Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University know before they start?

Joshua

Look at individual teachers in programs that you are interested in. I would make sure that you know that the area is somewhere that you would want to live. If you know what you want to major in then pick a school that has a good program for that major, not just a school that everyone has heard of.

Cameron

College is an opportunity, nothing more, nothing less. When picking a college a potential student must understand this basic fact. No matter what they guarantee you, there is no guarantee in life. When picking a college do not go soley on statistics they throw at you about how many people get jobs vs. those who graduate because by the time you are done it won't be the same. When deciding on a college it is imperitive to visit the college and see that the student can see themselves there for the next 4 plus years. Every college is unique you have to pick a place that will challenge the student, but at the same time feel comfortable enough to make it the student's home. Don't pick college on statistics pick college on what is right for the student.

Ronnique

The best advice would be is to make your decision wisely, and be sure that the school is the one for you.

Christina

The environment where you learn in is a big factor in how you develop intectually and also as a person. College is about personal growth; so a nuturing, creative environment is better for a person than a sterile and bleak one. Find friends that support you, and each other, academically and emotionally outside of sororities and fraternities. Yes, worry about your grades and whether if you'll make it into med school or not, but it's very important to balance school out with your social life in order to maintain your sanity. Make good memories of college, because it takes you at your youthful prime.

Ariel

Every student searching for the right college should first decide the type of experience one would like to have. Weather it be a traditional university, technical college, or community college. Each student should also decide which environment they would be more comfortable in such as urban or rural. Parents should prepare thier student's mindset for college because it is easy for all of the freedom to become a college student's downfall. Parents should push their children towards higher education from an early age so they can look forward to becoming a more well-rounded person as well as a professional later on in life. Even those students who don't think college is for them, should at least try one year at a community college or university to see if college would be a path that could help guide them in the direction they are trying to go in life. Students shouldn't let being undecided about a major stop them from attenting college either but rather figure it out when they get there. I believe college is one of the most learning filled experiences anyone can go through.

Sharmila

Now that I've had two years of college experience under my belt, I can surely say that college is an essential part of an individual's development into adulthood. With that said, I believe and hope that every parent would want their child to grow up with a strong desire to learn, an extraordinary desire to help those that need it and the ability to accept those that are different. I believe a college should be an agent in the adult development of an individual. If you can find a college that indirectly instills those values of acceptance in a person, then you have found the right place. A college where those of different socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations and differences of opinions are understood and not shunned. VCU is that place for me and I couldn't have picked a better choice. This is the best advice I could give anyone heading off to college and this is truly my wish for anyone who attends a university.

Clarissa

schoolis exactlywat you make, no more and no less. VCU is a wonderful school. It is full of a miriad of opportunities, but with out effort on your part it is a wasted opportunity.

Anthony

Go with what feels right and definitely don't settle. For the price, you shouldn't have to settle. And when I say price, I'm not just talking finances. Your future and the person you will become hinge on this decision. This is the beginning of the rest of your life. If you already know what you want to do, this is your means to the end. If you're still searching for that special something in your life, that's fine. This is your springboard into the wonderful world of possibilities. This is an incredible opportunity that doesn't knock every day. Make the most of it.

Cynthia

Find the school that feels right; the program is what you are looking for, the professors are helpful, and the campus just feels like home. Research the professors and talk to current students, especially people enrolled in the program you are looking out. Make sure you have realistic expectations of the workload and the social life on campus- don't allow yourself to be dissapointed with what you didn't bother to find out.

Emily

In regards to finding the right college I think that is very tough. Most people think they find the right school for them, but after one semester they hate it. I think you definitely need to visit colleges first see if you like the campus and the area surrounding it. While you are on these campus tours try to talk to some of the students there to get their unbiased opinion. I think you should find some key aspects about your personality and try to find a school that best fits your needs. For me VCU was a perfect choice because the campus is in a city where it is very easy to get around and find things to do. I also realized that it had a lot of students like me that are culturally diverse, open minded, and liberal. In order to make the most out of your college experience I think you need to let your guard down and be open minded. Encourage yourself to get involved in things you like to do that way you meet people with similar interests! Also always make time for your school work and use school funded tutors to help you!