Radford University Top Questions

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

Brianna

College is a peak experience in a young person's life. The most important thing that I have gotten out of college is a newfound independence. When attending school away from parents, one must learn to take care of oneself, such as cleaning your dorm and attending class. Independence is essential for a successful college experience. If one cannot learn to depend on one's own abilities and determination, one will not succeed in the rest of life's challenges after college. I believe that college is more valuable than words can describe. Through all of the obstacles in life, an education is the one thing that no one can take away. A college education becomes more than learning information from books. It is also about learning about one's own abilities and aspirations.

Amanda

Knowing what I know about college life and the transition from high school to a more independant lifestyle, I would have taken up a second job over the summer prior to my attendance to instill a stronger feeling of financial security. I also would have doubled my efforts in searching and applying for scholarships involving outstanding academic performance, again to achieve a better sense of stability which would prove beneficial to my college studies in the form of stress relief. Another thing I would do would have been researching more colleges which were compatable with my goals and choice of major. Doing so would have given me a wider range of options to choose from and may have proven beneficial in the sense that a more desireable, suitable college may have been brought to my attention and proved to house more fitting opportunities for me to further my education and advance in my knowledge and skills as an aspiring fashion designer. More schools would have led to more opportunities for connections to the industry in which I want to become involved post graduation as well as better internships and opportunities for me to expand my work experience.

Taylor

If I was able to go back to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to apply to more colleges and get more choices of schools. Radford University is the closest and best Nursing school to my hometown but I feel it would have been a new adventure to get far away from home. But nevertheless I still love where I am residing. I would also tell my senior self to apply for more scholarships because college is expensive and very time-consuming and thus it's hard to get a job. A big aspect of moving into college I would tell my previous self to not take as much stuff to college! The dorm room is only so big and I can rush home to get it, considering I live 20 minutes away from school. Other than those few things I would love to congratulate my senior self because she did such a good job making up the GPA that I messed up as a freshman and sophomore in high school.

Courtney

I would definitely tell my high school senior self to spend more time with my family. During my senior year in high school I was too concerned with hanging out with my friends and boyfriend before I left for college that I spent only a small fraction of my free time with my loving family. Now that I am in college and I see my friends every single day and my family once in a blue moon when I am able to make the four hour drive home, I regret not spending more time with them before I left. I know that it is common for college freshmen to feel homesick but I feel like I am more homesick than the average freshmen for that reason. If I could talk to my senior self one year ago, I would tell me, "Have more family time!! The next four years of your life will be 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} friend time."

Nicole

Stay open minded. Although I was exposed to many different types of people while growing up as a military dependent, transitioning to a college campus is still a new experience. Many people will not share the same values, beliefs, or lifestyles as you; but as long as you can stay open to other people, you will mix well with the diversity on campus and add to culture of your school. This mindset also helps you make friends and get along with your professors.

Jordan

I would tell myself to take as many dual enrollment classes as possible and apply for more scholarships. Dual enrollment classes are an incredible bargain to the high school student. Not only can you receive a college level education in high school, but you can also earn college credits. These college credits also help cut the costs of college tuition by thousands of dollars. I myself completed about 16 credits in high school and thus was able to save around 7,000 dollars. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I was a lazy high school student and quiet frankly, ungrateful for the money that my parents worked for to pay for my tuition. As a result, I and my family are left with the burden of paying for a hefty college tuition bill. This is something that I am very regretful of and as I look back, I cannot believe I did not do.

Jodie

I would tell myself not to have been so nervous about the transition from high school to college. The transition was smooth and easy. Everyone at Radford University were very welcoming and I easily made friends and learned my way around campus. I would also tell myself that the classes are not impossible as long as you attend class and study. I also think that if allowed every freshman should try and bring their car so you can get around town easier instead of relying on your friends. I would have also told myself that I should have taken more time and fill out more scholarships to help me out during my first year of college. Furthermore, I think it is a good thing that I did not know what I know now because it was a learning experience and I learned from this and now I share this information with my friends who are high school seniors.

Kelsey

I would have said to try harder and to buckle down. Coming to college was a big change, they don't baby you here and you might need professors as references at a later time so like them or not you need to be on good terms with them. I would've tried harder for scholarships in high school if I had actual looked at the tuition bill my parents pay each semester. If I'd done better in my AP classes (and aced the AP tests) the credits might've transferred to college and I could've saved myself time and my parent's money taking freshman-level english and history. College is serious and it needs to be taken as such. Do stellar in each and every class, don't be afraid to talk to your professors, they have office hours to help you. That's what I wish I could have gone back and told myself.

