Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

My college experience has been very rewarding. I have realized that you can not worry about other people, coming to school and trying in school, you can only worry about yourself. School is my biggest priorty as of now and will be until I get to graduate. I have learned that trying your hardest and making good grades keeps you motivated to keep doing good. Community College has been the best thing for me, I go to school year round and would recommend anyone to go community college then to transfer. Since I have been going to community college I have had time to think and research career paths and figure mine out. College has been very valuable, my self esteem and confidence has definitely been a lot better.

I am very pleased to say that my time at PTI has given me a chance to learn how math can function when actually working with electrical elements.. The program also has classes that require students to think critically and analyze information much more effectively. I look forward to graduating with a high grades and the skills to meet the best opportunities out in the world ahead. As a student, I realize the importance of having not only an education, but a set of trade skills to go with it. My school also helps me to obtain the certifications needed to perform on the job tasks. Many of the employers that hire PTI grads are those with the opportunity to start a very good career, which is my utmost ambition upon graduation. The things that I'm learning make me much more eager to come to class each day than I was in high school. I am confident that in the end, I won't have to worry about having a good job in my field, because I'll have all of the skills that I need to suceed!

I have found that learning certain fields of study can be very exciting and helpful in the every day life, and it has gotten me very far in life thus far.

I have gained knowledge on a daily basis. I am a mother of three boys, ages 14, 12, and 3. I let them know they are my inspiration, and motivation. I wished I had gone to college soon after highschool, well after ten years it is hard to remember everything you had learned in highschool. I have learned how to be a better manager from the business management classes as well as learning most of the software classes such as Microsoft Excel, and Access, in which I currently use at work; with this knowledge I'm an asset to my co-workers and work environment. I learned how to make a Marketing Plan with team effort and many in participation. In Communication class, I learned how to use body language carefully and the communication process for people in the work environment. Online classes has been a challenge, but the communication online has been awesome with team work and motivation to get the best grade on a paper with eight people in a group from all over the U.S.A. we worked as a team and completed the paper in about three weeks with today?s technology anything is possible.

College has taught me an infinite amount of valuable information. I have learned a lot in the classroom about my intended field, and also about life in general. However, the amount of knowledge I have gained in the classroom is minimal compared to how much I have learned about myself. As a young person with anxiety, I never thought I would be able to attend college. I was always fearful of what I didn't know, and trying new things. I knew I had to try and better my future, and I had to push myself hard to do it. I learned that I can be strong, independant, confident, and responsible, which are all characteristics I never thought could apply to me. I also learned that I love to learn. Being in a classroom environment and discovering new things has become something so natural to me. I truly enjoy stiving to learn, and understand, and achieve good grades. It feels so good to finally know that I have goals and a dream, and know what it feels like to work hard to make those goals and dreams come true. I finally believe in myself, and know I can achieve anything.

Out of my college experience so far I have gotten the value of learning to take things into my own hands and become and independent person. I have learned to take matters in my own hands and take on one task at a time. I have also learned time management. Between working and school I have to manage my time wisely to get all my studying done to maintain a good score in college, and make money to pay for it all at the same time. I have also enhanced my people skills, which will benefit me in the real world. I have learned you cannot depend on other people and you have to become and independent person and do things for yourself and only yourself. In the end you will be the only one left, and everybody else won?t be around. Friends come and go you, yourself with be with yourself for ever.

I have learned valuable lessons that I will be able to use indefinitely, but the most important thing I have learned is to take advantage of the resources that are offered. Whether you are going to school or working a job, you are offered certain benefits. Learn what they are and use them to your fullest ability! VCU offers so many resources to the student for whatever it is they might need. The library and its staff are incredible and can fully assist you in whatever project you need. The gyms offer classes for any kind of person. The food facility provides meals for everyone; Vegans, Asians, Middle Eastern, Vegetarians, and Hispanics. Each class has Supplementary Instruction at convenient times for everyone. Whatever you need is provided, but you need to be willing to look and ask around. I?ve learned that there are benefits everywhere, but the only way to get them is to be proactive and search for them. The key to success is to make the most out of every situation and use what is offered.

