Villanova University Top Questions

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

Jerod

I've not yet begun my college experience since i've been involved in a career in electricity since high school. I hope to excel in my college experience in both school and in socially broadening my horizons. I am going to keep an open mind to things that i havent done and maybe might not even think of doing. I hope to be at the top of all of the classes that i attend and eventually finish at the top of my class. Im hoping to use the knowlege and skills i've accumulated in the past few years since high school to excel in school and eventually in my career. Attending college will be valuable to me because once i'm done i'll be able to get myself a reliable, good paying job with lots of oppertunity for advancement. I aspire to become a professional in the workplace and be a reponsible, stable husband and father able to spend time with my eventual family.

Amanda

The college experience has been enlightening to see what is out int he world for me besides entry-level full-time employment. I waited 5 years to return to college so I have worked hard and taken my time deciding upon what Iwould like to do. I have learned so much more than I would have without wonderful professors to guide me. I also now understand and know what I want out of life and out of a career for myself. My internship experience has been extremely valuable in helping me decide what I need to do.

Rachel

I thought attending college would be just like my highly competitive high school. Although now, after I have completed a full year of college, I must say that although when compared they seem extremely similar, there is definitely one major difference. I originally thought that religious classes such as theology and ACS (Augustinian Cultural Seminar) would be a mere waste of time, another class where "going through the motions" would take precedence over actually being stimulated intellectually. However, these classes allowed my moral conscience as well as religion to greatly grow. By taking classes such as philosophy, I no longer just learn methodically, I learn different ways of how to think and how to challenge myself. These classes have allowed me to open up my mind, and because of this, I will be majoring in something I never had considered previous to my entry at Villanova University.

Kathryn

A declaration of my college experience could take pages upon pages! My declared majors have ranged from zoology to biology, psychology to marine biology -- and then some. Some people say I am indecisive. Rather, I like to think of myself as exploratory in nature; a person who is educationally well-rounded. For me, college has been a life saving experience. As a young adult, I became troubled for various personal reasons. Many young adults do. For me, college opened my eyes to a world of beauty, one that pushes the mind to think of the possible and the impossible; the imaginary and the incredibly real. I was on a path of self-destruction, and going to college helped steer troubled self to the right path. It was not only the education, it was the spirit of the communities I became part of. Many friends I met are still a part of my life. I learned from the curriculum, I learned from the teachers, and I learned from my peers. College helped me grow in more ways than I could have ever imagined. And as I continue to attend , I know I will learn more about the world and myself.

Josephine

I want to be a doctor. I know that is the only thing I am meant to be. Villanova is allowing me to pursue my dream and be able to go to medical school one day. My parents are incredibly hard workers and are sacrificing a lot to send me here. I am so thankful. I make sure to work hard and never take it for granted. My college experience has been great so far. I've learned to open my mind to new things, be in a new environment, and to expand my educational horizons. I can't wait to help people the way so many doctor's have helped me. I know I will be a better doctor because of the experiences I've had as a patient. Villanova is just one stop on my path to becoming a doctor, a healer.

Lauren

I learned a lot about myself, my strengths, & what I want out of life. I realized my likes, dislikes, & limitations - all of which have helped me steer my career, life, & decisions. The most important thing in life is to be happy; everything else will fall into place.

Darya

Everything is training ground. Don?t fall in love. It is too easy. Focus on making it through school. Don?t be too eager to fulfill your life. Don?t let it distract you. Learning is the most valuable thing you can learn how to do. You can fail and make mistakes. That will make your experience more memorable. When you lose something of great value and there is nothing you can do. Stay busy. Don?t be vain. Don?t look at yourself in the process. Forget about how it is meant to turn out. You will never know how the price can ever justify the result. Change your major as often as you want. Nothing can stop you from learning what you want to learn. Stay disciplined. Have a work ethic. Don?t break so easily. Don?t quit so easily. Remember how important it is for you to stay focused. Don?t worry about your ego. It won?t feel good to leave your comfort zone. All you can do is keep going and keep progressing at your own pace, on your own terms. There is no one to catch up to; everything is under your control.

