University of South Carolina-Upstate Top Questions

Now that you are about to go to college, there are just a few things that you truly need to know. First, be willing to change your mind, but find a balance. What I mean is, it's okay to change your major. It's very rare that anyone knows what they want to do for twenty years at such a young age. Take random electives, research, challenge yourself. And if you hate what you're majoring in, major in something else. Never be afraid to listen to your gut. Secondly, do an internship. That's my biggest regret: not doing one. Internships not only could get your foot in the door for a potential job right out of college, but they also give you an idea of what jobs truly look like. Trust me, it's a little unnerving when you graduate and don't have a clue what work will look like. Lastly, don't settle for just any job. Find something you believe in or volunteer. Never be stuck in a rut, always be willing to change. But stay true to your word.

Enjoy the college experience because those four years are going to be the best years of your life. Get involved, make lots of friends, and grow into who you are as a person, independent of the people who have influenced your life from childhood. You are going to be doing a lot of soul searching, but you can't even imagine the woman that you will become. Life's an adventure, so create your own. Go into this experience with your head held high, full of determination, ready to become the person you are destined to be. Lastly, DO NOT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. Life is going to throw you curveballs on a regular basis; learn to accept and adapt quickly because more often than not, you will have minimal control over the obstacles presented to you. Have fun! The real world is waiting and it is quite nice once you join!

While I enjoyed having fun and participating in clubs and extracurricular activities in high school, I wish I had spent more time learning to take notes more effectively, and practiced better time management and setting priorities. These are important skills in college and using these skills effectively can save lots of time and frustration when you get to the reality of being a college student and meeting deadlines. All work and no play makes for a dull college experience, but good study skills, time management, and note taking are valuable to help your pursuit of higher education to be a more beneficial experience.

Jessica. I know you want to go off to UGA or Vanderbilt but trust me, those schools are not worth the debt and frustration. You can get a great education at Coastal without killing yourself in the process. I know you feel like a massive loser, feeling embarrassed whenever someone asks you where you're going to school. I know you hate hearing everyone talk about how excited they are to go off to school while you'll still be at home. I know you hate it sweetheart, but trust me, you have to put your blinders on and run YOUR race. Don't worry about what other people will be doing or what you won't be doing. One day, you'll have your moment in the sun and you'll forget all about those insecure moments and doubts. Just remember to be kind to everyone, learn everything you can and always remember that there's more to life than making the Dean's List. If being of service to someone slows you down, by all means, slow down. It's well worth it in the end.

Changing any one thing in my past would change how everything turned out; I am incredibly happy where I am now. If I were to go back and tell myself something it wouldn’t be just about how to get ready for college, but also how to get ready for life…it starts earlier than I thought. I would go to my thirteen year old freshman self and prioritize for her. She needs to know that school is important but so are family and friends. I would stress to her that going through the process towards college/life is one that you cannot go on alone. Make friends, love your family, talk to your teachers, and make connections. All of these things will help toward my goal in mind; graduate and go to college. I would let her know heartbreak and rough times happen in high school when she will doubt her goal and capability, but that she has to remember me coming and having this conversation. She has to remember that she/I made it through everything. I will also tell her that I made it by focusing on school as well as making connections to those around me.

Some advice I would give myself back in high school would be to try harder. Just because you did well in high school without studying doesn't mean you will in college. That first semester is going to be tough. Forget about the girl you're dating as well. She isn't that great in the long run. Being in college is really going to change you. Just be prepared for what the future holds. Trust me it isn't all that bad.

As a freshman college student I have plenty of moments where I wish I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school. There are so many things I would tell myself to help make the transition from high school to college so much easier, but there are three main things: 1. Be prepared to STUDY!! I mean actually sit down, takes notes, no cell phone, no T.V. type of studying. 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. If you don't understand something or need a little bit of extra help, ask for it! 3. Be more involved in activities and clubs on campus. Making the transition from high school to college can be scary, but it can be done. Now that I'm almost finish with my first year of college I've learned that the transition can be difficult, but with time you will get the hang of everything and settle right into the college life.

I would tell myself that everything will work out in the end, you will graduate and make your way to applying to law school. I would also tell myself to not stress the small stuff. Two professors will impact your life greatly, Dr. Combes and Dr. Goldberg, and they will do everything possible to help you thrive. Last but not least, just when you think you can't pay for classes, someone comes through and your dreams will survive and thrive.

I would increase my reading and comprehension ability. Reading improves knowledge in all subject areas.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advice myself to start taking college classes while in high school to lessen the financial burden of college expenses.

