University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

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

JN

There are many things I can say that would help me make the transition from high school to college. One piece of advice that I would give myself would be to evaluate my study habits. It is important for me to understand that studying in college will be different from studying in high school. Professors, at times, will not tell you how to study for their tests and quizzes. You will have to find that technique out for yourself. Another piece of advice that I would give myself would be to re-assess time management. Time management is very crucial to success in college. From taking 5 to 6 classes, you must find time and set aside time to get homework and studying done. If not, then your academic success will suffer. On the other hand, do not study too much either, for this technique will not help you achieve success in the classroom. Do not be afraid to take breaks. After all, you will not get the job done if you overload your brain without rest.

Robert

I would tell myself a couple of things if I could go back and talk to me as a high schooler. First off, I would have reminded myself I'm amazing, and everything turns out okay, so there's no need for me to panic about the advice I'm about to get. I would have told myself to get better study habits, of course, because it's really proving to be something I should have learned before college. Also, I would have told myself to try to get way more scholarships than I did at the time, because it just would have made my entrance to college a lot smoother and less filled with stress over money and such. Another thing I'd have to tell myself, sad as it is, is that I should have quit Team Procrastinator back in high school when it was easier to do. The most important thing I would have told myself, though, would be to keep all my biology class notes, because it all would have come in handy day after day in all my science classes, and would have made the transition flow about 100 times more easily.

kelly

If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I probally would have given myself is to take each class serious. Nothing but the truth is what i would like to know instead of myths. Each professor is different and their requirements as well. I would like to tell myself that all time, dedication and patience is needed for a bright and successful future. It is important keep your grades at a high average because it looks better on your behalf. College is a huge difference from high school because of the environment itself. There are no school securities babysitting all the students on campus making sure they get to class on time or even going to your class at all. College is more like a free for all. You must have the strength and willpower to be on top of all your classes and their assignments and most importantly passing all of the finals. By following these guidelines you should be on your way to the top.

Emily

As much as I hate to admit it (and with current technology, I'm sure you can tell) I am submitting this application two mere hours before the deadline. I am a self-proclaimed, good-intentioned, to-the-death procrastinator. It's an awful habit. I was told by my dad that, "college is about grades, sleep, and a social life. You only have enough time to pick two." Although I have managed to earn a great GPA with my procrastinating ways, I could have enabled myself to enjoy more than just the grades. Where a balanced person may enjoy some sleep and some social life along with success in college, I pull all-nighters as if I get paid to. There's something about putting off unpleasant things until the last minute... It's to the point where I'll clean the whole house before I feel I can study for that Calculus or Chemistry test. So yes, I am aware of this character flaw. But ah! if only I could have stopped this nasty trait from developing in the first place. High school Emily learned procrastination was okay, and the result is a tired, less-social college Emily.

Lateya

Make the bestout of every situation

Rachel

College classes are not easy. The professors don't just give you a good grade because they like you. Make sure you do good in EVERY class because, you will have to retake them to get a better grade. That will make it take longer to get done with your degree. So buckle down in the beginning , not after you realize you've had to retake courses and have your financial aid taken away.

Taylor

As a high school student, I was enrolled in dual credit courses both my Junior and Senior year. By the time I earned my diploma, I accumulated a total of twenty-one hours of dual-credit course work with a 4.0 GPA. In my opinion, taking those courses were the best decision I could have made. Taking dual-credit courses taught me several key skills that helped me to succeed in college. I was able to learn the most important lesson to succeed in college before I set foot on campus. That lesson was self-discipline. When I was in high school, I didn’t understand how beneficial the courses would be, and at times I would become frustrated and discouraged. It was extremely difficult to watch my friends leave every day for “Senior Early Dismissal” while I sat in our school’s library and worked on my college work. However, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself that all of my hard-work would soon pay off, and I would soon have the advantage over my friends that were able to have the freedom in high school.

