University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

You are not the only one who will be nervous for classes or who doesn't want to go to the dining hall alone. Have confidence (or fake it) and take the initiative when it comes to meeting people. Find out where people are from, what they did in high school, what they hope to do in college. Know that everyone is more or less going through the same thing! You are going to have more free time than you know what to do with. Try to fill your schedule (but don't over do it) whether it be with a job, club or organization, exercise, or maybe even study groups. It will make the transistion a lot easier if you stay busy or have a meeting or intramural game to look forward to. Getting involved will also let you meet a lot of people outside your dorm that share some of your interests. Lastly, be spontaneous, try new things, learn from mistakes, use this time to find out who you are, what you like, and what you want to do for the rest of your life. Enjoy college while it lasts, you will make it through just fine!!

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would tell myself to buckle down more. I would advise myself and my peers that this year is the most important year and that it can either make you or break you. I would say its okay to spend a little extra time stuying for that act or sat because thats something thats going to help you into a brightr future. I would also advise myself to have fun! This is the time of our lives and once youre in college, youre in the real world now. College is going to be the most amazing experience of your life, but its also going to be one of the toughest. Its going to take lots of hard work and dedication, but in the end its all so worth it.

I would tell myself to go in and not be scared to try new things, no matter how scary they may seem. I would also say to get involved as fast as you can on campus in order to meet people and figure out who you are as a person. When scheduling classes try to find friends so you have someone to study with, but do not depend on just them for everything. Make sure you save money during the summers and breaks because if you do not have a meal plan it can be hard to budget when you are trying to eat like you do at your house. Make your room your own and how you want it, or you and your roommate want it. Be flexible and understanding with all the people that you meet, because everyone has different opinions. The last thing I would say about college life is have fun and explore things you might never have a chance to later in life.

I would tell myself that the best thing to do once you get to college is to be sure to attend class no matter what. I would also tell myself that notes are crucial and to be sure to keep up with the reading. One of the best things to do would be to get the partying out of the way within the first two weeks of classes starting; that way you can get a taste of the college experience and then dive into what you're actually there for-school. By reading the books ahead of time, you are going to be more prepared for lecture and you won't have a hard time keeping up with the material that is being discussed in class. Aside from the studying, have a good time in college. Meet the people on your hall and have a good time while keeping the focus on making good grades insight.

The one thing that I would tell myself about college life would be how hard things can be sometimes. Usually you might not want to get up on certain days, but you have to get up and work harder than you did the day before. If you don't do this, then you would not have the future that you see now. Besides getting up for school, you should to listen to some of your college classmates. The reason why is because they can help you become a better artist and a better person through communication every day. The person you might sit next to might do someting better than your own work, but don't let that discourage what you want to achieve in college. And finally, keep your focus on your work. You have plenty of time to have fun when you finish college.

The advice that I would give myself would be to stay with the same major I applied under instead of changing it and to live on campus because it is a great experience to meet so many new people from all over the country.

So you're freaking out about what you think is the biggest decision of your life - COLLEGE. Surprisingly, it's not this one decision that makes the difference, but after you've gotten to your chosen school, it's the many, seemingly less significant decisions, that will make or break your experience. So, as a satisfied University Junior, let me provide some advice from some of the best "little" decisions I made on my way here. ~ Visit your choices! If possible, take a class in the field you're interested in, eat in the cafeteria, and take some time to walk around. If you can't visualize yourself there, you won't want to do life there for 4 years. ~ Don't try to plan your entire life out before your HS graduation. If you're not set on a major (and it's OK if you're not), pick a school that offers several of your interests. ~ Everyone says it, but DO get involved! Living in a dorm, visiting organizations that interest you, and doing something you've never done before are all great ways to acclimate yourself to the campus and maybe even meet friends for life!

If I could go back in time to the year where I was a senior in high school and talk about the preparation needed for college, based on my current knowledge, the number one thing to point out would be that in all aspects, college is absolutely nothing like high school. It is necessary for you to prepare yourself mentally for the great deal of time and attention it's going to take to be successful. There are a plethora of differences from the textbooks down to the work ethic needed to become an outstanding student. As a college student you are given more freedom of choice, as in choosing what times you want to schedule your classes for and choosing to get to there thirty minutes early; But if you are not careful, the wrong choice, such as partying the night before an 8am exam, can set off a downward spiral. Most importantly it is your objective as a responsible adult to make sure that you can handle the outcomes of the choices you make.

