Old Dominion University Top Questions

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

Brittany

I would advise myself to develop better study habits, even though I have never received any bad grades. There are so many diffrent ways to study and I think college has helped me discover which method works best for me. I was a great student in high school, and I carried that work ethic with me to college. I do not really struggle in college because I continue to be hard working and make sure my studies come before anything else. I would tell myself to continue making smart decisions, and focusing on my school work.

Eryn

When I was a high school senior, I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I would be graduating from a private university in my hometown. Little did I know that after a year and a half at that private university, I would be getting married and transferring to ODU to be with my husband who is in the Navy. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to enjoy time with my friends and family as much as possible. I would tell myself to put school before my job, and I would probably tell myself that I should be a journalism major. However, I cannot go back in time, and I'm thankful for that. I am completely happy with the way things turned out in my life.

Jessica

Go to a community college first so you can save some money. After you get your associate's degree at a community college then you can go to a four-year college. Enjoy college but do not procrastinate on your assignments. Choose the major that you want and not the major that your mom or dad want you to pick.

Bernadette

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School Senior, I would tell myself the things that I have learned so far about College life. However, before I tell myself that, I would advice what classes are best to take since I was already set on a major I was going to pursue during my Senior year. Taking AP classes would have helped tremendously, subtracted the payments, and listen to most of my teachers and peers. Do my research on the universities that I wanted to apply. Also, let myself know that the mentality as a High School student would change into thinking as an adult where you have to learn responsibility when you enter College. There was sometimes no second chance and a student will suffer consequences if they don't try their best as well. Improve studying skills, completing assignments on time, learning better habits, and etc. Growing up seems to scare most individuals, but it is part of human life. We can't hide or run away from it, but we can learn to face and embrace it. It is a challenge, worth overcoming and everyone's experience is different.

Derrick

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have advised myself to take a few more AP classes, especially AP Biology. By taking AP Biology I would have allowed myself for an easier transition into college level Biology. I would also advise myself to develop a few more independent study and scheduling habits to help transition into a self-created effective time management college schedule. Additionally, I would remind myself to continue to act the way I am, not adapting my attitude or my morals to fit in with the new people I would encounter.

Kiersten

If I could go back in time and tell myself some advice about college, I would tell myself that it is a very hard transition but to just not give up. College is harder than high school is and you are spending your hard earned money on this education so you better take it seriously. Making new friends is not a simple task either, it takes work to balance your social life, work, and school. So try your hardest and in the end it will pay off.

nikki

I would go back in time to give myself an extra pat on the back for working so hard. I would reassure myself that the road I'm taking will help me on my journey to college. I would let my Mom know that she raised a great person and that me going to college just let's her know she did something right.

sheena

I would tell myself to look at several different colleges so that I could find the best college for my education that fits me. I would have spoken more intense on having my parents start up a college fund. I possibly could have taken all my prerequisites before my completion of high school. My counselor could have explored the SATs and ACTs with me so that I would have had those completed because, no one ever informed me of having to take these tests. Going into college I would stay focused on the tasks at hand. Taking required classes and doing the best job that I can do. My friends like minded individuals surrounding me so that together we could be each other’s support system. I plan on helping people along the way with what I know and maybe if I can help other people their college experience will be a great one. Truly I appreciate scholarships such as this that help college students like me along my way to a higher educational experience. Thank you.

Brendan

Stick to your assumptions, although there are some bad aspects about ODU, it's still a great school, you'd be happy there - you are happy there, and the positives outweigh the negatives. Don't forget that all schools have negative attributes, and with what you're given at ODU you'd only be greatful for what you're provided.

Brittney

I would tell myself to definitely make sure I go to Old Dominion University and stay on campus. That is the only way you can fully feel the whole college experience. Also it is no need to over pack anything, just make sure you have what is needed. The most important thing I would tell myself is that I really need to start to get into new and better study habits. Overall have fun and enjoy the time you have to find out who you truly are as an individual.

Paul

It will be a lot harder than high school, but you’ll be treated like an independent adult. You have to be responsible for yourself and ask for help if you need it. College is a whole different ball game than the last 12 years. You may say goodbye to some old friends, but you will make new ones if you try. If you want to meet people, you’ll have to go out and get involved, because going home as soon as possible won’t get you many friends. Try studying in groups or with classmates, or even tutoring if you need it. It will take a lot more than before to get good grades, and maybe some new work skills. You may make mistakes, but keep moving forward, don’t give up, and believe in your own ability to get things done. It’s going to be a challenge but you can do it if you apply yourself.