William

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to join clubs, and to learn how to study properly so that when college comes you don't freak out because you don't understand your professor and are prepared to study on your own. Joining clubs is something that will really put you out there and will be able to meet all kinds of different people. College is hard but it would be even harder if you didn't have friends by your side to help you and motivate you through the struggles you will face. Because we all face struggles and no one should have to go throught them alone. I would also say that don't be afraid to challenge yourself with courses you take. Because even though they may be hard you can really learn some lessons that will help you with the rest of your life. This is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

CeAiera

I would tell myself to focus more on yourself and not the people around you. You can not live for anyone other than yourself now. Don't be afraid to tell people no. They will eventually get over it and it will save you a lot of trouble. Do not buy any books from the bookstore, because they are much too expensive. Amazon is the way to go. Do not eat out every night; Use your meal swipes even if you get snacks. Use rate your professor before signing up for any class. Waking up is the hardest part so get use to it early. Last but not least, BE SELFISH !! Your sanity depends on it.

Jared

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the high school life as much as you can before I get to college. I would advise myself to go out with friends every weekend if possible, hang out after school as much as I can, and soak in the moment. College is great, but it is completely different than high school. The relationships you have with people in high school are a lot closer because you have known these people for so long. In college people are cool, but you all are more than likely going in completely different paths after graduation. I would tell myself to try to get to know as many people as possible who are also going to the same college as me so that the transition will be smoother. I would tell myself to create good study habits while i'm in high school so that I can pick up where I left off once I begin college. Both college and high school are great in their own ways, but get as much as you can out of the high school experience.

Maria

If I could give any advice to myself as a high school senior it would have to be that things happen for a reason and that you will end up where you need to be. When I was applying to schools I wanted to go into the prestigious schools like Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and UNC Chapell Hill and when I chose USC I felt as if I was cheating myself. However, no matter what the school's name is if you take all of it's resources to your advantage you can succeed more than you could ever imagine. In a school where biology is not one of its top majors I have managed to secure an awesome research opportunity, and internship in Ghana for the summer and a trip to Costa Rica to help underpriviledged children just through the school's resources. I would just remind myself to always be kind and fair to others and try not to stress about the small things.

Laquasia

Knowing what I know now about college life If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would make sure that I filled out all the scholarship applications that I could've possibly filled out. I would have also begin working in order to save up because it's EXTREMELY expensinve. Especially for someone like me coming from the home of a single parent. I know that things will get better in the end though so I decided to go to college anway. I would also make sure that I join clubs and organizations so that I would be able to list things of that nature down when filling out applications for scholarships.

Leslie

I would tell myself to be look for more scholarships. I never realized how expensive college can be and with my mom being a single parent it is very hard for her.

Charles

Its not as hard as you would expect, all you have to do is pay attention, and don't be afraid to talk to new people on campus.

Justin

Listen kid, I don’t have much time. The science holding this device together is only good for two hundred words. Life if easy for you right now, isn’t it? You’re laid back, pressure free, and counting down the days until you can get the hell out of this town. College is just around the corner, and you have no idea what’s in store for you. In fact, the senioritis that you and all of your peers have picked up might just be the death of you one day. That’s why I’m here. I’m here to save your life – in a manner of speaking. If you want to survive college, you are going to have to learn to crave knowledge. You need to discover an insatiable hunger to learn. And you must NEVER stop learning, not even while you’re on vacation. Read your books. Read them again. Don’t just regurgitate information. Those flashcards may help you now, but your critical thinking skills plummet into the abyss in the process. Isaac Newton invented differential-integral calculus ON A DARE. I encourage you to do your best. But I dare you to do better.

james

When moving in or out, be prepared to wait in line and expect it to be chaotic.

Marcus

I have expericed some significant challenegs and adversity being an African-American male and I have observed and expericend they negative actions of others. I understand that I would first evaluate the program and college campus atmosphere beforw making an investment into any insitution. By evaluation I would make a trip to the campus and talk to fellow students and something people don't consider is talking to graduates and see how they have beneifited after their graduation from their institution. I would make stronger allinaces withing the communtiy and with professors so that I will be able to seek consultation when I am in need of assitance. I would talk to indivduals that are culturally different and I would bulid more healthier relationships with my colleagues and professors. Once I bulid that string alliance I can seek their help when I come fac to face with a challenege and I would receive a sufficent amount of help from them becasue of the relationship that I've established by removing myself from my comfort zone and bilding courage to experience new ideas. I would make firm alliances with the indivduals I know will impact my life.

