Furman University Top Questions

College is not what you think it is, it is what you make of it. Don't think it's going to be easy, because it won't. But that doesn't mean you should obsess about how difficult it is. College is about learning, and taking the opportunity to learn about things that you didn't think you cared about before. Take a deep breath and let it all in. You can think that college is full of people who are obsessed with partying and being crazy, but surround yourself with the people who don't think that is what college is about. They're there if you just reach out and find them. Get to know your professors, because they want to get to know you and how much you enjoy their field. Ask relevant questions, and be proactive with your homework. Don't worry so much, it's only four years of your life so just learn as much as you can while you're there.

Don't stress so much. Everything will be ok. It is a hard transition, but one that you can make. You will love college and you will succeed. Don't worry about everything. It will all work out.

In high school, many simply focus on graduation, but what comes after that? It does not really dawn on you until the caps are thrown high into the air. After entering a completely new world full of hard work and greater responsibilities, I would love the opportunity to turn back the clock and put in extra effort toward my future. Throughout my four years of high school, I worked diligently to make good grades. Honors and Advanced Placement classes pushed my mind into what I believed to be its limits. During my senior year, my teachers stressed that college would be more demanding in many different ways. If I could go back, I would have taken their words to heart. I made the grades, graduated at a high rank in my class, and was accepted into many universities. However, I failed to seek the financial assistance I now need. I would love to go back and push myself to prepare for all of my college needs. Education now is more than studying, it is the ability to pay for it. As I work to make up lost time for financial assistance, I look back at what I could have accomplished.

Don't be so worried. The people are friendly and you will be accepted easily. The classes are difficult, yes, but if you study and do the work you will be fine. I promise.

I have learned many things about mysefl and educationally. I had a struggle deciding if I should stay home and do a community college or go to a university. i have learned that this isn't enough challenge for me, staying home. I should have left. I have learned that college is not as tough as the AP classes I took in high school but they take more home effort. It was valuable to go to a community college first because the transition will be a lot easier next year. It was a stepping stone. I have learned a lot about myself adn have grown.

Not only have I met some of my best friends at school, learned to push myself harder and longer in collegiate sports, and engaged myself in academics and teacher interaction, I now have a clearer mindset on who I am as a person, the things that I find to be most important in life. Furman especially has played a critical role in these things with the value that they, as an institution, place on human rights, social justice, environmental sustainability and open mindedness. All of these things have begun to shape me, and I am only a first-semester sophomore! I can't wait to see what will happen by the time I graduate! All I know is this: I may have turned out alright had I not chosen Furman, or college at all, but the things that I've learned, and the ideals that I have adopted have changed my life in incredible and indispensible ways that I would not trade that for the world.

I found a future goal for myself. A reason to carry on when I felt my life was stagnant. I feel like that alone is unspeakably valuable, and would do anything to keep it. That's why I'm trying for this scholarship: because I refuse to let money be an obstacle for me.

I've learned to appreciate and recognize the human need to see beauty in order to find the internal strength to push forward. This beauty can be from the natural world, from human spirit, or curiousity. It's important to pressure oneself and search for one's limits, if only to push them further.

College is curious. It is as though no other stage in life allows for the various paths one can pursue while being singularly located. For me, college is a final tier of transition from dependence to independence. I can already sense the propulsion to ready myself for what lies ahead and hard decisions I already make. With limited ability and foresight, I must make the best decision possible. This of course involves time management, delaying gratification, opportunity costs, letting go and holding on, pursuing and waiting, protecting and adapting, cultivating and destroying. Various ideas and ideologies surround me, yet I must filter through grabbing hold of truth and who I am or be overcome and programmed. If I do not choose to think for myself, a myriad will gladly do it for me and all internal direction shall surely be lost. Take risks and enjoy life, but be willing to suffer, wait , and wait some more. Be open to new ideas, but discerning for some can ruin you. Afterall, ideas wield power just as information gives it. Value lies within its affect and effect. College tends to change you, whether you grow or shrivel, inspire or ruin, strengthen or weaken.