Advice I will give myself you will have to be disicipline. When attending high school the teacher kind of hold your hand but in college you will have to discipline yourself and become a responsible student. Please be mindful because your instructor provides you with a assignment 3 months prior to when it is due does not mean you can just continue on with everyday business it is a reason why that instructor provided you with the 3 months assignment because it will take that much time and research to complete the assignment. i would give myself advice sometimes you will have to say no to things you will like to do with friends when attending college to focus on your education because it is important and it will pay off in the long run.

if i were to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, i would first tell myself to start applying for colleges at the beginning of the year. i would then tell myself to find as many scholarships and grants as i could because college is expensive. i would then tell myself to visit the campus from time to time to learn more about the enivornment and to check on school related information. most importantly, i would remind myself to be cautious of the people in which i decide to befriend and share a dorm room with during my freshman year. i would push myself as hard as i could to pull up my grades in order to prepare for the world ahead of me. i would insist myself on being more open to different things, and people. last but not least, i would make sure that before i left high school and headed to college, that my family, younger/older siblings would be proud of me if they were sitting beside me everyday of my journey. i believe that i would save myself from a lot of hassile if i could talk to myself.

Note to self, You've worked hard and graduation is around the corner but have no worries because college is similar to high school, the classes are a little harder. That's why the average student's motto is "C's get degrees". But then again C's aren't so easy to get when you sleep in and don't study as much as you need to. Only in 9th and 11th grade, you'll get an A in Biology and Chemistry. 1st semester grades were HORRIBLE but stick around, 2nd semester is great. Your major is now Nursing instead of Pre-Med. Another thing, you're deff not a morning person so NO 8 o'clocks ! You're not much of a partier yet but those days are soon to come. Oh yea, you're suitemate will make a mess and start rumors but every female has drama so have patience. It'll be hard being away from your family and Cj(boyfriend) but your twin is here for you. They'll support you every step of the way and you'll also meet some great friends that will make this crazy experience worth while.

Although High School seems to be meaningless, the Educational System is actually designed to prepare you for furthering your education towards your career goals. Don't quit school because it's only going to lead you toward a meaningless job instead of a career, drug addiction, homelessness, disease, and a poor self-esteem. Your parents actually do know what they are talking about when they say that you are going to regret it. You should go see that psychologist. The reason that you seem bored in class is because you have Attention Deficit Disorder and you simply need to harness it. There are several foundations and plenty of people who will support you into becoming a productive member of society so just admit that you are having problems to the school councilor to avoid all of this trouble. If you quit school now, it's going to be the worst decision you could possibly make. By the way, Advertising & Media's the field you should persue. Remember these things if you want to save yourself from heartache and shame. College is waiting for you so go get it. It will be the best life changing experience you could possibly imagine!

If I had the chance to talk to my former senior self, I would tell myself to pay attention in class more because most of the material I am learning right now, I have already been taught. I just can't remember any of it. My work load and the necessity of studying would not be as stressful to me if I had already

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take as many college classes through the Saint Paul Connections as humanly possible because the classes were easy and at $1 per class, the one credit that you would get would be more than worth it. Also I would of told myself to apply to scholarships earlier and to spend more of my time reading about the subjects that I will be studying in college, practicing essay writing and finding a job to pay for college because paying for college is not that cheap. Finally the last thing that I would of told myself, okay now I am going to college to lay the groundwork for the future, my future, what is my plan, what do I want to do with my life and always remember why and for what I am doing this....

If I was given this oppurtunity to speak to myself I would start by saying that college opens doors to a succesful career. College should not be taken for granted the first step to exceeding in college is to do your best in high school. You see if you graduate with a a GPA then everything becomes easier because Universitys look at your GPA to see if you qualify as a student. Stay focused on your grades not so much on your social life People will come and go but your high school grades come only once. Be more presistent and try not to procrastinate in your classes. I understand that your friends mean alot to you but make an attempt to stay in on week days and turn in your work on time. The most improtant part is to focus on your grads, taks test, and SAT.This is what I would discuss with myself if I could go back.

I would tell myself to apply for scholarships ahead of time. Save up for college and books in case you do not get enough financial aid for tutition. Be more open to meeting new people.

There are only a few things that I would wish I could tell myself as a high school senior. Just because you do not go to school everyday, does not mean that you should not study or do homework. Just because you have more freedom and are away from home does not mean you should not stick to the values and morals that were instilled into you as a kid. Also, make sure to attend every class because even though your proffesor may not take attendance you are paying for the knowledge, and it is only going to help you in the long run with your occupation.

