Oakwood University Top Questions

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

Khalia

If I could go back in time and speak with the high school senior I was... my my my! I would honestly have picked up better study habits. I maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout my senior year, and although that is great... High school studying, and college studying is something completely different. Also, I would have told myself to prepare for any and everything.

Jenelle

If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, I would tell myself that a plan is always needed. Don't think that everything will fall into your lap because it won't and that I shouldn't take it too personally when they don't. Be responsible for your actions and try not to wait until the end of Freshman year to get serious. Look forward to a good experience. Please do not focus on guys too much, they will come. Don't think for a moment that just because you attend a school with like-minded people that The Mr. Right is in your EN 201 class and no he is not that aloof musician either. Be patient with yourself and your journey; trust the process of growth because it never fails. Understand what it means to be an adult, you are moving away from Mom and Dad and their problems belong to them. While you are at school take this time to be just a little selfish, guard your time, guard your emotions and guard your study/review time. Its your best friend. Love thyself and to thine own self be true.

La'Rell

If I had the abillity to go back, and tell my High School Senior self some crucial advice it would definitly be to apply for all the scholarships possible. I would tell myself to apply to more colleges so I would have more options. In addition to this I would also tell myself to do really good my senior year, and get the best GPA possible. These are the key things I would tell my senior self about college.

jasmine

Dear Jasmine, You will be attending college next year, and there are a few things you should know. College is a place where you are learning about who you are more and more each day. You will not know right away what career path you should take, and what your future holds. It is ok to be unsure about what God has planned for you. This is a chance for you to do research on different majors, and discover what things you are really interested in, and what would truly make you happy. Don't ever get distracted by looking at other people and what they are doing. You are your own person and have to make decisions for yourself. College is a place where you become independent, and learn how to handle big problems without the help of your parents. It is time for you to prove to yourself, and to the world that you are capable of being the best future professional that there is. Don't let anthing or anyone hold you back from making your dreams come true. Be confident and know that you can achieve anything with God's help.

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, College is full of life lessons. You are about to embark on a journey that will strongly affect your transition from a girl into a woman. You are a college student now! So that your journey can be as smooth as possible, DO THE FOLLOWING: The first is to ALWAYS talk to your advisor. Your advisor helps to keep you on track at all times; helping you make sure you are taking all the right classes you need to fulfill the requirements of your field of study. The second thing that is important for you to do is to create a study schedule for yourself and stick to it! You have to discipline yourself to be successful academically. The third thing is to be mindful of the people you surround yourself with! Friends have a big impact on the decisions you make so be wise! The forth thing that's important is to ask for help! Never be afraid to ask for help! There are always people willing to give help when you need it! Fifth, have fun because you remember your college days forever. Always trust God. ALWAYS PRAY.

Caryn

Dear high school Caryn, you are about to face a big transition—and for you to be prepared, I composed a list of things that you should know before you go to college: 1. Do not spend an exorbitant amount of money on things for your dorm room ! You will be okay with just one pillow— the multiple fluffy ones that you will spot in Target aren’t necessary. Plus, you’ll need that money for later expenses. 2. Keep up the organization ! With deadlines that aren’t much repeated by professors, it’s imperative to use your phone or planner to keep up. Be sure to weekly schedule your readings and assignments or else you will end up being the student who is empty-handed when the professor is walking around collecting papers. 3. Stay true to your beliefs ! There will be people around you who want to “have fun” instead of studying. Know that there is a plan for your life- you would do well to follow it. Stay focused and don’t let appealing Saturday night rendezvous stop you from studying ! But also, spend time doing things you enjoy—college is a great place.

Denzel

I would tell myself to prepare for everything that you do in high school. the better prepared you are the better chance you have on doing well in that subject. Never do last minute cramming because all its going to do is have you tire for the test the next day. Try to do your best in breaking up each and every test through out the week so you wont have to worry about it and become stressed. I would also charish and enjjoy your time with your basketball team. Being a captain isn't a easy task fr everyone to complete so just try your best at what your doing. If you want to be the number one player in your class then you need shoot the ball a little bit more then you have so far. Last but certainly not least you have to play your very hardest during the state championship game. No matter how far down or up your team is don't lay back. Continue to attack them with all your might. Good luck.

taija

I would do more reseach on college because my senior year of high school all that was on my mine was getting my high school deploma and just live life. but i am glade that i stayed focus on shool after all i have been through. i was homeless living on the streets still making it to school every day doing what i had to do to get through school. nothing could stop me from doing what i was doing not even living on the streets. school was my motavation . I even let others know what i been through when they think school is to much for them i ket them know that if i can live on the streets and attend school every morning then you can to.