Fiona

If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would remind myself to slow down. When I was in my last year of high school, I had in my mind that I had to rush to get to colelge because it was important that I get started on higher education right away. If I had realized the value a year of service woudl have given me, I would have siezed the opportunity and come to college next year much more prepared. It is imporntant to have good grades, to apply for scholarships, and to work towards winning awards. But the most important thing is self development, and I was moving to fast to realize it.

Phyllis

If I were talking to myself back in highschool about college, I would tell myself , "You must apply to a college and be accepted so that you may begin school the fall term after graduation". I would continue by saying, "You do have the option to change your major after beginning if you realize there is something else that you think would be better for you or something you would rather spend the rest of your life doing". I would also tell myself, "By beginning college early, you will finish while you are still young and can truly enjoy your new found career and life. Also, you must remember that college is very important and you must not mess things up. After all, when you are older, it is so much harder to study and remember the things you are studying. So take it from someone who knows, please get your education now while you are still young. You will thank me when you are older".

Jaclyn

Just breathe! Everyone is in the same position as you are. They are just as scared and nervous. Villanova is an amazing place and it's the perfect fit for you. I know that this is the first time you are leaving your family for an extended period of time but it will be alright! You will make friends that will last you a life time. You will get a great education and experience new things. It's nice to get to know people from all around the world and learn about their backgrounds. Just go in with an open mind and get a chance to know a lot of people. It's all worth while in the end. The classes will seem very intimidating at first, but with hard work and a lot of studying will get you the grades you want. Just stay focused, work hard, and don't forget to have fun!

Jamie

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would advise myself about the separation of studies and fun. Education is important , but I need to allow time to forget about homework, to de-stress, and to have fun. Having fun constitutes meeting new people, exploring off-campus locations, participating in recreational activities and campus life opportunities. I do not give myself enough time for that, thus I tend to be stressed and think about work too much to the point I become anxious. I am currently trying to alter this lifestyle, but it is difficult, considering I have done it for many years. There are things that I do to steer away from work, such as exercising, volunteering, peer educating, but often I think about the pressure I place on myself to be perfect educationally instead of enjoying the present. If I were to be a high school senior, I would tell myself to trust the effort I put into studies, that I will do well because I study and focus, and to treat myself to fun to recoup. I would tell myself that life is short and I need to live in the moment.

Benjamin

Okay. So. I might reconsider that current relationship you are in. It is pretty tough to continue a high school relationship into college. Trust me. Even if you think that you aren't going to screw it up, you are wrong. Deal with it. Secondly, you aint gonna tie me down. But seriously, don't date anyone named Emily it's a mistake. Next, hooking up inebriated can lead your standards to fall drammatically. Consider that fact. It'll keep you out of most trouble. Most, not all. Stealing campus maps will actually not get you in trouble as it turns out, however don't use it as a pong table. Ask Joe about that one. He's still waiting for the fine. He's not quite as smooth as me; I'm like butter at room temperature baby. Okay but anyway, don't worry about class senior year. Your school is gonna screw you over anyway in scholarships. APs are worth it so get fives in those. Anyhow, college will be fun trust me on that. Mixing school and fun is a good idea. Finals week might be the best time to party. Clears your head. Start me up!

Adriane

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to relax and not change a thing. I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel and to do the best I can at all times. Therefore, I definitely stressed myself out throughout the college application process. Looking back on my college experience thus far, I am so happy and so satisfied with my life that I could not think of what I would want to change. I may not have the top grades at the University, I may not be the most popular girl on campus, but I love my friends, I love what I am learning, and I love Villanova.

Maria

Maria, be comfortable with who you are. Quit hiding the fact that you?re a Girl Scout and have been since kindergarten. Having friends that like you for who you really are matters most. Don?t set yourself up in the popularity contests that are forever being played. You?re intelligent and you need to remind yourself that being smart is more important than the quest to be the high schools quarterbacks? girlfriend. Keep using your energy in ways that make you happy. Everything else will fall into place once you?re off to college and no one there knows or cares if you were popular in high school. Now go and sell those Girl Scout cookies to all your teachers and classmates. I bet even some of the popular students may buy some.

Caitlin

I would have told myself to think about what I actually want to get out of my four years of nursing school. Do I want to be just responsible for my classes and do nothing else? Do I want to be involved in other things on campus? Do I would a great sense of community? Do I want to be a part of a campus that is open-minded to different views and opinions? Do I want an excellent education? These are just a couple of questions I should have considered when I was making my decision on where I wanted to attend college.

