Old Dominion University Top Questions

I have learned more in college than I ever had in high school. A lot of students need to relearn subject areas because high school teachers did not do an adequate job in explaining concepts or even going over them. I have learned a lot of who I am and that I am capable of doing things on my own. I know that I am the one who holds the power to my future. I also have realized how expensive college is which I never really knew before. College has not only helped me to expand my mind but it has helped me to see who I am. I have seen myself pushed to the limits and succeed. Professors have pointed my strengths and really helped me to see my passions. College has been the best experience of my life and I wouldn?t trade it for the world.

I've learned that responsiblity and the ability to be teachable are only a small part of the college experience. There have been many times I've been asked to step out of my comfort zone in order to tackle challenging situations. I believe that learning to think critically while being open minded about the people you go to school with and the situations you're sometimes put in has been the most important thing I've learned to date. My college experience, though very different, has been as rewarding of an experience as my time in the military.

I applied three times into the dental hygiene program and my school and got waitlisted. I was set back, but I was determined to never give up. I switched my major and minor, finished with a bachelor degree in Psychology and I am currently finding scholarship money to attend my long dream of going to dental hygiene school, which I was just accepted to this past week. I'm glad I've made friends here, met great professors who love their job, and it was valauble to attend college in order to get the career I've always dreamed and strived for.

I have learned that everything isnt going to come easy in life. Old Dominion University has become a major influence in my life and is continuously molding me to become the person I can be after college.

What I have gotten out of my college experience at ODU is that I am getting a great education, I have become involved in numerous activities and I am coming into myself.

I have gotten alot out of my college experience. It has been a valuable to attend this school because it has taught me the qualities I need to succed in life. I have learned how to manage my time and priorities and be in charge of my own actions. It is important to understand that you do not come to college to make friends or have fun. You come to college to get prepared for your future. It is great to make friends along the way, but socializing is not priority. That is the main point alot of college freshman do not understand, but I have learned this lesson from experience. I did well my first semester, but I found that I could do even better by putting my schoolwork first at all times. I also gained alot by taking advantage of the extra curricular programs and activies here on campus.

Through my college experience, I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experiences that will stick with me forever. First and foremost, I have been able to experience living on your own, and relying solely on yourself. In high school, I always had my mom and dad there to motivate me to finish my homework and now it is all on me. It has helped me to be able to grow and mature into a successful adult. So far, I have done a fairly good job at this earning a 3.44 grade point average and Dean's List. My goal throughout college has always been the same: to be actively involved and make the most out of this opportunity because it only happens once. I am currently involved in Habitat for Humanity, Pre Health Club, Biological Honor Society, and volunteering at the Norfolk SPCA. I treasure and value all of these experiences and they will forever impact my life.

I learned that i had to go to college striaght from high school when i was younger so i choose a college that i thought was best for me and didn't listen to everyone in high school. I now regret not listening to people in high school because they told me the best school for my major and i am now attending that college. the first college i attended was not ment for me and it was a waste of time. i reccomend to all stuents to listen to people in high school especially teachers and counselors they know best. college experience at the school i attending has been amazing and has helped me learn new things on a daily basis. things you would never expect to have to know is things you have to know. it's better to attend college while young and not waiting until your older because once you get older you foorget alot and start to feel the younger people know more then you do educationally. the older you are the more you know about realality but the less you know when it comes to education.

I have only been enrolled in college for a semester and a half, but in that time I have really grown up. I am only three hours away from my house, but Norfolk feels like a completely different world. I have no one scheduling my doctors appointments, doing my laundry, or cooking me dinner. Instead, I do all of these things on my own. It might not seem like a big deal, until the reality of it sinks in. I am no longer a child. I am completing tasks that my mom and dad still do for my younger brother. The rewards and conseuences of my actions no longer affect both my parents-- except maybe emotionally-- and myself. I think being an adult is the most valuable peice of information I have recieved from attending college. I now fully understand that I am the one who is responsible for my actions. Throughout the rest of my life, I will constantly be making decisions, and should one of them be wrong, I must take full responsibility for it. No one else will ever be in charge of my life for as long as I shall live.

