Clemson University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Katharine

The most important piece of advice I can give a student or parent is to visit the college! You cannot just apply and just decide to go there. You have to get a feel for it and determine if it "fits" you. This is what happened for me. I didn't know where I wanted to go to college for sure, but when I visited Clemson, I fell in love with it!

Meghann

Look around and go with your gut. It's about finding a family.

Melissa

Finding the right college is important but the character of the student will determine their chance of success. I would advise parents and students to look for a college that will not be a financial burden, one that has strong academics, and one that offers a multitude of activities for the student to become involved in. Students need to take college seriously and pour themselves into their area of study to thoroughly learn the material and make the best of learning opportunities with experienced professors. However, this emphasis on academia must not lead to tunnel vision. A balanced approach to undergraduate education will prepare a young professional to be balanced in their approach to work and life post-college. Make the best of every moment that you have - study hard and play hard. Meet new people and stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone, help the community and the students around you prosper. Live each day as though it is your last and live with integrity.

Michelle

I would ask them to find a school where they feel most at home. They are about to spend the next few years experiencing many new and exciting things. They need to find a place where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and becoming an independent young adult. As long as they are able to have a reasonable balance between their academics and social life, they will be able to have the time of their life. If there are opportunities for a person to be a part of some intramural team or some kind of organization, take it. College really is the time of your life and you want to be able to embrace every part of it. You want to be able to look back and realize that this was the most perfect school for you and wouldn't change a single thing about your unforgettable experience.

Thenel

The common thing I saw among freshman was a lack of reality. The transition from high school to college can be too much to bear for many students. I feel that students should attend summer programs, if available, at the college they plan to attend. This will give them a better feel for was campus life will truly be like. Also, I try to explain to students that college is about balance; the ability to balance school work and leisure sounds simple, but that's the number one mistake students make that is detrimental to their education.

Brad

Let your kids visit the school and go out to party there. Its hard for high school parents to allow their kids to do this, but the most important factor is if you fit in to the social scene. Academics should also play a major role, but students need to be happy to remained driven and ambitious with studying.

Paul

Make sure that you visit multiple campuses. Do not base your decision on what your friends do. You will make new friends at school, college is about you.

Randal

Make sure you have researched all possible options for your school and know what to expect by talking to current students and reading reviews online.

Lindsey

If I had to give advice to parents or students who are looking for the right college I would say... Before you make any decisions about what school you want to go to you should discuss and think about the things in life that are important to you. Having this list when you visit the campus allows you to see whether or not all of those things will be available once you move from home. In addition, I think all students should visit the campus and find a student that is currently attending and talk to them about the pros and cons about the school. Doing so gives you a realistic idea of what your future will look like. After all of those things are done, I would say just trust your instinct. For me, the moment I stepped foot at my school I knew my blood ran orange, and I knew that was my home away from home. If you dont get that feeling keep looking and you will find an aluma mater that you will be proud of for years to come!

Shaketria

First make sure the school is affordable. It can be a hard pill to swallow when a student finds out they have to take out $10,000 a year in loans to attend the school they want. Next, make sure that the school will be a comfortable fit for the student. I think that participating in an orientation session or programs that offer overnight visits are a great start because your student will get to interact with the students at the school they plan to attend and see what their life is like from a first hand perspective. Not to mention there are usually opportunities for the parents and students to meet with teachers and professors who are in the respective major of the student's choice. I think the best way to make the most of the college experience is just by getting involved. Finding something of interest to participate in is a excellent way to meet people who share those same interests, to network for future references, and possibly explore the world. Whether it's playing a sport on an intramural team, joining a specific organization, or volunteering the access to success is at your hands.

Katy

When you arrive at the correct school for you or your child, you all will know. When I came to Clemson for the first time, I took a campus tour in the pouring rain. In spite of the weather, I fell in love. My Mom told me that if I can love a place when it's raining, I will love it even more when it's sunny. From that day on, I knew Clemson was where I was meant to be. To make the most out of the college experience, I think it is important to get involved on campus. By doing so, you are able to meet and learn from many different kinds of people. It is also important to never take a single day for granted because college is supposed to be the best four years of a person's life!

Ashley

Make sure you spend some time at the college, find out what type of people are there, what the rules and regulations are for class and campus living, and look at the dorm living.