From my college experience I have learned to be independant and responsible. I never liked to depend on my parents and they have never seemedto let me go. They still do not now. That is why I am trying to do things more on my own and even if my parents do not like it I am going to do it. I want to be as responsible as I can and stop depending on my parents which college has taught me so far.

My college experience introduced life experiences, education and training that were invaluable. As a student of V.C.U. I was given a glipse of what the "real world" is like because of the vast diversity found at this university and being introduced to people from all walks of life. Furthermore, I participated in organizations, honor societies and events that broadened my skills in communication,leadership and social skills. My education was enhanced by the caring professors I encountered and those students who always made the effort for everyone in the class to succeed. My college experience has led me to pursue a Graduate Degree at the same college because of the wonderful learning environment VCU fosters.

At the brink of adulthood, many young adults face ominous pressures to make decisions. We begin to consider why we believe what we do. Without the influence of our parents and guardians to guide us in the right direction, we have complete control. Starting college this past August required me to adjust to quite a bit of changes. In my classes I began investigating ideas and synthesizing their importance or lack of importance. For me thinking about ideas raised in class can be taxing at times, like understanding main ideas in European history. On the other hand when it comes to film theory and analyzing film I have no problems. After going to college, for the first time in my life I can confidently say that I know what I struggle with and what comes with ease. Being around other students in the same situation and relating to them has helped me cope with the pressure of thinking and making decisions. College offers many avenues for discovery, inside and outside the classroom providing you with a community to explore with people just like you.

My biggest motto has been, you think you know, but you have no idea. However I have learned thats it okay , not to know. I changed my major quite a few times, and I was a prominent and honor roll student in high school. However experiences in my undergraduate career exposed me to a variety of fields and perspectives, which ultimately led me from a forensic science pre-med major to a international studies pre law major. I would encourage students to become involved in their communties both on and off campus, learning isn't just done in the classroom. I also encourage students to apply for internships and research opportunities because it gives you a better understanding of what your future job may be like, for better or for worse. It has been through my experiences in both that I learned what I wanted and what I didn't want for my future career. Most of all just know that at times things are going to change, maybe even your career goals, but it will be okay. College is a time to learn about yourself and thats why its hard.

If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to aside from managing my time, to get involved in Virginia Commonwealth University. In high school I was friendly to people but at the same time I tended to keep to myself which is something I have regretted. So my advice for myself would be to do volunteer work and get involved in my school's organizations in order to meet people and be more socially active than I was in high school. I think that I would tell myself to try to put myself out there more. Having friends makes college life easier to adjust to especially in the first year. Talking to people you can relate to serves as therapy when times get hard in college. So staying active and getting involved would be the most important advice I could give myself.

If I could go back to high school, I would have to tell myself not to depend on others to help me figure out the classes to take. When I first got to VCU, I relied heavily on advisor's advice. Due to their lack of advice, I took a few unneeded classes, causing me to fall behind on some prerequisites. In order to stay on track, I had to enroll in summer classes. Although this was just a minor bump in ultimately receiving my degree, going back, I'd say to find things out on your own. I would tell myself to use your resources, and do your research.

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I would tell myself that VCU is the best choice in college opposed to Howard University. I would also tell myself to put school first for the rest of the year and not worry about the personal problems that are going on and that it'll be all okay once i get to college.

Enjoy highschool. It really is the best time of your life. Slow down. Don't try to rush your life away. Take time to hang out with your friends and family during highschool, because once you get to college you won't be seeing them as much. Don't sweat the small stuff, it won't really matter down the road. Forgive your friends and love them. Get over that boy that hurt your heart in highschool, you are going to find so many more guys in college. Hug your grandparents every chance you get. Laugh till it hurts and you cry. Don't worry about college. Trust yourself.

if i were a high school senior i would tell myself to never lose my faith. i would say to myself to always stay focused and to never take my oppurtunity to receive an education for granted. i would tell myself to prepare for school by learning how to study because just being smart isn't going to cut it anymore. i would teach myself how to go through a text book and not only read it, but to absorb everything that the writer is presenting. i would tell myself that life isn't all about hanging out with your friends becasue at the end of the day, you only have yourself and God to answer to. i would encourage myself to read up on my major more and to study anthropological works. i would also tell myself to learn to commit myself to my studies more and to appreciate the life that i have been given. lastly, i would tell myself that no matter what i decide to do with my degree, to make sure that i always help someone who is in need because in college i will be in a position of need.

