Old Dominion University Top Questions

If i could go back in time to tell myself tips about the transition to college, I would tell myself not to worry, it gets better as you go along. As I say this I am referring to the fact that alot of college students enter college and panic when they first arrive. They panic from the lack of friends , or the distance away from home, or sometimes just simply overwhelmed by the number of people they are surrounded by each day. I know because i was one of those people. I was scared and lost coming into college, and didnt have many friends. As time progressed I grew to love my roomate who is now my close friend and I joined alot of co-curricular activities. Joining groups on campus really helped my transition also, by intorducing me to friendly people who are/were just like me!! If I could go back I would tell myself, "Everything will be okay, just be your friendly self, smile, continuoulsy be open-minded and everything will be okay."

I was never a high school senior, I skipped high school. I guess if I were to talk to myself as an 8th grader I would tell myself to learn to take notes a little better.

Snap out of it Emily! Get with it. Stop worrying about being invited to parties and remain focused school work. Stop pretending to be something you are not in order to impress your fellow students. The most important thing in this world is to be yourself, even if everything and everyone around you is trying to persuade you to do otherwise. Please be kind to those that are less fortunate than you and remain friendly to everyone, even enemies. In college, your former enemies may become your best friends, as you will gain new perspective and mature into someone better than who you are now. In college remember to keep up with homework and reading, often you will not be quizzed regularly and not keeping up with course work will hurt you on cummulative exams. Try new things, speak up in class more, and make friends with classmates, as those are things you have a hard time doing now. Enjoy high school, as the real world isn't always as fun and carefree. Always live up to your own standards. College will be much different from high school, but change is good. Take it all in and enjoy!

I WOULD DEFINITELY APPLY MYSELF HARDER IN HIGH SCHOOL SO THAT WAY I COULD RECIEVE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS. i DIDNT REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THESE FUNDINGS WERE UNTIL I CAME TO COLLEGE. THERE IS DEFINITELY OPTIONS BEFORE ENTERING A FOUR YEAR INSTITUE, FOR EXAMPLE, APPLYING TO 2 YEAR COLLEGES TO SAVE ON COST AND LOCATION. I ALSO WOULD ENCOURAGE MYSELF TO DELIVER MY BEST PERFORMANCE MY SENIOR YEAR SO ACADEMICALLY, I WILL BE MORE PREPARED FOR COLLEGE.

I would thank myself for working hard and staying focused in high school while maintaining good grades. I would make sure I am aware that Momma won't be there everytime I have to make a decision or need advice. There are going to be times when I will have to make instant decisions. Mainly, I would tell myself that it's a lot harder than high school, but it can be done if I remain focused.

The only think that I would change is the classes I took in high school, i would have probably taken AP bio or chem in addition to the rest of my AP classes.

Be yourself! College campus's have thousands of students that come from all over the world. Be the first rate verions of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else. Show people where you come from and dont be afraid to show your true colors. College is a once in a l ifetime experience, take advantage of the opportunity and expand your horizons.

I would couch myself in saying to study more and continue being a clean sober person.

Do not stress about fitting in with your peers. More than likely you will find people that best suit you. Most everyone in college is open to meeting new people since they are in the same situation so don't worry about making friends because it will happen.

The advice that I would gove myself is to stay focused on my school work, chose my roommate wisely, save money ,and to mange my time wisely

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell myself to take more AP classes. College is very expensive. If I would have realized how much a few extra AP courses could help me financially, I definitely would have taken more. I would also tell myself not to choose someone I knew from high school to be my roommate. My first year of college was particularly stressful because of my roommate situation. Also, I feel that I didn't get the full college experience because I never got the opportunity to room with a complete stranger. It could have been a great experience that I missed out on.

You don't need grades to make you happy. Don't worry about people thinking you are stupid, cause they already do. And keep contact with your friends from high school, they will be there even when your parents aren't.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give my self is to go straight into a four year college. I attended a two year school and transfered to Old Dominion Univeristy after I completed my associates degree. I think I would have completed my bachlors degree sooner if I had not transfered in. The experiences have been great. I think I've learned alot from working throughout college. I've gained experience and met so many contacts, so I would still tell my self to work. I would have loved to be more involved in school activities! There are many great opportunites to meet people through clubs and groups, and to volunteer and gain experiences.

