Ottawa University-Ottawa Top Questions

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

Sammie

Take your time to adjust to the school but make sure to stay focused on your academics because they are needed to keep certain scholarships. Remember that if you start out slow you will always have to put in more work than is needed. Start strong and always finish strong.

Kathryn

Think and think again about your major. Make sure you're absolutely happy with it, and realize that college is more about just the classes. The whole experience and campus life will mean so much more than those classes ever will. Buckle down and take it seriously because otherwise you'll be miserable. Don't be scared of going and meeting people. Find the perfect balance between studying and partying - too much of either one is a bad thing. Relationships you begin here may or may not last forever, but each one is worthwhile.

Tanner

I would of been focused more on education cost and woke myself up in class. I turned a high school gpa of 2.85 to a college gpa of 3.65. I would of snapped myself out of the slacker way and devoted more time and effort to earn more money to reduce my out of pocket money spent on school. I work sixty hours a week during the summer to reduce student loans and this year was my first loan to take out and it is absolutely the most stressful thing to me. Especially since a lot of fellow students at my school have parents who provide them with their financial needs. But I am very fortunate to have a single mom who provided me with a roof for eighteen years so I will forever be thankful.

ernesqueshia

I would inform myself to not be afraid to make bold decisions. I was so wrapped up in my studies in high school and I worked full time. I would tell myself to know that my final choices are my own. I can do what I please even if my family does not support me. My younger self would have changed her mind to please everyone else, but I have learned to not be apologetic to another person's ignorance. I have struggled a lot throughout my life, but education has been one of the few areas that I excel at, and through this scholarship, I will be able to continue to do so.

jasmane

If i could back and tell my self something as a senior i would say apply for more scholorships and pay attention to the price of your school before you decided to go there. I would say apply for more scholorships so that you will have more money for school so you dont have to take out a loan or settle for a school you might not want to attend. I would also say pay attention to how much everything is going to cost so you will know how much money will be coming out of your pocket so you can see if you can afford that school. I would also tell myself to apply to more schools in the state so you can have in state tuition and have the option of staying at home to cut down on expenses. The last thing i would have told myself is to get your license so that it would be easy to get around from place to place and not have to wait on others.

greg

If i could go back and give myself helpful hints for college i would tell myself to fill out more scholarships so i can help my parents out with the tuition and also i would tell myself work on time management with school baseball and friends at the college. If i would of done these things i would be more happier with college right now.

vincent

i would say have more of an idea of what you want that way you can go to a school that focuses on your future.

Jake

The advice I would give myself now is to keep my studies up. I started slacking in studies this semester and its really going to show at the end of the semester. If I would of kept my studies up and and focused more on my studies instead of hanging out and just sitting around being lazy. I need to understand its not like high school anymore and i just cant go into class everyday and understand whats going on. I need to come prepared to class and have an understanding of what the professor is going to be lecturing for that day.

ELIZABETH

I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO GO FOR IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT WAIT TO CONTINUE YOU'RE EDUCATION. IT IS SO WORTH IT IN THE END TO THRIVE FOR A CAREER, SET GOALS AND ACCOMPLISH THEM. IT IS THE BEST FEELING ESPECIALLY WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE AND YOU HAVE THE JOB THAT YOU LOVE AND YOU ARE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITHOUT WORRIES. IT IS HARD WORK BUT YOU CAN DO ANYTHING THAT YOU PUT YOUR MIND TOO. COMPLETELY WORTH THE EFFORT.

Amanda

Take a deep breath and relax. College searching should be fun! This may be a big decision, but you make your college, it doesn't make you. So listen to the admissions people, take the tours, look at every campus you can. No matter what you choose, you will find success. The class size at a smaller school fits your learning style well, so be sure to not overlook those hidden gems. They also offer you an opportunity to pursue both of your passions: biology and soccer. It is a win-win situation, do not take this time for granted. Appreciate every single call that you get on the phone from a college coach inviting you to their program. Be humble as the scholarships roll in. Look from coast to coast and everywhere in between, the sky is the limit. Your parents support you and they always have so the choice is completely up to you. Most importantly, do not worry. Everything is going to work out just fine, trust me, I've lived it!

Danielle

Take each day one step at a time. Don't stress out about things that are due at the end of the semester, and remember to not get so stressed out. Take advantage of everything you can, you're only in college for 4 years (or 5, in some cases). Get involved in as much as you can, and take the opportunity to help the community you're inl it's most likely very different than the one you grew up with. Most importantly, make decisions for yourself. When you look back on your college career as you're walking across that stage to receive your diploma, look at all of the people who are proud of what you've done. All those late nights doing homework, all those stressful tests and quizzes, and all of the things you got involved with will help you from here on out. Your family and friends know that, too. Take those steps, smile at those people who gave you the opportunity, and don't forget about all of the memories you'll have. Remember what you want to be remembered for, and let it make you smile.