Buckley

Dear past Bucky, When you set up your class schedule, make sure it is something you can work with fairly easily because having a crazy schedule can be hard to work with when you need to study and when you have a job. As for class times, do not put hard classes early in the morning becasue it can be hard to wake up and stay focused in class. Have a calander and write down all the important dates so you do not forget anything important. Stay warm and try not to get sick because going to classes with a bad cold will not make school work any easier. When you study, try and get other people to study with you sometimes because it can be helpfule to get input from other people. As for dorm life, make sure you have everything you need and try to get along with your roommate, even if it is your brother. Having a little cash on hand is always good too. From, Future Bucky P.S. John will throw up on his own computer the first weekend there, try to stop him from doing so.

Melissa

As a senior in high school, you know everything! No matter what your parents say, you are right all the time and they know nothing. Of course, I did not keep in mind that my parents have already experienced the whole high school graduation, college thing. On top of keeping my parents' advice in mind, I would not have wished away my final months of high school. Never again will I be able to go back and repeat these days. Luckily, by the time I turned eighteen, I was ready to put high school behind me and encounter new experiences and new acquaintances. As far as minding my parents' advice, I now find myself quoting them (unintentionally, mind you) during episodes at school.

Amanda

I would tell myself to take more college credit courses instead of goofing off and taking courses that wouldn?t really do anything for my future. I would have told myself to study harder in my math courses instead of blowing them off. I would say that going to community college first was a great idea and ended up saving money on student loans in the future. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships, earlier than the day before the deadline and by doing them earlier it takes a lot of stress off our plate. Stay organized, have specified times for your school work, take good notes, evaluate what you need to study by what the teachers tests go for, and always double check your work.

Melissa

Hey Melissa, So you aren't taking your senior year very seriously. Here are some things that you should do better and work towards to get the most out of this year. First of all, work as much as you can. Don't be lazy and choose staying at home or hanging out with friends over making some extra money. I can tell you right now, you'll be wishing you hadn't. Second, do better in your AP statistics class. If you would actually study, then you could make a good mark on your AP exam. Any credits to contribute towards college are very important and will help you out in the long run. Lastly, you need to prepare for college better. Look at your best choices and go with your gut feeling. It'll all work out if you're happy. Don't procrastinate with all the last minute decisions because you'll end up taking a semester off in the summer and it will be a bummer. So best of luck, and I look forward to seeing what happens. Sincerely, Yourself

Robert

I would say that taking your time is best. Figure out what canreally work for you before you spend a lot of time and money on it. Education is a great thing and not everyone has the privledge, so, if you do, do it right. Study hard, make the grades.

Chris

I would tell myself to make sure I take care of my grades first before having to learn that lesson the hard way. I would also encourage myself to be as involved in campus activities as posible. I would have told myself to work as hard as I can while I was still in highschool and continue that habit throughout college. I would tell myself to go after any opportunity for leadership roles and positions and to join multiple campus organizations. The best advise I would give is to always remain focused and positve nomatter what life throws at you. I would aslo make sure I knew that is crucial to be as prepared for anything as I possibly could so that I dont end up in bad situations.

Katherine

If I could go back to myself as a senior and give myself advice, I would tell myself not to worry about picking a major. Testing the waters to see what you like and what you're passionate about is more important than being rushed and not picking a major that you might not like. I would also tell myself not to worry about the little things. A bad roomate can be good because it will force you to leave the room and make friends elsewhere. Also, getting involved is one of the most important things and it can help you make friends for life. Also, when joining clubs and organizations, pick more than one, that way, if one doesn't work out or you don't like it, you have a back up plan. But the most important thing, is to be optimistic. Even if something seems bad, everything happens for a reason, you just have to find it.

MIHAELA

Take time to think about what you like to do; dream and imagine ideal careers. Explore all your options. Take advantage of all educational opportunities that come your way, such as summer educational opportunities and educational trips abroad. Don't let anyone control your dreams and ambitions. You will be horribly miserable at best if you let a parent or other family member dictate your major or your career. Don't pass-up opportunities to learn and experience new things. High school is a real transition time for teens, as you move into adulthood and the more adult issues of work, careers, and college. It should be a time of growth as well as a time of challenge. Have fun, but get the best education you can so that you are positioned to take advantage of further educational opportunities? and no matter where you go after high school, never stop learning and growing.

olive

some advice that i'd give myself is to pack way less things since most of the dorms arnt that big. making a study group for harder classes would be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} benificial. also emailing or asking the teachers for help when the material is first given. teachers do want their students to learn and you get brownie points for taking interest in the class

Nichole

Be prepard for a life chaning event and be prepared to grow up. You will need to learn the major guidelines for studying and taking school seriously from the moment you get there!