I know many people live their lives by the the saying "live life with no regrets", however there are things that we all have experienced in our lives that we contemplate from time to time, thinking what would our lives be like only if we possessed the amount of knowledge and wisdom as we do now. Personally, i know that if i had the opportunity to give my high school senior year "me" advice i would take it. Not because i regret any decisions i have made in life or to make my future self more successfull as most probobly would, but to let myself know that i am somone who is very special and unique in every sense of the word. what i lacked the most in high school was the ability to believe in myself and what i could achieve. I always looked at myself as just another kid, with little if any confidence in himself, never believing i could achieve the things i have today. I feel as though the life i live now is the life that i am suppossed to be living. I love the experiences i've had and the people i've met.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would definitely tell myself that I need to stay focused on my goal and study hard for the SAT. I would also tell myself that college is a privilege and money doesn?t grow on trees. Therefore I should pass all my classes with at least a B average. I would also tell myself to be more active in volunteer work prior to college, and get to know as much as possible about other people?s religious views and religious. I would probably also tell myself to take only Tuesday and Thursday classes and at least 16 credits a semester to be on track for graduation. Lastly I would tell myself to have fun and explore the world, don?t be too focused on school all the time you need a social life, yet it shouldn?t take over the priorities of school work. After all you only live once.

Going back to when I was a senior I would tell myself to create good study habits. I would tell myself that college is a lot harder and requires time out of class to make good grades. I would let myself that there is way more responsibility when you go to college and it is on me to go to class and study. I would tell myself that what people said about professors not ?holding your hand? is correct. I would tell myself to do my homework and do not procrastinate. If there is two weeks given for a project that means that project needs two weeks to do and should not be put off to the night before. I would also tell myself that in college one has to learn to get along with all sorts of different people. Living in a dorm one has to get along with their roommate and that?s not always easy. I would tell myself that I need to learn to compromise and work on fixing problems with people than just resenting them.

If I were to go back in time and speak to myself as a highschool senior, I would make sure to tell myself that I must study hard, and never give up. Transitioning from highschool to college is very difficult in many ways. Moving to a new location, enrolling in more difficult courses, and making new friends. All of these things can prove to be a challenge to the college freshman. I would tell myself to prepare to be open minded. As a college freshman you will experience a lot of things that you have never experienced before. You do not have to agree with him, but do not judge things that you know nothing about. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and the sooner your get used to that, the better. Also, do not try to make your new life like your old one. They are not the same and never will be. Going to college is a time of change, so do not get discouraged when you feel something is different or out of place. Have fun in college, make a lot of friends, and be responsible. These are truely some of the best years of your life.

my advice that i would give my self is to alway go for your dream and also always go to school after school to get more degrees and other learnings.

Hey Teyona, I know that this is a crazy time for you and you feel so overwhelmed, trying to make so many important decisions that will affect the rest of your life. I want you to know that everything will work out for you as long as you work hard. The most important thing to remember is to always keep "you" first in every decision you make. VCU is a great school and I know you will absolutely love it, but if you do not remember to make yourself the most important person in your life you will struggle to keep everything in line. I know that money is a major issue but hard-work is the cure. There will certainly be some rough patches but just never lose sight of your goals. You will meet some amazing people and make some lifelong friends, but there will also be some tough lessons for you to learn in the process. Don't worry it's a part of growing up and I promise you will be stronger in the end. Remember to trust yourself and the people who have been there all along; you will be just fine. LOVE ALWAYS YOU

Choose a school that isn't too big and don't worry about changing your major because you're going to switch up. If you feel like it isnt right for you after the first semester and you want to leave, LEAVE! Dont let anyone tell you different, you will only stay and be miserable; ultimately you will be wasting money and may even be academically suspended. And look for a place that has active chapters of BGLO's, and possibly stay in the south.

In high school, I easily glided through, accepting B's rather than trying for an A. While I made passing grades, I didn't try as hard as I should have and if my high school senior self just put that slight bit of effort in, I could have been an amazing student. Aside from grades, though, I would comfort myself about entering college. I remember quite vividly how frighened I was of leaving my family and friends and the safe environment that I had become so used to. I would tell myself that I will make friends and the process would be painful if I let it. None of my friendships would fade away as I feared they would, only get stronger. What I know now is that all I needed was the comfort of just slight certainty for my future.

