Old Dominion University Top Questions

Take everything into moderation. I understand that you have had a very sheltered childhood, but remember you are still young. Focus on your long term goals, and remember that even when you graduate there will still be plenty of events, boys, clubs and alcohol. I know you are going to have a full work load, but you can still eat healthy. Don't push yourself too far, balance school and work. If it is too much, remember school is more important. You can do this, always keep your head up.

First I would have told myself to actually tour universities, not just pick one at random and apply. I would have also applied for scholarships much more, now that I am paying for everything with loans. However most important, I would have applied myself to my full potential my first semester. First semester I did not live up to my potential, and was put on academic probation. Realizing my mistake, I then attained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for my next two semesters. Applying myself more would benefit me greatly by giving me a higher cumulative grade point average. Touring schools before applying would have saved me time, time I am now spending as a transfer student waiting to get residency and in-state tuition. Lastly and definitely the most important, I would have told myself that even though situations present might not always be ideal, that I am a strong individual who is quite clearly capable of anything, and anything is possible for me to acheive.

Make the effort. That is the most important advise I could offer my younger self. Do not be afraid to fail, nor be hesitant to take a risk. Everything up until now, as in life during high school, has been easy. Once you graduate, nobody will be spoon feeding or holding your hand. "They" expect you to be able to hold your own, do the work, and put forth your best effort every day. The hand holding stops once you get your diploma. Time moves faster on the other side. No longer are you 'just a kid'. You will be an adult and will be treated as such, as fairly or unjustly as the situation permits. You have the opportunity to make yourself the best you are. Nobody else will do it for you. Do not wait. Do not procrastinate. Somewhere down the road you will look back and see 'now' is farther away than the future ever could be.

If I could go back and give high school senior me advice, I would probably tell myself to not be so nervous about college. I was terrified that I wouldn't like it or I would fail out, but now I see that none of those things were an issue. I would tell my senior self to be more excited and less worried because my time in college was great and there was no need to be so anxious about it. I would also tell myself to go with my first choice school, even if my parents did not approve of me going to New York City at 18. I would tell myself that while ODU was a great school, I would always wonder where I would be if I had stood up to my parents and said I'm going to New York. Now, I can't promise myself that that would be my best advice because obviously I don't know what would have happened, but I think I would tell myself anyway. I feel confident that it would not turn out poorly.

If I could go back to give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to be the best I can be and to strive for success. As a senior in high school, I knew I would attend community college for at least a year. This transition in my academic life was not difficult by any means, however, I did not do well mainly because I did not put forth effort. Viewing my first semester's grades, mostly C's, I really had to study hard for the next year and a half to bring my GPA up to a 3.2. After one semester of college I knew that if I wanted to go somewhere and be someone I would have to start immediately. I needed to become focused on my studies and try my hardest to receive above average grades. Even if the course was a little on the easy side, I put in as much effort as I did for the rest of my classes. I have learned from my mistake and now strive for above average in all that I do and try to be my best in everything.

I would make sure that I apply for scholarships early. Check out the different types of loans that are offered. Work more and try to save more money. Visit the colleges more than once and maybe see if they had a program where you can spend the night. Make sure you check the list of everything you may need as a freshman.

I would advise myself to study hard and make sure I get my books for all of my classes and ask people about different professors before taking them just in case they are hard to get along with or are not helpful at all. Another thing I would tell myself is to make sure I have time to study and make study groups for all of my classes because I will need them to get the grades that I really want and would expect to get. Get more involved with different programs with the school because it looks good on your resume and helps when you are looking for an internship because it gives you an advantage. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible because you will need them especially if you do not want any loans.

There is much advice I would give to myself as a high school senior. First and foremost would be for me to wake up and pay attention in my classes, especially AP Statistics, as it would have saved some money later on had I actually gotten a decent score on the AP exam. Then I would have made myself do more physical activity, whether at home or not, to be able to handle some of the walking I would have to do later on, and possibly prevent the diabetes I would have been diagnosed a few years later. Finally, I would have myself apply as an English major to start, as there were some hassles in the beginning with my intended major.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a college senior, I would tell myself that college comes with many freedoms, but education comes first. Education is the key to success in this world and if you feel yourself struggling, ask for help. There are lots of tutoring programs offered at college, so take advantage of them. Do not follow the crowd but be your own person, someone that others will admire and respect you for. Your college years is when you start to come into your own. There are so many opportunites to take advantage of like, studying aboard, joining organizations, meeting people from all over the world, and networking. I would also tell myself, that it is very important to get involved right away. The sooner you get involved, the more people you meet, who will probably be able guide you and help you through your first year. I would tell myself to become a leader on campus, someone that the facutly and staff admire you for and who the students look up too. However, the most important aspect is to stay grounded. You want to become a well-rounded and respected student!

Be prepared. College is not high school there will be alot expected from you and not just from your family. Also make sure the school is for you just because it offers your major does not mean that school is for you. Visit multiple schools and spend a weekend there because a day visit of the campus does not show you what goes on behind the scenes.