University of South Carolina-Upstate Top Questions

There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom, and my college experience has provided me with both. I believe that going to college was the best choice for me and I am very proud of myself for trying something that no one else in my family has tried before. To me this college experience has been the most valuable thing I've ever done because it has taught me not only about the career I wish to have when I get out, but it has taught me about myself.

In high school I made the mistake of starting the college process late. I took my SAT test late which delayed the college application process I needed to go through. Another result of taking the test late was that I was unable to take the test again for a better score. I wasn't the smartest kid in school therefore; I only received one academic scholarship. I also filled out my free FASFA application late. I didn't receive nearly enough money to cover my tuition cost. Now that I have struggled with finding money for school I have learned time management. I try starting application processes earlier. Being late is a form of procrastination that I have overcome. I learned my lesson because l realized the early birds are the one who are attending school with no financial worries. My experience has disciplined me and the advice I now have for myself is to start on assignment as soon as they are presented to me, jump one opportunities when I hear about them, and to always be aware of the due dates. This information will get me futher ahead in college than I would have before.

There isn't much I can say about the transition from high school to college. More than anything, it just felt like it did the first day of middle school after I moved, so that wasn't a huge deal. The big thing that I'd try to drive into my own thick skull as a high school senior would be not to throw out all my old notes from my honors classes, because all the goofy mnemonic devices and stupid cartoons I used to help me remember things for biology and pre-cal would be really useful right now. I could have saved weeks of effort by not tossing those things out. I'd also like to suggest biting the bullet and go ahead and paying to get microsoft office on my laptop, because it's just such a pain to copy and paste and email and copy and paste and reformat from the program that my laptop had until about a week ago. It's best to get it over with, and the same goes for typing the notes and powerpoint my anatomy teacher gave us to study from. Procrastination is not worth this much sleep deprivation.

The greatest part about high school is hanging out with friends, but I would express to my younger self the importance of a higher education. A degree tells the corporate world that I am willing and ready to devote my life to a working economy. Employers constantly look at a person's background before actually getting to know the individual. I would encourage myself to set high standards and goals that must be met. I would take things seriously one hundred percent, so that i will retain that same attitude in my colleges years. More importantly the desire of a degree in business management is surely the key to my success. It is the door that leads to my dream of becoming an entrepreneur in a business that will positevly affect the world. As a college student talking to my senior persona, I would openly tell myself to focus, because these years of suffering through hard tests, long lectures, and eight hour days were only endured to eventually become a college student, and we would not want that commitment to result as a waste of time.

Take it one day at a time. Too often as a freshman discovering the freedom you haven't had up until this point, you can lose yourself in your social life and forget the discipline it takes to achieve good grades. And before you know it, you are begging teachers to let you make up work while trying to fit in the campus party into your schedule. And it can be overwhelming. There are far more opportunities down the road if you take the time now to earn your degree. Don't let it all overwhelm you. Find the help you need to learn to study effectively on your own. Learn time management and when you go to the party, have fun. But don't let it become your primary focus. Remember, you are working toward your future. The present will one day become your past and you don't want to look back on it and regret your decisions.

If I could give myself advice a year ago, I would have told myself to trust my instincts when it comes to choosing a college to go to. I may have to go to several colleges to really know where I see myself being most successful and enjoying my educational experience. I should not be worried about my roommate because she is amazing and will become one of my best friends. All of the skills I learned in high school, such as time management, will become useful in college. There are several differences between college life and high school. When I am in college, I will become more independent and begin to find out who I truly am. I will find my true passion and discover that I want to improve people's lives through medicine for the rest of my life. College will improve my life in several ways and really teach me what I need to know in order to have a successful future.

Looking back over my senior year, there are a lot of things I would've done differently. Taking the SATs and/or ACTs is a critical part in the admission process for college, I would take these tests a lot more seriously than I did and would have actually taken them several times instead of just a couple times. Visiting different colleges is also a huge step in the decision in planning out ones' life, I never made it a big deal in my opinion to visit colleges and see what was out there. I am very happy in my decision to attend USC Upstate, but sometimes I wonder what other schools I could've attended that I might have loved just as much. Grades throughout high school weren't very important to me until my 11th grade year. This held me back from scholarships/grants that were GPA related that I could've received that I didn't because of my nonchalant attitude toward my GPA. There are many things I'd do over my senior year that I will never have a chance to, but you live and you learn and that's what counts.

