Old Dominion University Top Questions

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

Dasha

When searching for the right college, it is most important to find the school that offers courses and activities that meet the needs of the student and fits the affordability of the parents. The school that is willing to provide the most amount of money for the student. Location is also a key factor in determining the correct school, because whether its far away from home or closer is determinant. The level of security the school has is also a major factor in determining the school. To make the most of the college experience the student and parents should find out the background on the history of the school. It is also necessary to visit the college in advance, as much as possible, to make sure the student and parents are comfortable with the adjustment. When attending the college the student should get involved with the activites and become with faculty/staff and other students to help with the college experience. Asking questions should be stressed as well because one can never ask too many questions; it is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the school you are planning to attend.

Emily

Location, location location. What i love about my school is where it is. I know alot of people who didn't enjoy their college experience because they did not like the area where they went to school. Although there is so much to consider I think a major role is played by the surrounding area. At my school there is downtown Norfolk right down the road for shopping and night life, it's only a twenty minute drive to the beach during the spring and summer so there is always something to do when i have time away from my studies. I think students and parents need to look at more then just the acedemics when looking into rospective schools. You may be able to get a great education, but if you don't enjoy your time there it will be four years wasted, years you look back on negativly. A major part of college is growing up on your own away from parents and defining yourself as an individual. If you don't keep that in mind you'll never be able to really enjoy yourself and make the most of it.

Stephanie

Apply to as many colleges as you can and as early as possible. Take high school seriously and place high on the SAT's.

Daniel

The most important part of finding a college is just looking for what you, the student, wants to do. I would advise you to ignore pressure from anything or anybody else and just focus on the dreams you have. Also, don't factor in how much money you expect to make in the future from your studies, unless making money is all you care about. Life is too short to spend time doing things you hate just to make money. When you're researching your college, look at all the options you have towards the things in which you are interested. School services, acamedics, extracirricular activities, etc. are all the things you should research. You are going to a university for a career, so don't worry too much about the school's lifestyle and environment. In most cases, as long as your interests for the future are adequate enough, you should be able to look over these other things. Often times, you'll be able to adapt to your surroundings or find a concealed place you belong to the in the community anyway. If all else fails, you can always transfer.

Nathalie

Make sure you talk to students when you are going on college visits. Ask them what schools they got into and why the choose that school. That was a big factor in helping me decide what school and i made the right choose.

Erin

Visit all the colleges you apply to. Talk to as many people as you can. Experience is the best thing someone can do.

Megan

Follow your heart, spirit, and motivation within yourself. Only you can guide yourself to success, and if your student can put their head to what they want, then success is only 4 (or 5) years away.

Kelsey

The best way to find the best campus is to stay there, for a night. Try to stay one night with a student without your parents and experience a typical day for a student on that campus.

Nobiana

Fill out a FASFA form

James

For students: go to a school that has the major that you want, and at least have it nearby an urban community. The Unniversity can only give you but so many things to do. Take risks, take chances. This is your chance to be you. For the parents: Let your kids go to the school that they want if financially affordable. They're adults now, and can make their own decisions.

Jessica

I recommend visiting the college campus before you attend and getting to know the surrounding area. Once you have found the right campus that matches your needs, you will know. The campus will just seem like you were meant to be there. Once accepted, I recommend being as active as possible. Get the most out of your college expirence! Plus, you will meet new people and will less likely to become homesick. Also, form study groups as soon as you start a hard class, such as chemistry or calculus. They will save your sanity and GPA. Avoid eating after 8 pm, because then it will help reduce your chances of gaining the freshman 15.

Jesse

Choose a college that will best fit the student's needs.

Catherene

Start prepairng as soon as possible. It is never to early to find finance for your kinds education. Students keep in mind that this is about your education. You have a life time to have fun but only a few years to recive the education that will pay for that fun.

Jessica

The best advice I can give would have to be go with your gut instinct. The college application process is so long, stressfull, tedious.. it gets very overwhelming. Once you come across THE college, you'll know and all your worries will go away. Just don't give up, college is a big decision and it will change your life for the better.

Dominique

Get involved. That is the single most best advice a person can give to a college student on making the most out of their time at a higher institution. In order to make that happen, it is partially on the college of choice and how much a student wants to be drawn into their school. When trying to find the right college, it's thinking about the future and what the college has to offer to help you. Looking into the future means looking at cost of attendance, whether or not there will be large amounts of debt. The future means finding an establishment that specializes in your desired area of expertise. Thinking about the future is knowing the right choice was made when looking back on the experience. Taking part in student organizations is going to open up new experiences where there is only to gain if you get involved. It also helps finding your passion and niche to see what you really want to do in life. You will feel like you made an impact on your school if you put the work into it which is how you can make the most out your college experience.

Jacinta

Always be yourself, stay focused on your goals, and know what you want out of life!

Adam

You need to learn from students on a campus what the teachers and professors are like. it doesn t matter what school you go to so much. just how much you apply yourself and you choose to make yourself learn.

David

Meet as many people as you possibly can. Even if you don't like them at first, give them a chance to warm up.