In high school, college was a glorified dream of parties and sporting events. I was one of those students who were ready to go to college for the fun. Being in college now is more complex than the dreams I once had. I study twice as hard as I did in high school and I make a lot more notes on my own. I also have to pay more because I did not take the application process seriously. My advice for myself if I could go back in time to high school was to take going to college more seriously. Instead of studying for the SAT or the ACT the night before, I would tell myself to make a schedule of topics I needed to study a month in advance to taking these tests. If I would have taken the time to do these things, I would have scored higher and received more scholarships opportunities. Another piece of advice I would have given myself would be to learn the material in high school instead of memorizing. College professors expect you to know the basics before you start class. So knowing the bases of algebra for example would be helpful.

Take the time to choose and go where you want to go. Do not let others influence your decision or tell you where to you. You are a bright young lady who is among one of the top students in the school. You have the ability to conquer any quest that you set out to do. It is going to be hard leaving your loved ones behind, but your future is going to be your motivation. They will love you regardless. Stay strong and stay active in college. Build a great resume and volunteer, VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER! It will oopen so many doors for you. Good luck and stay stong. I love you!

Get started applying for financial aid as soon as possible, because waiting until the last minute makes things more stressful. Also, don't go to a two year technical college part time and wait to transfer to a four year university. It may seem like it will save you time and money, but in the long run it is better to go straight to the university.

If I was able to go back in time I would tell myself to work on my study skills more. Making the transition from high school to college was fairly easy for me, but it made me realize that in college you should know how to study and how much time you should spend on studying. I would tell myself that a lot more studying is required than it was in high school. I would also tell myself that there is a lot more work in college but to stay focused and get it done. I would go back and tell myself to be prepared to not have any free time. In college, many hours of your time are needed to meet the various deadlines. If I could go back in time to tell myself these things I would because it would make me more prepared for college.

If i could give myself advice as a high school senior i would make sure that I keep a good work ethic. In college you have to know how to manage your time wisely and don't exspect for things to be handed to you. You don't get extra credit like you do in high school if your not doing well in a class . you have to work hard throughout the whole semester.

I would tell myself that just because you worked hard in those four years of high school the hard work doesn't stop their it"s far from being over. i would tell myself to keep doing the right things and to stay on the right academic track because it's not like high school anymore you don't have people looking over your shoulders to make sure your on the right path at all times you have to do most of the work yourself. I would also tell myself to not withdrawl from any classes to work hard until the end. I would also say for me make sure you know what major you want to study and what is going to be the right career for you.

The college life is very fun and exciting. However, there are many responsibilities that come with being a college student. It is not like being a high school student where everyone makes sure you are on the right track. College students have to take care of themselves and make sure they are heading in the right direction. This task may be difficult sometimes but there is always someone at the college who is willing to help you. My advice is to talk to the staff and students at the college. Get to know your fellow class mates, academic advisors, and financial aid staff. They can help you with any questions you may have. All of these people are willing to help you through college and make sure it is one of the best experiences you will ever have.

I would apply myself 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and try my hardest as a high school student in general. I would attend classes regularly and not skip. I thought being a high school student nothing matter but I was wrong, everything I learned from grade school up until graduation mattered and were the building blocks for life as a college student.

"Psst. Hey you. Come here. Let me talk to you for a second. I look familiar? Well I should, I'm you in ten years. I have come back to this day in your life to drop a little knowledge on you. The choices you make from this point on will make or break you. So, you want the cut and dried version? Ok, here it is. First, never, ever give up your dreams. If you want it in your heart, then fight for it till the bitter end. The sacrifices you make will be more then worth it in the end. Focus and do not be detered by temptations and false promises. The life you seek is at the tips of your fingers. You need only reach out and take your destiny into your own hands. Never let anothers will be the driving force for your decisions. It is YOUR life, not theirs at stake. Buckle down and take the road less traveled. The final destination will bring you all that you want and more then you can believe you could have. Just remember, your education is key. College is the hardest yet most rewarding accomplishment you will face. "

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now, I probably wouldn't listen. I was a stubborn high school student. I missed over seventy days my senior year in high school. Now I am 23, with a 1 year old daughter trying to get my life back together. Even though I wouldn't listen, I would give it my best shot. I would tell myself to go to school and stay away from the people I was hanging out with. I would let myself know that life is only going to get more difficult, and that the only way to make things simple is to stay in school. I would give myself the encouragement that my family never game me. Although I love my daughter with all of my heart, school has taken me twice as long as it should have because of the constant responsibilities. I think that If I could get through to myself I could change the outcome of my life for the better.