College is one of the most enjoyable experiences in your life. It is important that when picking a college you pick a school that you would feel comfortable at, and Institution that has has the same morals in high education that you have. It is important to pick an institution that is going to challenge you and motivate you. If the school you choose is easy, and you are making straight A's without even touching a book, then you are not beeing challenged. One thing you should know is that you should never pick a school or make a transition just because your friends are. Be an individual, meet new people and dont be a prisioner to the same old habits and lifestyles. Those first couple of weeks you will have butterflies and will be filled with anixiety, meeting new people, getting lost on campus, and managing time will be difficult. But these are the beautiful corruptions that transition you into the real world. Step outside the box, be you and excell and achieve at all you do. Remember that if you fail, let your failure be your inspiration.

First of all I would tell my self to set more time aside to study. Many students in high school do not study as hard as they should and when they get to college they struggle. It is important to study and get good grades because it is easier to maintain good grades than bring them up. I would also tell myself to get involved with more clubs that include my interests. Being involved teaches you so many things for the real world from responsiblity to cooperation. Taking responsibilty for my own needs would be another piece of advice I would give myself. Most students do not live at home so you have to learn to take care of yourself because your mom is not there to do it for you.

I would tell myself not to start off in one major, try everything and then chose from there. I would also tell myself to take things seriously, even if your only going to a community college, those classes count for something, and your grades can come back to haunt you. Find people who aren't going to get you into trouble, and hang out with them. Grades are important, so being a study nerd, is nothing to be ashamed about. Don't be pressured into doing things that you don't want too, nothing in this life is that important, and the people who pressure you, aren't friends you are going to have forever.

College life is definitely not what I thought it would be...there is so much that I wish I could have prepared for instead of being thrown into such a vast ocean without a chance to hold my breath. If I could go back in time and tell my entering-freshman self what I know now about being a college student, maybe that would ease the difficulty of the transition, or atleast provide some insight as to what to expect. First and foremost, I would warn my younger self of the enticing grip of procrastination; you may feel more relaxed two weeks before an approaching exam if you put off studying until the night before; however, that lonely night will be one of complaining and cramming, and the test results will not reflect the efforts of that fateful night; they will be influenced by the two weeks of laziness, and you will be left with nothing but memories of two weeks packed full of junk food and reruns to show for it. Yes, procrastination is a familiar friend and a entriguing enemy. By the time you wish you could rewind and do it all over, the damage is already done.

If I could go back in time and talk with my high school self there would be a couple key things I would say in order to better prepare myself for college. the first thing that i would say is that i need to develop a better study method, because the current study method that i have will not benefit me in college. another that i would mention would be to work harder on getting the nasty habit of procastination out of my system because there is too much work in college where if one procastinated its not a guarantee that one will catch back up. The last of advice I would give myself would be to stay focus and to not get side tracked beacuse once one lose focus it will cloud one's mind hendering them from ac omplishing their goal.

I would definitely tell myself as a high school senior to be prepared to work very hard and study very hard because it is not going to be easy to make all As like it was in high school. I would also give myself the advice to keep trying even if you feel like giving up. I would also tell myself to go talk to my professor if I am having trouble with the class material or struggling with my grade in that class-don't try to fix everything yourself! Sometimes you have to ask for help! Another thing I would tell myself would be not to give in to peer pressure. Be strong and stand for your morals and don't let anyone tell you differently. Finally, spend time with your family and friends when you can. Don't overwhelm yourself by never having any social time. Last but not least, HAVE FUN! These days will be some of the best of your life!

It is always important to apply for college early and there are so many opportunities for you as a student to succeed! It is also important to send high school transcripts and take the SAT or ACT to find out where they will place you according to the courses they offer! Please visit the schools of your choice and pick which one would best fit for you and your major! Also meet with the faulty and staff in your particular fields and ask them questions about the particular major that you are going for! Please sign up for financial aid because it will save you money in the long run. There are scholarships, grants, loans, and other federal aids for you to have! College funds can be difficult and I know personally how it feels to come out of the pocket! Financial aid is crucial and I am telling you as a student to take advantage of all the money you can get! Last put not least : Look at your college handbook and find out what your college is about because all colleges are not the same in everything!