Philip

Take a note of what you like, dislike, and be active in your search for universities. Sometimes there is such a hype for the bigger schools that many of the disadvantages are covered up by a large sports program or prestige. When going to college, it is true that you should enjoy a balanced lifestyle, but the key thing that you have always been focused on is your career. The best method to follow that plan is to look into schools that excel in career and academic excellence. By visiting and discussing the process of attending a university, you further prepare yourself for one of your greatest times of your life.

Taylor

If i could go back I would tell myself to make as many friends in the first couple weeks. I would say focus on school and study but also remember to have fun and enjoy the time that is spent here. The years go by very quickly and that I should live them up to the fullest. I would also say keep focused on the career after graduating but don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

Stephanie

Visiting the college before you accept or even apply plays a large part in deciding, when I first visited Radford right there I knew that was the college I wanted to attend. The campus was so beautiful and the size was perfect for me that all the other schools look dirty and too big or too small.

Haley

Make sure that students and parents go and visit each school that is a possibility and go on tours as well as meeting the dean of the college, if possible. Also, choose the college that's right for you as a student, don't make your decision based on where your friends are going to go. Make sure that you look at whether or not the college will have the major that you are planning to go in to and look at the teacher to student ratio since some people are able to do better in large classes versus small classes and vice versa. in order to make the most of your college experience just have fun. but make sure that you are able to manage time and study for classes so that grades don't slip. Have fun but do so responisibly and don't make dumb decisions. Always show up for class because more than likely even if it's not required what the teacher says in the one class you miss will be what is on the final exam and that may be what is keeping you from an A in the course.

maribel

visit each school and find out everything that is important to you like food houseing activities and what not. and once you have this information make a pro and con list of what you like. then once you apply and get in start you resreach on activities you want to join and what types of things you what to do at you school. make sure you get involoved at a early stage so you can get alot out of college and make new friends

Sarah

Make sure you visit the school ahead of time to see what is around and to get to know the area, i think that is very important. You should also think about what size school you wouldn't mind going to and the size of the classrooms, whether or not you would mind being with hundreds of kids in one classroom or a more intement amount.

Kent

research where you'd be interested, based on what you enjoy and what area of the country you enjoy. do your work, and get good grades, don't spread yourself too thin so you can't get everything done.

Megan

When you're looking for the right college you need to see if you can see yourself living there. If you can't deal with little stuff it's only going to get worse. You need to make sure that the town/city is safe. One of the things I like about going to a school that is in a small town is that I feel 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} safe. You also need to know if there are enough things to keep you occupied.

Cameron-Ann

To all, College has been said by most to be the best time of your life, and in most ways that is completely true, but it is not all about the college that you go to, but what you make of that experience when you get there. Yes, you should choose a college based on academics or sports if you are playing any, but if you plan on striving to succeed no matter where you are, then the diploma you recieve will be your reward, not the name of the college. So good luck with your choices and remember, it's not where you are, but what you make of your time there.

Alyssa

Pick a school that you feel a connection with when you visit it. Don't base it off of their reputation or their party school ranking. Look to see if the school has a program you are interested in and go off that.

Mario

Let the student do what they think is best fpr them. If the parents raised their kids right, they shouldn't be worrying about anything. If they fuck up, well, let them learn! Parents cannot be over their kids forever, let them fend for themselves.

Ciara

When Choosing the right college that is applicable and well suited for you, it is important to take into consideration you college's on campus lifestyle. On campus college lifestyle consist of extracurriculum activities, clubs, organizations, and social life. Your college experience is your final experience and explore school it self. Aside from social activities, it is important to stay focus on you purpose in life and what you hope to achieve afterwards!

Kelly

Advice I would have to give students about findi the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to pick a school that is the right size for you. Going to a huge school could be a bit overwhelming with class size and social gatherings. Also I would have to say during your first year try as hard as you can not to go home every weekend. That was a mistake I made and I realized that if I had stayed instead of going home ever other weekend my GPA might be a little higher. To parents I would advise not to call your children every day. Let them call you. Calling them everyday does not give them the chance to experience on their own and will make them miss home a lot more. Its hard letting your children go off by themselves but it will be well worth it in the end when they graduate and get a supporting job for their hard work and sticking through college. Students, Picking the right school it tought, but be sure to weigh out your options and you will know the right one!

