Old Dominion University Top Questions

visit the campus and get a feel for the atmosphere. Go to any sort of preview event or event that allows the prospective student to stay overnight on campus without the parent in order for the student to see how they like it on their own.

The best thing to do is to discover what you really want to do with your life and if it's affordable. Make sure there are a lot of on-campus activities and community volunteer possibilities. Don't just sit around and allow it to pass you by, seize the opportunity of learning something new or help someone you never would have thought to help.

Parents should not let their kids make rash decisions, like trying to follow boyfriends or things llike that. Parents should sit down with their kids, ask them what they want to do and not push them into something just for the sake of making money. Parents should also ask their kids if they want to go to school or not. For students I would say the first semester of college is hard, and I stupidly transferred to follow my ex-boyfriend to ODU. I wish I had never left George Mason University, I regret it everyday because I have a useless humanities degree from Old Dominion University. I am currently working on a second Bachelor's because of the mistakes I pushed myself into as well as the mistakes my parents pushed me into as well. Bottom Line : If you are going to college, take it seriously and consider the school that has the most opportunities and that will work for you and not deal you a raw hand like Old Domionion does everyday.

Go where you feel like you could make you hame and look for help finding money other people know more.

When applying to schools, make campus visits during times when students are in school. That way, you can not only tour buildings and programs offered but also find out what student life is like. Also, check the school website/talk to public safety to find out what is common (are thefts,rape, arson, etc. common?) because you don't get that information from tours, that often makes the school less attractive but it is reality that you should know about. When you start school, talk to upperclassmen who have taken the classes that you're taking to find out what you can do to improve on your study methods. If you can, go home on some weekends so that you can get away from the "stressful school environment" at least until you get used to being away from family.

I feel the most important thing to finding a college that fits you is to look into the programs that are offered. Undecided or decided try to make sure it is at least two options available for you. It is a high statistic that students change their major. As far as the college experience is concerned I always tell students, "College is what you make it". If you get involved, stay on campus, and actually meet people the experience will be one like no other. However, if you stay in and not allow yourself to be social the experience may not be great. Go to college, whichever school it is, with a open mind ready to learn and expand your life in many ways. College is more than a classroom its variety of opportunities!

Don't just select a school on what your intended major is going to be--explore your options and understand that your major can and probably will change during your first or second year in college. VISIT the schools you apply to before you make your decision, and don't pick a school just because your boyfriend/girlfriend/or best friend did!

Make sure it is in a location in which you will be comfortable in. Find out what services the college offers and what other students think of the professors and other important information specfically geared toward your choices. Don't select a college just because it is cheaper or your friends go there. This is your experience, make the most of it.

My advice is simple. Pick a school that best reflects what you want to study and what would make you happy, not where you are pressured or expected to go.

Just make sure you feel really comfortable with the area and atmosphere and you should be fine. Every college had its flaws

Make sure as a parent you listen to what the student wants. I know many parents who have urged their kids to stay close to home or go abroad and the student feels pressured to do what the parents want. And students make sure you apply to a college that has the best program for what you want to do. Do your homework and research many schools. And one more thing, don't go to school thinking it will not involve hard work. I have placed a maximum effort into my studies and I have gotten maximum results. It is hard to juggle a social and academic life and maybe even work too but it is possible! Good Luck!!!

Basically I would suggest finding a college that makes you feel safe and doesn't cause you too much stress. It is also important for that school to have a balance of all the things you would your dream college to have. Many students go into college without knowning what they want to do and that's okay. Many students change their majors multiple times. So it is okay not to know what you want to do. If money is a problem then go complete your general education requirements at a community college and once you get an associates transfer to another school that better suits the major you think you want to go for. :)

take a tour of the campus

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to do research. Researching potential colleges is really important when trying to find the right college. There are plenty of internet sources one can use to help filter out which colleges he or she can attend. As far as making the most of the college experience, my advice would be to definitely get involved with different organizations on campus. It is a great tool for meeting new people and establishing potential life-long friendships. Also, by being involved, one can do some serious networking that could be helpful in one's future endeavors.

In order to find the right college, the students and parents

Go with your gut!

I would say that experience is everything and to apply for as many colleges as you can and to visit them all before making a decision because transferring later only makes you fall behind. Also after you find your college get involved in school, you only live once and might as well experience it instead of looking back at it later in life.

Follow your heart and go with the school thats fits you best. You should only go to the school that you feel is best for you, no matter what your parents, friends, or other people think. There is a college for everyone and you must simply find the best one for you.

be active

Advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college would be to go with your gut. Visit all the campuses your are thinking bout applying to. Make sure its the right place for you. If you grew up in suburbs then a open campus in the city may not be for you. Go with what you know and are comfortable with. Parents do not push your child into an institution that they are not comfortable with. You will end up losing your money in the long run because an unhappy student will not get the grades they need to graduate.

get involved as much as you can! College is what you make it.

I would have to say make sure that will enjoy and benfit from your college choice. I would have to say make sure that you can afford that college so, that you will not be into debit after college !