From attending college I have learned more about what it means to responsible for myself and my own actions. I have learned to be committed and dedicated to learning and succeeding in school. I have a new appreciation for those who work and go to school at the same time. It has been extremely valuable to attend because without this education it would not even be possible for me to have my dream job. Attending college teaches life lessons that you can't learn from someone telling you about it. Going to college is hard and stressful but is worth it and attending is the best decision anyone can make.

This college experience as let me know that it is not the same as high school, the work will be harder and that even though you want to party and have fun, you have to study and do the work in order to pass the course and to be able to graduat on time. I have also come to understand to accept people from where they come from, I have been around people that have lived here but never from other countries and it is nice to talk to someone who also has different opinions and ideas about things that are different. It has been valuable to me to attend this school because it made me realize that I have potential to do something in life, when at first I had no idea what I wanted to do after school or what major I wanted to persue, the school helped me pick a major and told me what types of jobs I can get with the degree.

I have gotten the experience of a real college life, being in a town of people your age. (Being on campus-living). Lots of activities to learn how to be safer and smarter. Lots of differnt groups to learn and expand you mind from. I have also met many unique people and focused alot of my time on learning their stories and helping them morem so than just being a friend.

As soon to be a Mechanical Engineer I would have gone back and made sure I would have used my time more diligently. Now that I have co-oped with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center I know that there are opportunities I should have taken advantage of. Immediately joining engineering activities that relate to space and applying for internships. Be adventurous and look for extra ?curricular activities, volunteering and make time to explore the area. If you just open your eyes you'd realize the possibilities around you, so take control and don't be afraid. One of the most key things to remember is to not cut yourself off at just the classroom, if you have a chance to learn anything whether at work, from a friend, an adult giving you advice or a professor, listen and absorb what they are saying. In every opportunity now I try to literally squeeze the most of what I can out of it. You are entering college not just to learn and get a degree but to get the most out of your 4 years, whether that includes joining a research team launching satellite payloads into space or joining a club activity.

My advice to myself would be to have taken more time to sit down and look for scholarships. When I was a senior i felt that making sure i had my plan together for prom and other events were more important than sitting down and looking up financial aid. If I could go back I'd tell myself that while all of that is an important part of your senior year, you have to think beyond that and prepare yourself more for what is ahead of you. I didnt think that financial aid was that important, but now that I am experiencing it first hand I know that it makes your college life more enjoyable and less stressfull. So, I'd simply ask myself to be more prepared for my freshman year of college, because it is a completely different life than high school.

If i could go back in time back to highschool, I definitly would have chosen to do more AP work. I feel now as though i didn't try my hardest. I should have really taken 5-7 AP classes throughout my highschool career to get college credit. I really should have gotten these credits because now i am trying to get a degree in criminal justice as well as a certificate program with information technology. When you have these extra credits it also allows you to go directly to coursework that deals with your major. So you don't have to deal with your GEN ED's.

If I could go back in time to give my high school self some advice, I would tell her two very important things. The first thing I owuld say would be to look for scholarships. Scholarships are so impotant and I regret that I only applied for a few during my senior year. I didn't realize just how expensive college is. With the costs of textbooks, meal plans, and tuition, college can easily break the bank. I would tell myself to apply for every scholarship I could find, because although it might take a while to write a bunch of good essays, it is completely worth it. The second thing I would tell myself is to get out and be more involved in college life. When I first came to college, I found myself very reluctant to leave my dorm room. I found out about half way into the semster that you've got to explore the campus. I wish that I had met more people that first semester and tried more new things because there is always something to do. I would tell myself not to be afraid of going out and maybe joining a club.