Kristen as a College Student (CS): I am so happy you took AP/dual-enrollment classes in high school! The study habits, not to mention the credit hours earned, have helped me make a 4.0 my first semester. Kristen as a High School Student (HSS): Yeah, it?s a good thing mom and dad encouraged me to take those courses. They say it will save them money when I am in college. CS: You're very involved in high school with the school newspaper, student government, and science team. It?s good to explore your interests early on. But you should also be involved with activities outside of high school. Volunteer at a hosipital, for example, this will put you one step ahead of the other pre-med students. HSS: It seems like there will be oodles of free-time in college because I'm not in classes from 8-3:30 like I am in high school. CS: Many freshmen make this mistake. I would recommend a light class load for your first semester. Also limit yourself to only one or two organizations. You don?t want to start off with a low GPA and lose scholarships.

I've found several important factors have contributed to a successful transition from high school to college. The first being to take challenging courses such as the advanced placement program courses as they better prepare you for the course workload at the college level. The second is to learn solid study habits and to be organized. The third is get to know your teachers as they are valuable resources for academics, references and advice. Fourth to get involved in what is happening at your school and enjoy it. Fifth get involved in your community as outside influences really help you prepare for the diversity at the next level.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to allow my emotions to get in the way of my academic success. I never drank in high school, but I definitely started in College. I participated in binge drinking with the new friends I had made, and I made mistakes a few nights because of it. If I had known then that alcohol truly affected judgement I would have still socially drank, but I would hopefully behave more responsibily like I do now. College is about discovering who you are as well as getting an education, but when I was confused about why my personality and actions had changed so much my grades and focus dropped dramatically. I never went to tell to a guidance counseler, but at times I believe it would have helped. I got over my bad hump by taking a step back and reevaluating my life. I only wish that I would have known my freshmen year to periodically give myself an evaluation, so that my GPA would not have been affected. I do however have no regrets, because everything has been a life lesson and an amazing journey.

Forget about all the drama of high school. College is a time to make new friends and have new life experiences. Meet as many people as you can and do everything. Get Involved on campus and join lots of organizations, that's where you'll meet the majority of your lifelong friends. Get to know the people that live in your dorm, you'll be spending a lot of time with them and they'll become your family by the end of your freshman year. Live on campus as long as you can, the RA's are always annoying, but living off-campus is such a big hassle. Overall - just have fun and enjoy it while it lasts because it will be over before you know it.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, I would start off by saying put a lot of effort and time into choosing the right college to attend. My school is extremely different from what I expected. I would also tell myself to make sure I have good study habits before graduating. The work is a lot more challenging than the work in high school, and studying requires a lot more time. Furthermore, I would freshen up on my time management skills and apply for as many scholarships as possible. I found out the hard way how difficult it is to pay for fees and books. Last, but certainly not least, I would tell myself to be prepared to have to make complicated decisions and always keep a positive attitude.

IIf I could go back to high school and assume what I know now I would tell myself that life is about making changes, and decisions for the success of your life. To be successful you have to own it. You have to want a college career for wanting to move ahead in life. No one can do it for you, if you want a career that is lucrative enough to sustain you. I would write down all the things that I wanted in life, and also the cost. I would write down travel destinations and cost. Money means everything to someone who wants to be successful. No problems at home or family should consume you more than your college course work. Worrying about family issues can not help you become a successful graduate, work and study hard. Do not wait until the last minute to do work, start everything early. College is meant to be the foundation for your future life, not a party scene. If your life means anything, and you love yourself talk make great decisions.

I would tell myself not to slack off just because it's my senior year in high school. Also, if you want to get accepted into graduate school you need the best grades and GPA. You should also get involved with extra curricular activities in order to make new friends.

If I could go back in time to inform myself of the future, the advice I would give myself is always believe in yourself and your dreams. I would tell myself to work hard now so I can see it pay off as the months and years go by. Surround yourself with people who believe in success and stay positive even when things don't work out quiet as planned. I would tell myself to stay organized because it would help me better situate things in the future and whenever things seem to get hard worker harder and in time i will see those situations become easier.

First off, I would tell myself to pick a school that I feel comfortable with, not one that everyone tells me to go to or a school that I think is better. I have to make sure I am comfortable with the campus and the people on the campus because I am going to be spending a lot of time there. Also, if I plan on going to a school far away I have to think about the extra hassle that could be involved such as multiple flights and having to get any forgotten things shipped to me. As far as making the transition easier, I would advise myself to get involved with things on campus., join a club or sorority, play a sport - do anything to meet people. If you are feeling homesick at all or having trouble finding your niche going out and doing things will definitely help.