First, I would tell myself that no matter how rigorous my high school schedule was, college is very different. Even if you never studyed in high school and still got excellent grades, all of that changes in college. You should make it a priority to try your best; don't slack even if you think a class will be really easy for you. I would also mention to myself that college is a great time to make changes in your life. You're in a new place with a bunch of new people. Don't be a different person--just be a better version of who you already are. That may mean getting involved on campus, making new friends, changing your lifestyle, or just changing your attitude. Take advantage of the new environment and the unique dynamics of the college experience. Finally, beware of peer pressure, not just with drugs and alcohol, but with simpler things, such as your bedtime. You may want to have that awesome three-hour-long midnight conversation with your roommate once or twice, but your grades will suffer if you do that every single day. In short, know why you're there, but have fun!

Be persistant, patient, and stay focused. Always do your best at everthing being worked on. And keep God in your everyday actions.

If I could go back, I would tell myself everything there is to know about time management. In high school, the work load was made so that you could handle all of the different classes at one time, but here in college each professor gives you a certain amount of work and doesn't care about the work you have from other classes. The key is how to manage your time so that you are able to complete each task in a timely manner. I would make sure that I knew that college is not always about having fun and being independent, but it is about having a balance between the fun stuff and the hard work. I wouldn't change anything about the college or major I picked, but I would open my eyes to the reality of the work load and impress upon myself how important time management is to a college student.

I would tell myself to get ready for one of the most challenging and amazing times of your life. The people you will meet and the experiences you will have from the get-go will change your life dramatically. People who you never thought you would be friends with will become your absolute best friends and the changes you go through together will be amazing. Keep an open mind, a sharp eye, and a good head on your shoulders and you'll do very well. The times ahead will be tough but the reward at the end will be worth it.

When I was a high school senior nearly three years ago, I had been adequately prepared for the level of academic rigor that I would face as a freshman in college. Being an African American, I was also mentally prepared to make the transition into a university that was 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} white. In all honesty, the largest transition that I had to make in this university setting was the onslaught of attacks from some professors concerning my christian faith. I would tell myself as a senior to study more diligently the Bible and to better prepare myself for unrelenting attacks by becoming even more grounded in my faith. In addition I would urge myself to learn in that final year of high school, to truly enjoy community service. Often in high school it gets to be that community service is done for the purpose of looking good to colleges. But I have learned that there is joy in doing the service solely to help others. And finally, I would let myself know that it is perfectly acceptable to not have a concrete understanding of classes or even concerning my major. Not knowing everything leaves ample room for progress.

It's my senior year of high school, I an IB student, making fairly good grades, playing volleyball and basketball and is also the student body president. Academics, athletics and my extra circular activities should have been the main focus, in order for me to compete on the next level. While I did take these things serious to a certain degree I should have put in the time and effort to make myself just a little better in each of these aspects. In academics I took all the possible classes in order for me to be recognized as a full IB student. I also did well in some of these exams. I would suggest to myself to take those IB exams more seriously because they are a major help, to have those hours coming into college. Athletics is another part of my life I wished I would have given my all in, I should have played every game with my heart and not just my head, and I believe that would have gotten me a scholarship. There are a lot of things I wished I could have done differently in high school, but never the less I was somewhat successful.

Explore all options and take advantage of the opportunities as they present themselves.

The most important part of college is not getting good grades, it is the overall experience. Do everything you can to get the most out of your college experience. Take classes that interest you, not just those that are required. Furthermore, choose a major that you are truly intersted in, not just one that will guarantee you a job. This will allow you to really enjoy and engage in the learning experience. But its not all about academics. Get involved in clubs, student groups, and other extracuriculars that interest you. This is a great way to meet people that share your interests and to be involved in campus life. Most importantly, you develop life-long friendships in college. So don't forget to have fun! If you make all A's because you spend all your time studying in the library, you are missing out on half of your college experience. Enjoy the people you meet; cultivate your friendships; Let loose every now and then. Academics are important. Don't party your college experience away, but the occasional party will be an excellent stress reliever. These are the best years of your life. Don't waste them!

Don't try to overachieve in your first semester because you have to get used to how many distractions there are. Also, don't try to double major unless it's absolutely necessary, which it's not. Just go to a school that has a good program in what you like and especially one that you can most of it paid for because noone gives money to students who don't have a "need" or can't fill out the FAFSA. Also, schools will never give you more money after you get in; they could care less. Get used to all of your friends going downhill (even your best friends) and most of them starting to drink. It sucks but it's going to happen.