Advice no.1: In the midst of meeting people and making relationships, learn not only about yourself, but also learn "people." Don't close yourself off, but make yourself available to welcome friendships. This makes academics a little lighter. Advice no.2: Come to college with ambitions centered around understanding your potential. Don't come to college to get away from home or to party it up. Come to college with believing you are making history so that in all the things you do, whether it's studying or hanging with friends, you are doing it with intention. Simply be intentional and purposeful. Advice no.3: Train yourself to master the art of time management now instead of later. Learn the way you learn best before you get into college so that you won't find yourself procrastinating and then incidentally flunking a class. Advice no.4: Do not depend on your advisor or counselor to tell you anything. Use them as a resource but do not depend on them. Pay attention to deadlines. Sometimes classes can only be taken at a certain time, or that certain majors only accept new students at a specific time. Pay attention to them!

Summing it up in a few short words: do the required reading! The transition will be much easier if you actually do your homework and the readings for your classes. You will feel much less overwhelmed, and much more positive about your experience as a college student. I also recommend that you learn time management. Learning to manage your time is a key to success in college. But, as mentioned, it is not only important to make time for studies. You will also need to make time for your personal well-being. If you learn how to maintain both your studies and your personal life, you will most definitely make your college career and absolute success!

I would tell myself to make sure that I stay on my finances because it is very hard to manage money when in college. If I knew this prior to starting in the Fall, I would've made sure I worked to save up money because accounts get low, and there is no money to come back once it's gone. I am now in a financial bind and it is definitely not fun!

I would be giving myself a long list of advice. Be more involved with extracurricular activities on campus and be more social. Go out and have fun more often outside of the dorm room. Be more open-minded about musical preferences and dancing. Try not to dwell on the past with high school worries. Try to work in a job, it helps with time management. Keep up with all classes and don't slack off because the class isn't interesting.

Take everything into moderation. I understand that you have had a very sheltered childhood, but remember you are still young. Focus on your long term goals, and remember that even when you graduate there will still be plenty of events, boys, clubs and alcohol. I know you are going to have a full work load, but you can still eat healthy. Don't push yourself too far, balance school and work. If it is too much, remember school is more important. You can do this, always keep your head up.

First I would have told myself to actually tour universities, not just pick one at random and apply. I would have also applied for scholarships much more, now that I am paying for everything with loans. However most important, I would have applied myself to my full potential my first semester. First semester I did not live up to my potential, and was put on academic probation. Realizing my mistake, I then attained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for my next two semesters. Applying myself more would benefit me greatly by giving me a higher cumulative grade point average. Touring schools before applying would have saved me time, time I am now spending as a transfer student waiting to get residency and in-state tuition. Lastly and definitely the most important, I would have told myself that even though situations present might not always be ideal, that I am a strong individual who is quite clearly capable of anything, and anything is possible for me to acheive.

Make the effort. That is the most important advise I could offer my younger self. Do not be afraid to fail, nor be hesitant to take a risk. Everything up until now, as in life during high school, has been easy. Once you graduate, nobody will be spoon feeding or holding your hand. "They" expect you to be able to hold your own, do the work, and put forth your best effort every day. The hand holding stops once you get your diploma. Time moves faster on the other side. No longer are you 'just a kid'. You will be an adult and will be treated as such, as fairly or unjustly as the situation permits. You have the opportunity to make yourself the best you are. Nobody else will do it for you. Do not wait. Do not procrastinate. Somewhere down the road you will look back and see 'now' is farther away than the future ever could be.

If I could go back and give high school senior me advice, I would probably tell myself to not be so nervous about college. I was terrified that I wouldn't like it or I would fail out, but now I see that none of those things were an issue. I would tell my senior self to be more excited and less worried because my time in college was great and there was no need to be so anxious about it. I would also tell myself to go with my first choice school, even if my parents did not approve of me going to New York City at 18. I would tell myself that while ODU was a great school, I would always wonder where I would be if I had stood up to my parents and said I'm going to New York. Now, I can't promise myself that that would be my best advice because obviously I don't know what would have happened, but I think I would tell myself anyway. I feel confident that it would not turn out poorly.

