Ohio University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Alexandra

look for the college that has the same values and beliefs as you, don't necessarily go for the college that offers the most money because you might not be truly happy there. have fun and don't base your decision off your friends either, you will meet pleanty of caring and nice people at school that could turn out to be better friends than your high school friends.

Callista

When I first started looking at colleges I focused a great deal on where my friends from high school were applying. Then I really discovered what I wanted to do, be a journalism major, and realized that that meant I would be at a school without any of my high school friends. This was probably the best decision I could have made. I was in a way forced to meet new people and I met the best friends I will ever have. I balance work, school and play equally. Ofcourse college is about making the grade and learning for your future profession but you need to have fun in the process. My friends have taught me not to be sucha perfectionist and to take a break from trying to make sure everything is exactly how I want it to be. College is about having fun and truly is four years you will never in your life forget.

Abdul

Get involved! It is importnt for parents and students alike to start looking into universities early. The erlier you start looking, the bettwer chances one has to find a university that best suites them. Go on campus visits, make a list of questions to ask the tour guides and school officals. Prioritize what things are the most important to you personally. You have to at the begining understand that you will potentialy be here for the next four years, the most important years of your life. parents, allow you child the flexibility and oppertunity to pick a school for themselves. I cant even begin to think about how many students only attend schools because their parents force them to. to have the best time at university students and parents must not only allow eachother flexibility they must cohesivly look for a good school with an open mind. You never know what school will take your breath away

Carolyn

Understanding what kind of college environment suits you best is important, as well as considering whether your prospective college has a strong department for your area of study. Other key choosing points involve tuition, diversity, transportation, grading, campus size, population and reputation. It?s important to keep an open mind in college and learn to hear both sides of each story told. College is often a transition period between dependence and adulthood so it?s important to face new responsibilities and learn from them. Students should have fun, but also remember why they came to college in the first place. Parties are great, but they are not what tuition pays for. You must learn to be able to balance school work with social activities, because much learning and growing comes from peer interactions. It is really important to check out all of the extracurricular activities offered in the beginning of the year and find out what fits you best. This is a great way to make new friends with similar interests. Being involved and learning how much you can do to help shape a community is extremely beneficial to growing into a successful adult.

Stuart

First find a campus that fits your needs. If you want certain things than look for them. As a kid, do not have your parents tell you where to go, but find what feels right for you.

Madeline

Make sure you know how the finicial aid and registration works and make sure you know someone who has been through this process and can help. Sometimes falculty assume that you have done this before or that you know everything about it. Chose a school that is appealing to you (as a student) and not just one for it's reputation or if all your friends are going there. It's better not to live with your best friend or someone you know. Meet new people and friends your freshman year, it will help out a lot!

Michael

Choose a school that you are comfortable at, but has a good and accomplished acadimic record.

Jeffrey

The best advice I can give to parents and students about finding the right college are two things: 1. Pick a place that has a strong reputation for the career path you have chosen in regards to academic performance and alumni relations. and 2. Pick a place where you feel comfortable on the campus and can see yourself fit in with the people around. If you do this not only will you have a great time in school for the next 4-5 years, but you will be well prepared for the rest of your life when you leave.

Adam

It is really important to visit and research as many schools as possible when trying to figure out which school to attend. By picking the school that fits you best you fit in easily, have a great time, and know that you are getting the education you are paying for. The best way to start looking for a college is by talking to your guidence counselors and finding out which schools have the best programs for your major(s). After that I would pick at the minimum your top five by researching the college's websites. After this you should visit and tour at least three schools and find out which school fits you best. The best way to do this is by talking to people who go to the school and by looking around on campus and seeing if you feel like you belong there. Once you are at school you can't forget that education is your number one priority, but college is suppose to be fun, get involved in extra-curriculars, make new friends, maybe get a part-time job, and make sure you get everything you can out of your college experience.

Brian

Finding the right college is a very hard decision. I toured and had official visits to many colleges but it was when i visited one of my friends at Ohio university that really made my decision quite easy. Before you choose your school make sure you know what it is actually like during a school setting, not just in the summer. Also, i found out the hard way that you cannot simply think good grades will automaticay come by doing the same things as in high school. It took me two quarters of 2.3 and 2.4 gpa's to get my act together and put in the work necessary to succeed. Go out and have fun, but do not let it affect your long term goal of graduating with a degree.

