Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Top Questions

What should every freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach know before they start?

Keri

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would probably try to get myself to apply to even more scholarships while still in high school. The school that I have chosen to go to is very expensive, and I was counting on more aid from the government then what I ended up receiving. Although during high school I applied to many scholarships, I wish I would have done more. Also, I would tell myself to be more social. I was involved in my school yearbook, but that was the only extra curricular I did, and did not go out of my way to be overly social. The transition into this small private college would have been easier if I had developed good social skills in high school, because it is rather hard to fade into the background at a small school like Embry Riddle, and networking is one of the best ways to graduate with a career in today's economy.

Alexander

To aim for the stars instead of following Ms. Clevelands advice not to bother trying to get into a good school because I wasn't good enough. I would also tell myself to follow all of my dreams instead of being told it was one or the other by my first college. I would also say to not care what other people tell me I can and cannot do and to always be myself because I will be happier in life doing so than being someone that somebody else wants me to be. To make sure that everyone who has supported me and helped me achieve my current and future accomplishments knows just how appreciative and gratefull I am for their giving me the oportunity to grow as a person and as a proffesional. I would last bestow to continue to work hard and push myself even harder because I have accomplished so much already and in doing so there is no telling what I am capable of and be able to accomplish!

Stephanie

Take time to learn study skills. Pay more attention to the professors while they are teaching. Keep grades up and take more challenging classes, possibly even college credit classes. They may be able to transfer to the college you want to attend allowing you to take other classes, possibly even graduate early. Don't spend too much time on the party scene but join clubs and participate in activities that will help you get to know other people.

Andrew

The challenge of choosing your college is a balancing act between the short term and long term. The location and student life of the litany of potential college selections are examples of characterizes which must be weighed with respect to short term experience. To an eighteen year old kid, the next four years can appear to be an eternity. The immediacy of these and other short term criteria can be a powerful force. However, the knowledge, relationships, and credentials created and earned during your time in college can either server or hinder you for the rest of your life. As a high school senior, the caliber of university with which you will gain admittance is already established. Therefore, focus more on who you are and who you want to be rather than what you want to be when you grow up. Find a school, any school, anywhere that best fits who you are and do whatever it takes to get there. Finding that place that makes you a better student and person will establish a foundation for all of your future success.

Alexander

There are only two pieces of advice I would give myself. The first one would be to study hard and the second would be to take tennis more seriously. I never did much studying in high school; I was always getting C's, B's, and the occasional D. It was not until college that I learned how to study. Repetition, memorization, and a basic understanding of the material is what I strive to achieve now every time I study. As for tennis, I was pretty good at that, but I never took advantage of the opportunities given to me. The tennis coach at my high school was also a real tennis coach; his resume was very impressive. He gave me more then enough chances to become better but I did not make the most of them. He even told me I had a natural feel for the game and that I could use this ability to pay for college. Unfortunately, my focus was somewhere else and now I am stuck wondering... what if?

Nolan

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have made a lot of diferent decisions. One decision I would have made is have more options about my future as a college student. I would of told myself start applying for scholarships early in my senior year instead of waiting till the last second. Also figure out how I am going to have a income. For college life I would tell myself hard work=sucsess. I did not work as hard as Iin high school and now I know why you work first then play later. Transitioning from high school to college can be simple if you make sure everything you need is met before leaving home. ie medical check ups, important documents. Also if you possible try meeting some people that attend the college to help make a more pleasent first semester in college.

Kassandra

If I could go back and give myself advice about college life and the future, I would tell myself to become involved in campus activities early, such as joining clubs, sororities, the Student Government Association, and accept the opportunity to be a part of a varsity athletics team. Social networking is more important than I knew, and i found out that the more people you know in different organizations, the more opportunities are bound to come your way. I would also tell myself that all the time spent applying to scholarships will pay off, and that if you work hard enough and find ways to make use of your talents and skills, you can be a very successful individual. I would also tell myself to be sure to stay focused on maintaining my grades and relationships with professors, rather than what everyone else is doing on the weekends. I am currently very satisfied with my college experience, as I have worked hard and found ways to have fun and meet friends while also giving myself the chances for a brighter future.

Rafael

The advice I would give myself is save money and manage efficiently. Drop the unnecessay data plan service for your cell phone bill and buy only the books that are actually used in class. Bring your social security card in order to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test in time to be considered for a scholarship. During your first registration, gather more information on your professors and courses like Humanities and Calculus to make the best selection for spring semester. Lastly, never underestimate courses especially because of prior knowlege in college and possibly graduate school.

Natalie

Make sure to have your priorities in line. Having a great GPA is a big part in landing a good job. Another big part is having experience and that comes from internships and Co-ops. And in order to qualify for an internship or co-op, you must have a good GPA. So number one priority is to make sure your grades are ok. Next would be to get involved. Gain as much leadership skills as you can by joining clubs and organizations that interest you. Join groups that have different backgrounds than others to diversify yourself more. Also your social life will be growing by meeting new people. Your goal is to become a well rounded individual. Lastly be passionate about your future. You only go through undergraduate college life once, so make the best out of it as possible. Its simple if you don't love your major than change it. If you don't have passion for the degree you are majoring in, then its going to be that much harder to excell in it. Remember grades are #1!