Kayleigh

Knowing what I know now about college life, and the transaction process with which I used to access which univeristy would be appropriate for my attendance, I do not believe I would have made any changes in my decision-- but rather, I could have approached the decision making process with a different mentality. Going into college, I was intent on a new start. I wanted to change who I was to fit who I wanted to be, and that misalignment led to my befriending people who I eventually started getting on my nerves. Instead, right from the start, I would have liked to just be who I always was in high school. No more pretending I'm more social than I prefer; no "trying to fit in" with everyone else. I realize now that I am a unique individual, and i would not change myself to be something I am not. I'm making the transition now, but for the future, I just want to remember to live my life the way I want.

CODY

work hard, study hard,fet good grades so you can be accepted to decent colleges and not be denied by higher class colleges because of your gpa

Charlotte

There are several pieces of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. I would definately tell myself to choose a school where I did not have to be a commuter (I am currently a commuter at Villanova University). The reason for this is that being a commuter makes it very difficult to socialize, and I feel like I am missing out on the college experience as a whole. I would tell myself to research the many different possibilities for where I could go to college, and not just base it on academics. Yet another piece of advice that my highschool-self could have used was to go in with some sort of plan for throwing myself in more and being more open to new experiences, and making new friends.

sarah

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is to relax because you cannot make a wrong decision. Boston College and Villanova University are such good schools that no matter which one you choose, you cannot go wrong. Second, you are having a rough time with friends right now, but do not give in to their superficial, cruel ways. You will find friends in college who love you for who you are and your good friends in life will always have your back. Thirdly, you do not have to make all your life decisions right now. Life is full of second chances and through your choices you will get to know yourself better. Finally, love with your whole heart. The people in your life are so special and will greatly impact you, sometimes positively and sometimes negatively. Even though you may be more vulnerable, you will learn from your mistakes and become a better person without regrets. By loving others, you will not only better yourself but improve the lives of others so that your love can be shared with the world.

Taylor

Living in the Hawaiian Islands my whole life has been a treat. It is a special place where I can potentially see myself coming back to live and help my community and island. When I was deciding where to attend school, I was contemplating staying home in Hawaii because I loved my hometown and state. I would have been comfortable knowing that I was still at home going to school and could relax and enjoy life. Ultimately, I decided that it was better that I traveled to the mainland and attend a college there. The decision I made was a good one. The advice that I would give myself would be to tell myself that it is better to leave your state and go away to college. Their are so many opportunities out their for you to experience and see. Not only that, but when you go away for college, you force yourself to be independent and fend for yourself. You have to learn how to live by yourself without your parents there to assist your needs. It's a good process to go through, as we are all growing up and need to take responsibility for our actions.

Sarah

College is a party. Those words ring in the ears of every graduating high school senior, myself included. My teachers told me that this is false; college professors give loads of homework and tear you to shreds. This belief was affirmed by my parents who told me that college is an expensive experience that will be extremely difficult emotionally and academically. However I think that my first thought remains true; college is a party. A party is nothing more than a celebration. My first few weeks it was a celebration of being "independant". Our festivities included not doing laundry and going to bed when we wanted. Classes are a celebration of our education and of what the future holds. Everyday I think about getting into Medical School, and that seems like something to celebrate. After my first final exams we celebrated the end of 1/8 of our college careers. I suppose if I were to speak to myself in high school I would have this to say,"Don't fear college, it will make you better. Don't take college too lightly, it will be difficult. Never stop the party, just change what you're celebrating."

Emily

I would advise myself as a high school senior to not always settle or do what is comfortable. I chose Villanova because I comfortable on the campus, which I do not regret. However, I did not search beyond this feeling, and chose the school based on this comfort level. Similarly, I always did what felt safe-- I clung to the same activities and people throughout high school, and I was very set in my ways. I would tell my high school senior self to push these boundaries, and do things that are uncomfortable and I may not necessarily enjoy. I shouldn't spend my time with a limited number of people, instead, I should have branched out and befriended others, especially those who were different from myself. I should have tried new activities in order to have new experiences. In college, I have continued to do many of the things that I did in high school, for example I am still in band. I love band, but I have also pushed myself further. I am involved in other activities that enable me to meet many different people and personalities, and as a result I have learned a lot about myself.