Tyler

I would go back and tell myself to stay focused and think about all the decisions that you make. I would remind myself to never give up and to perservere through everything that comes your way because you are strong, smart, and can do anything you set your mind to.

Jordan

If I could travel back in time to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to read Cal Newport’s “How to Win at College” before actually getting to college and to develop time management skills. Newport was a college student who interviewed many different successful students enrolled at a variety of colleges around America to find out what made them successful and what tips they could give to other students. He compiled his research in this amazing book filled with priceless advice on everything from room decorating to study methods. The information in this book would have made my first semester of college and my transition from high school much easier. I was devastatingly overwhelmed after the first two weeks of classes. I had so much to do with no idea where to even begin much less how to actually get everything accomplished. The first semester was difficult, but thanks to “How to Win at College” and a lot of personal trial and error, I survived. I learned how to manage my time, followed the advice and tips in Newport’s book and successfully completed my first semester making the Dean’s List.

Merle

I am currently attending Linn Benton Community College full time. The advice I would give myself is attend class every day and on time, do your homework, use others to study with and you will succeed.

Shelly

As a transfer student, I would definitely tell my high school self to consider different possibilities. I went to a small private high school and thought that I would enjoy a similar atmosphere in college. However, I soon found out that the environment around me was not 'me' at all and decided to transfer. I would encourage myself to consider trying something new. In high school, I would never have considered attending a big state school for various reasons, so I simply shut out the idea without even looking into the option. However, transferring to USC has been one the best decisions that I could have made for myself. This experience helped me learn that there may be many other opportunities that I am missing out on simply because I was too stubborn to try something out of my comfort zone. I would definitely advise my high school self to be more willing to explore different options rather than always doing what I expect myself to do.

Seth

If I could go back to my senior year I would tell myself to work harder on both my grades and finding scholarships to pay for my education. I only worked hard enough to "get by" and if I had applied myself I know I could have done better. I did not realize how expensive college would be and even though I knew my parents would not be able to help out very much, I did not take intiative and work hard to find a job or fill out enough scholarships. I did not know how expensive the books would be, or how much I would spend on little things such as laundry or parking tickets. Also, I would have told myself not to worry so much about what people thought of me in high school. College is so much bigger and more diverse that I can be myself and find plenty of people who like the things I do without having to be fake or put up a front. My beginning year at college has been the best time in my life, and I sincerely hope I can continue to stay here.

lauren

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to work and study harder in High School. I know I could have done better and graduated with a higher GPA. I wasn't a lazy student but I could have studied more than what I did. I would also tell myself not to follow the crowd. To stick to my guns and stand up for anything I believe in. I was very active in High School. I was president of the largest all girls club at school. I wouldn't have changed anything about that part. I was also in several other clubs and played Jv and varisty soccer.

diamond

I would tell my high school self to look for more scholarships and to not be so afraid of meeting people. There are so many people at USC there is so reason why you shouldn't have tons of friends. Scholarships are the most important thing so stop being lazy go look for them so that way you won't have to worry about how you're going to pay for college.

Rachel

When you are deciding what college to attend, make sure you take note of that school's diversity, student-teacher ratio, the academic quality, housing and so many other things that have high value to you. Also be prepared for ANY type of roommate if you did not chose one in advance. When you first get to school always remember who are and what you stand for, never be influenced or let anyone take away from your character. Also along with that, do not forget where you came from and your friends from home because you will be with your new friends and it may become diffucult to keep in touch with the old ones. When it comes to academics, DO THE HOMEWORK and STUDY!! It will make or break you. Never get too caught up in yor social life that you forget the reason you're initially there for. Make sure you talk to your advisor before adding and taking away any classes. Keep focus, don't be lazy and go to class! Also, make sure you have fun, try new things, and make GREAT memories!

LaShauna

I would tell myself to develop good time management and study skills early, because without them the transition is quite hectic.