Dan, when you start searching for colleges, make sure you search for "cinema", not just "film". Also, apply for any and every scholarship you qualify for, you'll need every bit of financial aid you can get!

The transition from high school to college is a difficult one! In high school, you have teachers urging you to get your work done, and, in a way, holding your hand until you graduate. If you don't take initiative in doing your work, not just for the sake of not getting a "zero", but for the sake of actually learning, you will have a hard time in college. Expand your mind, take a look at different ideas, and absorb all the knowledge that you can! Strive to stay positive even in hard times. You are the only one in charge of your future. You will struggle, and be grateful for your struggles because they are the things that will make you a stronger person. Everything will work out in the end, and, if it doesn't, then it's not the end. : )

In high school i was always was told that i should really pay attention to myschoolwork and to take it seriously. i knew grades were important , but i didnt know how serious . I made the B honor roll, but in reality that wasnt good enough . I could and should have done better , a lot better . So now knowing what i know i would give myself the advice of doing my best because it will pay off.

The advice I would give is to be prepared for anything that is thrown at you. Study as hard as you can because once you get off track it may throw you off and when you realize it you'll be overworking to get it back to where you want. As long as you focus you can definitely succeed and asking for help doesn't hurt its probably the best choice in that situation. School is number one priority because it is your future and your future success is your number one goal. Be smart and make good decisions.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be a lot of advice I would tell myself to prepare for college. In high school, I felt the material was easy enough that there was no need to study as long as I did my homework. I did good in high school, but as soon as I went to college I had a rude awakening. College you go to class and take your own notes and have to review and teach the material to yourself. I never opened a book in high school, therefore I was never a good reader and I am the first in my family to go to college. So it is a big step in my life. I would tell my senior self to start reading and studying the materials for my high school classes. So when I reached college I would already be used to learning things on my own and being more self efficient. I would also tell myself that nothing comes easy in college and in life, so I should be prepared to work for my goals and success!

I would say go straight to the Virginia commonwealth university. Dont go to the technical school, get a job and take three years off. It is a wonderful experience, but you will feel very old and out of place. Dont create bills, and debt before going to the university. Stay on campus so that you can mingle and make friends. Staying on campus can really help with your social life, and that will make the transition easier.

My advice to myself would be apply for college earlier and don't choose college based on how far it is from home.

Going back and talking to myself as a high school senior, I would have tell myself that I should work as hard as I can because it's not going to be easy once you get to college . Working and thinking about your goals to motivate you will help you to succeed. College is'nt easy and working hard while I'm still in high school would only help to prepare me for the future and further education that I would pursue to get where I want to be. To slack would only put me further back and would'nt help me move forward and only force me to have to struggle later on. If I put my mind to it then I will be presented to more opportunites and excel.

Hey kid stop beating yourself up about this college stuff. You got what it takes to get somewhere. Yeah high school wasn't everything you hoped it was gonna be but hey college will be. You're gonna meet some interesting people and have some great memories for yourself. So forget all this "Can I handle the material" worries you are not gonna be a bum nor will you disapoint anyone. Just when you head into school be yourself and learn from the mistakes you made in the past. No procrastinations thats your biggest problem but don't worry you'll eventually grow out of it. Also around other people be yourself. You know your a great guy and people will like you. Don't forget your schoolwork is why your here and what your paying for so remember your priorties. In fact start saving your gonna need that money a lot down the road. By now you know what kind of person you are stop worrying about the person you'll become because he's gonna be a pretty set guy. Oh bring extra cups and glasses you'll need them shortage of clean drink holders in the dorm.

If I could go back in time I would beat the sense into myself to get across that studying is the key to getting through high school, college, and pretty much anything in life. As I sit in my college classes and stare cluelessly at the basic 101 knowledge of economics or government, I can only look back and remember the only time I studied was the five minutes before a test. Now I wouldn't even dare to skim a chapter. If I knew studying then would mean so much today, I know breaking the bad habbit wouldn't have been so hard. For the student who did study hours a day for every day of the week back in high school instead of hanging out, I am so jealous because they now have the upper hand in college. I make that commitment everyday to open a book and read, to study so in four years from now when I decided to take a step into my career I'll remember what I learned and will have the upper hand towards a better future.

