University of Akron Main Campus Top Questions

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

Brent

I havent gotten much out of my experience I have just went here to try to get my degree.

Jessica

Up until January 2009, my previous years in college have been intense. I declined on taking advantage of oppurtunities that could further me into my career. I lived up to the typical college student life by partying and flunking out to eventually dropping out of courses. It took one deeply tragic event to happen for me to realize I was throwing my life away: my father's passing on Jan. 12, 2009. His last words to me were to finish school, get my degree, and make a living for my girls and I. Maintaining grades were very hard that semester. 3 months later, my grandfather passed. It took me an entire year to recoop from such a hard loss that year. Fall 2010 I went into school with a 1.9 Cumulative GPA ending the semester with a 3.5 Semester GPA and a 2.1 Cumulative GPA. I can say for sure that I am back on the right track. My wanting to finish school is stronger now more than ever. I am dedicated to obtaining a bachelor's degree in graphic design with a minor in communication.

David

I have gotten an intense understanding thusfar of many concepts of engineering and math. Many people graduate from college and all they have is a piece of paper in their hands and are blindly let out to find a career with no idea of how to start their new beginning. I, on the other hand, will not have that problem. The University of Akron wants you to succeed, and they do everything in their power to help you become the best you can be outside of the classroom. I am only a sophomore and the University has already started training me on interview critiques, resume critiques, and tips for appearance. The University of Akron is well known for their engineering department, just being a part of it speaks for itself. The University of Akron has truly shaped me into a well rounded individual and I am eternally thankfull for all of their generosity.

Rayna

The greatest element that I received from college is that I have found my best friend. Besides education and skills which I value very much due to the fact that I have a 4.0 GPA, I value people and friendships. At my first campus, I found the students to be shining on the outside but conniving on the inside. Although this bothered me very much, it did not effect my GPA any. However, it left me with the feeling that I was missing something. The University of Akron gave me hope in humanity. Instead of cold hearted classmates I had people in my classes who desired not only to learn but also to help their fellow classmates learn. And yes, I discovered one in particular classmate who has given me hope not only for humanity but for life itself. Although attending college has given me tremendous and vast amounts of knowledge and skills that I can use for the rest of my life, the greatest and most valuable is the friend that I made. This has been the most valuable reason to have attended college. Knowledge comes and goes but human kindness and friendships can last for all eternity.

Vanessa

Through my college experience I have met new people from different backgrounds. I have come to appreciate and admire what makes people different and unique. While different, we each share common goals, interests and values. I value education, and my passion is to learn and educate myself in anything and everything.

Jared

What have got out of college is a better understanding for my career field and more knowledge for my career field. I feel that I can go out into my career and do my job better than without going to college and have to learn all of it with no experience. College has been valuable to me on the knowledge part but the cost is a different story. I feel that college is going to help through my career of all the knowledge college gave me and be a successful service technician.

Stefanie

The University of Akron taught me how to be an adult. I am currently 26 years old and still have another year of school left. I started attending U of A after graduation from high school in fall 2003. I was not prepared for college or anything that came along with it ( new friends, bills, partying, and massive amounts of homework). I literally trashed my college career. I partied too much to fit in with my peers and doing that severly hurt my grades. Not to mention I was working 20-25 hours a week as well. After doing this to myself, my financial aid was taken away from me and I was no longer able to attend school. I was devestated that I had let this happen. That was a hard lesson to learn, but it taught me to grow up and be responsible. after appealing for my financial aid and being on sharp academic probation i have completely turned mysdelf around. I have been on the Deans List for the past three semesters and was also inducted to the National Collegiate Honors Society (NCHS). Akron U changed my life. I do not know where i would be today.

Ciera

Being at the University of Akron as been the best experience of my life thus far. I have met a veriety of diverse people, joined various orginizations and learned how to utilize everything my school has to offer. Im on the deans list and i love the campus and all of the new thechnology that comes with it. i love the university of Akron and im proud of my achivements so far. GO ZIPS!