If I could go back to give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to be the best I can be and to strive for success. As a senior in high school, I knew I would attend community college for at least a year. This transition in my academic life was not difficult by any means, however, I did not do well mainly because I did not put forth effort. Viewing my first semester's grades, mostly C's, I really had to study hard for the next year and a half to bring my GPA up to a 3.2. After one semester of college I knew that if I wanted to go somewhere and be someone I would have to start immediately. I needed to become focused on my studies and try my hardest to receive above average grades. Even if the course was a little on the easy side, I put in as much effort as I did for the rest of my classes. I have learned from my mistake and now strive for above average in all that I do and try to be my best in everything.

I would make sure that I apply for scholarships early. Check out the different types of loans that are offered. Work more and try to save more money. Visit the colleges more than once and maybe see if they had a program where you can spend the night. Make sure you check the list of everything you may need as a freshman.

I would advise myself to study hard and make sure I get my books for all of my classes and ask people about different professors before taking them just in case they are hard to get along with or are not helpful at all. Another thing I would tell myself is to make sure I have time to study and make study groups for all of my classes because I will need them to get the grades that I really want and would expect to get. Get more involved with different programs with the school because it looks good on your resume and helps when you are looking for an internship because it gives you an advantage. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible because you will need them especially if you do not want any loans.

There is much advice I would give to myself as a high school senior. First and foremost would be for me to wake up and pay attention in my classes, especially AP Statistics, as it would have saved some money later on had I actually gotten a decent score on the AP exam. Then I would have made myself do more physical activity, whether at home or not, to be able to handle some of the walking I would have to do later on, and possibly prevent the diabetes I would have been diagnosed a few years later. Finally, I would have myself apply as an English major to start, as there were some hassles in the beginning with my intended major.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a college senior, I would tell myself that college comes with many freedoms, but education comes first. Education is the key to success in this world and if you feel yourself struggling, ask for help. There are lots of tutoring programs offered at college, so take advantage of them. Do not follow the crowd but be your own person, someone that others will admire and respect you for. Your college years is when you start to come into your own. There are so many opportunites to take advantage of like, studying aboard, joining organizations, meeting people from all over the world, and networking. I would also tell myself, that it is very important to get involved right away. The sooner you get involved, the more people you meet, who will probably be able guide you and help you through your first year. I would tell myself to become a leader on campus, someone that the facutly and staff admire you for and who the students look up too. However, the most important aspect is to stay grounded. You want to become a well-rounded and respected student!

Be prepared. College is not high school there will be alot expected from you and not just from your family. Also make sure the school is for you just because it offers your major does not mean that school is for you. Visit multiple schools and spend a weekend there because a day visit of the campus does not show you what goes on behind the scenes.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a great deal to tell. To start off, I would say that college is a very big responsibility and if you choose to take it lightly, be prepared to experience the many ramifications of your actions. It is very important to know that you must adjust to the fact that no one is going to do anything for you; you must take the initiative to complete tasks on time and to put forth full effort on all work. You should also make sure to apply for several scholarships because you know how difficult it will be to pay back any loans that you may take. Its free money and it will show your parents how much you want to be successful. Be sure to become acquainted with at least two of your teachers to show your drive and will to learn. If you choose to work hard, payment will come in the form of success.

I would tell my high school self to go when ready as higher academics takes a serious commitment and while college is known as party central, to keep focused and remember what your ultimate goal is in the end!

If I saw myself my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to stay focused on my school work. I would tell myself not to worry about having a boyfriend because all they do is stress you and you lose focus on your studies and goals. I would also suggest that I work on my time management skills, because in college, life is all about time management because you are on your own. I would also tell myself to be involved and have fun, and go to school functions. I think this is important because this is good practice for college. I believe that if you just stay in your dorm in college you will make yourself depressed. I would tell myself to listen to my parents because they are right most of the time and they want what is best.