Chelsea

The advice I would give myself would be during the summer before starting college, set up a personal meeting with an advisor and a tutor to help me refine my study skills. Throughout high school, I did not have a certain way of studying. As a matter of fact, I did not know how to study very well at all, so I would definitlely give my high school self the resources that I didn't have at the time, to make my first semester of college a lot easier.

Amanda

If I could give advice to my senior self, I would advise myself about the aspects of transitioning to college life outside of academics. In high school, my parents and teachers always stressed the academic side of college. I've had plenty of advice about the rigor and work involved with college courses. The social side, however, was much more surprising and different than I expected. I would advise myself to be prepared to be up late many nights, and to be flexible with my schedule. Unlike living at home, you have to be flexible about when and where you do everyday things; my schedule in college is constantly changing. I would also advise my senior self to make sure to find the class schedule that would make it easiest for me to attend (and be awake) during class. I would tell myself to consider before scheduling, if I could really handle taking a tough class too early in the morning or too late at night. Other than that I would tell myself to simply have a good attitude and be ready to work!

camille

I would say make sure you study study study. Don't wait until last minute to do anything because it will not get done. Make sure you find a schedule that fits you, and don't try to make yourself fit into a certain schedule, because it will add stress to your student life.

Sydney

Dear Seniors, College seems like the easiest thing in the world. Going wherever, doing whatever. What you don’t see are the downsides of it all. It’s going to class, managing a job and extra-curricular activities, maintaining an acceptable GPA, and trying to have a social life all at the same time. You’re so stressed because there’s no free time and you’ve pulled two all-nighters in a row. It’s that when one thing goes bad, everything seems to fall apart. All you want is to go home to the people you were so desperate to get away from, but you can’t afford to drive twelve hours for a weekend trip. So cherish your senior year and the memories before college; they’re what are going to get you through the horrible times when you fail a test, get dumped, and have your car broken into all in the same day. They’re what will give you hope that things will turn around. They’re what will make the terrible things seem not so terrible, because college can be the best time of your life- if you let it.

Michael

Going back in time I would tell myself that I need to take my schooling more seriously. I need to be applying myself more than I am. I would take the opportunity to seek help from my counsler for advice on colleges to attend, career choices, and information I would need to know to prepare myself outside of high school. I would tell myself to buckle down and take my senior year more seriously and raise my grade to the best of my ability so I can have the highest GPA possible when I graduate. From knowing what I know about college now, I would have told myself to apply for as many scholarships that I could to help me with my college, beacuse it's very expensive. I would let myself know that nothing in life comes easy. College is something you have to apply yourself towards, that it may have its hard times but is well worth it. I would tell myself that college is not at all as bad as I thought it would be and to forget my fears and go for my dreams. Anything is accomplishable as long as I put my mind to it.

Allison

If I could back in time to the year I was a high school senior I would tell ask myself what do you want to do forever. I would tell myself to be sure you know what you want to do for the rest of your life and plan for that. Decide on your future now before your future decides you. Take all the classes you can and study hard. Take things serious because your life and future is serious business. Be prepared and complete your education, you never know where you will be in 15 years without one. I would tell myself that relationships change and you will mature. The things that seem important now will not be your main focus in 15 years. Do not let relationships and other experiences at that age control your choices. Stay focused on what YOU want, set YOUR goals high and YOU will become happy and successful. YOU are the most important person and YOU are the only one who can determine YOUR future.

Renee

Be careful of those that you make friends with and don't be afraid to deny friendships that will not benefit you or your studies. Never think that if you put something off then you'll get it done later because it won't happen. Try to keep off-campus socializing (clubbing) to a minimum during your freshman year until you've gotten the hang of things.

Sarah

I would tell me that I'm so happy at KU. I'm pursuing a major in both Journalism and Global and International studies. Currently, I am enrolled in an Honors seminar course that focuses on understanding the nonprofit sector. This course has given me a broader global perspective. I now plan to use my leadership skills and education to focus on international education efforts in the nonprofit sector. As a first generation college student, education is extremely important to me. I’ve used my education to help others by giving back to my community. I am now a well-respected campus leader, I have gained experiences through student government, the Journalism school’s ambassador program and my university’s community outreach center. I have volunteered over 100 hours every semester with various groups in my community. These experiences have helped me grow to be an effective leader. I know that my future is bright, butI have acquired over $12,000 in student loans, so apply for more scholarships. Furthering your education; I know I will continue to grow as a person and as a leader. Have fun along the way!