Genokristo

If I could talk to myself in my senior year I would tell myself to really focus on developing studying strategies. In my first year of college I spent most of the year learning how to study. Although the information wasn’t particularly difficult, I had a bad habit of studying in places I knew I would get distracted. In that year I learned that I learn best when studying in a group and I remembered the information best when I had to repeat it verbally or explain it to another person. One of the most important lessons I would tell myself would be the importance of being detail oriented. In both my biology and anatomy classes there were a few tests I missed a sizeable amount of points on because I wasn't as detailed as I could have been in my preparation.

grace

Don't let anyone impact what you think about yourself. The dreams and career goal that you have for youself a within reach. The are realistic and you don't have to settle for career that other's think are realistic. Some people won't understand the vision you have for youself but that's ok. Keep pushing toward your goals even if you feel inadequate. Don't let fear or failiure keep you from reaching your goals. Change you attitude. Have confidence in your ability to succeed. Push for a higher GPA, apply for internships, audition with confidence, network, attend LSAT prep and GMAT Prep. You'll be fine.

Karis

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would first emphasize the importance of proactiveness.I would tell myself to be proactive in everything that I do, including my studies, choosing a career and what college to attend. Especiallywith financial aid and scholarships, and in planning my life. I would then recommend myself to pay more attention in class and not to settle for a "B" or "A-" but to strive for an "A". One of the most important things I would counsel myself on is not procrastinating, because procrastination will surely lead to my downfall. I would stress building a great work ethic and developing good studying and note taking skills. Finally, I would then tell myself to take a deep breath and to go out and enjoy college life while it last.

Kendrika

College life is not just like high school life, college is like an organic chemistry final two minutes after the review. So the characteristics and habits that you developed in high school will be what helps or hurts you in college. So if I were to have the oppurtunity to to go back in time to my senior year I would advise myself not to procrastinate, expect pop quizzes, and always remember where I am going. In college procrastination is like a huge wall that if you don't start climbing in the beginning you may be the last one there, so I would change my tendency of waiting to the last minute to do certain things. Pop quizzes become a lifestyle in college as opposed to high school, so I would tell myself to always stay current in my studies. In college there are guaranteed to be some grades that make you feel like your major is too hard, so I would remind myself of where I am headed. All in all I would tell myself that college is not for the weak or easily persuaded, but for the strong and strongwilled.

Camille

The coming transition that is coming in your life seems gargantuian. There are several aspects to college that are not only mysterious to you but also terrifying. Do not worry becuase your roomate will be amazing and clean! The most useful pieces of advice that I can give you about the future is to work incredibly hard but with the least amount of stress possible. I know you. Somewhere along the line you have misunderstood what hard work looks like. Stress and chronic worry will leave you drained. Learn now how to enjoy the work that you will do. In the years to come there will be enough stress and unexpected tragedy to worry about. This is uncontrollable. But understand that you are much stronger than you think. Your future will be less complicated when you begin to trust the path that you have been put on. Finally, the most important lesson I can teach you is that success is so much sweeter when you accept that it is not going to be given to you. Entitlement will discount any type of success you achieve. Life more fulfilling now that you accept that all worth having must be worked for.

Crystal-Mae

Simple : School is not a joke . Take it serious and APPLY FOR Scholarships

Nephthali

No I wouldnt because life is all about making mistakes and the mistakes that I have learned has strethenged me

Jeffry

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to spend more time studying for tests and doing homework. In addition, I would tell myself that I should not wait to do an assignment one day before it is due. Homework should be done at least two to three days before its due date so that I have the time to go over it and fix any mistakes and so that I can receive feedback from my peers and tutors. Finally, I would tell myself that I should devote some time to spend with God and do the things that I love doing and spending time with family.

Lesly

I would really consider my undergraduate career to be a huge life changing learning curve. If I could go back in time and give myself advice i would of told myself to be serious and take high school very serious.The only way to improve your life is to improve yourself. I think that once you begin this journey everything else in your life will seem to balance. There are many steps I had to take on this journey of self-discovery. I needed to define and understand my values and why they are important to me. Then I started to think about my immediate and long-term future and started to set some personal goals. I realized that I was waiting for my future to just happen. My life in retrospect has had many changes and twists; it is in a constant state of development. The process of getting ready to write this essay was very challenging. It really forced me to focus on my life and how it has changed as I have matured. Setting goals has forced me to take a look at my values. I would also tell my self to stay focused on the goals.

Mariah

I would tell myself to follow your heart and do what you love. Do not let other people tell you how your life should go. Take it easy! College is not the end of the world or your fun. Be yourself and take everything a day at a time. Everything will work out as long as you remain positive and focused on your goals.

Candace

Hi Candace! Just a few more steps, and you'll be out of this place. But this was only a small introduction to what life we'll really be like. High school was the easiest part. You'll have to completely change your mindset once you're all settled into that dorm room, starting a brand new life without mommy and daddy. That 3.6 won't come as easy as it used to; you're gonna have to be dedicated. Go out and have fun, make new friends, and of course make wonderful memories. But at the end of day, you're gonna need to heavily prioritize in order to be successful. Take a Saturday night in just to do some extra studying! I know that doesn't sound fun at all, but you will SURELY thank me in the long run once those scholarships and awards for a high GPA start rolling in. Think of your academic life the way an athlete would his sport. You're in it to win it; all or nothing girl. You can be the best if you put in the work and train. Work hard, and enjoy. It WILL pay off.

Camilla

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to relax and focus on doing what you love. People are going to tell you about "practical careers" and the "best paying jobs", but what they forget is: The best paying job is one that pays in happiness.