I would give myself the advice of getting involved with clubs and activities that i feel passionate about. I would tell myself not to get too stressed about the workload, just handle it one thing at a time, most of the time it ends up working out. Don't worry about hanging out with people that do not keep up a balanced friendship, you're going to meet lots of people in college and not all you will click with. Be social and have a good time but its okay not to go as crazy when you know you have important things to do. Don't be afraid to say no when you feel peer pressured and keep to your morals. Overall, remember who you are and let college be a fun and learning experience, academically and personally. These are the best days of your life.

Take as many dual enrollment classes as possible.

Dear Tamara, As a senior in high school, I know for a fact that you will stress about moving 500 miles away to an area where you do not know anyone. However, do not fret. Now, that i have completed the journey to college, I can honestly tell you that it will be amazing. The friends and family you leave behind will still be there upon your many trips home. You will stay connected with them because they are wonderful people and an extraordinary part of who you are. Also, you will meet many new people that will become a part of you. It will be hard at first since you are a quiet person, but it will happen soon. The best way to meet these friends is to join a group that interests you. By doing that you already have something in common with others involved in that group. There is no doubt that you will work hard and excel academically, but remember to also enjoy your years as a college undergraduate student and take the many opportunities you are presented with. It will be worth it.

If I could go back and talk to myself, the first thing I would tell myself would be to stay focused on what really matters. I would push myself to apply and take the iniative to complete the scholorship applications and do the work to get more money to help pay these bills. I would encourage myself to avoid the people that brought me down and pursue those that actually took an interest in my life. Life is too short to be lived cowering in fear, and its way to short to not step out and actually live. I would also tell myself to be grateful for the things given to me and not underappreciate the people that really matter. I would also convience myself to save money, so as to spend later.

I would start the college acceptance process over and send in my paperwork on time so that I can attend my first choice college. I also would have waited unti I finished college before I had my daughter. I love her and wouldn't take nothing for her but it is extra work raising a child , working , and attending school full time.

If I went back in time and conversed with myself as a high school senior there is many words I would say. The most important thing I would say to myself is to look beyond what you know. South Carolina is such a small portion of the world and by staying here doesn't do anything except retards your growth as an adult. I feel that staying home was finacially a great move, but feel caged when it comes time for me to be on my own. Many of my friends around me have grown up drastically by moving away. I don't want to be the individual everyone sees when home visiting stuck in time and stuck in this city. This is a fear for me and by telling myself my senior year in high school to look beyond what is familiar would allow me to get rid of that mentallity.

I would say to myself..study during that free time you have, balance everything positively, love everyone, and make the most out of your life because you only get one chance to live it.

Get to know yourself more before leaving for college. Know what it is that you like and don't like, and have some idea of what you like about/want from other people to ensue better friendships and relationships. Also think about where you want to go in life. It will help prepare you for future things like internships. Spend as much time with your high school friends because once you get to college, you'll learn who is going to stay and you will miss those who are going to leave.

I've often thought about what I would do differently if I could go back to high school. The first thing I would say would be to study more in that final year and don't let senioritis catch up with you. I'd tell myself to play more sports and do more things I really enjoy with my friends. It's easy to look back fondly on high school and think about all the great things that happened then, but it's just as easy to look back and say, "Man, I wish I had done that differently." So I'd say have fun and enjoy the time you spend around your friends because college can make it hard to see them as much as you'd like. Get used to meeting and being around new people because when you get to school, there will be a lot. You'll almost never find someone who isn't willing to meet and talk to new people like you, though. Just be able to be equally open back. And in general, lose your inhibitions, because you have so much fun here.

Don't quit college

If I could give myself any advice before going to college, it would be to spend more time with old high school friends, so as not to lose touch with them. I would also tell myself to take more time to enjoy the college experience itself instead of only focusing on academic studies. Additionally, I would tell myself to get to know my professors earlier and more often because the ones I have gotten to know have been extremely helpful.

Take all the dual enrollment classes in high school that are available to you. Any college credit will help you begin college with a good GPA.

I would tell myself to be more socially active my freshman year..it would have helped me out a lot now.

