Ohio University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Christina

I knew exactly that Ohio University was the perfect fit for me from the moment I stepped on to the campus and after the tour. I fell in love and the campus is absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect size, and I was able to visti for a weekend. I ate at the dining hall, met with faculty and staff, and attended a few classes. So my advice is that parents and students attend each college for a few days to really understand what the campus is like. Also pick a college that has a lot of major and career options because people transfer out of small colleges because they do not have the right program. To make the most out of one's college experience, I would be positive and actively participate in class and clubs. One should approach each professor the first day of class and sit up front every day. No matter how big my classes have been, I can always talk to my professors. Make friends and commit yourself to one or two clubs, especially Hall Council. Overall, just be positive, outgoing, and have fun.

Brian

Visit the campus, talk with alumni, talk with your parents. Study first-play later.

Brian

It is important for parents to give plenty of support to their child during the college picking process and throughout their college career. I encourage both the student and parents to have a mapped out plan before choosing and entering college. This will help to ensure getting the classes required for the major of the students choice and not taking classes that are useless which colleges tend to assign. For the student it is important to be aware that you will encounter several distractions and how you choose to handle such situations can make or break your college experience. Parents and students both need to understand their own personal budget for most depression among students deals with a shortage of money during the school year. Students should ALWAYS apply for financial aid as early as possible and fill out as many scholarship applications as possible. You would be amazed what you can receive a scholarship for. And again for students, staying focused and keeping a positive attitude can keep you on the right track throughout the college years.

Natalie

Success is a goal that about every person strives to accomplish at some point in their life. What was once attained by having slightly more than a high school diploma, is much harder and demanding in today's society. A college education is the "high school diploma" for success. Choosing a location for this education must be considered according to the student's best interest. Every person is different and has their own plan for the future, which is why every college location is diverse to suite a future student's needs. Knowing that college is one huge expense, finding the right college to attend is only part assurance that the expense will not go waste. Once in college, taking advantage of the vast resources available is an option not one student should disregard. Becoming involved within the school is almost as important as maintaining satisfactory grades. Building social networks, making friends, and most importantly building character will come out of college by becoming involved. College life does require much effort, but can spare time for social events and building lifetime friendships. Now is the time to build your foundation for future success, so go take the college advantage!

Sarah

I would tell the student to visit and apply to as many colleges as possible and have a number of schools to decide and pick from and then the student should pick the one which they feel most comfortable with. The college should provide everything you are looking for, from the campus environment, activities and any and all subject areas you are interested in. There should also be a well stocked library, a suitable gym and other facilities students would need. The price, and avaliablility to scholarships is also important to consider, but if the student really wants to go to a particular school then there will always be ways to fund it. The student and parents should also consider the location of the college - how close or far will the student be from home and how the student will handle that , and the safetly of the area the college is in.

Jacqueline

If you try you can fit in and have a fantastic college experience no matter where you go.

Conor

I would suggest that before you begin searching you stop, breath, and think. By the time you finish high school you should have reached a maturity level that will tell you if you're ready to begin the search for a college. Some of my friends from high school skipped the application altogether - they knew their family didn't have the money, they didn't have the drive to push for scholarships, and their intellectual capabilities probably weren't up to the task if those two routes weren't available. It's a guessing game trying to figure out if your ready. But when you think you are - follow your heart and pick an interest. It does not have to be what you stick with, but don't go looking for the school with the best undecided program. You can still have an interest in other majors while pursuing a specific one. And don't come into college with the idea that you'll figure out what you want to do with your life before you have to pick a major. I promise you. You won't. And if you force it, you'll eventually be unhappy with your choice.

brian

Be patient. Try to have a plan prior to choosing a school. A lot of schools fail to tell you that its almost impossible to get a degree in just 4 years. So by having a thought out plan prior to enrolling in school will help to ensure you get your college career completed on time. Know your own strengths and weaknesses because students will encounter several distractions on campus and should know how to stay away from them and not lose sight of their acedemic goals. Things will hit a low spot but it is important to give things time to work themselves out, so don't give up too quick. You are at school to learn so be sure to give yourself the best opportunity to do so. For parents, be as supportive as possible. Transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming to most students. Give plenty of support and help with the financial aid process for it can be long and confusing. Filling out financial aid forms at the earliest date is always the best option. Financial aid will eventually run out so be early to ensure you get the money you need.