Be open to new ideas and people who are different when you get to college. Do not be judgemental and underatand that there is alwasy a solution to a problem. The first few weeks on campus, get out and meet as many people as you can...do not put yourself in one group and think this is my group for the next four years. Get involved in clus and sports if you can. Most of all...HAVE FUN...it goes back quickly!

Learn how to stand up to for yourself, don't be a pleaser. Learn how to deal with conflict, pick your friends wisely!

To learn how to study better. I came to college never having to really study before, so my grades really suffered the first year since I had to teach myself good study habits.

Both parents and their students have to realize that this is a totally different experience for the child. Their child will have to mature to meet the college standards and his/her peers. These young adults seek not to waste time on trivial things, but to better themselves so that they can begin a career well suited to them when they graduate. For finding the right college, the student needs to go to the college and spend as much time there as possible to get a feel for the environment, atmosphere, etc. They also need to make sure that the college has the academics and major suitable to their preference. The best thing for a student and their parents to know is that it takes plenty courage and a great mentality to step up and make the best out of one's life, especially by going to college and later finding a career for themselves. This will be a great experience for them that they will never forget nor have anything else like it. It's a once in a lifetime discovery of ones own ability, personality, strength, weakness, and determination to perservere and march into the real world.

Do not judge a book by its cover. Finding the best fit is essential. If a school does not work and you gave an honest try then get out. You must be happy to optimize your performance and college experience. Being able to get along with a place and loving a place are completely different things. Taking an overnight visit or two can help you get a feel for things. Do not just hang out with one host student either. Host students have been screened by the university and are mostly biased in one direction. Meet lots of students on your visit and do not be afraid to ask questions. Stay for the weekend and see what really happens, whether it is in the library, a new church, or a fraternity basement. For a time that should be a highlight of your life, you do not want to regret not knowing something. There are so many colleges and scholarships that you should not have to settle and compromise your college experience. If you do your best every step of the way, you can regret little.

You really, honestly need to take time to think about it. It is in no way an easy decision, and should by no means be decided by one single factor, ie cost, particular athletic, etc. Once you find the right school for you, it seemed really impoirtant to me last year that I got as involved in the school community as possible. Keep your grades up if possible, but dont beat yourself up over a few bad tests, classes, grades etc. It happens, and colleges are an incredible place to learn what methods of studying and learning work, and especially what DOES NOT work. I know that all too well. Maintain good friends, avoid bad friends. It seems like redundant advice, but seriously, Dont waste your money, you will quickly realize money does not grow on trees, especially if you already do not know that. above all stay healthy, it will be worth it. and when things feel too hard dont give up because the benefits will outweigh whatever struggles there are along the way.

I would advise them not to stress out do much. Just because something does not work out the way you want it to does not mean that it can not turn out to be the best experience of your life. I would also tell students to not be afraid to push the boundaries at bit. It is better to regret having done something then to regret having not done something. College is more than just getting an amazing GPA. It's about meeting people that change your life and having experiences that shape you into the kind of person you want to be. One of my personal mottos is to Never refuse an experience, unless it is harmful. Sometimes a trip to Waffle House at 4 am can be the most fun you have had all week. But you would never know this unless you go. However, be careful not to become too fun-oriented. Cramming for an exam the night before is never a good idea. College is all about balance; once you achieve that you can do anything. But always remember that things will not galways go your way; you have to learn to roll wuth the punches.

Well they first need to do as much research as possible on the colleges they find that fit them. There are plenty of websites that state the "party schools" the "best schools," etc. Deciding on college is a hard process but once you get there you'll enjoy every bit as long as you make the most out of it. By that you have to socialize with others, because without a social life college can be very boring and mix up many emotions. Social life is basically the key to college, along with time management, which takes a little time, but once you get it down, you're set in the long run.

If you're not sure what you want to major in, pick a school that has a lot of choices. Visit the college to see if it feels right. When you get there make sure you take advantage of the opportunities there, that is, extracurriculars, jobs, professors open doors, and whatever lies outside of your campus.

I think it is important to let your children make their own decisions and own mistakes. I would not fully take the financial responsibility for these decisions but I know through experience that school is that much harder when stressed about money. And make sure you visit campuses; they feel a lot different in person than they look on paper.