Krystal

My first advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to evaluate the type of person that you are. Someone who is really active and really enjoys being in the city should not go to a small college. I also believe that in order to make the most out of the college experience, a student has to be open to new ideas, new friends, and be willing to become an active member in the new community. The community that the school is in should be thought of as the new home. That is where a student will be spending 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of their time at. Once you think of the community as your home, it is essential to get involved. Students should be involved in school and school activities. Alot of people always says it is not what you know, but who you know. The people that you meet in college can open up alot of doors and opportunities and that is essential to making the most out of the college experience. By becoming involved you will make life-long friends and opportunities and you will make a difference in a postive way.

Sarah

To students, I know exactly what you are going through. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. All i knew is that I wanted to go to college. I have no idea how many colleges I visited. When I went to visit Ohio University, I remember seeing the campus lights from the highway that night and driving uptown right through the middle of campus and before I even got out of the car i felt like i was at home. I guess the most important advice I have for you is to choose the college best for YOU. Don't go to a college because your friends are going there or because your parents went there. Your true friends will always be there for you. This is a time to start fresh and grow! To parents, don't worry. They're going to be ok. But most importantly, if they forget to call you for a couple days, it doesn't mean they don't love you or they forgot about you. We are always thinking about you, i promise!

Katie

Find a school that fits like a shoe. Don't spend a million dollars.

Brian

There are alot of things that go into picking a school. First of all the size of the school is very important. If it is too big you will get lost and too small you wont have fun. Make sure there is a good social life. If not your child will not have fun. Also get out of the state you live in and meet new people

Sarah

My dad said I would just "know" when I had found my right school. Just like my older brother had found his place at a small, private college, I found mine at Ohio University. The tree-lined streets just said "college" to me. I attended a small high school. I had been involved in just about every sport and activity in high school that would fit on a college application. I liked the feeling of walking down my high school's hallways and knowing each face I met. My transition to Ohio University was a tough one. It was so easy to slip into the background at such a large campus. Students who were involved in clubs I was interested in just seemed more mature, more--put together than I thought I could be. My first quarter was stressful, and I wasn't sure it turned out the way I'd planned. After Winter break, however, I resolved to change my life on campus. I joined a sorority, several intramural teams, and started attending different club's meetings just to see what they were all about. I made more friends, more contacts, and more memories. I love MY Ohio University.

brian

Take your time in the decision and if possible try to know what major you want to pick. Go through the catalogs with your parents to plot a course of classes to take to graduate, mapping out each year. Sometimes advisors sign you up for classes that you may not really need.

Brandon

The number one thing that all students need to consider before they choose a college is to make sure they are ready to deal with the realities of life. This giant step into college throws a person into adulthood, whether they are ready or not. Maturity and self control are very important, and are put to the test during the first few years of college. Realizing that maybe your studies are not the most important thing to you at this moment can save you lots of money and a wasted experience. For those that are prepared to fully accept the challenges presented by the college experience, choosing a college is not as important as choosing the path that you would like to take. Find a college that reflects your views as a person, and then find a track that suits your personality and helps you become the person that YOU want to be. Remember, this is not just training for a job, its training for the rest of your life. Take it seriously, and enjoy the many options that are opened to you by experiencing the fun, and the challenges, of college life.

seth

Work hard, this is the beginning of the rest of your life.

Shareyna

I would advise them to try and make the best out of any institution they attend; choose a university that has your best interests in mind, the more happy you are with your choice, sometimes plays a role in how well you do in school. If you are a person who likes to have more of a one-on-one learning experience choose a place that has small classrooms; though some classes are big such as lectures, but choose one with the majority of the classes being small. Take advantage of the network and friendships that you create while your in college. This will be helpful in the future or when you need help, with anything, just create resources and use the available resources that are supplied for you.