Andrew

Parents and students (mostly parents) tend to focus on the wrong two things when choosing a 4 year college. My parents and I both made this same mistake which was how much is this going to cost, and what is the academic rank of this school. These are the wrong things to focus on. You should ALWAYS make sure that you visit the school and make sure you feel like this school is you. I visited many schools that i got into and were better which my parents pushed but I didn't feel at home there. Then i found MY school. Ohio Univeristy. I felt at home as soon as i got there move in day my freshman year. That is the first thing I reccomend and the second is once move in day happens you meet the people in your dorm. As long as you feel at home in your school and meet and talk to new people you will always look back at college as some of the best years in your life.

Anthony

Get involved in a campus/community activity. Don't stress out about classes. Just do your work and you will graduate just fine.

Rachel

Do what you want.

Emily

I would tell students to actually go and visit the college and do more than the tour in order to understand what the college environment is like. Visit as many schools as you can, and take a look at all types of schools because you dont really know what you want till you see it. It is hard to tell what the students are like and what they like to do in their free time just by taking a 40 minute tour. Also I would invest time to see what majors schools have available because sometimes you will find something that interests you that you didnt even know exsisted. Don't just go where your friends go and try to branch out and make new friends especially in that first week because that is when everyone else is looking for friends too. Be yourself but don't be afraid to try new things because afterall, college is a new experience and should help you broaden the way you see and experience things. Have fun and study hard but be sure to balance everything in a way that is right for you and not neccesarily what your friends feel is right.

Tim

I WOULD ADVISE PARENTS THAT THEY SHOULD HELP THEIR KIDS FIND THE RIGHT ""FIT" BETWEEN THEM AND THE SCHOOL. thIS INCLUDES THE SIZE OF THE STUDENT BODY, THE SETTING, URBAN, RURAL, ETC., AND THE PROGRAMS OFFERED. tHE DISTANCE FROM HOME CAN BE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR AS WELL AS THE DIVERSITY OF THE STUDENT BODY.

Taylor

First off, good luck! I know the task of finding the college you want to go to seems daunting, but believe me, it will be worth it when you find the right college. When I was searching for colleges, I immediately established what I wanted. How big of a school did I want to go to? How far away? Does this school offer a major I want to pursue? But, most importantly, will I be able to afford this school? I am the oldest of four children, so I had be aware of how much college would cost my family, how many loans I would be able to take out AND then pay off by myself later AND where to find scholarships. The best advice I can give about finding the right college is to look at it from a finanical standpoint. Although NYU may be your perfect dream school, four years later when you are $150,000 dollars in debt, you may be wishing that you picked a school that you were able to afford. Once you find the right college, enjoy yourself. These will be the best four years of your life.

Jennifer

Give yourself plenty of time to check out your options, at least a full year. Visit as many of your options as possible, and ask questions (like the ones in this survey) of the students walking around campus. Don't plan on drinking, even if you do in high school. Plan on making your college choice your new home (if you move on campus), because that's what it will become. Plan on finishing school, even if you don't know what you want to do afterwards yet. And plan on being positive about it no matter what; college isn't for everyone, and that's okay.

Maria

Parents, help from a distance. Students, find what suits you but listen to what your parents have to say (they're usually right.) When you go to college, don't go because your friends are going, go to expand your horizons. Pick the school best suited to the feild you want to enter. If it turns out that you don't like the school, there is no rule that says you can't transfer. Basically, your time is what you make it. Make it worth your time, and work hard so it's as inexpensive as possible to your parents. That doesn't mean pick a cheap college you don't really want to go to. It just means, work hard so that you're not wasting time and money being there. Good luck, and make where ever you choose your own.

Penny

You will know the right college when you visit it. Don't let money be an issue! Student loans are not the enemy! When you get to college just make your motto to work hard and play hard.

Tom

Make sure you really look into the college you want to attend and that it is really the college for you. Pick a school that is really going to focus well on the area of study that you plan on entering. I think the campus should really match up well with the type of person you are.

Lindsey

Try to find a good balance between your studies and your social life. if you put too much weight on one or the other, you will find that you are missing out on the full college experience.

Mallory

I would tell parents and student to take their time in deciding which campus is right for them. It won't be apparent right away which college offers the best atmosphere and setting for a recent high school graduate, and it's important to be patient when making such a major decision. I would also emphasize the importance of visiting many different campuses during the selection process to experience what each university has to offer. Choosing the right college is not something that should be taken lightly, but it can be fun and exciting if you let it be. I emphasize new experiences when making the most of your college experience. It's fun to step out of your comfort zone and see what your univeristy has to offer you, especially if it's something you've never tried before. Try something you never thought you'd be interested in and keep an open mind. You may be surprised what you learn about yourself. Also, broaden your exsisting interests. For example, if you love dance ballet and tap, take a class in hip-hop . Again, you'll learn new things about yourself and your interests.