My college experience has given me a sence of belonging. A promise for a better future.

It is a small school and your class sizes are about twenty students, so your teachers are very involved and you can actually understand what is going on and get to know your teachers and your class mates. This helps alot with grades and meeting new people.

Naturally attending school has given me the opportunity to learn a multitude of information. The more information I learn, the broader my horizons are expanded and the more topics I am able to relate to, when I am in a conversation. I have also learned to deal and respect different people, their customs, and religions. School is able to do so, not only by offering courses, but by actually allowing first hand experiences with the diverse student and teacher population. It is important to have an education to get a well paying job, but if one is not able to work well with others, one can not hold on to the well paying job. Big corporations and even the military are grounded in and look for people who can work well with a team.

I have gained independence and responsibility in just my first semester of college. I am also able to express my thoughts more openly. It has been valuable to attend because of the knowledge and confidence I have gained in just a short amount of time.

From my college experience I have learned what my true passion in life is- nursing. I am so blessed to be able to attend this institution that has one of the finest nursing programs in the Southeast. It has been valuable to attend USC Upstate because I am confident that I am getting the best education that I can and that I will be prepared for the work force after graduation.

I can honestly say that my knowledge on my attitude has improved, and because of that so has my friendships and overall self-esteem. University of South Carolina Upstate has taught me to deal with the stress of everyday life by surrounding myself by positive energy and finding out what my priorities are and where my limits lie. I learned that by channeling my negative energy into an activity that is positive I am more likely to get positive results. Doing this will alter my energy into a positive attitude; making my self-esteem high. This could make me more adventurous and willing to try new things. You never know sometimes new things lead to a positive life changing event and a better future.

I am getting a new start at life. I was working a dead end job with no room for advancement and living paycheck to paycheck. Coming back to school has been the best thing I could have ever done. I am learning a plethara of new things and am just excited a the opportunity for the money I can make when I graduate. I've made new friends and study partners, and I've learned about scholarships I can apply for. That has been the most valuable to know that I can attend school for free and not have to take out loans and have to pay the money back as soon as I start earning a living. I have 4 kids and a husband and my earnings need to go towards my household not the government, eventhough I am very appreciative of the loans I have been granted.

I wake up each day with a smile on my face. My purpose in life is to help others and bring happiness to people and animals that are less fortunate. About 10 years ago, I was living my life just going through the motions. I am not ashamed to say that I was suffering from depression and an overwhelming feeling of failure and disappointment. I can remember sitting outside looking up at the deep blue night sky covered with stars and a full and vibrant moon, when I asked God "What is my purpose for being here". I could feel it in my bones that I was meant for something more. Indeed, there was a plan, and that was for me to find peace in helping others. That is, helping my father struggle through a scare with prostate cancer, helping my mother through a devastating end to her 44 year marriage, helping my sister who lives with the debilitating effects of Rheumatoid arthritis, helping my nephew deal with parental neglect, and helping animals through adoption or volunteer service. Attending school is the means to my ultimate goal of becoming a nurse and the ability to give hope to others.

Well I haven’t been here that long to get any experience out of it.

The knowledge that i have learned has greatly helped me really know what i want to do in my career. I realized my first semester that i had ADD, and that was greatly affecting my ability to learn and obtain the knowledge i need to successed. This college is very demanding and you have to put in a lot of study hours but in the enconomy today you need the education.

One thing i have gotten out of my colleges experiences, is time managment skill and organizating and preparing for school work. Another thing i have gotten out this college experinces is learing how study efficently and prepare for test effectively. And lastly i have learned how to balance my social life with my academica life, by using these skill. It has been a valuable and usefeul tool i need for future carrers and ways to be sucessful in college and life.

Attending undergraduate and graduate school have made me realize what I can accomplish. In the beginning, I had no idea that I would make it this far in education, but by the grace of God I have. It also has broden my knowledge and tweeked interests in a wide variety of topics. This experience has been beneficial to my children and myself. It allows me to improve my life which directly improves their lives.