David

Visit, research in great detail, be honest with yourself and each other, and once you get there GET INVOLVED. Most of all, learn what resources are available to you via the campus - some students never even go in the library until their third year, and that its ridiculous. Find student organizations, learn about the tutoring, talk to your professors, do your work, explore opputunities, and meet some new people.

Danielle

When deciding which college to enroll in there are many factors a student must take in to consideration. You need to visit all of the schools you are interested to see which one you could really see yourself at. You also need look in to financial aid and the amount you are willing to pay for your degree. If you have a major in mind make sure that college has your major. You also should make sure that the school provides many opportunities for your benefit throughout school. While in college you should do your best and wok hard to succeed, but you should also have a social life because that is also important for after college. You learn many lessons in class but while out of class you are always learning new things, especially because you are on your own. Don't get too stressed because after you take that really hard test there is nothing you can do to change it! Have fun!!

Alexandra

Take a college visit, but don't base your decision on the appearence of the campus. Try to choose a college based on your study of interest and not just because your friends go there, or because you hear they are the #2 party school. Once you're at school, you'll realize within the first week if its for you.

Kyle

The besy advice I can give is to actually visit the colege campus you are thinking about attnding. The on-line literature and university sent brochures can only tell you what is offered, both academically and socially. It doesn't actually give you a feel for the campus. To me how the student actually feels on campus is just as important as to whether the college offers the right classes, enough financial aid, and even how close to home it is. For the student and parent have to both realize that for the greater part of the next 4 years thge campus will be the students home. As such you want to pick a campus that the student is going to feel comfortable walking around.

Colin

Find the one that speaks to you the most and everything else should fall into place.

Baron

Determine what your strengths and interests are. Focus on classes that you did well in highschool and if you enjoyed those classes. This will help determine what classes you should take. Visit the campuses that you are interested in attending. Schedule time to take a campus tour and try to speak to the students and professors. Ask lots of questions. Determine which school best suits your needs. Also, during your first year, give yourself plenty of time to adjust to campus life. It is a big change. Be friendly and you will make friends. Balance your social and academic life. Reach out to your parents on a regular basis and let them know how you are adjusting. Always remember you are not going through this experience alone. Relax, enjoy your classes and college experience.

Britney

Choosing the right college can be very difficult. There are so many different things you have to think about when deciding you can become very overwhelmed. The majors and cost of the schools are very important to consider but I think the key is to take a step back and look at the school where you can feel the most at home. After all, that?s exactly what school will be to you for however long you?re there; your home. That?s a big reason I chose OU, because the campus is so beautiful and I felt comfortable and at home here from day one. As long as you pick a school where you are comfortable and feel at home, you can make it the best college experience possible. All you have to do is just be yourself, be outgoing and take advantage of every opportunity you can. It?s amazing all the options and opportunities universities can offer you if you just take advantage of them. Don?t let them slip by because they won?t be there forever. Good luck on your search and remember you must always feel comfortable no matter who or where you are.

Tessa

To parents, whe advising your children over selecting a college, advise them to be timely but, don't rush them. Be supportive of who your child is and help them to find a school that best fits them. If your child is an artist, don't stick them in a hugely scientific school just because of its notoriety. Also, show a genuine interest throughout the selection process and into attendance; your child will feel more at ease and will probably adapt a little easier knowing they've had your approval, or at least your help throughout. To students, be investigators when choosing. Don't just digest information that is meant to highlight attributes. Decide what you want in a school and ask the questions you need answered to find that ideal place, or the closest thing to it. When you get into school, find activities- ones you think you'll love, ones that just sound spiffy maybe even ones you never thought you would. College genuinely is what you make of it, meet new people and don't be shy. Opportunities abound and it can be overwhelming but, this is your chance to dive in. So go for it!

Megan

Do not cut yourself off from help. I got so much help from my parents, advisors, teachers and friends on every aspect of the college experience. My support network helped me choose a school that was right for me and then continued to help me find financial aid and extra opportunities throughout the long process. Without this help, I would have struggled to find the chances that I have been able to take advantage of since I have arrived at Ohio University. People want to help you succeed, so let them. Make sure you attend every college presentation and search through the thousands of pamphlets mailed to you about all the options that are available. Ask your advisor about local scholarships and grants that might be obtainable. You would be surprised some of the money that is available to you right in your backyard. Also, talk to your parents about their expectations. They are sometimes the best people to help you choose a school that is right for you; after all they did raise you! In the end, the decision is yours to make, but it doesn't hurt to have some help along the way.