Divina

A great deal of research is necessary before you plan to attend any college. You do not want to waste your precious time studying in a college and in a major which you don't like. Get the brochures, make a visit to the college and talk to the students and faculty there, to get a vast idea about the college(or difference of opinion ;) ) Do this at least 6 months before you finish your high school graduation. Thanks! -Divina Varghese

Bryna

Parents, don't crash-visit your child on his/her 21st birthday. If you've done your job before that then the student will be fine without you. Football is fun, but marching band just isn't the same as it was in high school. Don't go to school to close to home. Live on campus as a Freshman.

Brittany

Go where feel rights to you not your family

Lydell

Take as many college tours as possible

Felicia

In this age of very expensive schools and competitive job markets, I am of the impression that you can make the most out of your education wherever you are. ON the one hand, expensive private schools looks good on applications for jobs and can help you to furthers your career, but those schools are easier to get lost in. I would agrue that it may be better to excell and shine in a not as great school, then to be average in a good school. I now attend Duke University for graduate school, and I got here from an average schooopl, by taking advantage of all opportunities available to me outside of the classroom and getting noticed. I am glad that I chose to go to a less prestigious school, because it got me to a better place than I might have otherwise. You can't put a proce tag on a school, you need to go somewhere you can be happy and figure yourself out, while still getting an affordable education with opportunites to succeed after graduation. You can get a good education almost anywhere, depending on how hard you are willing to work. Good Luck!

Heather

I would tell them to find a college where they feel that they will not only get a good education for the field they are interested in, but also choose one at which they think they will be happy. If a student is lonely, or feels too pressured, their well-being begins to impact their studies and their emotional health. A lot of students overlook emotional health as a large factor in acedemic success, and end up in trouble at some point. I would also tell them to be open-minded to different peoples on campus, and make lots of friends, because you never know which of your acquaintances will be useful during a really hard homework set.

Caleb

Finding the right college is all about finding a place you feel you'll fit in. Talk to the students and teachers about what happens at the school during classes and on the weekends. Find out what the students are like. Stay the night in a dorm, a little later in the semester (if it's fall), so you can see what the dorm life is like. Take a tour of the school, and most importantly, while on the tour make sure to relate everything you see (classrooms, dining halls, sports facilities) back to where the potential dorm you'll be living in is located. If you know you'll want to be focusing on your school work, make sure you find a school with an environment that will encourage that. If you want to focus on your social life, then don't worry about finding a school with a strict academic enviornment. If you can't find a student who doesn't love the school, then you're probably in the right place. AKA Clemson University.

Margaret

I would say that parent helping their children is a must. The whole process is can be very overwhelming when attempted by oneself. Since there are so many colleges to choose from, I suggest the student take some time and serously reflect on his/her personality, likes/dislikes, and vision for the future. Afterwards, he/she should make a list of 5 or 6 characteristics that he/she desires in a school and would not happy without. This part should be done independently from the parents so that the student does not confound their desires with that of their parents. The students and parents do need to sit down together though when it comes to identifying financial capacity of the family. The final decision should not be made until a campus visit has been done. This is extremely important because all colleges try to sell themselves on paper/internet ads - you need be in the presence of the campus facilities and administration in order to make the most informed decision. Lastly, be positive! Realize that attitude is more than half the battle. Make a decision and go with it :)

Tamra

I would strongly encourage students to take the initiative to spend time on campus before deciding what college to attend. For me, I knew Clemson was the place for me when I came and spent a night or two with friends who showed me all that there was to get involved in. I would also encourage parents to force their children to think outside of the box. I had no desire to attend Clemson, but my parents made me visit anyways. I am so glad that they pushed me to be open in my thinking about what university to attend. Finally, I would encourage both parents and students to pray extensively about what school to attend. Clemson University was not the school I would have chosen for myself, but it has been comforting and enjoyable to know that I am where God wants me to be. He has given me opportunities to get involved in so many ways here, and I thoroughly enjoy the things that I participate in outside of my academic pursuits.

Bess

make sure the location and the organizations are worthwhile and convienant.

Nicole

Attend a school that has opportunities for your major.