Monica

OK Monica now is the time to stay focused this is your last year and you have to graduate. You can't miss class or be late because time is everything. get your mind off that boy he is not doing anything with his self he has no goals. Make the right decision and think about the consequences if you make the wrong choice remember you want to go off to college. You don't want a baby right now because your education is more important. Look at the young girls around the neighborhood struggling! Do you want that for yourself. You are someone of devine purpose set your goals and have high expectations in life. Know that you are beautiful and something good is going to happen to you as long as you believe in yourself.

Lily

I would tell myself to attend a community college for two years and then transfer my credits to a university that I am interested in. As a result, I would save myself alot of money because the tuition at the community college would be alot more reasonable then any private university. At the community college, I would take general courses where I can expose myself to all areas of study. Then, when I transition to the university I would then declare my major. Also, I would tell myself that you could be expose to prejudice, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol. As long as I know my education is most important, nothing stated above can jeporadize my education. If you work hard, I believe the payoff will be great.

Darcy

Don't waste time worrying and being scared. Everyone is in the beginning, so it is better to just leave the fear behind you and move forward with hope and excitement for what lies ahead.

Rachel

Knowing what I know now as a second semester college female freshman, I would advise myself to not be so intimidated about starting a new life in college. I was afraid to be away from my family and friends when I started college, but now I realize I can have it all. High school is so different from college, with the exciting things you learn in and out of the classroom. The freedom and independence you are afforded by getting away from home is invaluable in the process of growing into a responsible adult. You will always have the old friends your family for support. The new friends you are making just enhance the experience. I would also say that the maturation process includes new experiences about trusting the new people you will meet. There are so many different types of people in college. Trusting everyone is not possible and there will be disappointments along the way. I would have set my expectations lower in this category, and would have done a better job preparing myself that I would not be best friends with everyone I meet.

Danise

I would have to visit the campus to see how big it is and ofcourse check out the dorm room size cause I need my space, I dont want a room mate. Taste the cafeteria food to see if it's good, and see what stores are near that I could get something to eat incase i miss meal times at the cafeteria. Is there public transportation that would take me somewhere to go food or clothe shopping, because as a freshman I wont be able to have a car on campus. Is there security guards here, cause i want to feel safe walking across campus, is there school transportation that takes you from class to the dorms in bad weather. What kind of groups or organizations does this place have that i can get join, sorrities, culture groups, student government....ect. I hope they have a gym I can play basketball, or a weight room to work out. Is there a entertainment center with tvs, and poole tables in case i get bored. whats the population, how big is the campus, is the campus diverse. Make sure I start my assignments when they are given to me, and study

Stefanie

The most important advice I could give to myself as a high school senior would be to attend the school that I thought was the best fit for me. Parents, guidance, counselours, siblings, and friends can all be very persuasive when it comes to college decisions and I think that we are all a bit confused and vulnerable during this time. I chose to attend a school close to home where I knew many students and it was not the best school for me. I did transfer and earn a degree, but I may have had a more fulfilling college experience if I had chosen to attend another school. Also, I would adivse my high school self to have fun! As cliche as it may seem these years truly do fly by and can be missed in the blink of an eye. As as adult student returning for a second degree, studying is still top of the list of important things to do but I've made a promise to myself that I will have fun and enjoy this experience. So, high school self, pick the school you really like and make the best of it!

Lea

Definitely keep your goals in mind. Everything done in college should be geared towards your success after you graduate. Every learning opportunity possible (such as internships or any outside-of-class experiences) should be taken advantage of. Also, always take advantage of social opportunities around you too. Research social life at different colleges and whether or not having fun is dependent on joining different organizations. All in all, never pass up any opportunity in front of you, be it academic or social. This is college! It's supposed to be the best four years of your life; make it so! It's all up to you.

Mary

I would tell myself to relax and trust that I've worked hard enough throughout my high school career to handle college life. While it will, at times, be difficult to schedule my time and balance my schoolwork with my extra-curricular activities, I can handle myself. I will be able to prioritize my work and in the end, I'll finish it all. I would tell myself not to worry about making friends, that I'm in the right place with people who hold the same values as I do. I won't have a problem finding like-minded people who will become my friends for life.

