University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

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

Amanda

I attend the University of South Carolina and I don't think that I could have picked a better university to go to. its a pretty big university comparing to most but I love it, everyone is so firendly and caring,. My first peice of advice would be to look at the size of the university that you have in mind many people do not operate very well when they are placed onto a campus that is as large as mine. secondly seriously take into consideration the cost of the university, I am an out of state student and I wish that while I was in high school that i would have lookedat more scholarships that were avaliabe because now I am stuck paying full out of state payments to attend the university that I love. Just look ar all aspects of the college ans what it has to offer you before you make a decision.

Eddie

Don't get lazy in high school and make sure you tour as many colleges as possible before you start applying to them.

Bryan

The level of expectancy is high in college and the work load may seem like a lot but if you're really focused on success, you can do it. One of the tough things that I dealt with was time management. Sometimes the work can get stressful but if you complete everything early, then there shouldn't be a problem. Commit yourself to success and it will come.

Christine

I would definitely tell students to make sure they visit their campus of choice before they decide on attending. You can tell what's right for you by how you feel there. The atmosphere, the people, the classrooms, everything just feels right when you are on the campus. The most important thing for the parents to do is stand behind their child. If their choice is completely unrealistic, then carefully show your child the good things about his or her other options. But if he or she truly has his or her heart set on somewhere, try really hard to let them go because there is a reason their heart feels so strongly about one school. Once the student attends the college of their choice, they can make the best of it by taking chances. Not crazy ones, but get involved in activities that are not common for you, or be outgoing and make new friends that you usually wouldn't make because those will be some of the best decisions you will make. And take as many pictures as possible, these are the best years of your life, you are going to want them to help you remember.

Daniel

Make sure it is where your child wants to go and where he/she feels at home. Make sure it is your childs decision.

Alex

Choose the college that fits you. Do not go because friends are going, or because parents went to a certain school, but rather because you feel that it is the place for you. Look at the nightlife, the area, the classes, the sports, and other things that are important to you. Do not just rely on the Tourguides to tell you about the campus. Find students who look like you, and those who don't, and get the real scoop on the campus.

Micah

I recommend that each parent and student take the time to research and visit all interested colleges. If possible, arrange to spend a weekend at the college. This will help you get a better understanding of campus life. Make sure that you apply to colleges that will provide the best education for your chosen career. It is important that you select a college based on your educational path, not the path of your friends or classmates. In order that you have a better chance at getting accepted, apply to at least three schools. Upon entering college, get involved in some campus organizations and surround yourself with positive people. This will help you meet new people and enhance your social skills . Carefully plan and prepare your career objective. Work closely with your advisor to ensure that you are enrolled in the correct classes to complete your major in an efficient and timely manner. Develop good study skills and use your time wisely to make the best of your college experience.

Chantel

I would advise to look at visit schools before you choose, and choose based on what the student wants no matter what. Never decided on a school because of things like money or what the parents want. Do what you want, you can only do it once and you do not want to regret it for a second. Make the most out of the experience. School spirit is important and also the overall attitude of the students. You want a school that will accept anyone for who they are. And good luck!!!

Elizabeth

I advise anyone to make sure this school is affordable, has minimal parking difficulties, and has a great selection of academic programs.

Tyra

You must start in your early years of high school. These years really matter academically and socially. Do not be afraid to miss a few social events so that you can study a little harder and retain what you have studied! Also, be active in a sport and/or club, it really looks good on an application and it is fun to stay involved. When applying for college, begin thinking where you want to go in your freshman year of HS; go on college tours in state and out of state and find what bests fits to your needs and desires. While in college stay focused on your Academic goals, get involved in community and social group projects, and make good study habits. Always write out your goals and stick to them. eventually it will become a lifestyle of postive and progressive change. always have safe fun and enjoy everyday as if it was your last!

Jillian

Make pro and con lists to write out all your opportunities. Do not make the decision in one day. Think it over and choose that school that is perfect for YOU, not your friends.

Kyle

One of the most important criteria to consider during a college search is the student culture that dominates the campus. Many of the distinctions that determined a school's culture do not receive enough attention from prospective students and their families. The amount of students living off-campus may not seem relevant to an incoming freshman living in a dorm, but colleges with more students on campus generally party less and have a better sense of community than those with a constellation of lightly policed apartments. Regional culture is very important as well, with differences in history and tradition dictating the social atmosphere on campus. Southeastern schools will focus on athletics and Greek life more than their northern counterparts, while urban schools are less concerned with institutional identity and more focused on integrating with the rest of city. In searching for a university, a student should be trying to match a school's personality to his or her own. The ability to feel comfortable with the the preferences and priorities of fellow students is an important step towards enjoying the college experience, regardless of major or career plans.

Leslie

Finding the right college is not an easy task. To make the best choice, you have to carefully research each of your potential schools to find which institution will best utilize your talents and abilities and launch you into a successful, rewarding future. To begin the selection process, students need to look to their wise provenance for advice--yes, I am talking about the parents. Most of the time, parents are the ones who pay the tuition bill. Students need to search for scholarships and find a school that is within the family budget. College is a wonderful time in a young person's life. You will get to do things that you may never get the chance to do again. Students need to take advantage of every opportunity they are given; Whether joining a club, taking a trip, or volunteering in the community--students always need to stay involved. If you do these things and work hard, you will definitely make the most of the college experience.

Krishna

The best advice I could give about choosing the right college and making the most of the college experience is for one do not choose to go to a college because your friends go there or your parents went there. You have to choose the college that best fits you. Find a balance between your social life and academics. When you are in college both are important. College is suppose to be the best years of your life, and if you are to busy studying all day everyday, you are going to miss out on a lot of great opportunities; and vice versa, if you are too busy partying and having a good time, you are going to flunk out, and college is going to be a waste. So basically, follow your heart, and do what feels right.