Justin

When finding the right college to attend, I feel it is important for students to take the time to explore and discover the college which fits them best. Online searches and campus visits are beneficial resources when researching colleges. While some parents feel it is important for their children to attend the same college they did, I do not think this is favorable for the student. Success is the purpose of college and students succeed most often when they are studying in an environment that makes them comfortable. There are several ways a student can make the most of their college experience, but my best advice is to associate with colleagues and professors. While one may not realize it at the time, these people will provide references and networking opportunities that can help with job offers. Joining clubs and organizations help students become more socialized and students should feel comfortable attending professors? office hours and asking for help.

Brittany

When choosing a college, the number one pick may not the best college for the student to attend. In my senior year of high school, I was accepted to four great colleges but the college I am enrolled in was my last choice. I decided to attend this college because my twin sister and my best friend were as well and because it was the only college I applied to with a fashion design program. Many people advise others to not go somewhere because you know someone else going, but I have found the opposite to be true. Three of my friends went to colleges where they knew no one and ended up all transferring to the same college. My sister, my best friend and I have all remained at our university and have thoroughly enjoyed it. To most, college is about the great education, but some forget that college is also a way to learn about yourself and to find people who will motivate and encourage you and eventually become lifelong friends. So don't get too caught up in the academia, because balancing a social and academic life is the key to having the best college experience.

Elizabeth

Finding the right college is really very important. When choosing your school, take time to talk to the students, walk around the campus, visit the places you will most likely spend your time. That could mean browsing at the library or sitting out on the lawn watching people pass, wherever you believe you will spend most of your time when attending that school, you should spend at least some of your time there when visiting it. Also if at all possible, try to meet with the professors of your major if you are entering with one declared. This will help you learn more about the program and allow for you to base your choice of schools not only on a social level but on an academic one as well. But most importantly, before you choose your school for the next for years, and essentially your home, make sure you tour the campus and visit.

Allen

When selecting a college, just the person entering before looking at the statistics. Small class sizes and a high ratio of professors-students will not do anything for one that wants the typical movie college experience. Any person who is determined to make the most of their education will bite the bullet and make themselves known to their professors. Also, education applied in the real world is everything to today's society; in other words, check out the community surrounding the school. Look at what the student is interested in and use common sense, i.e. do not send an intended international business major to a farm town. Another point to question is whether or not the campus population is a good fit for you. If unable to visit the campus, call them, talk to them, or maybe connect with them in other means of current social networking (facebook). Lastly, do not get overly attached to statistics and ratings. Every 'number one' school on the review list that you hold had to replace a previous 'number one'. Those ratings will change every year, and schools will change their styles and mission statements several times over your lifespan. Make yourself count.

Tiffany

take you time and visit schools, talk to random students to find out their point of view of the school.

Yasmeen

When you go on tours, make sure you not only look at the buildings and all the normal stuff that your tour guide shows you--but look at the people on campus, around campus. Drive around the residential neighborhoods that make up the community where the school is located. What the campus looks like has nothing to do with the experience. If you get the chance, even talk to people, students and teachers. Ask them where a certain building is, or how to do something--see how they respond. If they respond nicely, walk around with you--or even tell you their names, then thats the school I would send my children to. You want a friendly environment for your children. Make sure that if there is nice weather, what is everyone doing outside? What are the students talking about. Snoop, if you have to. Theres no better way to understand what being a student at that school would feel like than to observe the students going to that school. They can control what the campus looks like when you visit--but they cant tell their students to all be happy and friendly on the day that you visit!.

Courtney

They should really look into the college first not just pick it out from a book and say "I am going there". By that, I mean, visiting the campus and doing something like my school has called "Quest". Stay overnight in a real dorm and really check it out. Ask about and research the kinds of clubs and sports they offer. Walk ALL around, look at everything and meet new people!

Kyle

Don't worry too much about the money. Money is out there just waiting to be found, so focus on what you really want to do with your life. Spend time visiting the colleges you are considering. Get to know the professors, and go off the beaten path of the tours they try to give you. Find someone that they haven't asked you to talk to and talk to them. Look around you when you are on campus, and note the way people dress. Though it is stereotypical, it will give you a basic idea of the types of people present at that college. As for making the most of your experience, get involved with as much as you can. If they do not have something that you are looking for, do not be discouraged. Create it. College is only as good as you can make it, not only in the classroom, but without. Remember this, if nothing else. Clubs are an excellent way to get involved. Find or create a few that cater to your interests, and then try broadening your horizons. You never know where your curiosity might take you.