Go with what you feel comfortable with

First of all they should look at a school for its acedemic standards. These are very important as in when a student graduates from that university they should be well acredited and be able to find a job with ease. Chosing a college based on friends is the wrong choice. College is about meeting new people and expanding on your horizon. A student must grow individually to grow intellectually. Another great reason to pick a college would be their reputation for your major. They should have a strong program in which you would like to endure. Location is another big determining factor. If out of state tuition is too expensive or might be a waste of time if you don't like the area, then it should be considered less. Overall take in to account all the needs of the student and then list the colleges in order of most relevant to least. It ill help narrow things down.

I would tell them to visit the University and make sure the student feels comfortable. Visit the college that they student would be involved in and also visit during the week when the school has students going to class. I would also tell them to sit in on a class for their major.

First, consider you goals both academically and professionally as this is the basis for choosing the right college. However, keep in mind that college education is only one step towards achieving those goals. In this regard you may want to pick something that you will feel comfortable with in terms of price, location, and academic challenge. It is essential to do the research and definitelly visit the college(s), sit in a class, talk to people who are enrolled. There is no substutite for first hand experience and direct impressions. Then do the cost versus benefit analysis - sometimes it is smarter to enroll in a bit chceaper university and less demanding university but get out debt free with high GPA; likewise if you get motivated by challenge enroll in a competitive one for some people paying a lot of money for school keeps them more responsible. Your choice is very important and will affect directly the next four years of your life and indirectly the rest. Nevertheless, more important is to get the best out of your college life by acquiring new knowledge/skills, getting better orientation towards future academic and professional development, networking, interning. Just stay foccused and motivated!

The piece of advise would be to visit when school is in session so that you can get an adequate feel of how the campus really is. I also personally believe that the decision about finding the right school should be left up to the student. A parent could fall in love with a school but that does not mean that it is the right fit for their child. Students need to realize that you are in college to become more knowledgable which will most likely be reflected through their grades but also college is about having fun. Getting good grades is the most important factor but if a person does not have any fun in the process they really have not made the most of their college experience.

The best way to make the most of your college experience is to attend school in an area you feel is right for you. Remember that you want to feel comfortable around the people you are learning with.

Keep an open mind and listen to your elders. Don't study too hard because the stress of being away and in a new enviorment will c ause you enough stress. Talk to your peers before a class and after to get to know them. Join a club or sport and get to know people. Pay attention in class you pay for college so us your time wisely.

Parents, support your child through college. It is nothing harder than having a parent who will not help you (when capable) with one of the most important things in your life, your education. Students, your college experience is what you make it. If you want it to be the best time of your life, you can make it that way!

I would recomend going somewhere that has an environment that you enjoy. Make sure there are plenty of things for you to do if you're an active person. Focus on your education though, what kinds of classes do you want to take. You're paying for your education so make sure you get exactly what you want out of it. Do you want small or big classes? Do you want to play on a great sports team? ect. If you're not happy don't ever feel like you're stuck there are plenty of places for you to go.

To do your research but try and step out of the box. Go to school that fits you but also has a lot of opportunity. Try diversity and make new friends and be productive and not too lazy all the time. Definitely try and stay focused with your school work because if you fall behind, its hard to catch up. Keep your grades up, have fun, and don't get into any trouble. Enjoy all of your experiences because its only going to help you later in life and college is the best place to start.

I would advise that all students visit the campus before choosing a school. To make the most of the school experience I would reccomend showing up for class. If you give the teachers the "time of day" you will learn so much without having to read boring textbooks. Also, get involved in school activities; there is bound to be something you are interested in and that will allow you to better network with other students!

Come excited, stay focused on whats important, and good things come to those who work fo them

Have a plan first. If students want to take a year or more off from school directly after high school: LET THEM. Community college is a viable option for the first two years. Anybody considering college should think about their goals--long term and individual short term goals first. Think about finances before, during, and after college.

Just find the right program for you!

Don't go to any school for the supposed social life. Unless your goal is to make friends and money. I'd say to know thyself first, then try to assertain the nature of whatever school you might want to go to. ODU has cooler professors than students, I don't want to seem too negative, but the student body is lame, and that isn't something that is very easy to tell, because they all look beautiful and happy. Don't be fooled though, they have nothing to say and somehow even less to offer the world. They don't pay attention, or they scoff at ideas they disagree with, they are there for a piece of paper. I'd suggest this: Don't go to school for a piece of paper. Go to school because you have passion for something, and if you don't have that yet, figure that out first, don't feel your way through it, you'll wind up living a misinformed life, you are the only one that can inform yourself. Don't be a shill, don't need a weatherman to know which way the win blows.

The schools that you are first attracted to are not necessarily the best ones. In my case, I ended up going to a school that did not have a stellar reputation, and was known better for its partying than academic achievement. However, I am receiving an excellent education, not only through my classes but also through the other students I meet every day. It seems that the schools that are more culturally and ethnically diverse are the ones that are most accepting of different types of people. Parents are prospective students should keep in mind that academics alone do not determine how good or bad a school is. Another important thing to look at is the quality of the learning facilities on campus. When schools put more money into academic programs than athletics, it is reflected in student achievement. One important thing all students should consider is whether they want to attend a large university or a small private school. Both can offer excellent learning experiences, but in very different environments. Finally, to make the most of your college experience, you should make as many friends as you can and when given the opportunity to try something new...take it.