Charles

I think that picking the right college is one of the most important decisions I've made. I know this because I picked the wrong one at first. After one semester I transfered to Ohio University and I enjoyed it so much more. The people you meet at college will most likely become your life long friends. The college you attend also influences the way you act and the way you view certain areas of life in general.

James

Research your colleges extensively because the best college for you isn't always the first one you find.

Del-Jean

I would say to give wherever you end up a chance. I came into OU thinking that I was going to hate it. The negative attitude that I had preformed about the school made me act negatively toward it and everything about it. I was miserable my first year and I ended up getting released from the university. That was a wake up call. I wrote a paper and got reinstated. Once reinstated, I canged my entire outlook on the university and myself as a person. I came back, raised my GPA, and now I have a greater love and respect for this university. When looking at a school, determine whether distance will be an issue. I love my mother and OU is an hour and fifteen minutes from my home town. I wanted to go to Tennessee, but I probably would have been miserable. Also, consider the cost. Staying in state is a wonderful option, considering the costs of tuition and now they annually increase, and this increase is significant. Lastly, for parent and student, keep a positive attitude. Support one another. You always need someone back home cheering you on and loving you, regardless of anything negative.

Toshe

Definitely go on a college visit to the colleges that you are considering. You never know how much you really like it until you experience time on the campus.

Catherine

I recommend visiting the schools you are interested in and trying to find someone to stay with for the weekend. Get a feel of what the life is like on the campus. Also, see if the school is going to offer you a good education in what you are looking for. Don't just go someplace because it has a great party scene or your favorite football team. You aren't paying to go to a school for the football team or beer, you are going there to get an education.

Brian

Give every college a chance and visit as many as possible

Kelly

I would make sure you visit the top colleges on your list while you're waiting for acceptance letters. Once you know where you've been accepted I would sit and talk about the possibilities and try to narrow it down to a few choices. I would then visit those colleges again and takes notes on things you did and didn't like. Make sure you ask lots of questions, even if you think they're dumb. I made a pro/con list to help me decide between my top 2 choices and I think that really helped alot. I would also suggest not picking a school just because your best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend goes there. Think outside of the box, choose a place you think you could fit in and grow in.

Randall

Go with a college that you feel at home when you visit. Get to know some of the people around the campus and interact with them to determine whether that campus is right for you.

Frederick

Visit lots of schools and see whats right for you.

Tess

Fill out the FAFSA early and visit a lot of schools and apply to a lot of schools.

Anthony

Go on a college visit without your parents. Ask real questions from students. Don't let things overwhelm you, just roll with the punches. Things change and so should you.

Brittany

Visit the college on a day that is not designated for freshmen orientation. See how the campus runs on a daily basis. Talk to professors in the area of study you are interested in to make sure they are interested in you. Take note of the quality of the dorms, construction going on, availability of transportation, and store locations. Definitely consider living arrangements, health care, security, and expense.

Jodi

Visit all schools you are considering to attend.

Stephanie

When choosing a school I think that the most overlooked and vital thing is the housing situation. Many freshmen have to live in dorms and I think that this can be detrimental to many. When kids are away from their parents for the first time, surrounded by a building full of people in the same situation, the tendency is to put more emphasis on socializing than studying. Also, if people are not comfortable with their living situation, they may find their schoolwork suffereing as a result. A disheveled roommate, a noisy neighbor, fear of what may happen to one's car parked in the street are just one of the countless things that distract from what is most important in college. If one can't be comfortable at home, every facet of college is going to suffer. Also, just because many are away from their parents for the first time doesn't mean that they should take every advantage of it. It will catch up to you. Like all the wonderful things in life, the key is moderation. If one parties too much and blows off class, they may lose their aid and have to drop out of school.