Over the past two years as a college student I have had various experiences and grown in many aspects of my life. I am grateful for the ability to attend college and cherish the memories I have mad thus far. Looking back at the college application process during my senior year of highschool, there are some things that I would do differently. If I could give myself some advise I might have made some different decisions. I wish I would have visited more colleges and got a good feel of different types of campuses with people who were different than myself. I think this would have given me a broader aspect of college life and I would have been more aware of other oppurtunitites. Also, I would have pushed myself more to tryout for college sports and put my athletic skills out there for athletic directors to possibly recruit me. The last and most important piece of advice I would give myself is to make the most of the time I have because it flies by in a split second. Be yourself, achieve everything you can and enjoy life to the fullest.

Alyssa, Right now you may be overwhelmed with the anxieties of choosing a college, how you?ll pay for it, and what that next step in your life is going to be like. Let me give you a few pointers of how to make the transition and what to expect. College is very different from high school. You have less time spent in class, more homework, and most of all more freedom. Make sure you take the time to complete your studies before you go out and play. It?s so easy to get caught up in the fun activities going on around you, but keep your head focused on your education. But, the most important advice I can give you is to hold onto your morals. I remember what you?re struggling with right now, but don?t forget that God is in control and you have nothing to fear when He?s by your side. Stand up for what you believe in and don?t allow yourself to be swayed by the crowd. Learn and open your mind to what?s going in the world around you, but continue to stand your ground and walk faithfully. Love, Alyssa

I would tell myself to talk to my high school counselors more about college, so they could give me more advice on a major to choose. Then I could have started taking those courses sooner and could have started taking the introduction classes in community college.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior in prepartation for going to college, I would tell myself to believe in myself, because when coming to college you have to have conifedence in yourself that you can do well and that you can succeed. Even if the classes are hard or if youre having a hard time adjusting, as long as you believe in yourself you can acomplish anything.

I'd tell myself to talk to current or recent college students. Now that I have the gift of hindsight I would've engaged myself more. The financial aid process is easy, but had I known what I know now I would have kept track of my finances much more closely; research the approximate costs and the actual cost of attending school. I would've maintained a closer relationship with the financial aid counselor, and got more involved in social organizations/activities. You will not only learn about yourself, but those social interactions allow you to meet various people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds. Being apart of an organization whose common goal matches what you want to do in life helps you feel as though you belong. Colleges and universities have a lot to offer, but every college/university is not right for everyone. I'd look at the school's curriculum and majors offered to determine whether or not they meet my needs. Test scores are extremely important because they determine your placement in college. I'd make studying a priority in high school and learn time management skills because one slip up can cost you your GPA.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself not to hang out alot outside of school or procrastinate. Hanging out alot cost time and money and I could use that time to study or get to know my professors and get school work done. I would advise myself not to procrastinate because last minute work could jeopardize a good grade and also college success.

When you are choosing your school, you need to look at more than just the surrounding area. You have to look at the people as well. Find websites that show students ratings of the school and that will help you influence your decision. You also need to put yourself out there. Don't be the wall flower. Make friends and make the most of your time there, even if you think you're going to transfer. Make the most out of every situation. Also, don't take your studies lightly. Go to class! Your grades will show it if you don't go to class like you should. Don't spend your free time out constantly or sleeping. You really need to study. You'll regret it if you don't. Just make the most of it while you are there and think about how this will help your future. Don't worry about the past, this is your time to make a new name for yourself, take advantage of it. And good luck.

Spend more time studying and thinking critically. Take the SAT, ACT, and / or any other college level entrance examination on more than one occassion in hopes of attaining better scores. Take one or more AP courses, so that one or more fewer courses would need to be taken in college. Possibly participate in dual enrollment at the local community college, if the high school does not offer a specific AP course. Speak with the guidance counselor(s) and admissions representative(s) regularly to know requirements for entering specific colleges or universities.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to go to James Madison University (JMU). I made the poor decision as a high school senior to go to JMU to play field hockey with the idea of eventually getting a scholarship. However, I later found out that this statement was just a tactic of the coach to recruit players. When I finally found out that I was not getting a scholarship, it was too late and I was already done with a semester of college. I had to give up what I had been working for for the last five years because of poor judgement. I had opportunities to go to other colleges to play field hockey (with definite scholarships), but my poor decision forced me to give up the life I had built for myself. Without a field hockey scholarship, I couldn't afford to attend JMU, and I was forced to transfer back home. However, in the end things did work out for me. I've started a new chapter in my life at Old Dominion University, and I couldn't be happier.

