Davenport University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Davenport University know before they start?

Kimberly

Moving away from home is not the most important criteria for choosing a college. Staying closer to the existing support of family and friends can provide a far easier transition. You don't have to live at home, but being able to spend time with people you already know can provide relief from trying to integrate both a new learning structure and a new social network. There will be plenty of time to move after graduation, if you still want to.

Kathleen

Dear Kathy, Well, you're not a cheerleader anymore, so what else could you give yourself for a future? Some pointers I would like to give you are: do homework as soon as possible, go above and beyond just what the teacher (now a Proffessor) teaches, prepare for multi-tasking, and set those goals now. I want you to know that even though you have had some hard times with communication, the best way to overcome fear is to experience the pain. You may lose some sleep on exam nights because you want that A. You could spend more time on brainstorming to help with concentration. Always remember that we are treated more as adults, so thinking that you can delve into an "easy life" is not recommended. Classes are harder, but it is so much more rewarding to know I accomplished an obstacle to overcome a problem. It's time to live and believe your life, so get excited!

Christopher

The best advice I could give myself comes from the immortal Winston Churchill. "Never give in. Never, never, never. Never give in. In nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." The reason I choose these words as advice to myself are plenty. I tried college when I got out of high school. It was a duanting task, and I didn't keep up with the work. I ended up dropping out and went from one meaningless job to another. Nearly 20 years later at the urging of my new bride, I enrolled back into school at the local community college. It was difficult at first to make time to study, do the work yet still do my job and keep food on our table. However, I knew that if my wife and kids were to ever have the life that they deserved then I needed to buckle down and get the job done. So here I am; 35 credit hours in and newly transferred to Davenport University. I am bringing a 3.6 GPA while maintaining a full time job. I finally see a future in my future.

Susan

To focus on the studies and to not overwhelm oneself with the pressures to out do everyone. If you have to work during college, try to work in the field you are going to, if you don't have to volunteer. Don't have the blinders on towards the school, they are more than just classes and can assist in areas that most assume they know (such as; but not limited to,) financial aid, job placement or job research, advising and more. Take advantage and ask many questions. If you are not a morning person then don't schedule for a 8:00 am class.

Precious

Knowing what I know today about college life and making transitions. The advice I would give myself would be to learn all that is possible early on and put forward my best effort to succeed. Be open to constant change and challenges college life may bring. College offers a variety of opportunities for advancement as well as distractions. Staying focused on your ultimate life goal of graduating from college, but at the same time have a fun filled college experience. Never doubt your capability to handle what?s ahead of you whether good or bad. Explore new interests, places and meeting a diverse set of people. Getting a college education right after high school is one best thing a person can accomplish. Getting together with friends and family is fun, but prioritize important tasks with unimportant tasks. Assessing how and what expectations meet reality. Some disappointments or surprises may arise and may require adjusting of reducing your course load, changing majors or rethinking involvements in certain activities. Never overlook problems, academic or personal, for they are better handled early on. Never be too proud to ask for help, communicating is very important in every aspect of our lives.

candice

I would tell myself to stay focus and concentrate on school. Give a moment to myself and if i need help,, I would go talk to a advisor or a couselor. I would visit my advisor often to make sure i was on the correct goal or path with my classes. I would be involved in more school activities and organizations

Kelly

I would have pushed myself to go to college immediately after high school. It would have been more beneficial for my future to go to school while living at home with my parents, before I had the worries of bills and living on my own. I started working full time after high school graduation, moved into an apartment, and thought everything was great. Little did I know that not having a degree would hinder future employment opportunities. Being a female in an Information Technology field, on the job training wasn't enough. In addition to people treating me different for not having a degree, I always felt like I was lacking knowlege that my college educated co-workers had. Now that I'm a full time working adult, with a family and a home to support, it's more difficult to find the time and money to earn a degree. I would definitely encourage myself to earn my degree before adding the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

Rad

If I could go back in time I would probably tell myself to focus better in high school. I was capable of putting up better grades, but a lack of direction in life caused me to not focus. Now that I know what I want to do, I am confident that I would have performed better in high school if I knew what I know now.

Justine

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college I tell myself to save every penny. College costs a lot of money, but I do not have any to pay for school. I have had to borrow money from my parents, my grandparents, and the bank. Save every penny is the advice I would give myself given the chance.

Lisa

Dear Lisa, I just wanted to take a moment and talk to you about your exciting new adventure that is about to take place. Something you should always remember is to hold your head up high and be ready for new challenges. You are going to experience a whole new world of freedom that you are not used to. You will no longer have teachers telling you to turn in your work, or get to school on time. This is now your responsibility and it will be very easy to lose focus if you?re not self disciplined. You are going to meet many new friends that may influence you in both good and bad ways. Remember why you are going to college and what your goals are. There will be times when you feel that nothing is going right, and there?s no way you can finish your courses. Don?t give up, no matter how bad it seems. You have a huge support system both at home and school you can count on. The last thing I want you to remember is to have fun and enjoy yourself; this is going to be a journey to remember.