Adrienne

I would tell my high school senior self that "it's not that bad." "Don't worry about being away from home, you're going to love the independence and freedom." I'd tell myself that I'm going to make a few new friends and learn so many new and extraordinary things. I'm going to form new ideas and thoughts about my life and life in general. I shouldn't worry, I'm going to love college.

Nia

Realize "blaming" others for your short commings is only a excuse and will hurt only you in the future. Prepare for tomorrow versus the mad rush to catch up at the last minute. This will show in your work and will establish good work habits which have definately helped in settling into college life. It's you and the world, with this being said, understand your friends will come and go. Treat them as friends passing in the night. In school push yourself and try your hardest. Socially, understand you dont have to experience everything all at once, save somethings for your future. Learn from failures, both yours and others. Don't give up, try again or try something new. You are never to grown to say, please, thank you or most importantly....I need HELP. Find a mentor, someone you respect, value their opinion and talk freely with. Stay in constant contact. Finally, your family is there for a reason. They are your support system, your cheerleaders and will always love you unconditionally. You are important -deliver GREATNESS!!

Jenae

Try your hardest to get a scholarship off of high school grades! College is NOT cheap and money is difficult to come by. Obtain proper time management, and enjoy your freedom!

Brittany

I would tell myself to sit down and really focus. I did well in highschool but it was very relaxed atmosphere. Whereas in college, its relaxed but you have to focus a little more than highschool. So, if I could go back in time I would just tell myself its a tme and place where you can have fun, but make sure your work is done first.

Brittany

I wish I would have applied myself more in high school. I thought school was a joke until I came to college and realized how important it is. I was a C average student in high school, and now in college I get extremely upset if I receive a C. I wish my ambition to do well was higher in high school. My life has changed dramatically since I've attended college.

Alexandra

If I were able to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to take more time and care with regard to my decision as to where to apply to and eventually go to college. I would have told myself to actually visit more schools, sit in on classes, talk to students, and try to find out how satisfied those students were with their college experience and their school in general. I would have found out more information about housing and campus life, class sizes, job opportunities, and genereally would have armed myself with significantly more information to make my choice. Ultimately, though, I would tell myself that it didn't matter where I went to school, as long as I found something that drove me to do well, and good people to surround myself with. My success and college experience is based upon me and my decisions, how I react to different situations and make the most of the resources available to me.

Kara

If I was given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be more involved in school and to be more open to change. Growing up I was always very shy and quiet. Because of this I was often afraid to try new things or to get involved in school activites. I feared change because I did not know what to expect and did not want to venture outside of my comfort zone. Going to college was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Even though I was very nervous on my first day, I quickly adapted and made new friends. I became involved in after school activites and even took classes that normally would have intimidated me, like public speaking. Seeing that I could try new things and have a positive outcome really gave me more confidence and showed me that change, while sometime scary, could be a positive experience if I was open to it. If I had forseen that college would later help me to grow into a strong, independent young woman I would not have been so nervous to graduate.

Bethany

My advice to my naive eighteen year old self would be to take more writing courses, no matter how many you take they are never enough. I would also tell myself to put myself out there a little more, be more open to people and situations where I was outside my comfort level. I would tell myself that the transition is hard and it is easy to let things fall through the cracks because for the first time in your life you are the one making all the big decisions and there is no one there to make sure you get up and go to class or do your homework so work on your discipline. Also, there is a whole world out there past high school and many more people to meet so do not forget those you met in highschool but also do not limit making new friends and experiencing new things. College is a time for you to grow and become what you were meant to be so do not hold back from experiencing what college life has to offer.

felicia

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, one advice I would give to myself would be never give up. College isn't easy let alone it isn't for everyone, but anyone who is willing to strive for the best can make it. When times get rough, take a deep breath and just remember why you wanted to come to college in the first place. This long bumpy journey to your future will pay off in the end. When it does, you will then be able to look back with a smile and congratulate yourself making through all the trials and tribulations.

