find a college that fits is to visit them. See what the campus is like, talk to people who live on campus and upperclassmen. They have the inside scoop on the campus. Don't set your heart on just one college. Keep you're options open. Yes, we'd all like to attend the most renonwed and largest college in the state, but a smaller campus may fit you better. Getting involved in an activity whether it's a sport, Greek life or an active student organization will give you the college experience you crave. Don't just sit in a dorm and party, you won't learn the valuable life lessons that getting involved will teach you.

keelyn

research early

Jean

Take prep courses in high school toward what you are thinking about as a career. Get the most out of financial aid and scholarships as there are tons that nobody ever applies for. Go to Fast Web on the internet to get the most from that resource. Take your studies seriously. If you want to party and drink a lot, you will not do well at a major university as well as the health risks it involves. Parents should stay involved in their children's education and not think they can do it all right on their own. Be there to help them as it is a traumatic change from high school. Lastly, don't wait 20 years to come back as I have. Although I am doing well, I regret that I didn't get to finish in my 20's and have a career then instead of living paycheck to paycheck. Make sure the field you are going into has jobs for you when you graduate, and be sure it is a career you are passionate about or you will be unhappy.

Libby

Considering most of us aren't fortunate enough to know out of high school what we want to major in or do for the rest of our lives, you want to make sure that the college you are attending has a diverse range of programs and activities to help. And sometimes it's not about the school, but about the staff. There's nothing better than taking a class you think you're interested in, having an amazing teacher, and being able to participate in activities on campus that inspire you.

Amanda

I would suggest that students research the careers that interest them at the time but that they should not be afraid if things don't work out as planned. It might seem like life is turning upside down, but things always work out for the best and all it means is that you have to work a little harder to finish school. It doesn't matter if it isn't on time as long as you are able to support yourself in the future.

Stephanie

My advice to new college students and their parents would be to research, research, research. Make sure you visit the campus, talk to advisors and know your major. Find out if you want to commute or live on-campus. Look into clubs and sports and even greek life.

Kierstan

Look into all the programs at your local colleges and maybe you will be surprised at what one offers that you did not know about. It is also a lot easier if you have an idea of what you want to do and not spend a few years thinking about it. Get involved with clubs and on campus activities, especially if you commute. A lot of scholarships require community service, so make sure you do some or you will not qualify. Your parents will probably not be able to help you pay for college, so start saving up and find as many scholarships as possible. The more active you are in high school clubs and activities the better. Get involved with the community you live in or get a job to help give you experience for scholarships. Be yourself!! Do not worry about what other people think about you. Let your personality shine and you will find lots of friends who are perfect for you!

Bianca

Make sure your child is going to attend the school for the right reasons and that he/she will be getting the right education. There are too many kids who have gone away to college for the wrong reasons and have jeopordized their careers from partying and other events. Also, if your child knows what field they are going into, look into which university has a better reputation. College impacts ones future tremendously and students during their college years need to invest in the right time, money and studies. Look into it and research as much as you can about the schools before making a definite decision.