Adonis

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senoir the advice I would give myself would be to have a great support group of family and friends. Having the support of family and freinds would have made a huge difference for me. Twenty years later I have that and it has been a tremendous help for me. Having their support helps to keep me motivated and focused on the big picture, improving myself and my life. When I feel like giving up they ae there providing me with support and encouragement that I can do this, and that I can succeed. It does not matter if you are 18 or 38 years old, making that transition requires the support of friends, family, and even the school staff. Having people around that can aid in keeping you motivated, and focused will only help with your success.

Shawn

I would tell myself that I need to determine what I want to do when I get into the world. I would save up as much as possible and be more college ready by taking classes that prepare me for school beyond high school.

Kelcey

Save up money for college application fees. Set up days where you do nothing but fill out college applications. Apply to as many free college applications as you can. Enjoy high school, because it is nice, but college is filled with responsibility. You are responsible for yourself. Get out all neccesary information when you're filing out college applications and be prepared. Visit the college, I believe that's the MOST important thing. Breathe, relax and enjoy yourself.

Jody

I f I were back in High School knowing what I know now I would have alot of advice to give myself. First and foremost, I would really focus on my grades and the classes I was taking. I would add more math classes and computer classes to better prepare me for college. I also would thoroughly research my fiields of interest as well as the current need for jobs in highest demant and assure that jobs are available in my area. I would encourage myself to go to college right away while I am young and have no family obligations because it will become more difficult to transition into school again as time passes by. I would exude more confidence so I would know that in college you are choosing your own destiny and it makes it much more easier to study and focus on your work if its something that you are interested in. I would say, Make an attainable goal that you can work towards because you can do it! The feeling of completing your degree is so rewarding because you choose your path and can make your dreams come true!

Pauline

Stay away from boys until you finish school.

Joanna

Though I am 21 years old, I've had many obstacles to overcome, many of which have kept me from obtaining this dream. I suffered physical and emotional abuse during my adolescent years, and the effects of this carried over into my post-highschool years. I made a goal of obtaining my Associate of Arts degree (a two-year degree) in one year. I completed that goal, and did so with a 4.00 GPA and honors. However, in 2007, when I began to study at a 4-year university, I had to withdraw due to unexpected illness, unexplained seizures that were discovered to be effects of traumatic experiences I hadn't dealt with. I had to move back home. I also wasn't cleared to re-enroll for another two years. Overcoming this illness was a long road for me, but I kept the goal of going back to college in the front of my mind at all times. If I could give advice to myself as a highschool senior, it would be to enter college healthy and with a clear mind so that nothing can get in the way of achieving your goals for success.

Bethany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself quite a bit of advice. First of all, I would tell myself to keep going in school, straight from high school. I would tell myself not to drop out of college because the longer you wait, the more things happen in life and it gets a lot more difficult to get back in the swing of things and keep going on. I would tell myself to carefully examine what I wanted to go to college for. I ended up changing my major after I had earned my associate degree. I would tell myself to keep focused on the goal. Do not let other things sidetrack you or make you lose your focus. I would also tell myself that college is a lot different than high school. You have certain times that you are supposed to be in class and certain days that things are due. However, it is up to you to keep yourself on your schedule. The instructors are not like high school teachers that constantly remind you that you have assignments due. Your future is up to you.

Abigail

1. Don't choose your college based on your high school sweetheart. If you guys are meant to be together, you will be together no matter what colleges you attend. 2. Just because the cafeteria is buffet style does not mean you have to eat all you can eat. 3. The gym is free for students at most schools. Use it. Don't be ntimidated - the employees are there to help you learn how use the equipment, and the other people who go there can be friendly and helpful. Start taking care of yourself now! 4. Become friends with your classmates. Even in large classes, befriend the people who sit near you. You will be great resources for each other when it comes time for a big test or project, and it's nice when you bump into somebody on campus and you know their name. 5. Have fun - AFTER the work is done. You are paying way too much money for your education to not have it be your priority. Keep up on your studies because it's hard to catch up once you're behind. 6. Your professors will not be impressed with your pajama pants.

Cheirce

Cheirce, stop wasting time waiting on someone else to give you direction. Get out there and ask questions. Go To Math Class! Stop skipping school. Make better choices, hold your ground, and stick with what you know is right. Get in school, go non-stop. You enjoy math, you enjoy science, do what you enjoy and stop being a follower. Make your future a priority. You have your youth now but sooner than you can imagine, you'll suffer many regrets. When Daddy says "pay your self first", he didn't mean go shopping. Deposit the little money you get here and there into a retirement savings, I know I know, but trust me on this, you won't even miss it. Your future, your comfort, your lifestyle, everything is dependant upon the decisions you make today. Hang out later,, sleep in later. When you see that black Alfa Romero at the red light on Linwood & 94, don't say a word. keep driving. YOU CAN'T REVERSE THE CLOCK, YOUR TIME IS NOW, NOT THEN, NOW!

Dominique

As a high school senior and a mother I would select a school that offers classes in which I could maintain employment but still complete my degree within a reasonable amount of time. Location would also be a plus. I would select a school that had not long of a distance commute wise and if there were any chance I couldn't transport by car, were there other means of transportation. Going to a school in which the courses recommended for my major don't require a strenuous application process in which my chances for getting into the program are increased. I would also look for a school that aids in a smart yet resourceful way to finance my education. I would also look at oppurtunities for advancement. If I decided not to get my bachelor's degree and wanted to start off with a diploma or associates would that be a possibility. I would also research the rate in which employers higher students from that particular university.