Do not slack your first year and take everything for granted.

If I could go back and talk to a highschool senior, I would tell her that college is a different ball game and is very challenging. In college there is no one telling you what you can and cannot do and you are in charge of yourself. You have to be prepared to study all night and seek help for other peers and teachers. Utilize all the services available. While maintaining good grade should be a priority, you should strive to maintain a social life; find a balance. College is a life experience that will alter your life in many ways. You will lose, gain, and maintain friendships. College is what you make it out to be.

Never go to a college unsure, because once you are in it is too much work to transfer.

I would advice myself to work hard and strive for the best. To not settle for average but to be the very best I can be. There's a quote that was spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that I would most definitely live by everyday just as I do now. "Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better!" I would encourage myself to make plenty of study time and allow spare time for socializing. I would most definitely become active in clubs and societies related to my major as a source of support and encouragement. Overall I would study hard and allow college to instill in me intelligence as well as character.

Work extra hard to achieve your dreams, because you only have one life.

I would tell myself to build study habits while you are in high school. If you do not have good study habits before you get to college it is more difficult to study effectively in college.

Do not slack off. Always do your school work and go to class and do not let a boy dictate you ever.

Make sure to study as much as possible, college classes are not as easy as high school classes. Get to know as many people as you can, all the students are here for the same reason and are very nice. Also, just relax and have fun.

If I could go back in time to myself as high school senoir knowing what I know now I tell myself to be patient. I would want to pick the best university possible that met my needs as a student first and a person second. I would tell myself to work hard in every class even if you think it is an easy one. Do not skip any classes because you can miss a lot in one day, even if you don't think so. Make friends in your classes becaus you never know when you will need a helping hand. Keep in touch with your family because you will need a very strong support system to keep you motivated, especially your mother. The most important thing is to always believe in yourself, because that is the start to a great education. If YOU don't believe that you CAN succeed then know one else will believe you can either.

I would tell myself that I should apply to as many scholarships as I can. The more scholarships I get the more financial aid I get which means less of my money and less debt when I graduate. I would also tell myself that I need to be more assertive and try and find more friends outside of my high school buddies.

Take more community college classes, save more money, apply for more scholarships or grants!

I would definitely go back and tell myself to buckle down and highly prepare myself to become an adult. Honestly, the most important thing would have been to take much more AP classes since it is so easy to get behind in college. Those extra credits would have been a step above normal freshmen credits, and graduation would most likely be sooner. I would also tell myself to deal with anxiety and fear of people as soon as possible. Having anxiety in college causes you to feel worried about numerous things all at once, and dealing with that in high school would definitely help upon entering into college.

I would just say, "Be yourself". When I first got into college, I would change my attitudes and ways around different groups of people. If people do not like how you are, then those people do not deserve to have you as a friend. This will not only help you to gain confidence, but it will help you to feel very comfortable. You won't have to be nervous and say, "Oh, there's him and her. I need to act this way or that way". It would just make you feel at peace.

There are many things that we wish we could go back in time and inform ourselves for what may be in store or what to expect in the future. If I had the ability to speak to with my senior high school self, I would inform him about many things of the college life. One of the main things we would talk about is that college is not what I initially expected. Many times, aspiring college students believe college to be filled with partying and lull themselves into the false sense that college is easy or not as difficult. Seeing many of my friends and peers deceive themselves into thinking this, I would advise my former self of this and also have him reiterate to those persons to not be taken aback by such beliefs. Another important point that I would make would to remember to stay assertive and aggressive my attempt to fulfill my life and career goals. With this information, I would hope that my pas self make even better decisions that I had.

It is not as scary as you think it will be. Believe in yourself. Don?t be scared that no one will really like you. You will find people that you have things in common with. Even the people who you do not have a lot in common with can become great friends. Speak up in class. It is ok to not already know what you are learning. That is why you are there. To learn. Don?t slack off or procrastinate. It may seem like a pain to always be doing work, but it is not fun to have to play catch up because you put off doing the work. Always have an open mind and know that people will not always see things your way. Take every opportunity you get to go out and meet new people. It feels easier to stay in your little ?bubble? but life is much more exciting when you try new things and mmet new people. Do not take everything from home with you to the dorms. You only need the basics and things to make it warm and inviting. If you think of something you need you can always get it later.