After completeing three semesters of college, if I could go back in time to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself how important it is to let go of my high school mentality. While in high school, everything came so very easily to me. I never had to study, a quick review right before a test or quiz was all I needed in order to pass. I truly believed that I knew everything and college would be no different. Many teachers told me that college is not a game and will not come as easily to me as high school did. Being the stuborn student that I was, I did not believe them. Given the chance to go back in time, I would tell myself to listen to my teachers, to prepare myself for long nights in the library, and to get off my high horse and admit when I need help. College is hard work and I would tell myself to get ready for a long ride!

If I could go back in time and to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I have to practice how to manage time and organize myself. Being organized and learning to manage time are two very important qualities that are necessary for succeeding in college. Also, I would tell myself that I needed to practice more note taking. I would find easy and comfortable ways to take notes so that I could start college knowing the exact way to do it. For more help in financial aid, I would go have more one on one conference with my high school's career specialist to clarify any confusion I had. Overall, taking high school seriously was something I excelled in and it definitely helped with my transitions form high school to college.

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advices I would give myself is: "Keep up the good work; just keep doing what you are doing. All the hard work you've done till now will make life in college a dream! Everything is ready for you, no need to change although you should start studying marketing because that was a tough subject. I made a lot of friends due to joining clubs just like you did in high school. The scholarships that you won will make it till the junior year, so I suggest starting filling out a lot more applications because the tuition will continue to increase. So all I'm going to say is be who you are and life will be on your side. "

I came out of high school with the idea that you could always make time for everything, but I have come to learn that is not the case in college. Everything has it's own time and you can't decide for example to go to the mall with a friend when you are supposed to be in class. To some that is no problem, because the professors put the notes on blackboard, but for many that is not usually the case. In college one class/lecture counts for a week of classes at a high school. You miss a class and there is a chance that you might not do good on a test, because no one would be willing to help or assist you with the notes. Therefore if I were to go back, I would tell myself not to procrastinate. Not to wait the last minute to do things and to always know that everything has it's own time and season.

The advice I would give myself can be summed up in one word: resourcefulness. And that would not only include academic resourcefulness for school work such as online journals and articles, library literature and media, and inquiring professors, but resourcefulness in all areas of life. I am at college to learn of course, but more importantly I am here to establish myself as an independent person. I must be resourceful in building relationships with people around me since everyone I encounter is new, unlike high school where I have known mostly everyone for years. I have to be resourceful in finding the correct jobs for my time in college, in order to best prepare me for my future career. This includes internships and practical, real-world experience in my field of study. Resourcefulness is the key to success in the 21st century, and not only for career success, but in every facet of one's life.

Being a senior in high school is very stressful with the pressure of getting into a good school and then choosing what you think is a fit for you. I wish that even with all that stress put on my shoulders, I wouldn't have gotten as worried and frantic as I did. In high school you also don't have much free time during the week, college on the other hand gives you more free time then you could imagine in high school. I wish that going into college I would have known that. There are so many distractions that can eat up the free time, but you should always get your class work done before doing anything fun, because once you give into those distractions it is hard to break the habit.

As I am always a very hard work student, I would advise myself to be prepare and work extra hard when I go to college. I would also advise myself to be always independent and not always dependent on the teacher as I did when I was in high school.

When I was a high school senior I wasn't sure what I was going to do with my life and I was so nervous about starting college and wondered what It would be like. Now that I have sucessfully completed my first semester of my freshman year I have learned certain things that I wish I had known before starting college. I would tell myself to keep my mind in constant focus on what I would like to accomplish . In college students tend to get distracted with their social life as I did in the beggining, and that can throw them off track. I have had to sacrifice my social life in some instances to instead study that extra hour. I would also tell myself to keep in touch with the important people in my life because they are your support system. Talking to my friends and family helps me through my tough times especially when I first left for college. The last thing I would tell myself would be to learn how to cope with stress better and to know that putting too much pressure on yourself isn't always the best thing to do.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to not stress about how college will be. I would also say to not get to wraped up in the social aspects that can distract from the academic part of school. But, I would make sure I let loose sometimes so that studying would not weigh me down. All in all, just to learn time management and balance social and academic life.

