Oral Roberts University Top Questions

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

Hayley

It is important to visit the college and see how everyone interacts and what the campus is truly like. If it is within your means, go visit the school and see if it feels like home.

Beth

It is important for as a student to know yourself. You need to know what is important to you and have at least an idea of what kind of person you would like to be and what you would like to accomplish in life. As a parent I know you want what's best for your child but ultimately the decision of which university of college to attend belongs to your child. You should respect that and help in picking a school based on what they want out of the experience and not just what you want from them. When both parent and child are satisfied with the choice then everything will be good. The support of a parent makes the college experience great.

Christine

For the parent I will suggest that they visit the school, before they commit to it. By visiting you will get a full picture of the enviroment there child will be. While visiting, I would suggest that you askl as many questions as possible, and ask the students already attending there honest opinions about the school. For the student I willl suggest finding a school that catches there interest and not trying to please there parents. If you don't like it, your not going to focus on learning, instead you'll focus on rebelling. Also, you should consider a school afforable to commute to back and forth from home because eewntually you will get home sick and want to go back home. Find a school that gives you a peace and makes you exicited to attend class when you say your a student there. If there is no zest in your voice when you say it, do not waste your intellect, money, or time going to school you will not like.

David

Find out what the worldview of the college is. Explore all options for financial aid before school starts. Spend time around the departments that you are interested in majoring in, this should give you an idea of if the major will be what you want to do. Have an idea of what you want to do before you get there, but be open to the possibility of finding something different. Meet people in class, in the dorms, and in the cafeteria. Learn how to listen to others and try to understand their perspective. Ask questions in class about things you don't understand. Being to ashamed to ask and look stupid can keep you from understanding a key point; and if you don't know it someone else probably missed it too. Discover the various cultures on campus and don't stick with one clique. Attend orientation events. Try visit the school before you go so you have an idea of what people are like on campus. Slip away from the tour guide and ask random students what they think of their college. They aren't paid to answer you.

Morgan

My advice to parents and students looking for the right college is to encourage them to visit the college campus that the student is looking at attending. There is a major difference in hearing about a college and actually being on campus and seeing it for yourself. To make the most of your college experience, I would say get involved in the groups and clubs on campus that encourage community service and accedemic advancement while having fun. The time at school is not slolely about just getting an education, but it is also about making a foundation of life while you are there.

Derek

When looking for a college there are three important factors to consider: Academics, Personality, and Campus. Academics includes the quality of professors, classroom ratio of professors-to-students, and course objectives. Personality includes the types of diversity that are accepted on campus, activities that students are involved with, and the amount of events that the student body does. Campus includes the condition of the buildings, classrooms, and dormitories. Also important is parking space, food, and the library. The scaling of importance must be decided by you- a campus with amazing facilities might have a poor student personality. Also, a campus with a great personality might sacrifice academic quality. It is up to you to research your college and make sure that it fits all three of your needs.

Catherine

The most important thing for me was to find a school that would respect my values and where I coulod get a quality education. It's been expensive though. Know what is important to you.

Sarah

Life is short! Too many times people forget that everyday is a chance to experience life to the fullest. Life should be lived with no regrets but at the same time without stupidity. When searching for the right place to pursue a college degree at, not only is the academic scene crucial but so is the atmosphere. There needs to be a certainty that wherever the choice is made to attend school that the student will be able to see themselves graduating from that platform in four years. And that during these four years they would have the most invigorating and wonderful times of their lives. Not only is it important to study hard and earn good grades, but it's important to know that the days you lived in college will not be regreted!

Miriam

Both finding the right college and making the most of the college experience are choices to make. Choose the college that not only has many of the programs and activities that you already enjoy, but offers experiences that will challenge you and make you grow. Parents, encourage your students to make a difference in society by being themselves and pursuing excellence in their talents at college. Making the most of the college experience is also a choice. No matter how perfect you might think your college is at first, it is inevitable that you will be disappointed at some point; so, be prepared for that and still be the change that you want to see happen! You are not just in college to get a great education, but also to help others conquer their challenges as they spur you on to do the same....people need each other! Lastly, you are in college only once in your life. Make a decision today to not pass the time without doing all with excellence...be the one who initiates friendships, is attentive in class, and works hard. It will pay off in the end!

Ryan

Visit the college and first impression isn't always everything while it may look nice make sure that you will be recieving the education your paying for by speaking with faculty and staff.

Grace

Visit the school. Don't let go of dreams. Know that even if you pick the "perfect" school but you find out it's not what you thought -- you are not trapped. Communication is important between parents and students, know what expectations are of each other.