Alex

In my two semesters at Akron I've gained an in depth idea of how the world of higher education works and what is expected of students that are at the college or university levels. It's given me a chance to take my first steps out into the real world, and has started to teach me how to deal with what the real world will have to offer upon graduation.

Filicia

coming into a community college as a new student was hard because I received last pick in classes, I was only able to take three classes this semester English, bet100, and guidance 101. and i gave it all i could, tried my best, and achieved what i though was hard. and what i achieved was good grades, determination and a high selfesteem. I recieved an B in english IWish I would have brought my notes to the last day but. My guidance class was the most educational class that I have ever taken. I had learn many things from time management, to visual learning,take college notes and about the learning styles, memory techniques, concept mapping, guest speakers, visited transfer centers and so much more in all I did become a master student. I received an a in A in that class .and my computer class refreshed my memory and brought up on the new technology that was invented where I received an a 110 out of 100 bonus questions. I loved learning so much that I enrolled in Spanish, English,math, auto and typing. I hope to going into engineering and work with GMC or Lexus in robot invention.

ERIKA

Beginning my college experience at a community college proved to be very beneficial for me. When I graduated high school, I had no idea what path I wanted to take in life. Therefore I decided to attend community college to get an idea of what major I wanted to pursue. When I enrolled in classes at Scott Community College, I discovered that I qualified for the Honors Program, which allowed me to take a class called Discovering Diversity in Disabilities through Autobiographical Literature. This class opened my eyes to the large realm of disabilities children have, and how they can be helped to excel in their daily life activities. After taking this class, I knew that I wanted to help children with disabilities, specifically in the classroom. I also participated in doing a service project for the Honors Program, in which I worked at a day camp for children in Davenport, Iowa. Although I have always loved children, this experience gave me the opportunity to find out what it would be like to work with children every day. These two college experiences allowed me to discover my passion, which is to give children with disabilities a better future.

Joshua

i have received a lot from my college experience. i have developed great skills that will be important when i enter the working world. skills such as; time management, leadership, resposeibility, perserverance, hard work, and dedication. these are just a few skills that i have got from my college experiance. the value of attending college is tramendious, it is the building block fore which one will build their life on. College is the place where a person will develop into the person that he or she will become for the rest of their lives. it is also the place that they will make some of the most influencuial people and make some of their greatest memories.

Latoya

During my first year of college I have learned the importance of always striving to gain more knowledge. In college one puts forth effort, and puts their career goals into fruition, and finds out who they are trying to be. One learns their strengths, weaknesses, and their minds mature. I have become one of the best speakers in my Public Speaking class, I was nominated for a book scholarship in my English class, and my Science professor offered me a reference also. College has made me more social, responsible, and capable, all of which will be very important as a psychologist. I am working towards acquiring a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. College has become invaluable in my pursuit of that goal.

Joshua

During high school, I really wasn't an outgoing person. I was very shy around people and I couldn't really be myself around new people. When I talked, I would often stutter and was just a bit awkward to talk with. After being at the University of Akron for a semester, I could really see a change in myself. I could sense a bit of charisma in myself. I could speak to people and actually hold a conversation. Meeting new people has become easy for me. I guess my problem was that I was to afraid to make mistakes in fron of people. People are people and we are all bound to make mistakes. College has also helped my organization and study skills. It was a must that I change how I studied and how much I studied. I also carry a planner with me full of due dates and appointments that I never miss and it helps to stay organized like that. All of these huge changes that I have made in my life are all thanks to my experience in college. Without coming here and staying on campus, none of these much needed changes would be possible.

Bradley

at first i was really scared of going to college many people, starting college is a frightful event. The new world of education that awaits you can scare the person that’s not ready for the new challenge. Not only is it a new experience, but an entirely different atmosphere from the high school life you had been living for the past three years. A lot of people let the thought alone scare them from making the initial attempt to further their education. People who experience these jitters make the assumption that college is not for them. My first semester of college included. The expectations from my professors in the classroom, my expectations I had upon arriving, and the physical property of the campus. the best thing i gotten out of it though is meeting a lot of friends and being being able to communicate with my professors. the last and the best thing is the food.