I've never lived in a dorm; never had a meal plan, never participated in any of the stereotypical "college" experiences. I graduated when I was seventeen and threw myself into the real world with the zeal and naivete only a teenager could muster. I spent a year in Boston--working full-time, taking classes on the side, learning how to budget, how to feed myself and pay my bills, what it's like to have rent due at the beginning of the month--andthose lessons were invaluable. After that year, to save money on tuition, I moved back south and enrolled at VCU. I feel that my year in Boston helped me get ahead of some of my contemporaries, in terms of real-world experience; however, I would say that I missed out on some other, equally important experiences. I know that people make lifelong friends in dorm rooms or dining halls, and I know now that I missed out on that, to my detriment. Those experiences shape who we are, and I regret being so dismissive of them when I was younger. If I could go back and change my mind, I'm sure I would.

If I could go back as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would make changes. First thing I would do would be to apply to all the colleges I wanted to attend. As a senior I let money discourage me from applying to colleges because I thought I would never be able to afford them. Money should not have been the first thing on my mind, instead my future career goals and dreams should have came first. Second, I would have filled out more scholarships. I didn't realize how much college costs. Neither of my parents went to college and I'm the first child to go to college from my family so known of us were prepared. Grades weren't an issue in highschool. I graduated with an advanced diploma and worked very hard in my classes. But after being in college I would have taken more AP classes in highschool in order to place out of general requirement classes in order to focus more on my major and minors. Overall I would perepare myself better than what I did because I realize now how many opportunities I passed up.

Don't lose your guard. Remember that your senior year really counts. Give yourself more options by applying and researching different majors or careers, and maybe different college credit classes, extra curricular activities, or even activities outside of school. Even though you have years ahead of you it's definitely easier on your wallet and your mind to have an idea of what you want to do and accomplish after highschool . And while we're on the topic of wallets: Save, save, save! You will need all you can get. And if you don't, it's a nice perk to have spending money after you're finished with your school work and all-night study parties. Take good advantage of the help and support you're recieving and if you don't have any don't be discourage because you'll only regret that you let it get you down. Refrain from saying that you cannot stand school! Because it is truly just all in your mind.

Having the chance to talk to my senior self I would most likely tell myself two things. The first being that now, if you haven't already, would be a great time to get into the habit of doing all work well in advance. The college work load is much more than high school, but is manageable when organized effectivly and your time is used wisely. The second thing being college is wonderful place to make friends. Prepare to become more outgoing and realize that everyone else is there for the same reason you are. College is said to be the place where people make their life long friendships.

Transitioning from high school to college can be difficult for some. Be yourself and you will find your path in life. Always remember why you are going to college and keep your goals and dreams in your heart and mind. Even if money is a factor, pursue your career goals and don't let it stand in your way. If you are troubled and far away from home, remember to pick up the phone and call the ones who are closest . I will always call on my mom who is my inspiration and role model. No matter what the issue , call someone you can talk to and rely on to get you through the tough times. Don't be afraid to go the extra mile and see what the world has to offer in life when you are young. I appreciate the opportunity to attend college and learn all I can. I hope my choice of Criminal Justice and Forensics lands me a career with the government. If not, I hope when I graduate , I will be self -supportive and independent. Most of all , I hope I am happy in whatever job I take on in my lifetime!

The first thing I would change, or advise myself to do, would be to focus!! My grades weren't perfect and my attitude toward school was horrible. I never really thought about entering college right out of high school, I already had my mind made up that I would join the Marine Corps in 11th grade. But knowing that I would without a doubt want to go to college after my four years of service was always in my head. I knew I couldn't go anywhere in life and obtain a financially stable job without a degree. I would have definitely listened more closely and paid better attention to what my teachers had to say in high school. The leader ship they had was what it was going to take for me to do well in college. Now that I have finally made it to my senior year, I have a feeling of self satisfaction and accomplishment. It feels great! Looking back during my high school years not only brings fond memories to my thoughts, but a sense of regret for not doing as well as I should have.