Stacee

I advise the parent and child to visit the school before hand to make sure this is the decision they really want to invest their time and money in.

tom

Visit the college and ask a variety of students what they think, do, and how they like it.

Christopher

Don't go because your girl friend or boy friend go because that is where you want to go.

Joslynn

The most important advice that I would give parents is to let their kids make their own mistakes. If they want to go away to school half away across the world, let them because I promise they will be calling you more than they ever did and from that your relationship with them would grow. Don't tell them what they can or cannot do, because if you were to tell them to not do something that first thing they do after you drop them off kiss them goodbye is exactly that .

Hannah

Make sure you visit the college before you make a decision on where you want to go. Also make sure you know the college you are going to has the major or the field you want to go into.

Joshua

Simple advise for parents and students is to start early in their high school years to determine the University they would like to attend and research the requirements for admissions. While completing this research sufficient time should be given to study past admission statistics to determine areas they may need to work on in order to increase the chances of them being accepted. Without saying planning for the financial aspects of college should start early in life as the cost of receiving a quality education continues to sky rocket and financial aid continues to become harder to get each year. Another important factor is ensuring that the college of their choice is an in state tuition college, paying out of state tuition is costly and takes away from your learning process due to worrying about increased costs. Ultimately the best advise anyone can give is to be prepared and start the process early on, do not wait till your junior or senior year of high school, if you do it may be too late.

Chelsea

I would advise parents and students to visit the college campus. It is also important to know what the college offers in terms of majors, housing, and financial aid. If the student is planning to live on campus, it is also important to find out rules about bringing a car, and the roommate selection process. The school should fit the student, and the student should feel at home while at school. As far as making the most of the college experience, the student should rememeber that they are paying for the classes, and that they are responsible for going to class and studying. It may be easier to skip class, but they will miss a lot of material. College is a new place for students, and they should enjoy the experience, but not neglect their studies.

Mallory

Keep your mind open, set goals, and know the right information. Never be afraid to ask questions of representatives and advisors.

William

As a high school student you really need to be looking to the future and trying to figure out just what you want out of college. The most important thing is a to choose a place that fits you. As someone who put very little thought into my first college choice, I really wish I had examined my options more thoroughly and not just picked somewhere popular that I knew I could get into. Once you find the right college for you my only advice is to SHOW UP! The easiest way to succeed in college is to go to class, easy huh?

Stephen

Go where you want and where you think you will enjoy. Think about the surrounding city and how many people are there.

Kayla

The best advice I can give the decision making process is to focus on colleges that have good programs for what the student is looking for. I would also research school's policy's on financial aid and housing. Housing should not become an issue for an incoming student. For the student, I reccommend joining school related groups and researching internships as soon as you can. The student should also keep up with advising appointments so that they do not take unneccessary classes and get behind in their degree. Most importantly, meet as many people as you can and make time for yourself.

Deidra

To research all colleges in which you are interested in. Cost, location and size is very important. Do not focus your choice on where friends are going.

Joshua

Do the research, keep your grades up and work hard to get into the college of your choice. Once you get there, do your work and study hard, making sure school comes first and you'll do great. Don't let other people interfere with your studies, but make sure to make time for yourself, everyone needs a break from time to time.

Sean

Make sure the things that you liked most about high school are in the University you will be attending.

Stefanee

Apply to at least three different colleges. Depending on finances and your "homesick" factor, make sure you include at least one out of state college. And be sure to go on the prospective student orientation offered by all colleges that acccept you.

Sharonda

Find the school that fits the student. Not the students friends or parents or anyone else because the student is the one who will have to be there for the next four or five or maybe even six years. Mak sure its a fit or the student will not be happy and more likely to not want to do their best.

Christopher

In searching for colleges, have in mind areas of study that interest you. You wouldn't want to end up at a school that doesn't offer your major, but don't get upset if you have no idea what you want to do, no matter what university you attend, they are bound to have a mojor exploration program. Also, DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED if you aren't accepted to your number one choice. Keep on trucking and if you have to settle for a lesser school, attend it for a semester, build up your GPA and establish yourself as an academically focused student, then transfer. The whole experience is about diversity so it's ok to switch schools if you're dissatisfied. To make the most of the college experience, find balance early in your career between the academic world and your social life. They are both equally important to your success in college. If you can find the balance between friends and study, I can promise you a better college experience whether or not you gain the freshmen fifteen. And also, have fun, it flies by in the blink of an eye.

Derek

I would tell parents and uprising college students to start looking early. Do not wait any longer then the junior year of high school. Even if you think you know which college you want to attend, go look at all the possibilties. That is the mistake I made. But I couldn't be happier with the school I chose. Also, make sure that you stay organized when looking at the schools. Make sure you ask any all questions that you can think of. Fill out as many scholarships as possible so that yuo or your parents do not have to take out as many student loans. As far as the experience, I would recomend, if possible, stay at home your first year so that you can get better adjusted to the wasy the college system works. Your second year, stay on campus. Get the experience of on campus housing. Its once in a lifetime chance and it will prepare for moving out on your own. Then your last two years, move off campus. That will help you get adjusted to living in the real wolrd. Most importantly, get an internship or co-op. The experience will be irreplacable.