Rebecca

Know yourself. Visit schools. Get excited. Its a fun and adventurous ride...

Theresa

When I began to look into colleges, I was, as can be expected, overwhelmed. Through visiting schools beyond the standard college tour, however, I was able to find the perfect school for me. I think that this is a very important part of narrowing down one's choices. An afternoon being led through a campus is never going to be enough to determine if a school is the "right one". Research the university and the area around it. Parents and especially prospective students should never hesitate to ask a current student questions to help get a better feel. Once a student does find themselves at their college of choice come fall, the only advice worth giving is get involved. It sounds so cliche, but it rings true. Join a club or inter-mural sports team, become a member of a club that interests you. Rush a fraternity or sorority, or if Greek life doesn't interest you, join a service fratnerity. Go to sporting events. Get to know the people in your dorm and in your classes. It doesn't have to be anything big or even that time intensive, but it's a great start to college life.

Kellie

I always knew I wanted to go to college so I started looking early. It is really important to visit the colleges that you are interested in and more than once. Know what you love to do and keep your eyes peeled. Don't ever be affraid to ask questions because your college experience will be with you forever. Those applications aren't cheap, so take your time looking around. There are thousands of resources out there but the most beneficial is actual student feedback. You may feel silly walking up to a student on campus but it is well worth it. Talking with students is the best way to find out what the school is really like. Just remember, if the university doesn't fit you, you can always transfer and find a better fit. Don't lose sight of your goals!

Jaime

Parents and students, Finding the right college for yourself and your children is not something to be taken lightly. Take the time to visit each college you are considering. Bring any questions about the campus along with you, while taking notes while on your campus tour. Making a pros and cons list to each college may be helpful. Consider your major, acedemics, financial obligations, distance from home and all of the outside social aspects of each college. The college you choose will make you the person you will be in the future. While in college, join all of the groups and clubs you can handle with your course load. Take advantage of what each college has to offer, weither it be by getting a tutor in courses you are having difficulty in, or just working out and participating in group activities. Learn from those around you, and your natural surroundings. Explore and always strive to learn more. Never setting for a B when you can earn an A. Work hard and success will follow.

Jessica

The right college for a student, I feel, is the one when you walk on campus you instantly feel a connection. You feel at home and the places are somehow already familiar. It's also very important to make sure you're getting into an institution that is good for you academically and fianicially. But remember...it's important to make that decision with your heart too. You'll be a member of the community for several years. You'll make lots of friends there. You'll discover more about yourself here and have more fun than you can possibly imagine. In some ways, you don't choose the college. The right college chooses you. And that's okay. You won't have a perfect college experience. No one does. Just make sure that you step outside of your confort zone once in a while. Make sure you get your work done, but take some risks too. Have fun...because no one will make you do it. You have to do it yourself. And believe it, it's one of the best thing's you'll ever do for yourself.

Rachel

In finding the right college and making the most out of the experience there, I can't advise enough to trust one's gut instincts. There are thousands of colleges to choose from, many of them looking eerily similar on paper. Choosing the right insitution can seem overwhelming. How to narrow down that long list of choices? Visit, and trust your heart. One spends four or more years at college, and the most important thing is to have a happy experience there. One school may seem perfect on paper, but if it has an unfriendly atmosphere, why bother? Trusting one's instincts is also paramount to having a pleasant experience on campus. There is no sense in picking a major or extra-curricular activity because it seems "practical." By picking what is relevant to one's true interests, one can excel. Trusting one's gut takes a certain amount of quiet contemplation, but the results are entirely worth it. Trusting one's gut results in happiness, both at school and in life.

Marcus

Give the choice of going to college specific thought. Students searching for colleges should dig deep into the colleges they are interested in and tour those campuses in order to see if its a right fit. The first semester of college for incoming- Freshmen is usually the most difficult, because of homesickness, lack of friends/people you know, etc. My advice is for students to go out and get involved with groups on campus or in the community as soon as they can. Not only will new students meet other students, but it helps them get better acquainted with their new surroundings on campus or in the campus-intergrated town. Being a first-year student away from the comforts of home is scary and can lead few to leave school altogether. By getting involved early, new stduents are integrated into the campus setting quicker and become part of the community faster and feel more apart of it than when they originally arrived on campus.