Do not get distracted by friends and girls in college. Focus on the task at hand, your studies, and the rest will fall into place. Also apply to which ever university you would like and do not listen to anyone but yourself as far as applying to college goes.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college when I am a high school senior I would recommend spending more time figuring out what I want to do in my life. I should have spent more time looking into the different careers that are offered in the world. I went into college with very little knowledge about my career goals and what I needed to do to acheive them. I would also advise myself to take more time to enjoy the whole college experience. I have missed some great opportunities to meet new friends and become more proactive in my community. I have begun to become more involved over the last year and I am getting things together but college would have been a better experience if I had it all organized in high school. Lastly I would let myself know that I am going to do a lot of growing up in college and it will be good for me. I would just recommend to myself that I seize the day and enjoy the experiences.

I would tell myself. Do not stress it will make you lose your hair. Do not let people put down on you. Smile more and don't let the small things get you down they are only small and will not change who you are and who you are meant to be. Make others laugh, you were meant to brighten peoples lives. Stand up for yourself and never let drama get the best of you. Stay focused, learn and do what you truly love.

If I could go back 17years ago and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take life more serious. I would learn better study habits and apply myself better when it came to listening. I would learn as much as I could about research and I would take every math class that there were to offer. I would do more volunteer work in the field of work I thought I wanted to major. I would start off at a community college and transition into a 4year university. I would enjoy my senior year and live to the fullest because once you graduate their is no more pampering from your teachers. Start learning how to make decisions for yourself and be responsible for yourself, because college life is all about independence and a stepping stone into the real world.

Life sneaks up on us like a tiger in the woods. I remembered when I started high school and I thought that life could not get any better. As I look back at my high school experience, I find that I could have done better academically and still be happy socially. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would recommend going to Old Dominion University and not getting so bent about the overall status of the school since it is a great school for my major. I would also advise not to room with one of my good friends because it is wonderful to meet new people and maintain friendships because college can get lonely. Lastly, I would give myself a bear hug and say thank you. Thank you for doing everything you will be doing in the future because you have made your college experience phenomenal and have grown academically. Congratulations, you will do so well in college and make a difference on campus. I will not give you all the answers now because you will know how to make the best decision when faced with new challenges.

I would tell myself to keep my head up in all situations. I would tell myself that i could accomplish anything and that even though somethings are hard, with a little hard work I can accomplish those goals. I would make my motto the greater the quest the greater the outcome. For the more I try the better off i will be.

If i could go back in time to talk to previous self as a high school senior, i would tell myself not to worry so much about college. As long as i be myself and be more socialable, I won't have a problem making friends and meeting new people. I would also tell myself that as long as i continue to do well and work and develope better studying habits, i would have no problems with surviving college life.

The transition from high school to college is huge. When I was in high school, I thought that college would be easy. Knowing what I know now, however, has changed that. If I could go back in time and talk to myself about this whole experience, there are many things I would have said to do differently. For starters, I would have said to start applying much sooner than I actually did. By the time I started applying to schools, many schools had already stopped admitting applications. That was my first mistake and probably the one that hurt me the most. Another thing that I would tell myself is that I need to be more accepting of different schools. If I had done that, I might be enrolled at University of Hawaii at Manoa right now. That was my second mistake. The third thing I would say is that the most important thing about college is going to the one that is right for me, not anyone else. If I could talk to myself about college and the decisions that led up to it, there are many things i would say, but the first would be to have fun.