Kristen

I would recommend that parents and students talk amongst themselves in deciding the best choice for a college. Price, location and environment are all keen factors in choosing the best college. I would also recommend that a student goes away to college. As a commuter I feel I do not get the most experience out of my university that I would receive if I lived on campus. I would also suggest that the student get involved in as many extra-curricular activities on campus as possible. Sticking solely to academics can be stressful and make the college experience seem like there?s no room for fun and excitement. There are so many great advantages to living on campus and I really recommend that students and parents consider this when choosing which college is best for them. Also, there are so many great opportunities available at any college. There are tons of student organizations and ways to get involved with the community that you, as the student, have to go out and find. These activities are not going to find you. I would recommend finding that perfect college and taking it on full force. Don?t miss out on a thing!

Nathanael

Well-known professors and academic renown are not everything in choosing the right college. There needs to be a balance between academics, atmosphere, and social life. In order to succeed academically, one must be comfortable in the atmosphere in which they work. They must also have the social - not just academic - support they need to succeed. With motivating professors, an atmosphere that promotes learning and social life, and support and help from both friends and professors, one can find the best college for their studies.

Ivy

Parents consider majors offered at the school to determine if your child's major is offered. Also consider the cost of attendance, the size of the school and the distance if that will be a problem. Parents should also encourage their children to get involved with activities and leadership opportunities on campus. Student should get involved with activities on campus but they should also take their studies seriously in order to achieve good grades. Students should learn how to manage their time wisely in order to balance their academic and social life without affecting their grades.

Shunia

For finding the right school, I would say follow your heart. You may have thought of going to a certain school, but it might not feel right, so fit is important too. Finding a school where you feel comfortable and safe in your surroundings makes a difference. A person should not pick a school just based on where their friends go or siblings go, you have to find what works for you and see what happens from there. If you do not like the school most likely you are not going to enjoy your time there, so pick a school you know that you can enjoy and where it is most accommodating for you and the needs you may have. Find something that you like about the school and if possible talk to current students to see what activities are on campus that you may be interested in or that you may feel are important. Most importantly definitely check out the schools you may be interested in check, and those you are partially interested in because you might that what thought you liked at a certain school is something you like at another.

Benjamin

The most important part in selecting the right college is to pick the right size with the right major (if you know it). If you are a self motivated individual who is good at staying on track, a big college should be the right fit. It has the majors, the sports, the campus life, diversity, greek life, the whole college experience and more. However, it can be intimidating to those who have trouble asking for help and for those who require more personal attention. If you want smaller classes, more 1 on 1 time with your teacher, and again, a more personal feel, pick a small college. These colleges may be more expensive, but are well worth it if they are more fulfilling to the student. I started out in a private college of 5,000 and transfered to a public college of 25,000 my second year. I went from small classes with lots of interaction, to huge classes, where for me, it was hard to concentrate. Parents or students, it is worth the extra cost if you needthe personal attention, it all depends on what you are looking for. So choose the right fit.

Dawn

Picking a college is not as simple as it looks. You can't just receive a bunch of college flyers in the mail, close your eyes, and pick one and expect it to be the right fit. The best way to choose a college that's right for you is to travel to the different campuses. This is because the last thing you want on move-in-day is to feel like you made a mistake. The best way to answers your questions is to go to the school and talk to people. You can get a feel for what a college is like just by walking around and observing how the students interact and asking questions. Are they friendly to one another? Or is there more of an independent vibe going on? If you're a guy, are there lots of hot girls on campus? If you're a girl, do the guys seem to treat the women with respect or as objects? Take your parents along, too. You'll want their approval later. Don't forget to take time to explore by yourself while you're there because remember you'll be there for at least 4 years.

Eric

The school is growing.

Sarah

First, look at the majors that they offer. Look at the community around the school and the amount of diversity of the school. Be social. The first year, it is best for a student to live in an on campus residence because it makes it easier to meet people and make friends.

Farrah

Try to find a college that best fits you. Look to see if the university offers courses that suit you well. Also visit college campuses to see how the atmosphere is.

Chad

I would tell them to focus on finding a school that is highly recommended because of their academics. Don't choose a school to attend solely because of the name, or because most of your friends are attending that college. Choose the school that best fits your personality, and is best qualified at helping you achieve want you want out of life.

Geyo

I would recommend that they find a certain major that they would like to attempt as well as a back-up major and find a college that specializes in those fields.

Rebecca

Never go to a college just because your best friend is going to go.

Courtney

I would say that the college that you go to must fit inwith your personal stye and the goeals that you or your child wish to accompish. It is one thing to just get a degree, but the experecnce that you gain form college will also effect your life forever.

Rachel

The most important thing to consider is what your education is really worth. There are lots of good colleges and universities out there that offer lots of money to everyone and could be a perfect fit for you, but don't give up on the college of your dreams. There are lots of scholarships financial aid out there if you know where to look. Do some research and don't immediately rule out more expensive colleges.