Benjamin

When considering schools to go to, i beleive it is important that it is a place that you can live comfotably. A learning environment is much more productive, i have found when a person is comortable. I chose OU because the campus was beautiful and i loved everything about it. Athens is a great community. Ratings and statistics are often looked at too close, and in my opinion, guidlines for choosing.

Jamie

When looking for a college, it is important to thouroughly research the options. I definitely would not attend a college I didn't visit first either. To make the most out of the college experience, I suggest participating in extracurrucular activities, attending university and community events, getting to know other people, and getting familiar with the campus immediately.

Matt

Finding the right college is an important decision a lot of families must face. The very first thing that students should look at in a college is whether or not it offers their major, and how good that program is. Dont be scared to ask questions. This is your education, so dont be intimidated. The biggest difference between college and high school is that you are now treated as an adult. Things wont be just given to you, you have to work for them. Time management is also very, very important. Mom and dad wont be there to tell you what to do or when to home at night, so making wise choices is key to your success. College is about getting your degree, but thats not all its about. Enjoy your experience because it goes by quickly!

Michelle

One of the most important things about choosing the right college is to learn as much as you can about the financial aid offered at your school. In my case, I did not know until it was too late that if I had gotten one more point on the ACT, I would have had my tuition paid for. If I had known that, I would have retaken the test as many times as it took to get that extra point. However, the school never provided me that information, and it was not until I started my freshman year at OU that I found out. So, students should make sure that they look into each and every detail of the financial help that they could possibly receive before it's too late.

Jennifer

For students, getting involved on campus is the best way to make the college experience absolutely incredible. From my sorority, I've not only made lasting friends but I've been able to participate in so many philanthropic and volunteer events, build my school spirit, take on leadership roles within the chapter and the Greek community, and network with alum who will be such a valuable asset to my future. I am convinced that you can find a place that feels like home on any campus with the right organization or groups supporting you. Greek life was where I found my home away from home, but any passion can manifest itself into a safe-haven, a support system and a life asset. Parents will feel so much better about their child's choice in a college once they see how beneficial getting involved can be. My parents are living proof: they are so much happier about my future because of the initiative I've take so far to make sure that these four years are the best they possibly could be and every opportunity presented to me is taken advantage of.

Laura

I would advise students to look at schools that offer a wide array of majors, in case you decide to change your major. Schools with many majors are helpful because it decreases the chance of having to transfer schools if your school and career goals change. I also think that picking the college you will attend is mostly based on a gut feeling. After visiting 6 schools, I choose the school I had a gut feeling that I would fit in at. As of this year I am a Senior, and I do not regret the choice I made. You will know when you step foot on a campus if it is right for you or not! Finally, do not pick a school that all your friends are going to! The point of college is to branch out and meet new people. You will be surprised at the friends you make, and they may become more of a family to you than friends from high school.

Angelic

It is important when making a college choice that the student feels at home on the campus of choice. That is why it is always important to vist the schools with parents and then again the student by themselves as a way to get a feel for the campus. A one day visit is not enough. It is important to stay for at least a weekend. Also visting during the school day is importaant so that the student is given the chance to interact with students instead of just a tour guide who is trained to respond to questions a certain way. Also it is very important to meet deadlines. Missing a deadline could be the difference betwee not getting a scholarship or being trapped in a dorm with a crazy roommate.It is key for the parent to be involved with getting fincial aid information completed especially if they will be footing the bill. Also if the student is undecided about certain schools, wait on the award letter and see which school offers the better package. Once in school is is important to learn how to balance time, and also not forgot the reason for being at the university.

Christopher

Make sure you go and visit each of the campuses for the school on which you wish to attend, you may find examples of everything your looking for in a college or examples of things you wish to avoid while in college.

Trevor

Look into all aspects of the college or what you will be mainly involved in. Don't base it on just academics, athletics, social life, or any other aspect. Each school has strong points in every one of those fields.

Jaymeson

Research the main faculty in your own area of study and try to get meetings with these faculty members to discuss your area of study. Look around at off campus housing for when you do decide to live off campus as most students do.

Christine

VISIT. Don't go for the school with the best name, reputation, or campus life. Go for whichever school FEELS right to you.