Adam

I felt decieved. Nowhere in the advertisment or previous screens was there mentioned a scholarship instead of cash. You just wasted my time.

Laura

Pray.

Jacob

Do everything you can to get gen ed classes out of the way when you are in high school.

Rick

Spend a lot of time researching and visiting as many schools as possible. During that process, when the student finds the college that "just seems right", go with that instinct and don't let go. I feel the students should be the one making the decision to chose his or her own school. If parents want their child to go to a certain school, try making a deal with him or her. Have them try out your school for 1 semester or year, then let the student chose from there. The student must be happy with the school they are attending in order for the college experience to be the most effective.

Amanda

Don't go to college until you have a good idea about what you want out of life, you will not be motivated, you'll waste your time and money. Find a campus with an environment you can have fun in. Look for schools that offer programs you're interested in, don't settle for something you think will suffice. Pick a major that you love, not for the money you can make in it. Be involved in the campus community, try living on campus for at least a year; it will be something you'll never forget. Take full advantage of the resources your school has to offer; especially your professors. Don't be afraid to ask questions about, and/or get help with anything. Learn how to do your laundry, budget finances, organize your possesions, manage your time, stay focused, etc. BEFORE you come to college. Never ever ever let money stop you from doing what you want to do, there's always a way. Pray and ask God; talk to your mentor about what you should do and where you should go.

Jared

First and formost, the individual student must assess their needs, goals and desires in what they're looking for in universities. Begin by examining the various academic programs offered at the school, then start applying to those schools that rank on your top list. Once you've bugan the admissions process, pay a visit to the school and get a feel for the campus environment by visiting calsses, meeting professors, students and staff. Most students who do this often have a very clear idea in mind as to what the university will actually be like once they're enrolled. As for parents, one of the most important things a parent can do for their son or daughter through the college process is encouragment, help set a good example as a positive role model who is supportive. Also, play an active role in the college decision making process with your student. As far as making the most of your college experience, begin by assessing what you really enjoying doing as a student, wheather it be intermuerals, community outreach, music or missions. Find your nitch and then learn to be a servant-leader within that, you'll find much joy and fullfilment.

Sarah

Take time and research colleges close to your hometown if you are not sure what you want to study. and if you do know what you want to study, research lots of colleges that you will be able to study that at there.

Rachelle

I would say that you should look at everything the school has to offer, not necessary just what your interested in. Delve deep into how they treat their students, financial aid possibilities, career preparation, job opportunities during and after school is finished, availability of local libraries, outreach opportunities, and places of worship. I would encourage all to attend a college weekend if available and if there isn't one, there's a good chance the students aren't a "big deal." I know the college that I attend has a college weekend and there many people that begin forming lifelong friendships and end up seeing what the school is really about, so I encourage you to look at schools that are very focused on strengthening you as an individual and what you feel called to become while also helping you see the world apart from the school in a variety of forms such as outreaches, volunteer work, missions, and community involvement. Also ask as many questions as you feel necessary, become familiar with who you are talking to in whatever department you're needing assistance. Don't be afraid of questioning to make a wise decision.

Joshua

Stay connected with all potential unvirsities' admissions counselors. Visit each campus. Go to campus visitation weekends. Visit classes. Meet with professors in your potential field of education.

Adrianne

Don't be overawed by the show put on during visits or during the first few weeks. Allow yourself to choose your school by evaluating several factors: does it have a good program for what I want to do? Do I want to be in an area like this (urban, residential, rural)? When exploring the campus, do I feel like I could belong here? All these are important. Less important are: do I have friends here; is it far away; could I be uncomfortable adjusting? ...These sort themselves out if you commit to going to a school based on the other criteria. Give yourself time to adjust. Know yourself: if you're introverted, allow yourself periods of time where you can be by yourself and learn to be comfortable in your new environment; but DON'T hole yourself away. If you're extroverted, challenge yourself to spend time alone--little bits. College is about becoming comfortable with your own brand of weirdness and therefore understanding how to deal with yourself and then with others. Don't be surprised to be surrounded by people of varying levels of emotional and social development--learn what you can, and have fun doing it!

Alexandra

Go experience a school. Sit in on classes, eat in the cafeteria, talk to students, and most of all talk to the professors. Walk down the hall outside their offices and introduce yourself to a prof and ask them questions.

Karen

Bleh.