Marissa

Visit all of your possible choices and decide if it seems like a place you could see yourself at for the next four years. Don't pick somewhere because someone is pressuring you to. Think about the people there and think about how hard or easy it will be for you to make friends. Make sure it has all of your possible choice for a major.

Connie

Get involved. During your first term at a new school, look around and find one or two campus groups that are of interest to you and get involved. It helps you get to know others on campus and helps you feel connected. It will greatly enhance your experience while at college.

Erica

I think one of the most important ways to choose a college is to visit your top choices. Along with taking guided tours sponsored by the school, I think it is important to stay for a weekend with your patrents or a friend. Aside from the academic quality of a school, which is the most important, the atmosphere of your college capus must be compatable to you. You will be living in this new environment for 4+ years and if you feel comfortable there, you will be happy in many aspects of your life. Choosing a college based upon the firends you have who are going there is not the best idea. Choose a school based upon the friends you will gain.

Cybil

For students: Visit as many colleges as you can! I started looking at colleges in middle school due to the various extra curricular activities I was involved in thru school. Therefore, I was able to see school in ?real-time.? In other words, there was not the pressure to see the school thru the eyes of the recruiters. If possible, know someone in the community of the school you want to attend. This helps with the transitioning from home. Understand the distance between home and school and the expenses associated. Most importantly, find the one thing on the school campus that is a big draw for you ? for me, it was the Ping Center (recreation center) and the ice skating rink at OU. Why? Because I am a skater and an athlete. Parents: Allow your children to choose the school that best fits with their comfort zone(s). Remember, it is not you who will attend the school, it?s your child! Stand back and let them explore their to be home away from home and the surroundings.

Elizabeth

When looking for a college look for the school that is right for you. Don't choose a college because that is where your friend or boyfriend/girlfriend is going. Take in to consideration the size of classes that you want to be in and the size of the college. Look at whether the colleges you are looking at have your intended major. Make sure that you would be happy at the college you choose. Along with being strong in academics look into the social scene of the school. Although academics is the reason you are at college everyone needs a social life and the chance to make new friends once they have started school. Colleges help in meeting new friends in the social aspect by having sporting events, fraternities/sororities, clubs and much more. My biggest piece of advice is to find the college that you feel comfortable on from the time you step foot there. If you don't feel comfortable and at home there you will not be happy.

Tony

When going through the process of deciding which college is right for you or your children many things come to mind. I want to rank them for you, the first thing that should be considered is the quality of the program you are interested in at the university or college. Second, how much? Realizing the expense really helps clarify which school will give the most education for the best price. Third, scholarships, how much money is available for me to go to school here? As a student the college or university needs you just as much as you need it! Next, visit visit visit! Seeing the campus and witnessing the brief campus life really helps one make a decision. There will be a feeling when stepping onto a campus of "wow I love it here" or "eh it's ok." Just seeing Ohio University from the high way I was sold! Finally, worry about the minor details, like fitness, laundry, etc. These things are usually very well taken care of at any university or college it just depends on the preference of the potential student.

Travis

All i can say about finding the right college is go with your gut. No matter what your parents tell you or no matter what they are trying to push you to do always go with what you feel. If you only go to a college to make your parents happy you will never be truly happy. When it comes to making the most of your college experience make sure to get involved in everything you can. Obviously it is important to keep up on your grades and do your best academically, but it is important to make friends and enjoy yourself while you are getting and education.

Klishaya

Finding the right college is a tough choice, especially with colleges becoming more expensive. The best advice I can give is to make sure you pick a school that meets your academic requirements and has plenty of campus organizations that you have an interest in. While at school, don't be afraid to talk to other students. Get together a few study groups; it will help you make new friends and have plenty of study-buddies! Especially with classes held in large lecture halls, I would highly reccommend finding a few students to get together with. Adjusting to college life is difficult enough when you have to be away from your family for weeks or months at a time, so having a good group of friends is important. You don't have to be a partier or a drinker to have fun at college. I've been at Ohio University for a year so far and have not been to one of 'those' parties and I have still been having a great time at college. Just remember to be yourself, have fun, and study hard and college will be some of the best years of your life!