I would tell them that school is what you make of it. If you do not get into the school of your dreams all is not lost. What you must then do is make the most of the opportunity that is presented to you. So if you desire to go to school and be successful than you have to work hard to be successful. Going to Harvard isn't going to make you that way. You have to earn your degree. If you want to just party than your grades will reflect that.

It is important tofind a school that fits your personality just as much as your academic goals. Make surethat you are comfortable at whatever school you choose. Its nice to have friends there that you already know but its not hard to meet new friends. Just because a student is off at college, the parents should still be involved; this lets the student know they still have support. Most importantly, study hard and don't let the social atmosphere get in the way of your purpose, which should be to get a degree so that you can be successful later on down the road.

The most important advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to be open-minded. Originally I planned to attend Hampton University. It is an Historically Black College/University or HBCU. Unfortunately it was too expensive, and from my experience touring the campus it didn't seem like it was worth the money students would have to scrap up to afford to attend. The facilities seemed, at glance, outdated and bland. Luckily, I had heard some impressive things about Old Dominion University. The student body and staff were diverse and the campus was very up-and-coming with the promise of the university's first football team, stadium, and new fitness facility. There were also several more dorms being created. The people seemed more friendly and welcoming. The faculty and staff seemed very engaged in the well-being of the students. These qualities were the opposite of those I experienced touring my first choice. I immediately fell in love with the campus which was surrounded by water and friendly faces. This was the best decision I almost never made. In conclusion, it is very important not to be narrowminded about this very important decision.

Remember parents, you are not going to college your child is. Let them choose their own school. Yes, it would be lovely for them to created a legacy since you were an alum of Harvard but if that's not where they won't to go don't force them. Let them major in what they want to do not what you want them to. Students will learn more and appreciate and like classes more if they're learning what they want and what they want to major. You've raised them well so it's time to step back.

When you choose a college, don't choose it because your friend is going there, don't choose it because its a party school, choose it because you feel comfortable there and you know that is where you can spend the next four years of your life in the best way possible. Focus on academics, get involved in clubs/groups, and Make friends! if everything is going bad around you, you can always have a friend to call close by because your home may be far away. Most of all, work towards a goal, and work towards that goal each and everyday in your life and you will succeed!!!

My advice to parents and/ or students about finding the right college is to not choose simply based on how well-known the school is. The first and most important thing to do is to visit various schools together; and make a list of the pros and cons of all of them. There are a lot of factors that come into play with choosing the right school but the most important is knowing that the student will feel comfortable in the environment with the people around them, the professors, and the extra curricular activities the school offers. Making the most of the college experience begins with knowing how to manage one's time. Not letting the freedom and fun take over is vital for the rest of the experience. One must always remember why it is that they are in the school they're in and must always work their hardest and remind themselves that their future depends on it. This, along with being outgoing, friendly, and taking advantage of all the fun that comes along the way while still being safe, will provide the best college experience anybody could ask for.

My advice is to make sure the students and parents go to different colleges' open house. Therefore, the parents and students will have an idea on what to look for when the school semester begins. When choosing the right college, parents and students, especially students should look into extra activities that the school offers around campus as well. Being apart of school activities is very important. Also, when choosing the right college, housing and meal plans should be looked into also. So in conclusion, my advice is for both the parents and students to go to different colleges that the student is interested and make sure that campus meets their standards.

try to visit all your choices before decing and choose a college that best suites your student

You need to really be sure that this is the college you want, because, yes, you could transfer out if you don't like it, but that's even more hassle than most people realize. Its in everyone's best interests to make the right choice the first time around.

I would advise both parents and students to always be prepared financially, that way the only focus would be on succeeding academically and socially in school. Choose colleges that satisfy your lifestyle, major, and personality because each of those characteristics are tested in the college atmosphere.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students who want to find the right college and make the most of their experience is to actually go and see the schools that the student likes. Research every possible place they are interested in. College is a very fun experience and every student wants to make sure they make the right choice. Going to information sessions that most colleges offer is also a good idea, because the student and parents can meet students who already attend that given college and can answer any questions. Also, it is a great way to meet other potential new students and experience the type of people and culture that is imersed in that university.

