Old Dominion University Top Questions

Make sure as a parent you listen to what the student wants. I know many parents who have urged their kids to stay close to home or go abroad and the student feels pressured to do what the parents want. And students make sure you apply to a college that has the best program for what you want to do. Do your homework and research many schools. And one more thing, don't go to school thinking it will not involve hard work. I have placed a maximum effort into my studies and I have gotten maximum results. It is hard to juggle a social and academic life and maybe even work too but it is possible! Good Luck!!!

Basically I would suggest finding a college that makes you feel safe and doesn't cause you too much stress. It is also important for that school to have a balance of all the things you would your dream college to have. Many students go into college without knowning what they want to do and that's okay. Many students change their majors multiple times. So it is okay not to know what you want to do. If money is a problem then go complete your general education requirements at a community college and once you get an associates transfer to another school that better suits the major you think you want to go for. :)

take a tour of the campus

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to do research. Researching potential colleges is really important when trying to find the right college. There are plenty of internet sources one can use to help filter out which colleges he or she can attend. As far as making the most of the college experience, my advice would be to definitely get involved with different organizations on campus. It is a great tool for meeting new people and establishing potential life-long friendships. Also, by being involved, one can do some serious networking that could be helpful in one's future endeavors.

In order to find the right college, the students and parents

Go with your gut!

I would say that experience is everything and to apply for as many colleges as you can and to visit them all before making a decision because transferring later only makes you fall behind. Also after you find your college get involved in school, you only live once and might as well experience it instead of looking back at it later in life.

Follow your heart and go with the school thats fits you best. You should only go to the school that you feel is best for you, no matter what your parents, friends, or other people think. There is a college for everyone and you must simply find the best one for you.

be active

Advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college would be to go with your gut. Visit all the campuses your are thinking bout applying to. Make sure its the right place for you. If you grew up in suburbs then a open campus in the city may not be for you. Go with what you know and are comfortable with. Parents do not push your child into an institution that they are not comfortable with. You will end up losing your money in the long run because an unhappy student will not get the grades they need to graduate.

get involved as much as you can! College is what you make it.

I would have to say make sure that will enjoy and benfit from your college choice. I would have to say make sure that you can afford that college so, that you will not be into debit after college !

Go with what you feel comfortable with

First of all they should look at a school for its acedemic standards. These are very important as in when a student graduates from that university they should be well acredited and be able to find a job with ease. Chosing a college based on friends is the wrong choice. College is about meeting new people and expanding on your horizon. A student must grow individually to grow intellectually. Another great reason to pick a college would be their reputation for your major. They should have a strong program in which you would like to endure. Location is another big determining factor. If out of state tuition is too expensive or might be a waste of time if you don't like the area, then it should be considered less. Overall take in to account all the needs of the student and then list the colleges in order of most relevant to least. It ill help narrow things down.

I would tell them to visit the University and make sure the student feels comfortable. Visit the college that they student would be involved in and also visit during the week when the school has students going to class. I would also tell them to sit in on a class for their major.

First, consider you goals both academically and professionally as this is the basis for choosing the right college. However, keep in mind that college education is only one step towards achieving those goals. In this regard you may want to pick something that you will feel comfortable with in terms of price, location, and academic challenge. It is essential to do the research and definitelly visit the college(s), sit in a class, talk to people who are enrolled. There is no substutite for first hand experience and direct impressions. Then do the cost versus benefit analysis - sometimes it is smarter to enroll in a bit chceaper university and less demanding university but get out debt free with high GPA; likewise if you get motivated by challenge enroll in a competitive one for some people paying a lot of money for school keeps them more responsible. Your choice is very important and will affect directly the next four years of your life and indirectly the rest. Nevertheless, more important is to get the best out of your college life by acquiring new knowledge/skills, getting better orientation towards future academic and professional development, networking, interning. Just stay foccused and motivated!

The piece of advise would be to visit when school is in session so that you can get an adequate feel of how the campus really is. I also personally believe that the decision about finding the right school should be left up to the student. A parent could fall in love with a school but that does not mean that it is the right fit for their child. Students need to realize that you are in college to become more knowledgable which will most likely be reflected through their grades but also college is about having fun. Getting good grades is the most important factor but if a person does not have any fun in the process they really have not made the most of their college experience.

The best way to make the most of your college experience is to attend school in an area you feel is right for you. Remember that you want to feel comfortable around the people you are learning with.

Keep an open mind and listen to your elders. Don't study too hard because the stress of being away and in a new enviorment will c ause you enough stress. Talk to your peers before a class and after to get to know them. Join a club or sport and get to know people. Pay attention in class you pay for college so us your time wisely.

Parents, support your child through college. It is nothing harder than having a parent who will not help you (when capable) with one of the most important things in your life, your education. Students, your college experience is what you make it. If you want it to be the best time of your life, you can make it that way!