Jessica

Sweat the small stuff. Although this may go against your grain, now is the time to get really picky. You are the business customer and without you, all the administrators of the colleges of the world would have to padlock their heavy doors and move away. There are so many universities to consider, and sometimes name-brand shopping for colleges may not yield the best results. When there is something small you dislike about the campus nagging you (such as its location in a bad neighborhood or its location in the middle of nowhere) do not let it go. If it already is bothering you, there is a good chance it could grow into a problem in the future. Ask students attending the school if they experience the same problem in the school, and what students do to combat the problem. I cannot tell you how many friends transferred schools because such problems kept the schools from being a good fit. Keep an open mind the name of the school when searching and a checklist of all the details you expect from your college. You may be surprised which colleges match you or your students needs and desires the most.

Rachel

Make sure that you like the campus, and see friendly faces. Feeling comfertable and at home on your campus allows you to adjust easier. Getting involved in an activity is another great way to meet new people and share experiences with them right away.

Matt

Keep an open mind and don't exclude any college choices until you have done research and found out the facts.

Whitney

Plan way ahead! My parents just kind of winged it, especially with the financial aid and loan crisis now plaguing our country makeing it so extremely difficult to get any kind of money! And go far away from your home state! It's so worth it! In my opinion it builds a person's character and really makes one self-reliant.

Emily

If you do not know what your major is going into college, pick a school with a variety of choices to major in! Also, for a school that bases when you pick your classes based on credits, try to take as many credit hours your freshman year.

Dina

To parents, I would say that getting an education is extremely important and necessary, and as such, it is paramount that parents help their kids get into college and help them get through college, no matter what their financial situation may be. I would suggest to students that they try not to limit themselves with friends and activities because college has so much to offer academically, culturally, and socially. College is a great time to explore new opportunities and on college campuses, many activities can be free or relatively inexpensive. I would also tell students that they do not have to go to college for the sole purpose of finding a job because thinking that way can put a huge amount of pressure on students and will not help them succeed or enjoy being in college.

Alex

The best advise is to do your research! Find out what school is going to fit best for you and your program of study. Look up school's websites and see what the atmosphere is like by looking at the demographics and the things to do around the area. Also do several campus visits. Take trips to see your three or four final schools. Visit them all and pay close attention to all of the details. Ask yourself, is this the type of school I want to go to?

Brittany

My advice to students searching for the right college is to not stress over the process! If you find a couple of colleges that you feel good about and might be a fit; chances are any of them could work. I don't think there is any one college you are meant to go to, I think there are lot and it just depends what you make of your experience! You make the most of your college experience by trying new activities, making new friends, and getting involved in the things that interest you. While your studies are most important it's also important to realize that college is meant to make you grow as a person! For instance maybe you used to like painting but not enough to make a career out of it, keep it as a hobby because in college you can have a lot of those (many of which are free)! Join clubs and organizations; they are fun and they look great on grad school applications. College is new, scary, exciting, and it will definately put you out of your comfort zone sometimes. Best of all, it allows you to learn a lot about yourself.

Brian

let the student decide....but think smart as far as cost is concerned

Amanda

To find the right college make sure you go to a school that is offering the major that you want to graduate with. A lot of people choose a school to party at or because of the sports and forget that the most important thing is that you graduate with a degree in what you want to do. To make the most out of your college experience get involved in some campus activities, not so much that you can not complete all your work but enough to have fun, remember your at collge for your education but you can also have fun.

Jenna

When I was searching for the right college for me, I looked at all the wrong things. I searched for a college that people would be impressed if I attended and one that seemed "cooler" than the others. Needless to say, the first college I attended, didn't quite work out for me. I ended up transfering to the school I knew I should have picked first. I fit at this college like white on rice because it fit me. When looking at schools, it is important to choose a school for yourself, not anyone else. Evaluate what is really important to you, whether that is athletics, drama, or a specific field of study, and go from there. Your college experience is only as great as you make it. Once you decide on a college that fits you, dig in, deep. Find out what they offer through organizations and groups and get involved. Throw yourself into something you love or maybe something you have always wanted to try. College is a time to develop and grow as a person and the best way to do that is to learn as much as possible in any way possible.

Jessica

Find a college/program that has a strong program for what you want to study and where you believe you would be able to succeed. From there, ask yourself if this is a place where you would be able to say, "I'm a proud alumni of..." There is nothing worse than working toward your degree at a place where you are not happy (with everything!), so do your research and put some major thought into where you want to go. Visit campus, talk to admissions, talk to students, read up on all the ratings books, all that good stuff and you'll find the right place for you that serves as a stepping stone of where you want to go upon graduation.