Presbyterian College Top Questions

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

Rachelle

Focus on your major interest more than the extra curriculur activities and fill out more scholarship applications.

Cheyenne

I did not study much in High School and I made all a's. College is a completely different story. My first semester I studied hours each night for tests and still would not make the grades I was hoping for. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to start studying then and learn the techniques that work best for me. That way, when I got to college, I wouldn't have to experiment with different study techniques, I would just know the best one for me. Also, I would tell myself to start practicing time management. College is very different from High School in that you may have 2 papers due for 2 different classes on the same day you have 3 tests. It's difficult to manage your time efficiently especially when you have so many different things going on at one time.

Malae

If I could go back in time as a high school senior. Knowing of what I know now about college life. These are the most important things I would prepare for it. First, be absolute in the direction I want to follow. What and where I want to be in the future. Because I am going to invest a great deal of time, money, efforts and sleepless night to achieve it.

Lindsay

Advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be to push myself and to go beyond what I could ever imagine me doing. I would advize myself to take more AP classes and also to take dual credit courses to earn as many college credits as possible. I would have continued working after sports, but focused on school more and try to learn how to study while in high school. I would say to start applying to colleges early and to start touring as soon as I had a college choice in mind. Saving money is key and applying for college scholarship is very important. I would encourage myself to apply for any and all scholarships that apply to me. It is a very important aspect and very beneficial in the end with the cost of tuition.

Daniel

My college experience has provided me with the ability to critically think through unforseen circumstances. This, in my opinion, will be an invaluable skill throughout life. It will not only create a successful path in graduate school, but in the basics of life from finances to love. It is how we handle these unforseen circumstances that is of importance in life.

Margaret

From my college experience, I've gotten confidence and motivation. The community here at school has taught me how to be who I am and how to love that person no matter what. I finally have a plan for my life and am excited to see it unfold. The dedication and patience shown to me at this school have changed who I am and who I want to be, and therefore, have changed my life. I now know how I can lead my life to be a better person and to help others, and that is the best thing I could have asked for in college.

Daryl

If I could go back and five myself advice on gettin into college i would advise myslef to apply for more scholarships. Also start my essays a whol lot earlier in the year like by the time second quarter stated I would have had them done. Application for college earlier is essential.

Laura

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to cherish everything. I took high school for granted because I was ready for a change and could not wait to get to college. If I would have known how difficult the change from high school work to college work, I would have prepared myself better by taking harder classes. I would also advise myself to spend as much time with my friends as I could because now that we have all moved on in our separate directions, I never get to see them. Even when we are all home together, it is not the same because we have changed. Overall I would have just told myself to be better prepared for what was coming in my future, so that it would not have been such a shock once getting to Presbyterian College.

Yolanda

Do it right the first time. Find what you want to do and do it with all the love you have.

McKenzie

If I was a senior, I would have visted ALL seven of the colleges I was accepted to, not just some of them because you don't know if you like it unless go there yourself. Sometimes I wonder if I would have liked the schools I never visited. I would advise to change your voicemail if it's silly or a prank because professors WILL call you. I would tell myself to make earlier deadlines for myself when trying to get work done, especially papers and essays. Be open-minded and patient when you first start living with your new roommate. Don't put anything on Facebook.com that you wouldn't want your parents to see. STAY ACTIVE. Cafeteria food WILL catch up to you if you don't do anything! Don't stay up late for no reason. Sleep is VERY IMPORTANT in college - Many students get sick and miss classes because they're so worn down from school work and no rest. If you go to a small school, don't do anything you don't want the entire campus knowing about! Small campuses TALK. Engage in class discussions.

Emily

Make sure you visit a lot of colleges. Do NOT look at schools with or make decisions based on your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend; the college search needs to be completely about you. Pick the school that makes you feel most at home. Talk to students, sit in on classes, go spend a few weekends at various schools (if you're shy, push yourself!). Don't judge a school based on one tour- do your research and try to see various aspects of the school's community and campus life. Most importantly, keep an open mind. You may switch your major ten times (I thought all my life that I'd be a lawyer until I got to school- it's not even a prospect any more). You may think Greek life would be amazing and end up hating it, or vice versa. Go to the college that fits you best (and you alone) and make the most you possibly can out of it- I promise you'll love it.

Katie

Presbyterian College is an amazing place. Not only does it offer an excellent education, it provides a lifelong support group of alumni and classmates. There are numerous activities students can choose to participate in for entertainment, educational, and competitive purposes. There are never many worries about finding a job or pursuing higher education, because the alumni are all helpful and want the Presbyterian College students to succeed as they did. Although it is in the small town of Clinton, South Carolina, there are numerous options for traveling both near and far. I, personally, am going on a Maymester to Ireland with the History and English department this summer as well as living in Los Angeles, California for an internship in fashion. The school helped me find the internship and gave me the opportunity to go on the maymester. Presbyterian College is an excellent choice for a student who is not sure what they want to do after college because the Liberal Arts atmosphere helps students learn what they enjoy.

Ellen

You need to make sure that you visit all of the colleges that you are interested in and make sure to sit in on some classes, talk to the professors and students and maybe even spending the night. Once you are in college make sure not to work too hard! You need to get everything that you have to done, but dont get so preoccupied that you dont have a social life.