I would tell myself that college is all about discovering who you are and who you want to be. Don't be afraid to try something new because you are afraid that you may fail. Even if you do fail, there will be memories and life lessons that you will take with you for the rest of your life. Remember that everyone else is experiencing the same transition and learning the same lessons. Let this commonality bring you together. Three years after all of these things happen, you will still grin at the silly mistakes and assumptions that you made while transitioning into college. College is life in a microcosm. It is an exercise in trial and error that will repeat itself for your entire life so you should learn to enjoy it.

I would try to be more open and outgoing in classes. Now that I have learned that most everyone in my classes are looking for study partners and the like I realize that if I were just a little more open minded and outgoing that I could have made a lot more friends in my college career, and probably could have done better in a few classes with the help of other classmates. I am glad that I chose to go to USC because there are so many people willing to help me including teachers, alumni, and other students. Most of the time all it takes to get help is simply asking!

Will first I tell my self to put more money aside then I actually did. I apply for more scholarships in my senior year than I did and probably would have been more involved in extracurricular activities.

I was tell myself to think more about what I wanted to do wth my life and to always look for the positive side of things. It is important to look for the positives because if you don't the negatives will always get you down and make college life that much harder. I would also like to tell myself to start being organized and managing my time well because if you don't go into college knowing how to manage timew wisely, college can kick your butt!

Go ahead and think about what you really enjoy in life, and use that when deciding what courses/major you will have. I'm sure you already know this, but I'd like to put it up-front in your mind: college is about taking control of your life and leading it in the direction you want it to go, likely not the direction that seems easy or that is suggested by other people. Keeping this in mind, along with having the will to succeed, you will be happy with the decisions you make in college and you will be setting yourself up for a life that you will enjoy.

I would advise myself that as a freshmen there are two vital parts of transitioning into college. The first being to not let yourself loose first semester to party and do all the crazy things you imagine college being about. Even though parties and going to bars are easy ways to make friends, all the excitement keeps you from performing as well in school. My second piece of advice would be to stay calm and level-headed because you will experience a ton of life-changing occurrences through your first year and being able to sort your way through life and not get caught up in the chaos is a huge help. Developing trustworthy friendships, not just being friends with partygoers will make or break your year as well. I believe the friends you make in college will be your friends for life, and the high school friends that you maintain a relationship will continue to stay with you through the rough times.

I would definitely have taken the SAT and ACT tests earlier so I would have had more time to bring up my scores. Also, I would studied a lot more as a freshman or sophomore in high school to bring my GPA up more for my junior and senior years.

The most insightful advice that I can offer to parents and/ or students is to visit a college and see how the students treat one another. A big thing that is easy to notice is whether or not the hold the door open or hold the elevator for you. Also see if you notice how social students are walking around, does it feel like everyone knows everybody, like a big family kind of vibe. This doesn't mean that the school is small, just if the students are united. Being in this kind of environment makes the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. Someone can make life long friends in that type of open and easy-going environment.

I would explain to them that first you want to figure out what is your major. Then after you have completed that research to see what school are ranked top for that major. After you have done that look at the statistics of that school like employment rate after graduation and others. Finally see what finacial aid they offer and what scholarships you can apply for. If you feel that you are undecided on your major try a local community college to see what is out there and what options you have.

The best advice I could give to students and their parents would be the same advice that was given to me, follow your heart. With that being said, I advise going to the different campuses and asking questions. The student should be able to feel at home on campus, because it will be their home for the next four years. As far as making the most of your experience, once you have settled in, get involved. This is your school now, be a part. By being involved in the many events, organizations, and activities, you will make the most of your experience. Be careful not to overload yourself though. By doing these things, you are sure to have a great experience. Hold On, the time will fly by.

Visiting a college before picking one has become crucial to the success of students. It is very important for a potential student to feel a sense of belonging or true interest in the school before making the long term commitment to college. Even then, some students don't always stay. I felt strongly attached to USC because I was born and lived just 15 minutes from the university. Both of my parents also worked at the university for almost 15 years. My family now lives in Cincinnati but I still feel close attachment to USC and its community. That example shows how I am connected to my school and its community. I encourage younger students to do some research on the institutions before they apply. College visits are an important first step for future students. When doing a visit, explore as much of the campus as you can. Try laying down on the grass of the campus green space, or hang outside a dorm or two and get the feel of it. I even recommend going into the most popular classrooms and see how it feels. These are just a few things to consider. Hope it helps!

