Old Dominion University Top Questions

I would recomend going somewhere that has an environment that you enjoy. Make sure there are plenty of things for you to do if you're an active person. Focus on your education though, what kinds of classes do you want to take. You're paying for your education so make sure you get exactly what you want out of it. Do you want small or big classes? Do you want to play on a great sports team? ect. If you're not happy don't ever feel like you're stuck there are plenty of places for you to go.

To do your research but try and step out of the box. Go to school that fits you but also has a lot of opportunity. Try diversity and make new friends and be productive and not too lazy all the time. Definitely try and stay focused with your school work because if you fall behind, its hard to catch up. Keep your grades up, have fun, and don't get into any trouble. Enjoy all of your experiences because its only going to help you later in life and college is the best place to start.

I would advise that all students visit the campus before choosing a school. To make the most of the school experience I would reccomend showing up for class. If you give the teachers the "time of day" you will learn so much without having to read boring textbooks. Also, get involved in school activities; there is bound to be something you are interested in and that will allow you to better network with other students!

Come excited, stay focused on whats important, and good things come to those who work fo them

Have a plan first. If students want to take a year or more off from school directly after high school: LET THEM. Community college is a viable option for the first two years. Anybody considering college should think about their goals--long term and individual short term goals first. Think about finances before, during, and after college.

Just find the right program for you!

Don't go to any school for the supposed social life. Unless your goal is to make friends and money. I'd say to know thyself first, then try to assertain the nature of whatever school you might want to go to. ODU has cooler professors than students, I don't want to seem too negative, but the student body is lame, and that isn't something that is very easy to tell, because they all look beautiful and happy. Don't be fooled though, they have nothing to say and somehow even less to offer the world. They don't pay attention, or they scoff at ideas they disagree with, they are there for a piece of paper. I'd suggest this: Don't go to school for a piece of paper. Go to school because you have passion for something, and if you don't have that yet, figure that out first, don't feel your way through it, you'll wind up living a misinformed life, you are the only one that can inform yourself. Don't be a shill, don't need a weatherman to know which way the win blows.

The schools that you are first attracted to are not necessarily the best ones. In my case, I ended up going to a school that did not have a stellar reputation, and was known better for its partying than academic achievement. However, I am receiving an excellent education, not only through my classes but also through the other students I meet every day. It seems that the schools that are more culturally and ethnically diverse are the ones that are most accepting of different types of people. Parents are prospective students should keep in mind that academics alone do not determine how good or bad a school is. Another important thing to look at is the quality of the learning facilities on campus. When schools put more money into academic programs than athletics, it is reflected in student achievement. One important thing all students should consider is whether they want to attend a large university or a small private school. Both can offer excellent learning experiences, but in very different environments. Finally, to make the most of your college experience, you should make as many friends as you can and when given the opportunity to try something new...take it.

I think that the decision posed in this question has to be a mutual one between parents and children. Too many times parents allow their sons or daughters to go wherever they want and they end up right back at the local college. It's my opinion that kids at that age are influenced by too many external factors to make an intelligent decision. I was no different, but my parents ended up not being able to afford to send me anywhere. I'm humble enough to look back and see it was probably the best thing for me. When kids get into college, they really should have it driven home what their purpose for being there is. I can't count how many times I've heard about smart people, smarter than me, getting kicked out of their college because of grades. The important thing for children and their parents to find when looking for a college, and to get the most out of it, is a place where their son/daughter is comfortable, not where their friends are going, or where their parents went, somewhere they feel comfortable and can be themselves.

They should visit the colleges and talk to actual students who attend the university and see how they like it.