Jennifer

The "right" college for new students should be one that reflects the personality and priorities of the student. Students who are very academically driven or planning on entering competitive fields, should apply to larger, more competive schools which typically have a more difficult curriculum, better opportunities and more exposure to differing viewpoints and opinions. On the other hand, students who are more relationship orientated, more shy or who want the close-knit community feeling should attend smaller schools where the atmosphere is more personal and welcoming. Attending a smaller college does not necessarily constitute a lesser education. Whether a student attends a small or large school, the best way to make the most of a college experience is to get connected. It does not truly matter what you get connected in whether it's an anime group, a religious group or a sports team; the important part is creating that connection. College kids are social creatures; we thrive in groups. Surrounding oneself with a solid group of friends helps ease the transition from high school to college and can also provide academic support. New students should try new things, friends can come from many places, not just classes or church.

Leslie

I would tell parents and students to really talk to those affiliated with the major they intend to pursue. I have found that different majors tend to function differently as far as class size and professor accessibility. It is important to realize that just because you are attending a large school does not necessarily mean you will be in large classes. It is important to find a school that provides faculty to tend to the specific needs of your field of study. It is also important to find out what kind of support system your school provides as far as mentoring and tutoring, as this can have a significant impact on your success.

Samantha

Visit any and every school you have in mind and stay over weekends. Try your best to get a feel of how your life would be on the campus. Make sure to do lots of research on the department of your major, even try to set up meetings with some of the professors and department heads. The more you know about the school the better!! Always remember that YOU are the individual that will be attending this school for four years; don't go to a college for anyone else. So many of my peers I meet here on campus give the lone reason that they came to this school becuase their grandfather, father, or mother graduated from here. Your college of atttendence should be of YOUR CHOICE only at the end of the day. Once you get in college just remember to always put yourself out there to meet new people. Networking with peers, professors, department heads.......anyone, is very important in college. Never know; one day you might need a recommendation from that boring chem professor or maybe that quiet kid in your business writing class may be the hiring manager for that job you want after graduation.

Erin

The advice I would give parents and students about finding the right college is to visit as many as you can. You will find colleges that you like and colleges that you don't, but both experiences will help you narrow down what you want in a college and where you will fit best. As for making the most of college, make sure you experience everything. Go to at least one sporting event in each sport, even if you don't like it. The atmosphere will blow you away! Get involved with clubs that you find interesting because you will find people who are interested in the same things you are interested in. Make an effort to walk around your campus as often as you can so you won't forget any of it after you graduate. And most importantly, make sure you study so you can stay in the place that you will come to love and remember as the best time of your life.

Erica

If you are looking for an experience where students know how to have fun and sometimes do school this is the place to go.

Jacobus

The only advice i have for parents is to support your kids. Just point them in the direction and let them make their own decisions in life. We are'nt in high school anymore, let us have some freedom. I have plenty of advice for students. Stay in a dorm freshman year. Although it may not be the nicest place to live, you will make life long friendships and become more involved with the school. Also, do your homework first, then go out and have fun. You will have more free time than you know what do do with as long as you prioritize. Dont skip classes, college is not difficult as long as you keep up with assignments and dont lose focus. Most universities have more clubs than the US open, join a few.

Shakeeta

First of all, do your research!! This is the easiest way to go about making a decision that will be a huge impact on you. Also, I would do a tour of the campus and ask some of the students you see any questions you may have. Feel free to ask them about anything from on-campus housing to the party scene-they're all things that will affect you. I would not ask the tour guide because oftentimes they do not give truthful answers, just the "right" ones. Also, if at all possible, try to talk to someone in the department that you are interested in to get an insider's opinion. Overall, the biggest advice that I can give is to thoroughly ressearch your choices. It is the only way that you will be informed and able to make a smart decision about where you are going to spend the next 4 (or more) years.

Ryan

Dont limit yourself. Spread your wings and take a chance. It will work out in the long run.

ashley

I knew Clemson was the place for me, not only because I'm a legacy to the university, but because I felt a connection when I came to visit. Being from out of state, I didn't know any people going to the school, but I still knew it was the right place. The defining moment not only came in tailgating at the football games since I was three years old, but when I came to visit without my family. I had taken the official tour, I had been to the games, and I had heard all the wonderful memories my family members had made here, but I hadn't yet seen the real Clemson for myself. I stayed the night with a family friend when as a sophomore in high school, and I cannot stress enough the importance of that weekend in my college search. Staying overnight in the dorm and being around town, getting the night-time atmosphere, even without the excitement of the football games, and also attending a class of interest was the best thing I did. Clemson had always been a football team that I loved; but after that weekend, it became a true goal.