Maggie

From my college experience so far, I have learned that you need a hard work ethic in order to get what you want in life. The ones that come out on top are the ones that dedicate themselves to what they love and where they want to go in life. It has been so valuable to attend because before college, everything seemed to fall on my lap and it was easy for me to succeed. Here, I have gotten the wake up call that shows me that the real world expects the best determination from you and not so much how good you are at it but if you have the passion to learn about it and grow from it.

Jasmine

I have gotten a better understanding of diversity and accepting others who are different than myself. I have gained a wider knowledge of the campus and resources available to students. Being an English major, I've learned ways to polish my writing and how to be descriptive without verbosity. I've also learned the importance of giving back through the Americorps Educational Award Program , completing three-hundred hours of volunteer work. It has been valuable for me to attend the University of Akron because of the personal aspect that it naturally has. There is a sense of nurture in the advisors and most administrators. They really want to help students pursue their dreams and that is one of the things I love about The University of Akron.

Kara

My college experience has been very fulfilling. After living in a dorm on campus I have learned the skills of time management, self discipline, and how to live on my own. The shock of moving somewhere new without knowing anyone was a tough adjustment, but has helped me face new challenges with my head held high. I have met new people and made many new friends. My confidence level is much higher than it was, because college has given me a sense of self-worth in really understanding who I am. I can now confidently take on any challenge that society gives me and I know that I will succeed. College really did throw me into "the real world" and force me to adjust on my own. Now I will confidently say I can take on anything life gives me!

maria

I have learned a lot academically, but also a lot about my self. I have grown into the person I am now but attending the University of Akron.

Kelly

I have gooten alot out of my college experince. I have met many diffrenet people that I would never have meet before. The class rooms were complitly different then they were back in highschool, the teachers were less strict and tried to relate to the students on a personal level. The the classes went at a faster pace then a high school class. Our class would go through two or three chapters a day. What I have gotten out of college is how important it is to manage my time. Becouse the avarage college student has homework to do, write a paper for a nother class and studyiing for exames all at the same time. I learned that if you do not manage your time wisely you well fail your classes. Another thing that i have learned is that it is ok to go get help if you need it. At the university there were plenty of tutering places to go to get extra help for writing papers or getting help on understanding the subject being taught. Why it has been so valuable to attend college is becouse it allowed me to see what the outside world is like.

Catherine

I attended two colleges prior to the University of Akron. I can say, full heartily that my experiences through college have been phenomenal. I have never had a group of professors who were so willing to help students succeed. I take my education very seriously and when I knew I could count on my professors if I needed a helping hand it made my educational experience that much more valuable. I have such a passion for education that I want to pursue my masters degree. I have never had such an appreciation for education until I came to college. My college experience has made me a better-rounded person, and has allowed me to have more perspective on life. I had the opportunity to join a sorority and have truly come to understand the value of friendship, sisterhood and trust. My college experience has also allowed me understand the value of life-long friendships. All in all, my experiences at Akron have shaped me into the woman I am today.

Chelsie

I have attained so much from my college experience. I learned much more about myself, my limits, and what I want to do with my life. I have been involved and made many friends and networking oppertunities that will be very useful in the future. I have gained my basic education and have switched majors many times as I kept getting interested in new things from what I was experiencing. Not only does this give me experience, but it also gives way for my future

Marissa

In my college experience I have gained the knowledge to help me suceed in everything that I do. I have also learned valuable skills to help me further my educational and career goals. By attending a college you show everyone that you are willing to go above and beyond what is asked of you to better yourself.

Rachel

I have gained so much life expierence from college. I have learned how to live on my own and make my own daily schedule. I have also grown up a lot which will help a lot in my future.