Aubrie

Pretend your a sophomore, if the teacher assistants know your a freshyy they see that as a chance to make your life miserable! Be confident and approach them! Don't be scared

Kelsey

It is incredibly important to give it your all. You need to live your life optimistically and go to bed every night with no regrets. You need to put yourself out there, applying for any and all scholarships or awards that you come across. You must not underestimate yourself and you must always believe that the impossible is possible. Moving on from high school to college can be overwhelming but you must remain strong and persevere. Every day will not prove to be the best but you must remember "this too shall pass" whenever you are presented with an obstacle. Tomorrow is another day and you are an incredibly capable and independent woman. You can achieve anything if you set your heart to it and you will be successful if you put forth the effort.

Elise

Don’t worry about being so far from home. You’ll be too busy to miss it as much as you think you will. Don’t worry about your friends. You’ll make new ones in no time and the old ones will keep in touch. You won’t be lonely. Don’t worry about whether or not you chose the right school. You did. You love it. You couldn’t imagine a better place to live and learn. Don’t worry about being in a long distance relationship. You get used to it. About two months into freshman year, you’ll learn that bus tickets are relatively cheap. Don’t worry about schoolwork. Those A.P. courses prepared you for the amount of work you’re going to have to do. Don’t worry about your scholarships either. You can keep your G.P.A. high enough to keep them as long as you don’t procrastinate. Don’t worry about finding a job. There are plenty of opportunities on campus with good pay and flexible schedules. Don’t worry about the food. It’s fantastic. Don’t hesitate to try the cheese grits. Don’t worry about college.

Jade

Six years ago, a seventeen year old senior, with every aspect of her future delicately placed, frolics through the corridors of her high school eager to begin living. As the potential first graduate of a post secondary institution from her immediate family, her future appears infallible. Oblivious to all that remains unforeseeable I whisper, “Enjoy these moments of innocence.” Yet, of course she does not hear. “Hard work will be rewarded,” I ensure. She prays this to be true; working both as a student and employee drains her immensely. She perseveres. As graduation beckons, she joyfully welcomes her first child and she tearfully says her final goodbye to her grandmother (the victim of a senseless murder). “Even the direst situations offer lessons.” This time she hears. So, as I approach my first year of law school, I remain appreciative of every gift my past endeavors have bestowed. Patience, persistence, and purpose all resonate within me as I embark on my journey as a criminal prosecutor. My comprehension of life has immensely enhanced from all of my experiences. Everything happens for a reason, I always knew, but only now do I genuinely recognize the value of that statement.

Daniele

College is a self-journey. There is no true rule book or guide to college life because the time you spend at college, away from home, is about self-discovery. Although you may come to college with preconceived notions, once you arrive you will learn that this experience is uniquely yours. This is an experience that you should cherish because there will never be another time in your life like this one. At this moment you may be feeling nervous or even scared and that is okay, those nerves keep you excited and ready for whatever college life throws your way. If you completely forget everything that everybody has told you just remember that this is YOUR time – be YOU and enjoy every minute of it.

John

The best advice that I could share with myself as a high school senior would be to stive for straight A's the entire year. The last year of high school is very easy to taper off and allow a GPA to slip. I would tell myself to work hard to make good grades and focus on studying, not on girls and football. A strong college education is started at the ground level in elementary and grammar schools. A qualitiy education can be made even better with one simple thing: focus. Focus on classes that you are signed up for. If you have any study halls or education classes that are not mandatory, drop them immediately. The more education that you can gather at high school, it will make the college experience even more fruitful. Take advantage of any college prep classes, especially if they can give college credit. Focus on these classes and make straight A's. Do not settle for anything less and stay focussed!

Jenna

I would tell myself to work and to never give up. Things get though, but in the end things always seem to work out. Hold your friends close, but hold your education closer. You can only achieve things if you work hard at it and nothing is to hard to achieve.

Jordan

If I could go back in time when I was a high school senior before entering college, I would tell myself to make a more logical choice about the school to attend for the first two years of college. I had a full scholarship the Bridgewater College in Virginia and I turned it down to come to the University of South Carolina. Not saying that I do not like South Carolina, I absolutely have loved my freshman experience here and have been very successful by obtaining a 3.4 gpa and being on the dean’s list. If I could go back in time, I would have chosen Bridgewater because it would have been more economically smart decision on my part. College is extremely expensive and the first two years of school focus more on the basics rather than the specifics needed for your intended major. Making a more rational decision as far as paying for college would be the number one item on my list to tell myself about making the transition to college.

