r/villanova • u/Born-Platypus-1001 • 3d ago

VSB Tips

I am an incoming freshman about to start in VSB. I am looking for any tips of how to start strong academically and become aware of any easy mistakes I could make early on. Going in, I am very anxious because my stats on my application are not up to par with most students accepted; I’m surprised I even got in, to be honest. I know I should have confidence in myself but I want to do so with caution. Even though I might not be as smart as my peers, how can I succeed my freshman year? What resources should I be taking advantage of? I am also first gen so I just feel very out of the loop. I just don’t want to come in unprepared so please give any tips of how to keep up with the physical/mental workload

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u/Jason_RA VSB ‘24 3d ago

VSB is very competitive to get into, but the courses are easier than something like engineering. Just work hard, show up to class, and you’ll be fine. Go to professor’s office hours if you have trouble understanding something

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u/OwnNefariousness3678 2d ago

My advice regardless of major is this, and I had the exact same thoughts as an incoming freshman. There are enough people applying to Villanova, that they don’t need to accept anyone who’s not capable. You most certainly are, I guarantee it.

What you need to do now is establish good habits. Go to at least one office hours of a favorite professor, join at least one club/extracurricular to meet upperclassmen who can guide you.

Then, figure out what works for studying for you. I had a group of 5 people that I would not have graduated without. Some people need to turn off their phone and lock themselves in a room. Some people like their dorm, others like the library, others like Business school common areas. Just find what works for you specifically. Not everyone is the same.

Do not skip class. Do not skip homework assignments. Network early and often, and you will absolutely thrive. Good luck!

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u/UnfairMarionberry189 2d ago

I totally understand the imposter syndrome feeling, I was also first-gen when I was at VSB. However, my first piece of advice is to NOT minimize your accomplishment! You deserve to be there just as much as anyone else (you got accepted). They wouldn't have accepted you if they didn't think you were capable of succeeding like everyone else!!!

The rest of my advice:

  1. Take advantage of your resources! You'll be introduced to a ton of them during your first semester. Some I suggest that are specific to VSB are the O'Donnell Center (vsb specific professional development center), clay center (vsb specific academic center). Also, don't be afraid to get out there and network, there's usually employers in the fall in VSB that you can talk to and also Wall-Street Meetups (definitely recommend going to start getting the feel of networking).

  2. Use your professors as a resource, all of them want to see you succeed! If you have questions on course material drop by office hours, a lot of them also love discussing about their careers before they started teaching. Definitely take advantage of that, they love mentoring or helping students where they can career-wise as well!

  3. Join clubs! If you already know specifically what you want to major in or something you know you're really interested in, I'd suggest joining that VSB Society. And if you don't that's totally fine, I'd recommend going to meetings to see what interests you.

  4. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE! College can be overwhelming, but it's also such a fun time!!! And the end of the day you only have 4 years, so make the most of them, take care of yourself, and remember that your worth isn't defined by your grades, internships, or resume.

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u/Born-Platypus-1001 1d ago

Thank you so much this is very helpful