John

Look for some where that you feel your identity can flourish. Don't worry about making friends; that will come where ever you attend. Find some place that speaks to who your are, and the rest will fall into place.

Brandon

make sure to look hard for the college that has everything you need because it can be challenging to transfer from one school to another, as i did.

Colleen

The college experience will be one of the best experiences of your life if you find a college that fits your wants and desires. The first steps in choosing a college is to narrow down what you are looking for in a college, both the academic and social aspects. The next step is to do some research on the colleges that match your criteria. The internet is a great source of information and there are multiple web searches that can help narrow down and extract some of the colleges that may be suitable. There also exist a lot of inexpensive books that provide information on a good number of colleges from small liberal arts colleges to large universities. Third, you have to visit the colleges to truly get a feel of the atmosphere. Ask some of the students who attend the school about their feelings and how they enjoy the campus. The best information is the inside information from the students who attend the university. Finally, the best piece of advice I can offer is to choose Clemson University. Clemson is rated for some of the happiest students, and has given me the best experience of my life.

Krystal

Some advice that I would give to parents is to listen to what your child wants. So many times, it seems as though parents are vicarously re-living or even trying to experience college through their kids and I just don't that is fair. It is your child how has to sit in class, live in the dorms, and experience that university. I know for me, I originially did want to come to Clemson but then changed my mind and wanted to go somewhere else. However, I felt as though my parents were pushing me to come here so I did. I don't regret coming here, but I would feel better about being her if I had decided that this would be the best place for me, and not them. Also, for the students, I would say think with the end in mind. Where do you want to be and what kind of person do you want to become when it comes times for you to walk across that stage? The most important component of answering that questions is definitely how college and the overall college experience will help you lead to that goal.

Abbigail

While kids are interested in the social life aspect that college offers, it is really important that they pick the school that will best promote the type of education that will be critcal to their career. Parents, it's time to step back and let your student make the ultimate decision. However, know that your student really takes your advice into consideration.

Madeline

FOR PARENTS: Do not do all the research for your kids, and don't try to influence them based on where you think they would like to be. This is the time when they need to be taking control of their lives. Do not call academic advisors, do not request more information from programs, and once they are in college, do not contact their professors. Advisors and professors want the students to be taking control of their future, and they don't necessarily care how much the parent cares. They want to know the student cares. If your kids do not branch out and experience life for themselves in college, when will the best time for that be? FOR STUDENTS: College provides the best environment to utilize resources, meet people, and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. Take college as an opportunity to experience life in a semi-sheltered environment. There will be no other time in your life when you are surrounded by so many of your peers who are all interested in learning and growing. Study hard because it will definitely pay off, but never forget to have fun!

Amanda

Most important is academics. Don't settle for any school that doesn't have the exact major you want. Check out the class sizes and professors, and get opinions of students, and not just what the brochures tell you. Ask if the professors are native speakers your language. Look at housing, on and off campus, and see if it is within a reasonable distance from campus. You want to make sure you won't be miserable, with long commutes, and large class sizes with no personal attention from the professors. When you're on campus, find activities and get involved. Meet your professors and make sure they know you by name. Don't let any opportunity pass you by. Study hard and have fun!

Mary-Frances

I think that it is important to take your time when deciding where to go to college. Deciding where to go to school is a big decision and I think it is important not to choose a school because a lot of your friends are going it should be for your own personal reasons. To make the most of the college experience, I think it is very important to get involved in activities that you enjoy and ones that maybe you do not know much about but have been interested in. If I could do college over agian I would have gotten much more involved. Getting involved has so many great perks. For example at my shcool the white water club lets you take out there kayaks anytime you want; the sailclub lets you check out sailboats anytime if you are a member; and the backpacking club goes on great trips. It is important to maintain a balance of social, and academics while in school. It is very hard to do but if you manage to do this. I think you will have a many great experiences.