First, make sure you visit the campus AND the surrounding area/town. If social activities and events outside of the campus are important, focus on them as well. Also, take as many tours as possible to give you a feel for places you will be spending your days. Meet and talk to as many faculty and students as you can because this will give you a real sense of the school's community, not just the people in the brochures. Don't forget to take pictures of the good AND the bad, this way you can easily remember the pros and cons of each school. It is also very important to do some research on the college majors that are available. Even if you are undecided, make sure a school has a wide variety of majors available and that each has a good reputation. Finally, look at the school's degree requirements; ones that require internships and hands on experience will really pay off in the future! And if you like to watch or play any kind of sport, be sure to chose a school where you can either play intrumurals, watch a game, or do both! Good luck!

Go to the college! It is really important to visit the college and not just rely on the website or print media. You can get a great feel for the students, classes, and over all feel of the university. I didn't expect to like USC as much as I do, the visit changed my mind. The students were really helpful and the campus was beautiful and had plenty of places to study. Don't worry about a specific major. I was a business major when I started and because of the great classes and department, I switched to Anthropology. There is plenty of time to change majors. The college should have enough options, that way if you change your mind, you can still stay there. Check into the social life there, make sure it won't over power your chances to study and really advance in classes. USC has enough academic and social activities to stay socially busy and learn!

Picking the learning environment of one's self or one's child can be a stressful and mind-boggling experience. Before high-school graduation has come and gone, letters are crowding the mail box from schools fighting to be reserved as the "first choice". For some that are making this life altering decision the choice is simple, but for many others it is overwhelming. One must think about the environment they can see themselves or their child learning and growing as human beings, but ultimately it is only the prospective student who can make this decision. Therefore, it is important to explore the options that can not only broaden one's financial and corporate horizons, but bring happiness and gratification in the future as well. In times where everyone seems to be living paycheck to paycheck, it just may be wise to stay away from schools who sport a price tag that can come back to haunt the savings account, and best to pursue the places that may bring life to the phrase "good things come in small packages".

I would tell any student who is indecisive about which college to attend to take campus tours and research each prospective college, and to not make a decision until they are one hundred percent positive that they are making the right decision. In order to make the most of your college experience you should make as many friends as possible, go to sporting events ,and join clubs. I believe all freshman should live on campus in order to make new friends.

Go through all the options, and visit the schools with your kids. My dad visited all of my schools with me, took notes on the tour and was so valuable in the decision process. No student wants to do it alone! It's a really scary time, and the one thing a student really covets is their parents input and support.

Visit the school first. That is most important. You will be able to tell if will enjoy living on a campus if you have visited it.

The advice I would give parents is to make sure you always keep in touch with your child. I noticed my first year that some students seemed to lose themselves in the more negative aspects of college life, I believe in keeping that strong family support system so they don't end up back at home. I would tell students to REALLY open up your books and try and read the material! That is, if you are at college for the right reasons. Because, there are some that aren't. I would tell them to remind themselves often why they are even at their college of choice, set priorities, and STAY FOCUSED! There are a lot of distractions and it can take one weekend to mess up your whole future. College is about growing up and being independent. Don't get discouraged because you are not alone!

Finding the right college is about finding a place that you are comfortable being yourself and, most importantly, helps mold you into who and what you want to become. Don't be afraid to experience new things and keep an open mind to other beliefs and ideas. It is smart to find a college that is affordable for you that has a good reputation for the major you choose. To me, making the most out of your college experience means getting involved on campus beit sports, academics, service etc. What matters most is that you are happy, and by becoming involved, you can reach a sense of self satisfaction and responisbility that will stay with you forever.

Searching for the perfect college can be a daunting task for both parents and students. Multiple factors come into play, such as cost and availabity of certain programs, that were not an issue before. When deciding which insitute is the best a few questions must be answered. What does the college of your dreams have? Size, location, programs, and many other things matter when picking a school. If the schools you a browsing are too large then look at smaller schools. And if there are school located in the heart of the country, but you would rather live on the coast, then check out schools that would suit your needs. Do the insitutes in question have desirable extra-curricular activities? Although getting an education is the foremost goal while attending college, having a place to blow of stem in ways that you enjoy are important as well. If you like football and the school doesn't have a team then there might be a better school out there for you. The best way to answer any of your questions is the visit your top 5 schools and make a "pro/con" list about each. One can only see to believe.