Frances

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. stay focused and do not allow distraction to get in your way.

kelly

Don't go to a school that you think everyone else wants you to go to, go to the school you can imagine yourself living at.

Adam

There is one vital thing to know when making the transition from high school to college that many individuals might not think about. Far from looking into campus diversity, professor availability, class size, dorm necessities, and dining halls; the major transition aid may be found close to home. This help is found within yourself. It is being fully aware of what YOU like. Embracing those aspects of life will enhance the college experience and limit transitional strife. What do you enjoy? What drives you? What sparks an interest in you and makes you sit up on the edge of your seat? These essential questions must be answered to be ready for the college life that one is about to experience. You must sincerely and honestly know yourself. After finding what you take pleasure in, pursue it. Don't let distractions like starting salary, ease of coursework, or male to female ratio push you from something that you love. Always stick with it. At the end of it all, the responsibility of your college experience will rest on your shoulders and yours alone. One must trust, believe, and truly know oneself inside and out in order to experience ultimate college success.

Jonathan

Communication is priority number one. As a high school student there are many thoughts that go into attending college, a lot of which are misguided. It is important that parents are active in their child's college search, sharing similar enthusiasm as their son or daughter. Playing the objective role is also important. As adults, there is a certain insight to life that at 16 and 17 years old your son or daughter may or not have. Understanding one another is also very important. While staying firm with certain things such as finances, the other choices such as location and type of school is up to the student. Although parents help their students along, it is the students ultimate choice. A support system that starts with the process of selecting a college and helps guide him or her through their college experience is the most important ingredient that a student can use that does not come up on a school stat sheet.

Margaret

Finding tthe school that is the best fit is really about discovering who you are. Your parents can't tell you what school is best for you, and although I'd love to say that you'll walk onto a campus and know it's "the one," for some people it's not that easy. Searching for your school is a journey of discovery in which you need to explore your individuality and the kind of experiences and memories you want to walk away with four years later. Once you've narrowed down the criteria for the kind of school you want, find schools that have the right academic programs to fit the subjects that interest you. Eventually the you'll find a great school and once you have, make the best of your experience! Get involved in things you're interested in but never had time for, take classes that intrigue you, balance your academic and social life, and make memories that are worth keeping for the rest of your life. Remember above all that college is the best time of your life and you want to be able to look back happily on the experiences you had there.

Olga

Parents and students need to be open minded to the entire process of choosing a college. They should really try and spend at least a day exploring it and talking with the current students. This way, they will not only hear what the tour guides tell them, which often is just one side of the story, but they will get to experience and hear about the 'real' university. Just because a college might be ranked higher or sound better because of its name, does not mean that it is right for the student. Furthermore, a student really needs to embrace the university that he/she attends through the different community services, clubs or programs that are available. Although making friends might not be as easy at first, one must remember that every student is going through the same thing and being warm and friendly towards one another can help making the college experience that much better. '

damian

make the right decision

Donna

Enjoy it while you are there!! Be sure the college has the programs and classes you want first and foremost. The rest will fall into place.

Casey

Selecting a college can be one of the most confusing and stressful times in both the student and parents lives. Try to visit the campus more than once before deciding and try to speak with current and past students for their input. Above all, if the tuition is within your means, follow your heart!

Carolyn

I would definitely suggest visiting the school you are thinking of attending and talk to as many current students as possibe.

Gaby

Students and their parents mainly focus on the paperwork and workshops that post-secondary institutions offer, but being a college student is not just about the classes and the books. It?s also about growing, personally, academically, emotionally, religiously, socially. It?s where you learn to be independent and focus on what makes you, you. As a student, I wish I had known how accessible the admissions office staff is as a resource to incoming students. While they are asked for information, the people working with Admissions are an often untapped resource. Talk to them! It seems intimidating, but they really are there to help. They can put you in touch with current college students who can give a more intimate look at campus life. How are the teachers? How is the food? Do people go home a lot? Why do you like it here? People can give you information that information books and brochures cannot. Do not be afraid to sit in on a class or stay for an overnight visit with them. The students who host visitors more than likely volunteer, and so are ready and willing to helpful and provide a student?s perspective of the school.