Tara

To enjoy college while I could. Life after graduation is not easy, especially with trying to find a job. Also, put EVERYTHING into your work. You are so smart and intelligent, and it takes a little more for you to get things done. But by putting just a little bit more effort into everything, you will do extremely well. And get involved in student activities. Get to know people, and interact, do clubs. This will allow you to get more experience and association with the school. Just have fun with it!!

Victoria

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that going to class is very important; no matter how tired or lazy I am. I need to put my ego and my pride down and do what I have to do to pass class. I should no longer rely on homework or quizzes to boost my grade up in class because in college, there are only about 3 tests that determines your final grade. I am going to tell myself that time management is very important; instead of going out with my friends directly after class, I need to go to my room and work on any homework from that previous class. Instead of staying out late at night, I need to get some rest because I have a early class the next morning. I would say to just remain focus and keep a goal in mind at all times.

Tiffany

Stay in school and keep learning.

Max

My first semester of college, in the fall of 2009, did not go as I planned. In honesty I cut a little more loose than I should have and it reflected in my academic performance. I was a dietetics major at that school and was absolutely miserable with it because it was not my dream to be a dietician. Although i had fallen on hard times, I transferred back to Brookdale Community College, in New JErsey, and got my act together. I am proud to say that I am studying writing, which I love to do, and am a part of the two-year college honor society, with a 3.8 GPA. Therefore, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I need to be strong these next few months and to remember that when one door closes, another opens. Most importantly, I would remind myself not to stay down when I am knocked off my feet and that everything will fall into place the way it should. Had I told myself any different, I wouldn't have been on the path I am today.

Lauren

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to keep pushing forward. The first semester is difficult because college is a new environment and a new journey to embark on. The transition is scary but it's possible. I would tell myself not to panic about little things because everything will work out if you want it to and if you put in the effort to make things happen. You can never be afraid or too proud to ask for help. Build a support system of family, old friends from back home, and some new friends on your hall or in your classes. Everyone at your college has gone through the same transition and felt the same feelings. There are thousands of students to talk to, and there are resources available on campus such as professional counseling. Always remember that you are not alone at college.

Quincy

I would tell myself to take advantage of more extracurricular activities and advanced courses. I would take more AP courses to better prepare myself with a wide variety of knowledge. I would participate in more extracurricular activities to develop character and strengthen my resume. I would also apply for more scholarships and do more research to find scholarships that apply to me.

Kelly

I would advice myself to make sure what I want to major in prior to applying for college. I came to Old Dominion undecided, I loved the environment, that's why I chose to come here. It is fortunate for me that I chose a school with an excellent Business College, being that I decided to be a Finance Major. I would also suggest for high school seniors going to conisder what size class they want to be a part of. Responsible students will do great at a large university but someone who is not good at making appointments for themselves or making due dates, a smaller university may be more apporpriate where the advisors have time to email the student...where as at a large univesity the students must contact the advisor, the advisor isn't going to let you know registration is comingup. It is the student's responsibility.

William

Looking back, I definately would have tried to save a lot of my money for school. Once I got to school, I reliezed how hard it was to work at a job and still keep up on my school work. I also would like to teach my high school self how to study. In high school, I didn't really have great study habits. Other than that, the college transiton wasn't that difficult. The hardest part, I would say, was learning how to live with someone else in closed quarters. I was always the only kid in the house, and having someone else there all the time to share your stuff with was a little difficult for me to do.

John

Well the high scool life is great because is less the way you worry about responsabillity, dont worry about buy books and all that stuff that in college that you need to be more responsable, and buy many books stuff and materials. But is better,because you are independient and the way you envolve the student roll, study and learning better be youone.

Christina

I wouldn't change anything about the way that I pursued my education. When you are a high school student, you really don't know what you want to be when you grow up. It's only until you experience life that you can make the right decisions for yourself. My only advise would be to experience as many different things as you can. Make mistakes because that's the only way to experience things. But learn from your mistakes. They make you a better person.

Theresa

Right now you’re a senior in high school, getting an A + in every class and applying to a bunch of great colleges. Mom and Dad will pay for you to go anywhere you want, and more than anything you cannot wait to move out and be on your own. You know no matter what college you go to, you will be able to handle the work. But you wonder if Mom will allow you to live your life, and let go of her overprotective ways. There’s no easy way for me to tell you this. Mom couldn’t handle it. So my advice is this: see a therapist at the college, and he or she will help you understand that Mom has mental health issues, and her behaviors are not normal. It is not healthy how upset she gets. She may never understand her problem, but the sooner you do, the better you will feel about living your life. You will have an adventure, that’s all I can really say. But you will do great in school, in relationships, and be on your way to something great.