The advice I would give parents/and or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to find a college that truly helps you accomplish their most positive dreams and endeavors. Of course distance from home is a big factor. Honestly, I would tell prospects not to worry about choosing a major right away because at the end of the day, you will change your major at least once. Also, anyone thinking about college should never feel that they are outplace academically because you were accepted into the university for a good reason (academically being the main priority in most circumstances). Overall, look at college like any major facet of life. You definitely have to make the most of the experience because you will be able to look back twenty years from now and say wow...I'm a college graduate from my respected university. The experience was tough but if I had a chance to do it all over again...I would.

have fun and work hard. choose a college that fits your needs.

Do some research, check out the school's website, and make a list of pros and cons about your school options. Try to talk with other students at the campus to find out what it is like to live there. Visit if you get the chance or take a virtual tour. Keep in mind that if you aren't happy you can always transfer to another school. Once you do find a school you like try to get involved your first years there and meet as many people as you can. Being involved will help you to meet new people, share new experiences, build your resume, and network. Communicate with your teachers as frequently as possible because they are there to help you as much as possible if you are willing to put in the effort. Just remember to learn to mannage your own time between your social life and school work. College is a ton of fun but it is also a valuable educational opportunity you shouldn't toss away because you would rather skip class. Stay focused on your goals.

As exciting, nerve wracking and daunting the search for a college may be there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, you are attending college for the sake of gaining an education and not to party or waste thousands of dollars a year for youthful excursions that end up being embaressing memories. While the memories and parties are a part of the college experience, they are not the primary reason for attendance and so you should focus on whether or not the schools you are looking at suit your learning style before you start choosing places for the nightlife. Finding the right college means finding a place that you could call a second home. Many people experience homesickness in their Freshman year, but if it's so chronic that it affects your studies because your environment just doesn't suit your personality then that school isn't right for you. Visit as many schools as you can before sending in your money and try to make them overnight stays if possible. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and you shouldn't do that with a University.

research the school you want to attend. make sure you are ready financially.

I would recommend finding a college that matches your personality and how you would prefer to live. Parents to you I recommend knowing your child if they are not ready for college and maybe do not seem like the child to attend college maybe a technical college or a two year college. Also when your student enters college they should know a little about what they want and if they are unknown tell them to take a class that discusses their options. Parents should also understand that the student may change their mind and that is a normal thing. Students please understand that you know what you like and you should go for it no matter whether you know it will make you millions or not. Live your life fully and do what you prefer and not what you think others would want you to do. College is too expensive to follow what others think you want its better to do what you like and not waste your time.

Follow your heart and dreams! Make decisions based on what is right for you.

Students- Do not take your high school education for granted. It is essential to yor success in college, as well as your acceptance to the college of your choice. As far as choosing colleges, visiting colleges is very important. Use your instincts to guide you to the college that is right for you.

Drawing from my experience, the best thing I can advise young students who are planning to attend college is to start exploring as many fields as soon as they can, whether by volunteering, attending conferences, working part-time, traveling, etc. By exposing themselves to different places, people, situations, they will learn to like doing certain things and dislike doing others. They establish their identity. They can select, make choices, way before their first year of college. For me, I didn?t know what I really wanted to do until my third year, and I felt like I had wasted a lot of time. I am a first-generation American college student, so there was little guidance. So I hope that every middle school and high school student (my younger brother is one) engage his or herself more in out-of-classroom activities, make a point to travel, etc. so that he or she will be better prepared for college, and save time and money. Many young people think college is a new big journey into life. I also think it?s a journey, but you can begin it much earlier, and once in college, continue it.

Visit the campuses that you are interested in before you make a final decision.

No matter what choosing what you want to do is one of the most important parts of going to college. This is where you are learing how to become an independent person and really finding out who you are. When looking for a college, do not follow others simply because you want to go somewhere with your friends. College is a time to make new friends and have new, unforgettable experiences. When in college it is important to choose courses that will make you happy and will help you achieve your goals. Make sure to focus on yourself because college is your time to shine.