Julie

Don't be picky. Be open minded. Don't make your expectations high. Don't be naive - drinking will happen, just make sure it happens in the right environment - surrounded by people you trust, not strangers. The first time you go to a college party, stay sober, observe, and see if that is how you want to present yourself. If you want to go and not drink, carry a drink so people won't badger you about why you aren't drinking. Surround yourself with people you'd be proud to know in 10 years. Never say never. Try everything once (except hard drugs - just say no). Don't discriminate against people who are different than you - you can learn from them. Know when to stay silent to keep the peace and when to speak your mind. In other words, pick your battles. There isn't anything more valuable than a good night's sleep. Never underestimate a full night's rest before an exam. Only pull all nighters when absolutely necessary. Respect your teachers and they will respect you. Learn. Live. Experience. Try.

Maxwell

Visit schools during the academic school year, not the summer.

Derick

It is important to drink in moderation while here at college, but it does not mean that you should not drink at all while you are attending a university. As long as you have your priorities straight and allow for yourself to keep up with studying and attending classes on a regular basis then casually partying with friends is perfectly acceptable for a college student. These are the best four years of your life and you should enjoy every minuite of it.

Brittney

Here are a few words of advice for parents or students who are trying to find the right college. I would suggest taking time to look at the academic side including all the majors, minors, and classes you should begin with. Many fellow colleagues have completed several classes they found out later they didn't need. If at all possible it is good to know your major when you start. If you do so you will be sure not to take unnecessary classes. Also, know the area around the campus. Make sure there are things that interest you so you have something to do in your free time. Good Luck!!

Charles

Let the student decide for themselves where they want to go, but make sure to check out all the universities' reputations that they are applying to. Sometimes universities put on a facade of being academically focused, when all they want is your credit card number. The student will be accepted, then probably fail out because of the massive party scene. Just be careful and involved in which university your student goes to.

Caitlin

It's never easy to know what you want to do with your life. The only advice I can give is go to the school that is right for YOU. There are plenty of schools, i am sure, that are good for mom, or dad, but what's good for you? Don't let any opportunity pass you by, don't doubt yourself. If you have enough confidence to know you are great and you act on it, you're a natural born leader. If you doubt yourself and let these opportunities pass you by, you're selling yourself short. Once you find the right college, you'll know it I can't explain the feeling, you'll just know. Be pro-active in college, this is when you start building your future. You're not a child anymore there are amazing chances out there just waiting for you to grasp them. So go out in the world and make yourself proud of the things you've accomplished, the first step is getting into the right school.

Bryant

Do not base anything on what you see on pictures. Visit the prospective colleges and talk to students to get the real perspective. Ask your child if they want to learn in a classroom of 500 or a classroom of 25. If your child knows what he or she wants to study base part of the decision on the school's academic program of choice. Get involved! This will enable you to meet people and find our your true niche in the school. Look at the surrounding area of the school to see what else a student can do to entertain themselves. Is the school located in an area where juniors and seniors can obtain internships for work experience. Every student will be different but how you make that first year will make or break your college career.

Laurann

VISIT VISIT VISIT! Orientations are great for finding reliable information straight from the source but if you visit during a non-orientation time you'll truly get a feel of what the school is like. Just walk around, grab lunch, as a student where to go or what is fun to do. Parents, allow your student to feel free yet protected. College is a place to find out who you truly are and what your dreams for a better tomorrow entail.

Rachel

I would tell them to pick a college that is the right size for them. I looked at many big colleges and many small colleges and ended up at Radford, which was in between the two. I enjoy the size of my classes and do not feel overwhelmed by the number of students. I also like that it is bigger than my highschool classes. Some of the small schools I looked at only had about 15-20 students. My average class has about 35-50. Also I would tell them to pick a school with the right majors programs for you.

Lindsay

When it is time for you to start college, I suggest visiting every college you would like to attend. Take tours, visit and meet professors, and check out all of the student activities. If you already know what career you want, make sure the school offers a good program. If you have a friend attending college, spend a weekend with them, or even a few days during the week. See what it's like to be a college student. Eat at the dining halls, attend parties, and other social events, or go to class with your friend to see what it's like. All college campuses are different; if you spend a few days at each one, you can figure out what is right for you. When you have chosen a school, and of course, been accepted, you will begin a new step in your life. Keep focused on your studies because it can be easy to get distracted. I suggest studying at the school library; it's easier to stay focused. The most important advice I can give is to have fun. Get involved and make friends because it will make your college experience that much better.

Andrew

Figure out why you're going to college first, then find colleges that excel in those areas.