Amanda

I would tell myself to make sure I am focused on school and do what I need to do for classes before I go out with friends. Also, be friendly to everyone you meet, everyone is completely different and you don't know their story or where they were before they came to college, and that you can meet a lot of cool people if your open to everything.

Christopher

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to focus on my academics rather than sports. This would have allowed me to successfully prepared for a transition into college life, taken time to put in for academic scholarships, and possibly go away to school rather than stay in the area. Although I do not regret anything that I have done in life, I feel that if I focused more on my studies, I would have had better opportunities and an easier time finding post-collegeiate employment!

Tiffany

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about college life, I would tell myself not to be nervous or worried and prepare to study. When I was a highschool senior, I was very worried that I would have trouble with the adjustment and making friends at a new school. I was worried about parting ways with my friends I had known and loved for years. Now that I am in college, I know that the transition was not hard. I have already made lots of new friends and still keep in contact with the old. When in high school, my classes were very easy. I hardly needed to study to make good grades. I am glad that I somehow retained the study skills we learned about in high school, because I really put them into motion these days. College classes are definately more challenging. I find myself studying for hours on end now. It's a prime example of my determination to succeed.

Tanya

I woul have to say the most important piece of advice I could give myself is DO NOT take a break between starting college and ending high school. That was probably the biggest mistake I made. I got used to not having school responsibilities and it was harder for me to readjust once entering college as an older adult.

Monica

Start early! The earlier the better. You should have all your stuff in line, test scores, ACT/SAT done before you enter your senior year. While the ACT/SAT say they are for high school seniors, college applications are due anywhere between October through March of your senior year. Some colleges will even take early applications in the summer. Either way, you need to have your ducks in a row early, don't wait until the last minute to apply for college, review your essays and give yourself time to apply and time to decide. And while you're applying for college take time to apply for scholarships and grants. College is a huge expense that most parents aren't completely prepared for. Even years of saving couldn't prepare them for which school you may end up attending or the hidden fees and costs of supplies no one ever told you about. You have to buy your own testing supplies and materials! Start early, save your pocket change.

Jordan

I would tell myself that everything is going to be alright. Things will work out the way they are supposed to. View graduating from high school as a positive experience and view starting college as a positive one as well. While it may be scary and confusing at times, everything will be alright in the end.

Karen

Study more for your calculus exam and watch out for your sleep walking and turning off your alarm in your sleep. Don't move away from Richmond.

Allyson

Don't let anyone influence your decisions. Go to school where you want to go to school. Study what you want to study. Be friends with who you want to be friends with. Be yourself, 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. GET INVOLVED!

Emily

Going back in time to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to devote more time to community service and to building relationships with wise family members, role models in the community, and organizations with values I supported. Although I am ecstatic about my current educational track and future career and required several years to figure out what I truly want to do in life, I would still tell the high school senior of my past not to take off a year after high school just to earn extra money because the wonderful high-paying nanny job I took ended abruptly due to the couple's divorce and left me in the same financial state as I had been following high school. I would tell myself just to focus on the long-term goal of completing college by first getting all of the general education requirements out of the way. This part of college provides more than enough time to figure out which major and career to pursue. In summary, I would tell my past self to stay focused, constantly seek new opportunities, and think long-term instead of short-term.

Elijah

I would have adviced myself to not spend as much time working at a minimum wage job. Instead I would have spent my time working on college scholarships to try and earn more money so that I could have avoided all of the different loans that I have had to go through. I would have helped myself make my schedule so that I would not have to be retakeing classes that I already completed in high school. This simple oversight has caught me in a tecnicality that is draining hard to find money and time.

Michael

Although everyone attends college for the same basic reason, we all get something different out of it. For me its been more a journey of self discovery than that of academic. From attending college I've learned what it truly means to work for what you want. Nothing is ever handed to you, but with hard work and the right mind set anything is achieveable. I've also learned how to manage my time better. With several activities and projects going on at the same time, you're forced to set your priorities straight. With what I've gotten out of my college experience so far I've realized that I'm basically getting a small taste of what the "real world" is going to be like.