Chrsitofer

Be sure to get involved. The absolute worst mistake you can make coming to college is to recoil from the opportunities you've been offered. Get out there and take up a sport, learn to play rugby, get in on some pick-up soccer, even ultimate frisbee is doing something. You're coming from a comfortable invironment where you've had friends for years into an unfamiliar one full of strangers; if you're going to be successful you have to make an effort, get involved, and meet people. That said, you're going to absolutely fall in love with community service. Get involved with the Methodist Student Network as soon as you get to Columbia. Their service programs will have you helping hurricane victims on the coast, serving hot meals to the homeless in Columbia, and working on a riverboat clinic in the Amazon Jungle. Your passion is going to be helping other people, so jump into it right away. The worst mistake you could make is retreating in on yourself when so much opportunity is being offered.

Jana

I would assure myself that time flies by and that focusing on schoolwork is very important in succeeding in your courses. Every decision that you make reflects you personally and results in a consequence, whether positive or negative. I would make sure that my study skills were perfected and I understood my learning technique better in order to be successful and reach my potential in school work efficiently. College is much more stressful then I imagined it to be and it is much more time consuming. I would also be sure that I could provide for myself and make my own decisions effectively because there is minimal help in college once you are on your own. The teachers in college are a lot less caring and their focus is less directed on your success personally, since the classes include a lot more students. Overall, I would tell myself to enjoy my time before coming to college a little more because the courses you take in college are there to help you in your career for the rest of your life and require your undivided attention in order to succeed.

Justin

If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to study hard, and apply for scholarships until my hands fall off. I would also advise myself to keep on top of my studies so that I would have been more prepared to study when I got to college. I would also have made sure that I would have told myself to make sure that I applied for more scholarships that way as a freshman I could have went to school hardly having to pay anything, but instead i am having to take out crazy loans.

Alexa

I would tell myself to take school more seriously. Highschool is a very important part of shaping who you become and holds lots of opportunities, make sure you take advantage of them! I would also tell myself to enjoy it, it goes by too quickly!

Joseph

Thus far out of my college experience, I've gotten anxiety, debt, and doubt. Of course, that isn't to say that i haven't learned as well. My community college isn't particularly connected, so meeting people is difficult, and it's difficult to know where to go and who to talk to. Sure, it's a hassle. But i've learned how to time manage which is a skill i can't say i've ever had before.

Grace

Living at the University of South Carolina has provided me with the opportunity to prove to myself and family that I am a hard working young adult who is capable of striking out on her own. South Carolina has allowed me to explore various fields of study, allowing me to find myself and most importantly find what I am truly passionate about. Without the broad range of opportunities that this school presents I may not have discovered my interest in Marine Biology so quickly. Coming to South Carolina has helped me make important life changing decisions that I know are the right ones to make. This has provided me with the confidence to take on any challenges that life brings with resilience and has instilled a confidence in me that was not previously there. In my mind, this is what makes Caroling so wonderful, it helps you discover yourself and become the person you want to be.

Hadassah

From my college experience so far, I have gained a sense of independence. This is valuable for anyone because all students still do not understand the concept that their parents are not always going to be there as some kind of safety net. I have gained time management skills at which I even marvel. In high school I was an ultimate procrastinator. When I began college, I quickly realized that lifestyle was not going to help me succeed. Balancing going to class, studying, doing homework, eating, keeping up with friends, and still finding time to sleep is a daily struggle that must be conquered. These time management skills are not something that I will toss aside once college ends. I must carry these into the workplace and they will help me stand out from fellow employees by being able to complete projects or assignments in the most time-efficient manner possible.

Kathleen

Attending the University of South Carolina has given me a lot, even after just one semester so far. I have learned to grow as a person, be more open to new things, and just enjoy life. The education I have received thus far is well worth the tuition and I know that getting an education here will change my life forever.