The main thing that I have gotten out of my college experience is a better sense of who I am. Alot of people come to college to reinvent themselves and to run away from their high school identity. However I believe that College is about finding out who you are so that you are better prepared for the real world. Its an experience that tests your self-confidence, your ability to reason, and more importantly you learn how to react to issues that occur. While being away from home, I learned that I couldn't ask my parents to solve my problems and that I needed to make rational and mature decisions; not based on short-term but based on long-term goals. When you keep your goals in sight, it's so much easier to stay focused on succeeding, reguardless of what obstacles get placed on the road to a prosperous career. Attending college has truly taught me the value of hard work and the value of a good education.

My college experience has provided me perspective that has been completely invaluable, perspective itself. I have learned that perspective, in and of itself is one of the most valuable experiences a student of life can obtain. It allows you to reach beyond the known and excepted and challenge your opinions and expecations of what is and what should be. If I could muster a greater call than the call to spearhead, to ignite, to lead, to express positive social change I could die a happy soul. My perspectives, gained throughout my education, have allowed me to broaden my influence to acheive those goals.

The experience I've learned is that you are never too old to go back to school. Life is full of choices and you have to be ready to choose. Knowledge is strength and power. I have learned that there is always room to learn more and to do more with education. I plan on using my experiences to show others that learning is fun, fulfilling and rewarding. College has/is helping me walk the walk and prove I can/will do it. Not just for me but for my family as well. In today's economy......they can take your car, your home, your possessions, but they can't take what you've learned away. My phylosophy is....take care of the homefront with education, food, housing and then go teach, feed and educate others. College is so very rewarding to me. I am very fortunate to live where I can go to school and learn what I want to learn. I have talent and my teachers are helping me to be proficient in my field.

I have learned by being at college you must go to class everyday. Missing just one day can put you far behind in the class. When it comes to test, you really need to study a week ahead for atleast 2 to 3 hours. I have made many friends while being at college. My college is very friendly and open here. It is always nice to know someone around here. This experience has been very valuable to me, because I have made some life long friendships, I have learned what I need to do to succeed in college, and it also has taught me how to be a more successful independent person in life. I no longer relay on my parents to do things for me. At college I have learned to take things into my own hands if I want it done.

College for me has been an awesome experience this far. It has helped me to grow up at little more and realize it is time to enter the adult-world. I have got to take some interesting classes that I never thought I would like. I even met some very interesting people for different places. At college I feel more free and get to choose what works for me. I think it is very valuable to attend to college, because it gives you a chance at something more in life. I feel that I am doing something important with my life.

I have only been in college for one semester with this one I am attending now it will be two. College helped me get a better schedule, more organization on a day to day basis. I have made my life more organized, with good studying habits to accommodate my grades. It has also helped me with responsiblity, being that in college no one is holding your hands just giving you the syllabus with very little explanation and saying here you go. After my third child and being a single mother things got tough and during my pregnancy I realized there was no other option for me but to attend college. There was no job out there that could pay me what I needed to be paid , without a college degree. Going to college I know will be the best decision I have made in a long time and it will assure that me and my children are taken care of with no worries. Now after realizing how hard it is on my own, I am so happy to be able to attend college and the motivation I have from others is very greatly appreciated.

What I got out of my college experience is that if I do not work hard and strive to be the best at everything I do, than I can never be what I want to be. I have learn that college education is going will help me in the future. It is going to be the most important thing that will branch off my future into a brighter and better life. It is going to help me to get a job that I will enjoy for the rest of my life and a job that pays well.

Upstate all in all has been a great experience thus far. I have made a lot of new friends and I've learned to become more responisble for myself. I've grown up a lot over the past two years at Upstate. You have to learn to keep up with your own schedule and decide whats best for you. Your parents aren't there to make sure you make the best decision anymore. What I don't like about Upstate is how I'm not being challanged. I was always told college is meant to be difficult but when I'm in class it does not feel any different than high school. I want to be challanged and I'm not getting that at Upstate. I don't feel like I'm learning as much as I could at another institution. There isn't much emphasis on academics like there is at other school. It is almost more of a social school than anything else.

Oddly enough one of the greatest things that I have gotten out of my college experience that has made college so valuable for me is not at all related to academics. In high school, I was known as the girl who, well, wasn?t known; I hardly spokethroughout the entire four years & I kept to myself a lot because of low self-esteem. College has instilled a sense of independence & power in me that has completely changed the person I am for the better. I was suddenly thrown into this lifestyle where I controlled my path & who I was. For the first time I was having to manage money to make sure tuition was paid & books were purchased, make & remember doctor appointments, deal with problems without my families support, decide when it was to late to be out, etc. The amount of change, along with me knowing I could handle it, greatly increased how i viewed myself.