Old Dominion University Top Questions

When searching for the right college, it is most important to find the school that offers courses and activities that meet the needs of the student and fits the affordability of the parents. The school that is willing to provide the most amount of money for the student. Location is also a key factor in determining the correct school, because whether its far away from home or closer is determinant. The level of security the school has is also a major factor in determining the school. To make the most of the college experience the student and parents should find out the background on the history of the school. It is also necessary to visit the college in advance, as much as possible, to make sure the student and parents are comfortable with the adjustment. When attending the college the student should get involved with the activites and become with faculty/staff and other students to help with the college experience. Asking questions should be stressed as well because one can never ask too many questions; it is important to be as knowledgeable as possible about the school you are planning to attend.

Location, location location. What i love about my school is where it is. I know alot of people who didn't enjoy their college experience because they did not like the area where they went to school. Although there is so much to consider I think a major role is played by the surrounding area. At my school there is downtown Norfolk right down the road for shopping and night life, it's only a twenty minute drive to the beach during the spring and summer so there is always something to do when i have time away from my studies. I think students and parents need to look at more then just the acedemics when looking into rospective schools. You may be able to get a great education, but if you don't enjoy your time there it will be four years wasted, years you look back on negativly. A major part of college is growing up on your own away from parents and defining yourself as an individual. If you don't keep that in mind you'll never be able to really enjoy yourself and make the most of it.

Apply to as many colleges as you can and as early as possible. Take high school seriously and place high on the SAT's.

The most important part of finding a college is just looking for what you, the student, wants to do. I would advise you to ignore pressure from anything or anybody else and just focus on the dreams you have. Also, don't factor in how much money you expect to make in the future from your studies, unless making money is all you care about. Life is too short to spend time doing things you hate just to make money. When you're researching your college, look at all the options you have towards the things in which you are interested. School services, acamedics, extracirricular activities, etc. are all the things you should research. You are going to a university for a career, so don't worry too much about the school's lifestyle and environment. In most cases, as long as your interests for the future are adequate enough, you should be able to look over these other things. Often times, you'll be able to adapt to your surroundings or find a concealed place you belong to the in the community anyway. If all else fails, you can always transfer.

Make sure you talk to students when you are going on college visits. Ask them what schools they got into and why the choose that school. That was a big factor in helping me decide what school and i made the right choose.

Visit all the colleges you apply to. Talk to as many people as you can. Experience is the best thing someone can do.

Follow your heart, spirit, and motivation within yourself. Only you can guide yourself to success, and if your student can put their head to what they want, then success is only 4 (or 5) years away.

The best way to find the best campus is to stay there, for a night. Try to stay one night with a student without your parents and experience a typical day for a student on that campus.

Fill out a FASFA form

For students: go to a school that has the major that you want, and at least have it nearby an urban community. The Unniversity can only give you but so many things to do. Take risks, take chances. This is your chance to be you. For the parents: Let your kids go to the school that they want if financially affordable. They're adults now, and can make their own decisions.