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Work hard but play harder. College goes so fast. It is truly the best time of your life.

Do any overnight at all the schools you are thinking about attending.

Visit the school, stay overnight, sit in on a class. Really get to understand the people. The people build or break the atmosphere that you have formed of the school yourself.

Visit the college first and even spend a night on campus if you can. This is a great way to find out if you fit in on campus. Also, you should try talking to as many current students as you can abotu their experience at the college you're considering. They are a great way to get the 411 on your potential future home!

Visit the school and attend an overnight visit. Go on tours and ask any and all questions, regardless of how "embarassing" they might be...

College is the most defining aspect of your life before your career. It is a place where you will discover yourself and what you are made of in terms of work ethic and drive. A college can mean many different things to many different people. The thing to remember is that when you are looking for the school that you want to attend, you have to consider many aspects. First, you have to consider what kind of education you will get. Always strive to put yourself in a position to recieve the best possible education you can. Second, what opportunities will fall before you at this school. You want to have many options after you graduate. Finally, you have to ask yourself how willing are you going to be to complete the neccessary work in order to get a degree. You can't hold anything back when going through college. You have to put in 100 percent. If you do that, your hard work will eventually turn into success. Just keep in mind everything that you school taught you, both socially and academically, and you will succeed.

You must go to the school and actually visit. Schools can be much different than they seem on paper.

I would advise parents and students to look at and visit as many colleges at possible to help decide which one is right for you. Think about your intended major and make sure the college offers it. Overnight visits and sitting in on classes can be a great way to help you get a feel for what the college is really like. Additionally, make sure to research the college online and meet with students who attended or currently attend the institution. This is so important because you cannot rely solely on the literature the college gives you. Investigate all aspects of college life - housing requirements, meal plans, social life, extracurricular activities, and internship/work opportunities. It is important to get a feel for what college life will actually be like so that you can be sure that you are making the best college decision for you, with your personality and personal preferences in mind.

I would encourage students to seek what interests them. Don't just do what you think will get you a high paying position somewhere. The purpose of higher education, to me, is to advance your skills and abilities in what you truly enjoy. For parents and students alike, I would also encourage them to save money as early as possible. Money shouldn't be the reason one can't go the the school one wishes to attend. Many schools out there try their best to help prospective students in any way possible, but there are those that aren't as willing to help financially. Save up money and do your absolute best in high school so you can choose whatever school you want to go to and not just the school you can afford.

Learning about colleges and universities seems to be the first step in the grueling task of choosing where to matriculate; however, my advice is to first know what you want. What do you want your day-to-day life to look like? What do you value? And be honest! Academics, football, location, Greek life, class sizes are all things to consider. When you learned what you?re looking for, find the schools that match. Once the whirlwind of the summer blows by before your first year, get in the mindset! College is what you make of it. I am sure you?ve heard the words ?get involved? far too much to your liking. But it?s true! Join crew, FCA, theater, an intramural flag football team, go to soccer games and hiking trips with your hall. Meet people. Socialize. Learn about yourself. As the years pass, which they will, far too quickly, figure out what you love to do most and live in the moments. Make your college choice based on who you are now, and then make the best of it by deciding who you want to be!

Finding the perfect school is like finding the perfect pair of shoes after a hard day of shopping. You're exhausted, you've given your all into saving up, looking for, and finally choosing the perfect pair. They have everything you need, they are the right size, have the perfect balance of support and good looks. They have the right price tag. You put them on and you feel empowered...ready to take on the world. Prepared for anything life throws at you. They are the hot new trend, or the comfortable standard. They are a party pump, or a fuzzy bunny slipper. They are traditional mary jane's or the latest 'boots with the fur'. Most of all they are you. The right school feels like this. I know I found the right pair for me. You need to try on a few pairs before you know what fits, but when you find it...you know.

Find a college that suits your personality. Academics are important, but they are not everything. I spent a great deal of time filling out applications to colleges that I wanted to go to simply because they were prestigious. When I didn't get in to them, I thought my life was over. My backup school, Furman, had a beautiful campus and a nice feel and personality to it, but it was not as high up on the rankings as I would have liked. Truth is that if I had gotten into any of my first choices I would not have been nearly as happy as I am now. I love my school, and it is plenty challenging and prestigious. There is no need to go to Harvard or Yale. If you work hard enough, you will excel anywhere. I have probably recieved more learning and growth going to Furman than I ever would have at an Ivy. Don't sweat it! No matter where you end up, you'll love it. It's college!