Christopher

My college experience has been great. I have met a lot of new people since i have been in college. Also I am getting a great education. The professiors are willing to work with students and ensure that they know and understand the material that is being taught. Education is the main reason for going to college but it also teaches students many other life skills. It helped me become more independent and not to depend on other people. Before i came to college I wasn't a very independent person. I relied to much on other people and most of the time they let me down. Also my socila life as improved a lot from the beginning of college until now. I have met a lot of great people at Akron. These are all great reasons why it has been valuable to attend The University of Akron?

Ashley

I have been fighting my entire life. And I do it because I am determined to graduate from a great college and prove to everyone that I am good enough. I want to be an Obstetrician more than anything in the world. I want to be someone that makes a difference in this world through healing and benevolence. Not only do I want be a better role model for my younger siblings but for all those that don?t have someone to look up to. I am fighting to show them that it?s possible to be accepted to a good college. I want to know how it feels to be surrounded by people as motivated and dedicated as I am. People who can inspire me, push me to do better, to be better, show me what it?s really like to live. I want to look at my classmates and know that I am finally where I belong. I want to be encouraged and inspired by professors that love to teach and are interested in the potential of their students.

Kyle

I have gained great confidence with myself acedemically and in my future career choices. There is much going on around the campus at all times with much diversity. I cannot participate as much as I want to considering I have a full time job, military responsibilities, a wife, a daughter, and a full time school schedule. I would recommend this college to anyone who wants to be apart of a medium sized college with a great reputation. I have had, for the most part, great instructors who have helped me learn the material needed and more. Thank you for giving me the oppurtunity to let you in on my college experience and the privelege to apply for this scholarship.

Ty'russia

meeting new people and trying new things everyday

zachary

i would tell myself not to give up. that what you seek will be worth the long nights of studying and abundant stress. i would also tell myself that art is everywhere and that is something that has multiple highlights in this world, so pursue it with abundants and see every project to the end.

Ja'Nique

If I could go back in time and talk to myself while I was a high school senior, I would definitely explain to myself the importance of saving money. While in high school I worked 20-24 hours per week and I did not save nearly as much as I could have. I did not take any finance courses in high school so I did not know very much about managing my money. When I finally left home to attend college, I learned how well off I could have been if I had saved more of the money I earned in high school. Instead of saving, I purchased material things that did not amount to anything after I purchased them. I think if I would have saved more, I could have dedicated more time to studying during my first year of college, instead of having to get a part-time job to support myself.

Stephanie

I would give myself the advice to get ahead through post secondary because as I see younger students doing that and getting ahead of the game I wish i would of done the same. Also I would tell myself to be more open and work harder towards my grades in high school so I would be able to get better scholarships and make college a little easier financially. I would also want myself to work harder as in having a job before college because that would make balancing the word load easier as well.

Alta

I would tell myself not to worry about every thing and to enjoy college more. In addition I would tell myself to study hard and to not underestimate course work and test because they are harder than in high school.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself is to study, develop long lasting relationships, have good time management and take advantage of all the resources. Befriend my professors, ask a tutor for help, and continue to apply for scholarships. I would also be involved in campus activities so I feel that I am part of my college, whether I?m commuting or living on campus. I am responsible for my own actions and coming to class each day. I would also tell myself to try your best and be ready to make that transition of being fully dependent on my parents to being independent and reliant on myself for now on.

Francesca

If I could speak with my stubborn self in high school I would say stop being so head strong and listen to what people say. I wish I would have told myself to get involved in the university. Prepare yourself for the freshman 15 . You won't be in all the sports you were in when you were in high school. So take advantge of the full access recreaction center. Believe me in the future you'll need it . If you dont get involved you'll be depressed. You won't make any friends, and you'll hate college. But the more active you are the less time you have to think about all that. Stay focused and don't degrade youself. And Always try your hardest to go to class. Yes I know its not like high school but missing a class here or there can really hurt you in the long run evn worse if there is a strict attendence policy in that class. But all in all ... just be you ... Don't lose yourself trying to be something your not.