Marc

I would tell the parents and the student who would be attending the college to make sure they go there to be happy, not just because someone wants you to go there. College should be the funnest part of your life but a thte same time the hardest. So i believe youn should pick out a college where you are going to get a great education but still have time to make new friends and experience new things in life. Also i think if you are a shy person like i am you should get involved in small groups at the college to meet new people or room with someone you dont know.

Rachel

There is a perfect college for every student, but perfection is not always set in front of us. This is why it takes serious hunting to find the right college and make the most out of every opportunity. Take a look around, use the internet's wonderful capabilities to gather your choice colleges. Then, go on campus tours, sit in some class lectures, and ask lots of questions. The final decision is up to the student, but just because one attends their perfect discovery, does not mean they are making the most out of their college experience. Students need to engage in learning and stay on top of their studies. Although college is a place to become educated, it is also a place to build relationships and grow as an individual. Students can do this by getting involved with extra-curricular activities. This way, friends and connections with others are made for life. College should be a great time in every student's life. It should not be wasted, but used as a stepping stool to get to the next point of one's life.

Nancy

blah.

Tamara

Always loook at all of your options. There are so many wonderful scools to attend, but you need to find one that wil help you grow as a person. Don't let anythin discourage you from the school you really would like to attend. Everything will work out! Good luck, and don't let anyone tell you who you are.

Jessica

Check all your options

Katie

I would say that prayer and confirmation are very important to chosing a college in my opinion. Money should not be the reason that you decide to not go or go to a school. Go to where you want to go and do what you want to do. That is the most important thing. You only have one chance for a college experience so go to where you think you will be academically challenged and also be able to have social clean fun.

carolina

Filling out the financial aid application is very, very, VERY important. It may be repeated a never ending amount of times, but it truly cannot be emphised enough. Although it may not be admitted very often, money is the base of a good college education, and this small, but not at all insignificant document could make or break someone's college career, and in the long run, their job and life.

Julie

Learn about how you are going to finance your child's education ahead of time and plan for the future while the child is young.

Alexander

Do lots of research. Visit and stay at campus for a while. Ask lots of students about campus and living. Get more than one persons opinion.

Mara

There are so many wonderful colleges to choose from. The most important thing to remember is to find a place where you fit in. Look for a college that offers many extra curricular activities and find a place to get plugged in. Be sure to check out different colleges before making your final decision. Try taking a campus visit and staying in the dorms. Just try different things and eventually you will find where you fit in. Choose a college that is going to help you make your mark on life.

Dustin

Make sure you visit your school before hand, talk with the profs, see how friendly they are, talk with the students. When you do decide on a school and attend, get plugged into campus life, groups, leadership oppertunities, you name it, go for it. Don't get involved with the wrong croud, the people you become friends with is the person you will become. And don't forget that college is your last chance (98{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}) to change yourself to the person that you will become for the rest of your life, so make good wise choices.

Bryce

The right college shouldn't just have all the needs on your list checked off. No school is perfect. Even if a university doesn't meet all of your financial or social needs, it may end up being a better fit for you (or your son/daughter) in the long-run, such as academically or professionally. Just because a school offers to pay most or all of your tuition, doesn't means it's the right one for you. The right school should feel right. You should like the people, the professors, the classes, and the program offered in your major. Things like student count, male-female ratio, and location are rarely important. For example, a school in southern California may have more beaches nearby, but unless you're studying to be a marine biologist, beaches probably have little to do with your career. The most important thing is if they offer the best in relation to your major. A university may have state-of-the-art science labs, but that means little if you're there to study law, English, or graphic design. Make your choice on what feels right and meets your needs, not just the bottom line.

Caleb

Start early, but not too early. There's no need in getting involved in visiting campuses when the student is in 9th or 10th grades! I would say the beginning of 11th grade in high school is a good time to get the ball rolling. Definitely visit the top 3 schools of your choice, if possible. One hugely important thing I think is for the student to get out on their own and experience college life away from the home-life they just spent the last 18 years of their lives in. College is a wonderful opportunity for the student to mature and grow up a bit, to make some of their own choices, and to cut that "umbilical cord" from Mom & Dad. And parents, try your best to "let go" at least a little bit. Trust your child to make wise choices based on the advice and wisdom you have hopefully invested into them since they were young. It may be hard, but release them into the care of the [hopefully] trustworthy university, and let them experience life for themselves. College is a wonderful experience as long as genuine cooperation takes place between student and parent.

Rachel

Find the college that best suits you and if the one that you want is too expensive for you don't be afraid to choose another one , in the end you will find where you truly belong. Good Luck