Old Dominion University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a great deal to tell. To start off, I would say that college is a very big responsibility and if you choose to take it lightly, be prepared to experience the many ramifications of your actions. It is very important to know that you must adjust to the fact that no one is going to do anything for you; you must take the initiative to complete tasks on time and to put forth full effort on all work. You should also make sure to apply for several scholarships because you know how difficult it will be to pay back any loans that you may take. Its free money and it will show your parents how much you want to be successful. Be sure to become acquainted with at least two of your teachers to show your drive and will to learn. If you choose to work hard, payment will come in the form of success.

I would tell my high school self to go when ready as higher academics takes a serious commitment and while college is known as party central, to keep focused and remember what your ultimate goal is in the end!

If I saw myself my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to stay focused on my school work. I would tell myself not to worry about having a boyfriend because all they do is stress you and you lose focus on your studies and goals. I would also suggest that I work on my time management skills, because in college, life is all about time management because you are on your own. I would also tell myself to be involved and have fun, and go to school functions. I think this is important because this is good practice for college. I believe that if you just stay in your dorm in college you will make yourself depressed. I would tell myself to listen to my parents because they are right most of the time and they want what is best.

Over the past two years as a college student I have had various experiences and grown in many aspects of my life. I am grateful for the ability to attend college and cherish the memories I have mad thus far. Looking back at the college application process during my senior year of highschool, there are some things that I would do differently. If I could give myself some advise I might have made some different decisions. I wish I would have visited more colleges and got a good feel of different types of campuses with people who were different than myself. I think this would have given me a broader aspect of college life and I would have been more aware of other oppurtunitites. Also, I would have pushed myself more to tryout for college sports and put my athletic skills out there for athletic directors to possibly recruit me. The last and most important piece of advice I would give myself is to make the most of the time I have because it flies by in a split second. Be yourself, achieve everything you can and enjoy life to the fullest.

Alyssa, Right now you may be overwhelmed with the anxieties of choosing a college, how you?ll pay for it, and what that next step in your life is going to be like. Let me give you a few pointers of how to make the transition and what to expect. College is very different from high school. You have less time spent in class, more homework, and most of all more freedom. Make sure you take the time to complete your studies before you go out and play. It?s so easy to get caught up in the fun activities going on around you, but keep your head focused on your education. But, the most important advice I can give you is to hold onto your morals. I remember what you?re struggling with right now, but don?t forget that God is in control and you have nothing to fear when He?s by your side. Stand up for what you believe in and don?t allow yourself to be swayed by the crowd. Learn and open your mind to what?s going in the world around you, but continue to stand your ground and walk faithfully. Love, Alyssa

I would tell myself to talk to my high school counselors more about college, so they could give me more advice on a major to choose. Then I could have started taking those courses sooner and could have started taking the introduction classes in community college.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior in prepartation for going to college, I would tell myself to believe in myself, because when coming to college you have to have conifedence in yourself that you can do well and that you can succeed. Even if the classes are hard or if youre having a hard time adjusting, as long as you believe in yourself you can acomplish anything.

I'd tell myself to talk to current or recent college students. Now that I have the gift of hindsight I would've engaged myself more. The financial aid process is easy, but had I known what I know now I would have kept track of my finances much more closely; research the approximate costs and the actual cost of attending school. I would've maintained a closer relationship with the financial aid counselor, and got more involved in social organizations/activities. You will not only learn about yourself, but those social interactions allow you to meet various people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds. Being apart of an organization whose common goal matches what you want to do in life helps you feel as though you belong. Colleges and universities have a lot to offer, but every college/university is not right for everyone. I'd look at the school's curriculum and majors offered to determine whether or not they meet my needs. Test scores are extremely important because they determine your placement in college. I'd make studying a priority in high school and learn time management skills because one slip up can cost you your GPA.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself not to hang out alot outside of school or procrastinate. Hanging out alot cost time and money and I could use that time to study or get to know my professors and get school work done. I would advise myself not to procrastinate because last minute work could jeopardize a good grade and also college success.

When you are choosing your school, you need to look at more than just the surrounding area. You have to look at the people as well. Find websites that show students ratings of the school and that will help you influence your decision. You also need to put yourself out there. Don't be the wall flower. Make friends and make the most of your time there, even if you think you're going to transfer. Make the most out of every situation. Also, don't take your studies lightly. Go to class! Your grades will show it if you don't go to class like you should. Don't spend your free time out constantly or sleeping. You really need to study. You'll regret it if you don't. Just make the most of it while you are there and think about how this will help your future. Don't worry about the past, this is your time to make a new name for yourself, take advantage of it. And good luck.