Marisa

If I could talk to high school me, I would have all kinds of things to say. Be yourself and do what makes you happy is a very important thing i would say. There are so many people that you will meet in college and you will find people with similar interests. Also, I would say that taking full advantage of everything that is offered in college is a great decision. Get involved with activites and take part in campus organizations. Not only will it give you the chance to meet new people but it also gives you great experience and looks good on a resume. Utulize everything a school has to offer. It will only help. And most importantly, find something you love and dive into it! Doing something that you truly enjoy will make your experience at college one of the best you will ever have.

Kristin

College is not high school. That is the most important fact I wish I understood when I was in high school. I did not go to college immediately after high school simply because I hated school and didn?t want anything more to do with education. Once I started college, I realized just how different college was from high school. I felt like I had found a place where I belonged, a place where I could excel rather than a place where I just show up and sit quietly bored out of my mind. While some of the drama of high school can show its ugly face in college, drama will not get you far in the college setting. Had I known how great college would be, I would have gone as soon as I was done with high school.

Emily

If I had the luxury of being able to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first of all tell myself that I was made to be a marketing sales management major. After about eight changes to my major, I am needless to say, quite behind in my coursework for my intended major, in comparison to how long I've been in school. I would also tell myself to keep my mind focused on my studies and not to fall into the lifestyle of what many of the other students at this University tend to indulge in. There are a lot of temptations and it's very easy to drift away from a successful path. It took a series of bad decisions to bring me to a very difficult place in my life where I needed to make some serious changes. I would tell myself lastly, "you have the rest of your life after graduation to have fun and relax. College isnt supposed to be easy, so stick through the tough times and when you finally come out alive, after many nights of thinking you may not, it will all be worth it in the end."

Vanessa

Vanessa you have a very unique opportunity, a full ride scholarship to Boston State University. It's 1979, yet, the racial upheaval that is going on in that city is real but you are a very strong,personable and diplomatic person. I believe that you never meet a stranger and have the ability to befriend and deescalate the worst of situations, and you are a wise young lady, with a winning smile. Take the scholarship and move to Boston now! Your family is going to take grandma out of your home and leave you on your own and holding the bag with the bills and the mortgage your dead parents left you with at 10 years old. Grandma kept her promise and raised you, now keep your promise to daddy and believe you can succed, stop hiding your mind! Most importantly, remember what mom said " Vanessa Never Look Back!" If you keep your eyes on the prize and ignore the distractions you will graduate from college 25 years sooner! However, what shouldn't change are the wonderful sons that God gave you to love you, God does not make mistakes! Love Yourself! Haters Won't Love You! God Loves You!

Chelsea

The only thing I would tell myself is to live life and be more social. And also to take more control of my Academic Life.

Brad

If I could go back in time and talk to myself back in time as a high school senior I would tell myself many things. The first, and most important thing I would tell myself is not to go to Methodist University in North Carolina. Although this was a great school educationally, it was not for me. I felt alienated from my friends, family, and people who I cared so much about. It also was very expensive, and put me in debt. Another thing I would tell myself is to begin to prepare for college. In highschool I was a typical slacker. Although getting good grades was easy for me, I did not study and this became a MUST in college. I learned that in order to get good grades in college, one must study because the instructor will not teach students everything they need to know in the classroom. The final thing I would tell myself is be very acceptive of people who I will meet in college. People are different in college. There aren't social cliques, and rather people are all trying to do one thing-to get a degree. Thanks!

Amanda

If i could go back, I would tell high school self this: College requires a lot of effort. Homework requires a lot of thought, and a lot of research. It's different being a little fish in a big pond, rather than the other way around. Classes are tougher, teachers grade harder. However, despite the difficulties, it's worth it. Don't be afraid to relax with friends when the stress gets to you. You'll be alright. Overall, don't be afraid. I remember being so scared to go into the "real world," as people told me how cold and unforgiving college would be. It's not as bad as it sounds. College is just a challenge, to which I have risen, and (obviously) so will you.