Cierra

Choose the school where you feel most at home and welcomed but that also has a wide variety of areas of study in which you are interested. The social environment in college is important to give you a means of relaxation and a break from studying, but the academic variety is also important since most college students change their minds during college about what they want to study and do with their lives after college. While in college, get involved in as many things that you find interesting as possible, but learn and maintain a balance between academic and non-academic endeavors. Academics are not all that matter, but they are significant in post-college pursuits. College is a time when you really discover and establish who you are as an individual, so don't hold back but push yourself to get involved in things that you are passionate about, try new things, and have the time of your life!

Jennifer

The best advice that I can give anyone that is planning to attend / sending their child to college is to make sure that you are picking the college that you feel most comfortable. Go and visit many different colleges so that you will experience a little bit of life on a college campus. I was a little concerned with the overall college process, but once I visited Clemson University, I could tell that it was going to be my next home. If you feel comfortable in an environment, you will be more comfortable with the people, places and activites that that environment has to offer. You will be confident on the first day and more willing to branch out of certain comfort zomes and meet interesting people. I am glad that I visited Clemson and confirmed that I was making the first and best decision of my college career.

Jonathan

Focus on your career path and what you want to do. Choose a school that has a good reputation for your area of study. It is always important to take financial aspects of choosing your school as well. Try and find as many scholarships/financial aid/grants/loans if needed.

Lena

i feel like it's cliche to say that college is the best years of your life. But, as cliche as it may seem, it has definitely proven to be true for me so far. My time at Clemson University was incredible and unforgettable and there is not a day that goes by when I do not miss it. When choosing a college, it's important to consider multiple factors. Academics are obviously important, but so are the extra curriculars and community offered by the school, because those are elements that ultimately shape your personal growth process while in college. It's important for a school to have a sense of pride and a lively spirit. It's important that the school provide challenges to its students, academically and in other arenas as well. I believe that making the most of the college experience comes when you place focus on your academics and work with diligence and integrity, while at the same time maintaining a diverse and enriching social life filled with interesting people and challenging activities.

Gemma

First pick a school that fits you. Then see go vist the college and see how you like it. Meet the teachers and students and the dean and ask some questions. If you like it then you can choose what you would like to take at the college. If you don't know what you would like to take, go ahead and take all your basic classes like math, english, computer, ect. During that time you can think about what you would like to take.

Justin

Visit the school and interact with students and faculty. You'll be surprised at the little things you notice such as academic advisors always remembering your name. A school really needs to fit your personality. People adjust to things in different ways. Some like small colleges while others may prefer big. There is no way to truly determine the value of an education based solely on its academic prestige unless you take into consideration your college experience as a whole. Your college years will be some of the best times of your life and you will make friendships that will last forever. Take advantage of all the opportunities that you can because soon you will be in the workforce and won't have them chances. Travel and see as much of the world as possible. I will never forget my college experience and I owe it all to Clemson University. Everything from academics, athletics, to social life was a perfect fit for me so make sure you choose the right school for you. These years were honestly the best days of my life!

Katrina

The best advice I can give parents and students about finding the right college for them, is to really sit down and put together a list of what makes the student happy. This list should include everything from the importance of sports to art, as well as what they simply enjoy doing in their free time. After creating a list that includes what the students likes/dislikes are, another list of the students interests in careers and/or majors should be considered. I personally don't suggest choosing a school that does not have numerous options available as far as majors go. This is because many people I know, myself included, changed their major at least once between the time they entered school and graduated. I truly believe that until a student is on their own they don't really discover everything about themselves as a person. An enormous amount of growing and learning takes place throughout college, and it's important to remember this while picking a school. A student needs a school that not only caters to their career goals, but their personality and interests as well. After all, a happy student will be the most successful student.

Kimberly

Visit colleges, talk to current students, and make sure to stay overnight at the University with students before commiting to a University.

Esther

To students, I would say to find a major that will allow you to study things you actually enjoy. Contrary to popular belief, there are jobs available for everyone, regardless of what their majors were. Don't let job availability keep you from majoring in a field you love. Also, get involved with some kind of extracurricular activity, whether it's a religious organization, a Greek organization, or something to do with your academic field. But it's important to learn self-discipline early, and make sure your priorities are in order. It's important to have a good balance of work and play, but don't forget that your reason for attending college is to get a good education. Don't let your parents feel like you're wasting their money!

Brittany

Clemson is a great school.