Stay overnight on a weekend to see if you really like the place you've applied to.

Students: Don't look at schools based on the social life or what your parents don't want you to go to. When you visit, ask yourself if you can picture yourself in the surroundings. Do the people seem nice and welcoming? If you feel comfortable, then you'll fit right in and studying will not be a problem. Also meet with the professors in the field that you plan to major in, this can really help you. Parents: Don't pressure your child in pursuing the dream that you never got a chance to do. Instead of pushing them, just stand beside them and aide them in the process. Help them develop a checklist in what they expect out of a university and help them visit as many colleges as possible. Carry that checklist around, and see if they fit. If that school doesn't meat at least half of the list, cancel out the school right away. Also, make sure the finances are in order. You don't want to worry about how you're going to pay for their education while they are in school.

Look at as many schools as you can and apply for lots of scholarships! (even the competitive ones that you don't think you'll get...hey, you never know)

The job of the admissions staff is to convince you to come to that school, so take everything you see when looking at a college with a grain of salt. Try to stay on an overnight visit if you can to get a better idea of the school and to talk to real students. Really weight the pros and cons of each school to determine where you fit best economically, academically and socially. And don't take yourself too seriously, college is supposed to be the best years of your life.

It is crucial to explore many different options when choosing a college. Look at all types and try to figure out exactly what you want. Don't be afraid do go somewhere totally different than where your family or friends go! Take risks; they will definately pay off. Don't be afraid to dream big and strive for excellence. Go into college with an open mind and heart which is searching to learn new things and experience new people, cultures, and lifestyles. Make the most out of college by involving yourself not only academically, but also socially.

Prospectives should take college tours and take advantage of overnight stays, if the university provides them. Try and experience the campus without your parents, because they won't be there while you attend. When you find the right school, you will feel it. Some say it's like coming home, some say it felt like a tingle in their spine, and I just inherently knew, but there will definitely be a feeling. Your college experience won't be perfect. There will highs and lows, moments of elation and moments of bitter grief, but each moment will help to define who you become. High school teaches how the world works. In college, you learn how you work. You figure out what you need. You figure out who you are. The time-old mantra is to "make the most of your years." That statement is absolutely true. After college, responsibilities will weigh you down. So make mistakes. Go skinny dipping. Climb a mountain or learn to surf or take a midnight roadtrip. Reach out and touch peoples' lives. Build lasting friendships. Discover who you are, what little kernel of truth is essentially you, and hold onto it no matter what.

Most importantly, never, EVER refrain from applying because of cost! When I applied to my college, it had the highest tuition of any school on my list. However, Expensive University offered far more financial aid than the others, and now I pay less to go to "Expensive" University than I would at any of the others. It never hurts to see what they'll offer you! Second, if you don't get into #1 Perfect University, you certainly may spend an afternoon in shock and gloom, but move on quickly. It's simply not where you were meant to go, and you will probably be pleased as punch wherever you end up--most people are. I know I am! And to ensure that you'll be accepted somewhere that you'll love, apply to at least 5 schools. Many offer discounted or free online apps. The more you apply, the better your chances! Finally, use all your resources. I found out about my school through an internet college search engine! Counselors, teachers, school alumni, books, and the Internet can open your eyes to excellent schools, so use them to their fullest. Best of luck in wherever your search takes you!

Higher tuition does NOT equal a better school.

First and foremost, know what you want out of your college experience. Know what size school you want. If you do not know what you want to major in, make sure the college you choose has all the majors you are looking at and has an easy way to switch majors. Once you are in college, get involved on campus. Choose activities that actually interest you; the quality of your activities is more important than the quantity. Try new things! Always remember that your academics should come before extracurricular activities. College is about finding out who you are, what you are good at, and what you want to do with the rest of your life. You are not expected to figure this out all in your freshman year. However, parents should expect many phone calls asking advice and guidance. College is when you realize that your parents are smarter than you ever thought they were. As you learn more about yourself do not be afraid to change majors and make new friends. My best advice is to have fun and study hard.