Gabrielle

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college the first thing I would tell myself would be not to go to a school that only offers an associate degree, find a school that offers a bachelor degree in the Hospitality field. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to not live with someone from home, if I could choose again I would pick to live with someone I do not know. And last but not least the biggest piece of advice would be to take the first year more serious and take my classes and schoolwork more serious.

KiAsia

The first thing I would advise myself to do would be to apply for more scholarships. There are so many opportunities that are overlooked because they require a little effort but the benefits are very helpful in the long term perspective of things. College is a very high expense and every scholarship, regardless of how small or time consuming is worth doing because it is money that I do not have to repay. Secondly, I would tell myself not to dwell on the little things. Too often in high school there are small situations that explode into huge ordeals. The potential consequences are not worth the time and concern especially when dealing with people. Most of the friendships I had in high school were pretty close to life long relationships but almost all of them came to an end nearing graduation. It hurt very much at first, but then I realized that my high school friends and I had different agendas. I was sad and apprehensive but when I got to college I realized that there was a whole new group of people I could befriend and that it was okay to let go of the past.

Heather

I wish I could go back and change my whole high school senior year of high school all together. I had a rough time through high school after many health conditions, and being in a car accident my senior year. This had not allowed me to have the senior year I was expecting; so if I could talk to myself that year I would offer encouragement to keep going. I would say keep up your grades, re- take your ACT test again, and to be involved in the school. For me my Act score did not get me directly admitted into the program I wanted and now I have lost a year of education to that. I really did not lose it because I have gained so much from this year, but I would have made changes to my senior year in high school to reach my goals. I would just talk and continue to encourage and to strive to do my best with what I got. This is what I would have done but if I were given the chance I would change my whole high school years. Thank you!

stephen

Make a better and more detailed plan for your career. Know what you want and almost more importantly, what you dont want. The less time you spend guessing, the more time you have to get things done. Work hard put your faith in Jesus and not men. Try your hardest not to waste time time, you can't get it back.

Emmanuel

If i could go back in time, I would tell myself to save all my money from my summer job. I think I can accomplish that by creating a budget. I would also tell myself to work, and study hard now so that ill do the same in college. Also i would tell myself not to depend on any body else because once im in college I'm going to have my own responsibilities. These are the things I would tell my self if i could go back in time.

Tiffany

I would tell myself all the ins and outs. I would let myself know about all the things that u shouldnt get involved in as well. I wouldnt tell myself about the whole campus because thats taking away from the college experience.

Myisha

After completing my first semester of college, I have gained an ample amount of knowledge in and out of the classroom. Given the opportunity to go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would share all of the adventures that i have experienced so far. It would be a must for myself to know that you have to work ten times harder to get good grades in college because there isnt alot of work that is handed out like in high school, and the professors are more strict when it come to grading. Being that i wanted to go away to college, I would mention that I should start preparing myself to be out on my own and taking a bundle of more responsiblities on. It is a major transition from having your parents telling you what to do and having them remind you to do your homework and to go to class. It is manditory for you to have self-discipline when you are away in college. I would also need to know how hard it really is to be away from your loved ones back home, but within time it will get better.

Dennis

If I could go back to talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself do not be so scared. When I first visited Akron it made me nervous and very intimidated. I was scared to make the transition from a part of my life that was scheduled and guided by all the people around me, to a place where I would have to structure my own schedule and life. I was nervous because I didn't know how to self disipline myself and didn't know what it would be like. Now I have learned that self disipline is something that you will pick up with the time once you get a chance to do it. I will not be perfect and you may make mistakes, but you will always adapt to the situation you are in. No matter how hard, or how scary it may be, if you just hold your head high and go into it willing to fall and pick yourself back up and try again, you will soon find that it is a new experience and that that is what life is about. That is what I would tell my high school self.

Desiree

The advice I would have told myself would be that waiting to attend college later in life could be more benificial than attending college right out of high school, because I have found out that the more mature you are can be an asset to study habits and devoting the time and effort that it takes to achieve your goals at a higher standard.