Old Dominion University Top Questions

The most important advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to be open-minded. Originally I planned to attend Hampton University. It is an Historically Black College/University or HBCU. Unfortunately it was too expensive, and from my experience touring the campus it didn't seem like it was worth the money students would have to scrap up to afford to attend. The facilities seemed, at glance, outdated and bland. Luckily, I had heard some impressive things about Old Dominion University. The student body and staff were diverse and the campus was very up-and-coming with the promise of the university's first football team, stadium, and new fitness facility. There were also several more dorms being created. The people seemed more friendly and welcoming. The faculty and staff seemed very engaged in the well-being of the students. These qualities were the opposite of those I experienced touring my first choice. I immediately fell in love with the campus which was surrounded by water and friendly faces. This was the best decision I almost never made. In conclusion, it is very important not to be narrowminded about this very important decision.

Remember parents, you are not going to college your child is. Let them choose their own school. Yes, it would be lovely for them to created a legacy since you were an alum of Harvard but if that's not where they won't to go don't force them. Let them major in what they want to do not what you want them to. Students will learn more and appreciate and like classes more if they're learning what they want and what they want to major. You've raised them well so it's time to step back.

When you choose a college, don't choose it because your friend is going there, don't choose it because its a party school, choose it because you feel comfortable there and you know that is where you can spend the next four years of your life in the best way possible. Focus on academics, get involved in clubs/groups, and Make friends! if everything is going bad around you, you can always have a friend to call close by because your home may be far away. Most of all, work towards a goal, and work towards that goal each and everyday in your life and you will succeed!!!

My advice to parents and/ or students about finding the right college is to not choose simply based on how well-known the school is. The first and most important thing to do is to visit various schools together; and make a list of the pros and cons of all of them. There are a lot of factors that come into play with choosing the right school but the most important is knowing that the student will feel comfortable in the environment with the people around them, the professors, and the extra curricular activities the school offers. Making the most of the college experience begins with knowing how to manage one's time. Not letting the freedom and fun take over is vital for the rest of the experience. One must always remember why it is that they are in the school they're in and must always work their hardest and remind themselves that their future depends on it. This, along with being outgoing, friendly, and taking advantage of all the fun that comes along the way while still being safe, will provide the best college experience anybody could ask for.

My advice is to make sure the students and parents go to different colleges' open house. Therefore, the parents and students will have an idea on what to look for when the school semester begins. When choosing the right college, parents and students, especially students should look into extra activities that the school offers around campus as well. Being apart of school activities is very important. Also, when choosing the right college, housing and meal plans should be looked into also. So in conclusion, my advice is for both the parents and students to go to different colleges that the student is interested and make sure that campus meets their standards.

try to visit all your choices before decing and choose a college that best suites your student

You need to really be sure that this is the college you want, because, yes, you could transfer out if you don't like it, but that's even more hassle than most people realize. Its in everyone's best interests to make the right choice the first time around.

I would advise both parents and students to always be prepared financially, that way the only focus would be on succeeding academically and socially in school. Choose colleges that satisfy your lifestyle, major, and personality because each of those characteristics are tested in the college atmosphere.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students who want to find the right college and make the most of their experience is to actually go and see the schools that the student likes. Research every possible place they are interested in. College is a very fun experience and every student wants to make sure they make the right choice. Going to information sessions that most colleges offer is also a good idea, because the student and parents can meet students who already attend that given college and can answer any questions. Also, it is a great way to meet other potential new students and experience the type of people and culture that is imersed in that university.

The advice I would give parents/and or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to find a college that truly helps you accomplish their most positive dreams and endeavors. Of course distance from home is a big factor. Honestly, I would tell prospects not to worry about choosing a major right away because at the end of the day, you will change your major at least once. Also, anyone thinking about college should never feel that they are outplace academically because you were accepted into the university for a good reason (academically being the main priority in most circumstances). Overall, look at college like any major facet of life. You definitely have to make the most of the experience because you will be able to look back twenty years from now and say wow...I'm a college graduate from my respected university. The experience was tough but if I had a chance to do it all over again...I would.