I think that the decision posed in this question has to be a mutual one between parents and children. Too many times parents allow their sons or daughters to go wherever they want and they end up right back at the local college. It's my opinion that kids at that age are influenced by too many external factors to make an intelligent decision. I was no different, but my parents ended up not being able to afford to send me anywhere. I'm humble enough to look back and see it was probably the best thing for me. When kids get into college, they really should have it driven home what their purpose for being there is. I can't count how many times I've heard about smart people, smarter than me, getting kicked out of their college because of grades. The important thing for children and their parents to find when looking for a college, and to get the most out of it, is a place where their son/daughter is comfortable, not where their friends are going, or where their parents went, somewhere they feel comfortable and can be themselves.

They should visit the colleges and talk to actual students who attend the university and see how they like it.

Consider what you want most out of your school - size, distance from home, lots of campus activities, fraternities/sororities, and dont forget majors offered. I personally knew I wouldnt do well living in a small cramped dorm with another person, so I chose a school that was within commuting distance from home until I got old enough to move into an off campus apartment. Its most important to think about what will make YOU most comfortable. Dont get caught up in what schools your highschool friends are going to or what their plans are.

I would advise parents/students to go visit the campuses during the middle of a semester to see what it's really like. I didn't visit the Old Dominion campus, but I got lucky because Old Dominion is a great school.

Choosing a college is a huge decision. It not only decides where your degree will come from, it shapes where you will live for 4 years and the people you will be surrounded by. Make sure you get the opinions of current students and really take a look around the entire campus. A one-day tour may be offered, but take the initiative to really get a good look at the school of your choice. Weight the pros and cons, but at the end of the day, remember that you will have to live with your decision so make it a good one.

To start I think the student and their parents need to explore what field will be best for the student because once the classes begin the student will be working to that certain field. If the student changes his/her mind later the classes they took in the beginning might not count and all that money will be lost. They also want to explore how the campus is set up; the more open the school is I think it is more vulnerable to strangers on campus and crime. The next topic the parents and students need to keep in mind is if the college has the field you are interested in it and if they are well known for that field. To get the most out of the college experience would be to live on campus and join activities provided on campus. I hear most people talking about greek life; this might be a good way to keep the students in check with their school work because tey have to do good in school or they will be kicked out of their groups.

The most important thing i would suggest for parents to do when choosing a college is to know your child. Do not pick a school based on where you want them to go or what you think looks good. Pick a school that will challenge their weaknesses and build on their strengths. There are so many success stories in the world from people that attended unknown colleges or no college at all. Dont get caught up in the "Name Game". Send your child to a place where they can grow, succeed, and eventually perform in the workplace. Prestige may get your student in the door of a company, but experience and self awareness will keep them there. Students should be honest with themselves at all times. If you know that you are going to have problems getting up in the morning to go to class, do not schedule morning classes. If you love the beach, a school near the beach is probably not a good opption because it will be even more enticing at 3 oclock in the afternoon when you have to choose between that or English 101. Lastly, Apply for scholarships and dont be scared to ask questions!

Find a place that you will have fun at and enjoy the area, and the people at it.

Make sure the student likes the campus alot, that theres grocery stores, etc. availble around the campus, and that the dorms are likeable. Living on campus is better first year and then consider living off campus.

I believe the student should visit alot of different colleges. Also i think it is important to visit colleges that may not be as big or as well known so that you can meet new people and have a better experience. Out of all the kids that went to college in my high school about 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of them went to the college about 15 minutes away, a small liberal arts college. When i came back from my school that was 5 hours away i realized how much i had grown and matured. The people that stayed around our town were the exact same and hadn't made any new friends.

When it comes to choosing the right college, the first big thing is the location. You need to decide whether you want to live close to or far away from home, and you need to figure out how living out of state will affect your tuition costs. How the college treats your major can also be helpful in finding the right one. Do they respect your chosen field of study or do they treat your major as less important than others on campus? Also, in choosing the right college, focus on the cost of the overall tuition and your access to financial aid and scholarships. The cost of going to college is steadily increasing and it is necessary to find one that fits your budget while satisfying all the other categories that are important to you. Organization will help you make the most out of your college experience because it keeps you from missing deadlines or social events and allows you to plan ahead. Having small goals that cumulate into larger ones will also help. Finally, remember that you are in college for an education. If you value learning, then you will make the most out of your college experience.

Make sure that the college is affordable. Also make sure that there are extracurricular activities YOU are interested in trying. If you are an adventurous person, try to stay near a place that has new, and familiar, adventures that are easy to get to. If you decide to work while in college, make sure that there are places similar to what you may think you wish to study and that there are different place to fall back on in case that area just isn't you.