Rebecca

Finding the right college is always a very hard and stressful decision. One of the most important aspects in choosing a college is making sure that it offers everything that you want out of your college experience. It is crucial to remember that it is the student, not the parent that will be attending the college. The student should always make the final decision on where he or she desires to go, without the pressure of a parent's opinion. Having chosen a college myself with a lot of opportunities to get involved in clubs and sports, providing alternitives to constantly doing school work, has also made my college years especially memorable.

Mark

Get involved. If you make college a quest for a piece of paper then you won't get the most out of your time and money. If you make college an experience that you will remember forever then you will grow as a individual.

Colleen

I think there is no better way to find the right college then to visit various campuses and talk to the students on the campus. Students are the best experts of the classes, social life, sporting events, and extracurriculars of a school. They are also typically very genuine and honest about how they feel, while an admissions representative may feel pressure to "sell the school". By visiting the campus, it becomes much easier for prospective students to decide if they could see themselves attending that university. Once a college is chosen, it is up to the individual to make the best of their college experience. There is so much freedom and opportunity in college to explore a wide realm of extracurriculars. If the school doesn't have a club you are interested in, start it! I started a mediation group this year. Additionally, make good relationships with your professors. They are great resources to have both throughout your time at school, and your life post-college. They will make the academic side of college much more bearable and enjoyable! In the end, college is what you make of it, so explore new things and learn a bit about yourself.

alison

I would tell parents and students to not listen to others. Decide for yourself what you want out of school, everything from size, location, activities available, and more. Don't just follow where your friends and family have gone. Visit the schools and try to sit in on a class and possibly arange for a student tour to show you around. Also, see if you could spend the night with a student guide, who can show you around and see what day to day life is like on campus. Take time to consider what degree you may want to pusue and see how the school can help you achieve internships and jobs in the future. See what classes are available and the class sizes of them. Take all these things into consideration before making your final choice.

Allison

I believe that making the right choice when it comes to choosing a college is one that takes some time. It is important to do as much research as you can about the various schools in order to narrow down the choices. You must make sure that the particular location of the school is one that suits you. It is important to visit the campus to make sure that you can picture yourself in this environment. Speak to students and ask them about their experiences. It is very important to look at the various majors to make sure that there are a few that interest you because many students do change their mind once they are at school. It is also a good idea to look at the various extracurricular activities and see if any of them look particularly appealing. Once you choose a school, it is important to make the most of your time here - Four years really does fly. Join everything you can and connect with as many people as possible. Take classes that interest you and become involved in discussion. Explore the area surrounding your school whenever possible. Remember to be safe and make good choices.

Jonathan

There are thousands of colleges to choose from and it is getting increasingly competitive to get into the most notable schools. With that in mind, there is not just one single school that is right for you, chances are there are hundreds of schools that are great for you. Unfortunately, people are somewhat limited in the number of schools they apply to or the number of schools they are aware of. In order to facilitate this process, it is important to narrow down what you want academically, socially, and environmentally first and then other factors after that. Usually, it is difficult to understand a school or a campus without visiting, so that is generally important. Chances are that whatever school you end up at will not be your fisrst choice school, but soon enough you may find it is the only school you would want to be. So, wherever you end up going, it is not the name of the school, or the history of the school that makes the difference, but the attitude of the student. There is no truer statement when attending a college than you reap what you sow.

Erica

Look at a lot of options and definitely do not limit yourselves. Determine what type of school you are looking for before you start looking (size, diversity, location). Be open-minded to what you experience on the tours and definite tour the college before deciding to go there.

Michael

College is an opportunity to experience many different people and ways of thinking. It is important when determining a university to attend to closely examine where the university is located, the alumni, and how the current students interact with others. It is important to enjoy college. In today's world, a person will receive a similar knoweledge from similar schools, but it is the location and people that make memories. If a college provides the atmosphere where you think you can succeed then you should attend that university. College can provide a great experience for you as long as you enjoy where you are. Building relationships with current and past students as well as taking advantage of the cultural experience where your university is located is truly special and should be held in the highest regard. Overall, a university should provide great memories which start with the current students, alumni, and cultural experience.

Caitlin

Make sure to research your choices well. Also, be open to all the possibilities that college has to offer.