Erin

I have gotten a great academic experience and great connections in the geology world from attending University of South Carolina. I have also gotten a lot of research experience through the goelogy program. I love the environment that I get in the classroom and outside of it. At the University of South Carolina, I can be myself and learn without being judged based on my social life or lack thereof. I love it here because of the opportunities that they present me with all the time that I can choose whether or not to take advantage of including internships, research, and advanced degree programs. I am taking full advantage of the opportunities presented to me. This is the most valuable aspect of attending here, though the weather and the campus is not bad either.

Ramona

I have learned a lot about accounting and the different procedures that are used. I now understand that it is not just about typing numbers onto the computer. I have only been taking core classes to get them out of the way so I have also learned basic math, how to write essays and reports, and basic psychology focusing on thoeries and basic concepts of behavior. I have been at Everest University for about nine months and I know I have a lot more to learn about the business degree.

Imani

Since attending the University of South Carolina, I have obtained a broader mindset about what I would like to do after college. My major is Business and I did not realize the variety of opportunities available until i came to this school and joined the Darla Moore School of Business. I have received great tutoring from teachers as well as students. The professors really care for their students and they want to see them succeed. I never really saw such a diverse group of people until I came to this school. I have obtained great friendships from being involved on campus. This school makes you want to get involved on campus. There are so many different extracurricular activities to do on campus that it does not matter what race, religion, or sex you are there is always something for you to do. I believe attending this school has been and will be very valuable to me because this school is so well-rounded when it comes to academics and the teachers challenge you. In the real world things will not be handed to me without hard work and dedication. The University of South Carolina prepares me for that.

Darris

My college experience showed me most of all how to stand on my own. I had lived with my parents all my life and attending this university in a different city and environment forced me to learn to depend on myself. This was the most valuable experience. I also learned how to network with others in order to get goals accomplished. I faced many challenges as far as deadlines I had to meet. This taught me that I could achieve anything. In high school, I was more reserved and college life made me a more sociable person.

Anllely

I remember how much of a loner I was during the beginning of my first semester. I did not care who I met or did not meet, for that matter. I was only concerned about myself and my future. I mean, isn't that what college is truly about? Success. Fortunately, as I began to progress through the semester I met some students that have completely changed my perspective on what I thought to be the "college life". There were times that I would have a meltdown due to the fact that I felt overwhelmed with so much going on at once and with being away from home, it only made it harder to cope with. That is when my friends stepped in, tissue box and all that came with it - advice, suggestions, a shoulder to cry on, laughter, and above all, strength. Because of them, I have been able to academically and socially succeed. I believe that this has been a significant semester and life-long lesson - we ALL occasionally need help and it is okay to accept it. My career and my new found friends are key components of what I consider to be the true "college life".

jessica

So far out of my experience at college I have gotten to know myself better, I feel better that I can reach my goal and not be so discouraged about it. I can reach my full potential and learn best to my ability. Also I’ve learned many life skills like making a resume, learning how to communicate better with others around me. It’s so vital to attend college to make a better life for yourself and your future family. You gain so much by learning from others in class and your teachers. I myself have gained more knowledge that i will take with me and pass on my family and others. Without college i don't know where i would have ended up. Life was hard but coming here made me realize that i maybe just another person at a school but i am in charge of wither i succeed in m future or if i fail. I plan to succeed and thanks to college i have changed my attitude and my whole life around.

Joshua

I did not do very well in high school and finally went to night school and graduated. I then decided I need to further my education and looked into lots of different colleges - from Maine to Florida. I finally picked Southern Maine Community College in Portland, Maine and love it! My first year in Horticulture, I received a 3.6 GPA and was absolutely excited...so I now am in my second year at SMCC and would reccomend it to all students. Very beautiful campus, friendly staff and lots of new friends!! What more can I ask for? I have learned so much in the last year and may even continue another year of college. I would like to thank SMCC for givng me this chance to change and move into the future with a future. Don't ever give up - Dream! Joshua McNerney

Sarah

I have gotten a sense of self worth from going to college. I was not the best high school student but now I am getting a good GPA and it makes me feel so good about myself. I am pregnant with my first child and know that I am going to be a good role modle for her. I have continued going to school through out my pregnancy and I am still going this term eventhough my due date is right around finals week. It makes me feel good to know I am doing something to better myself and the life of my new family.