Jacquelyn

You made the best decisions of your life going far away to school and joining a sorority. Everything works out pretty perfectly so you shouldn't stress out. You'll still have all your friends back in Massachusetts.

Melissa

Hey, it will be hard at first, harder than you expect. Some things will happen to you, but you will be fine. Don't worry about Tropical Storm Fay, it won't affect orientation too much. Join a few clubs, you will be glad that you did. Take every opprotunity you can to go to physics tutoring. When it comes to finals, study a little bit harder for all of them. You and your roommate will have issues for reasons unknown. Try talking more to her and maybe it won't be so bad. The lack of girls on campus will eventually get to you. Make friends and stick with them. Don't worry too much about GPA. Yes it is important, but don't make it your life. A 'B' is okay. You'll do fine at school. Stick to the plan and you'll do great! Have fun!

Kathleen

I would tell myself to to attend community college first to get math, reading, and IT classes out of the way in order to save money and stay at home longer. I also would advise myself to get my provate pilot rating before attending Embry-Riddle in order to save myself the headache I've gone through.

Travis

The one thing I wish that I would have done is to start looking for a college earlier. The sooner you start looking and applying to schools and scholarships the more enjoyable and less stressful your senior year of high school will be. As far as the college experience goes it is simple. It is the same as everything else in life; you get out of it what you put into it. Show up and blow up. College is about getting an education but it is also about making life-long friends and having a good time. If you show up with a good attitude and looking to have fun while learning more than you ever have, that is what will happen. The same is true if you show up thinking you will never make any friends or that college is just about drinking and partying.

Elizabeth

The best advice I can give students and parents looking into college is to start early. The earlier you start the better. When I was in high school, I thought for sure that I would be going to this one school, I thought it was perfect for me. Then, in my junior year of high school, I visited the campus and absolutely hated it. I never even knew what I liked in a college until I went there and found out. The more time you have to visit campuses, explore different programs, and talk to students and alumni at that college, the more likely you are to find a college and a program that is right for you. Also, once you know where you want to go and what you want to do, you have more time to apply for scholarships and loans. I spent most of my senior year of high school applying for every scholarship I could find. As a result, I ended up recieving over $50,000 in scholarship throughout my four years at school. In short, my advice to someone just going into college is: start early, find what you like, and then apply apply apply.

Martin

I believe what parents and students alike should do to discover what they want to study and accomplish in life is to find something that their good at and love doing on a daily basis. If you're a parent and you notice your student is always talking about airplanes for example, then begin a talk with them and ask them why they love them in the first place. Also ask them if they see themselves doing something such as flying an plane. The very fact that parents are actually interested in their child's education, regardless of what it is, is a huge motivator for students and makes them feel more confident about what they're studying, knowing that their parents support them no matter what they choose. Now if you're a student, likewise you can use the same method. If there's something you know you're passionate about and know you can be excellent at, then go do it. Don't just study something because it pays good ,because in the end you'll be making good money, but you'll be dreading to go to work everyday. Find a career you'll cherish forever!

TimothyHuber

The advice I would give to the parents is to give the student some slack and allow them to make their own decision. They are to the point that they will make there own paths. They will still need you and will, in due time, come ot you for advice. Parents, give your student your full support, it doesn't have to be financial. For the student, this is your time. Set your priorities and pick what you want to do in life, and from there pick the school that matches your priorites the closest. Don't let any one make this choice for you, enless you want to be miserable.

Heather

Blelive in your dreams and then go for them.I set my goals very high because it gives me self indulgence for being on top. Go and see the schools that you have inmind and make sure it is right for you and for forfiling your dreams

Steven

I would tell them to find a happy medium between an excellent education and having fun. You want the best education you can get, but being overloaded with class can easily make you grow tired of college. That's why you need to find a college with a great community and plenty of exciting things to do nearby. While you are at college try new things. Go skydiving for the first time ever, or join the robotics club, even if it is a little nerdy. The best way to enjoy college is to do your homework , study, then go off with your friends to the beach or a park and play frisbee.

Paul

I have had a great experience so far. You need to trust your son or daughter and allow them to make some of their own mistakes. It is a great way to see what they can do. Sometimes they will need you and sometimes you need to let them be on their own. It can be a very fine line between both. It is very important to understand what you are looking for as far as a small school or large school. Once you understand where you will fit in best, the rest will fall into place. Trust your judement and if you can see yourself there for four years or more. College has been an excellent expierence and I was lucky to find the right school for me. I wish you all the best of luck in your search.

Justin

My best advise to parents\students is to visit as many schools as you possible can. There is a school that is right for you but it may take time to find it. If the first school you select isn't the right match, as in my case, return to square one and start searching again.