Tiffany

The university of south carolina was not my first choice. As a matter of fact, it was not even one of my choices. I had just randomly applied, and I just ended down here. However, I do not regret my decision at all. I believe it was very good luck that brought me here. However, I believe to find the right college, you have to go visit the campus, especially during the school year, so that you can interact with current students, and see for yourself how life on campus is. Talking to current students is very important because they are more likely to tell you what you need to know, rather than what the colleges want you to know. So that once you get accepted and go there, it won't be too much of a surprise. To make the most out of your college experience, get involved. Education is the most important thing, of course. But if you are organized and have room for other activities, i believe you should get involved. What you get involved in might actually help you decide what you truly want to do in life.

Kyle

Visit the schools before you applie, if it feels rite it is, dont be afraid to go far from home this is a once in a life time expirance, get involved around campus, ask teachers questions, dont be afraid participate, make sure your schools have a balance of acidademics and extra carriculars, make sure there are planty of oppertunities and if there are not make them for your self, always do your extra credit, time managment away from home takes a little practice so dont get down on yourself if you find yourself pulling all nighters just learn from it and grow, your college is your gate way to adult hood take time to learn everything your school offers not just the acedemics how ever always place them first, dont be scared to talk to some one different from your self, be confident with your self most of all make sure you are happy, this chance only comes once and will shape your idenity for the rest of your life.

Will

Take as many tours of as many colleges as possible. That really helps you find what college you like best. After beginning college, get involved in at least a couple clubs or organizations. This helps you make friends (a.k.a. connections) very quickly. Don't ever be shy. This is one of the worst traits particularly if you are attending a large university.

Martin

parents let your kids go where they want to go not where you want them to go.

Melissa

This decision should be all about, you, the student. Not for your family, not for your teachers, not to gain 'approval' from your friends, but for YOU. Your college experience is something you only get once, so make this something you'll enjoy. Look for subjects you're interested in. I've been in band playing the flute with intentions of performing almost all of my life, but here I am realizing that I've been pursuing this degree for everyone but me!! Spirituality and Theology are what I'm truly interested in, which is why I'm changing my major. Don't make that mistake, or you'll spend the rest of your life asking 'what if?' Wanting to be close to your family is okay, and pushing to get away is okay, too. Dream big. You are good enough for ANY college. Apply everywhere; you never know where you'll get in. Explore ALL options. Get involved. Meet new people. Go greek. Show school spirit! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and ask questions. This IS the experience of a lifetime...make it count! Best wishes! xoxo :)

Jennifer

Think about what you really want to get out of your college experience. Don't be shy. Get involved.

Greg

I think that the biggest piece of advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is while deciding on what college to attend to utilize all of their resources. Looking back on the process I went through on deciding what college I wanted to attend I feel like I took advantage of a lot of resources but there are so many out there that I had no idea about. There are lots of websites and organizations out there that are dedicated to making the college search easier for everyone involved and matching a student up with their right school. Although I have no regrets about the school that I chose I feel like my parents would have been a lot less worried and stressed out during the process of choosing a school had I taken advantage of the numerous resources available to me. These resources can also help the transition from high school to college easier and since the majority of them are free they should definitely be taken advantage of.

Carolyn

I would say that visiting colleges is a very important step in deciding where your child/you want to sepnd the next 4 yares of your life, and parents if your child gets to the campus and says they have a bad feeling or they juat aren't feelin it, let it go. It sounds strange but when you get to they right college they will know, and just because it isnt the same school doesnt mean it isnt going to be right for them. trust your kid they will know.

Shana

Make sure you research your potential colleges thoroughly before paying the money to apply to them. Make sure they really have what you want out of a college, whether it's research experiences, special programs or what have you. And if they don't, don't settle on going to a college that's not for you just because a family member is an alumnus there - go somehwere that's going to get you where you want to go. Also, be sure to research financial aid ahead of time if it's something you need to know about - you don't want to get blindsided with a small aid package if you can't afford the school.

Erinn

I should start off saying that I'm positive that I made the correct decision in choosing the right college. The choice of where I wanted to go was overwhelming at first, but narrowing down the options wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. -First ask yourself: How far do I want to go away for school? Being homesick is not fun. Being less than 5 hours away is a good distance if wanting to come home for the weekends is something you'd want to do. If you want to be financially secure, an in-state college may be the best pick. Some out-of-state schools offer scholarships that can reduce the rate of tuition to an in-state rate. -Figure out which colleges offer classes and a degree in the field you want to study. -Find out what social activities are like and see what the campus looks like. Asking questions to professors or students attending a college is a good way to find out. If that's not enough, go visit the college! I've realized that what makes my college experience best is friends. Be sure to go out and make friends!

Emily

To the parent and students out there getting ready to begin the onerous task of appying to college, calm down. Yes, it is daunting, and it will affect the rest of your life, but regardless of how many schools you visit, how many applications you write, how well you plan, or how sure you are that you'll attend that one university, your school should pick you. Your future college should attract and fight for you. It should be that one school that captures your desire with its beauty, opportunities, academics, and campus life. No matter how much you feel like you are competing for them, they are competing for you, and that one place where you belong will eventually find you, and sway you to attend it with the qualites that you find attractive.

Dan

The best advice I can give to anyone seeking education, is choose the school with the best program and the rest will fall into place. Do not worry about money, because you can get loans, and your only in college once, make a great experience. Do your work and manage your time, while having a social life will help you in your classes and make you a happier student.