Heather

I would advise students to look at many schools even if the school is not one of the student's top choices. Doing lots of research on the schools is very important and the most important sources of information about a college are the current students. To make the most of your college experience, move in with an open-mind. Be willing to listen and absorb different oppinions and cultures so that these may shape your experience and perspective. Never forget that college is where you discover new things about the world and ultimatly yourself. Try new things, even if it isn't the most appitizing thing. Don't compromise your beliefs and values for the sake of someone else. Make your years in college the best that they can be.

Stefani

I would advise parents and students to take their time about finding the right college. Take trips to visit, talk to as many people as you can, and weigh your pros and cons. You'll feel that "fit" when you're at the right place, and once you feel that, you'll never want to look back. Once you're there, get involved, serve your community, and make a difference. You've got four years at this place and you've got four years to leave a mark. Study hard, do your best, but never forget to have fun. Not only make your parents proud, but be proud of yourself. When at college, thousands of opportunities come your way...so don't ever forget to make the most of what you have, and most importantly, become the person you've always wanted to be.

Marianne

For a rising college student to make the best of his/her college experience, I would advise him/her to look into several different colleges or universities that he/she is interested in and apply. Afterwards, he/she should visit the colleges that have accepted him/her with his/her parents. They should look into courses that the school offers and see if the curriculum is what the student may see himself/herself doing in school, as well as applying that potential degree after graduation. Affordability is also important especially if the student is mostly paying by himself/herself. The parents should look into possible scholarships and grants available and offered by the state and the school itself. If the student wants to be highly involved on campus, he/she needs to look into a school that offers an array of extracurricular activities and programs such as sports and clubs. But the most important factor for a student to make the most of the college experience, is not necessarily finding the "perfect" college, it is having the positive attitude of wanting to make the most out of his/her college experience.

Daniel

That they should find a place where they can prepare for a career and be challenged and motivated. Also feeling at home is important too. The decision on which college to choose is a very tough one, a prospective student needs to pray, research and ask for guidance about his or her decision. also you want a place that has a lot going on and is very spirited that is important for social growth, competiveness in school programs, and school pride.

Andrew

Finding the right school for you is not about finding the school that can do the most for you. In an echo of John F. Kennedy, it is about finding the school were you can best get involved. Sitting on the side lines is an unhappy experience no matter where you find yourself, so if you want to find the right college and make the most of your experience there find the school that best accommodates you being involved socially, academically, spiritually or whatever it is you want to take part in.

Caroline

My advice would be to EXPERIENCE IT: visit, visit, visit and don't narroaw your options until you are sure. All colleges are going to try to win you over with brochures and paraphenalia but these are only words and pictures. I think the best way to decided where you would benefit the most from attending is to visit. You are able to see the campus, dining areas, dorm rooms, classrooms and even interact with faculty and students. Take a tour. Go to class. And ultimately, spend a night on campus without your mom or dad. It is important for your parents to be part of the decision but you are deciding where to go and live without your parents to help you grow to your full potential. Through people you know or admissions, find a student to stay with and fully EXPERIENCE the school. Do this for each school you are interested in and in the end, you will know where you feel most comfortable and where you can thrive. Stop reading and go EXPERIENCE IT. Once you have decided and begin your college experience, do not stop there. Get involved on campus and live your college EXPERIENCE!

Allison

Plan financially so that you can make it through all four years as well as visit all the schools you plan on applying to grasp a feel for the campus.

Erin

It's really important to experience as many aspects of the college as possible before making your decision. Find out if the school will let you sit in on classes, whether it offers overnight stays with students and campus tours, or visit a friend who already attends the school. Ask other students what they like most and what they like least about the school. Visit the surrounding areas to get a feel for the availability of weekend entertainment and other dining options. Find out whether the school has an internship program, travel opportunities, or other ways to experience the real world while you're in school. You'll never get a better chance to intern or study abroad than in college. College is a unique time in your life, where everybody around you is all working toward the same goal, where everybody is interested in learning and growing and experiencing life in similar ways. Make the most of your college experience by balencing work and play. Employers value a positive attitude and likeable personality almost as much as, and in many cases even more than, book smarts. So have fun! And enjoy the naps and long holidays while you can!

Jess

Pick the school that makes you feel at home. I started off playing basketball for Presbyterian College and wasn't happy with our coach, I could have transferred to any of the other schools that recruited me but I simply couldn't see myself wearing any other uniform. I loved PC that much. Now I am a full scholership women's golf team captain and I am so glad that I chose the school that made me feel so at home that I would do anything to stay there.

Jacob

Choose a college based on career preparation and the oppurtunity that the school provides, and not the popularity of the sports teams.

Allison

Visit the college and allow your child to spend a weekend at the colleges of their choice.

Zak

Keep your options open and visit the campus as much as possible to get an idea of the situation your child will be engaging . Do your research on the school and find out about the class sizes, the school's reputation, the professors, the social life, etc.

Edwin

Visit any campuses that you or your child is considering attending, and don't count out a school simply because it seems too far away. Better to drive a little further and find the best fit than to settle. Also, remember that a school is largely what you make out of it. Even if you're not the typical "University of __________" student, most likely there are people on campus with whom you share common interests and can forge great friendships. Better to have a few truly solid relationships than to be able to say you know everyone on campus but lack any intimate connections.