Your freshmen year is so important. The first year is so full of new and freedom but it is not the time to goof off. You don't need to pick a major yet or take those classes. This is the time to get all your required courses finished. Take them seriously. The grades you make now will lay the foundation for your gpa. You don't want to spend the rest of the years pulling your gpa up. Try to find a part time job or intership related to the field you are interested in. The job will give you a taste of what it is truly like that books do not give. Plus you will have spending money. If you apply for student loans, only take the amount you need not the amount they are willing to loan you. At the time it seems great to have all that money, but it will take FOREVER to pay it back. This will be one of the best times of your life, enjoy it.

What if we could use wisdom gained with age and experience to change the past by advising our younger selves of important life lessons? If I could go back in time to my self as a high school senior, there are several bits of wisdom I would give to my younger self. One concept I would relate is that grades are not everything. In high school and early into my college career all I thought about was earning an A. Now I would implore me to focus on learning and encourage me that the grades will follow. A grade can be had without truly learning the material, but study crammed in on a last minute basis is promptly dumped by the brain (sometimes even before the test one was cramming for in the first place!) and is not in the slightest beneficial to the student. Learning and understanding are ultimately more important for one's future than a high grade. In nursing school we have a joke: What do you call a the nursing student who graduated with the lowest class average? Answer: R.N. This is just one of many ways I have become wiser with age. Thank you.

The first semester is always the hardest. I would go back and mentally prepare myself for something so far different from college life as far as the studying and being independent. I would tell myself to take advantage of the free time I have and to have a relationship with all the teachers than rather just being a name or number in the class. I would realize the love of Christ instead of waiting for a life tragedy to have me realize it and use His love as motivation for me as I do now. Knowing that Christ wants me to achieve has been a huge motivation factor for me and that'd be the one main thing I would tell myself if I could go back and talk to myself. Along with a huge good luck!

I would begin pursuing scholarship opportunities earlier. If I were going to attend a two year university I would be sure to coordinate with the school I would be attending after obtaining my associate degree. By failing to do this I delayed my acceptance into the school of nursing by a whole semester.

Study harder and make better grades!

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go with my gut instinct and never give up. As a senior in high school, I had the opinions and words of others either pushing me in directions I now regret going into or discouraging me from pursuing the things that I wanted to because of mistakes that they made in either the same area or an area similar; I would say to myself go with your gut instinct, no matter what people say. YOU CANNOT BE A PEOPLE PLEASER! I would tell myself to never give up on my dream(s), just because others thought it (they) was worthless or a waste of time and money. I would also tell myself that it is okay to help others, but don't neglect your own health in the process (because if you are not well and healthy then how are you going to be of any help to those who really need your help and time).

I would tell myself that even though all my high school teachers told me that they were preparing me for college, they didn't. Nothing I learned in high school prepared me for college. I would tell myself that I would have to basically forget about having any sort of social life, as I'd have to study all the time, and that it would be much harder than high school, where I never had to study at all. I would also tell myself, however, that college is great for meeting new people with different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, and that I would learn a lot about myself, my beliefs, and what I want out of life.

Make sure the college is "yours" you have to be happy with your surroundings before you even attempt to learn.

Make sure that you visit the college before deciding to attend it at least twice. Know what you want as both the student and the parent and make sure that school offers it. Try to start school where you will be for all four years it makes your stay easier and the transition is not that hard.

Choose a college that best suits you or that you feel comfortable with. Go with your heart and what you want to do.

Visit it to see if ypu like it.

Let the kid go where they want to go within resonable expensise. it is imporatant for them to make the decision and to be happy!

When choosing a college it is imperitve not olly to visit, but to sit in on a class. It is important to speak with the students that are currently enrolled and if possible some alumni. Consider the distance that you will have to travel. Live on campus during your first year, to receive the full experience of college. Lastly enjoy and succeed in all you do.

If I could give anyone planning on attending a college or university advice about finding the school for them I would tell them to visit more than once. Visit the school you think you would like to attend at different times and talk to the students about the area. If you can stay overnight try to it allows you to see the people whom you will be living with, it?s a great opportunity you should take advantage of. To make the most of your college experience you need to learn how to balance your friends and social life with school work, this will allow you to be successful. You also need to try to go to school events with your friends. Going to events allows you to socialize with people outside of your group and best of all socialize with your professors outside of the lecture hall. Most of all have fun and work hard and it will all be worth it when you walk across that stage in front of all your peers, family, friends, and professors.

Take your time, research the schools, visit campuses. Do comparisons on the academic and social aspects of the schools on your list. A visit to a school's website is often a great way to see events the school has happening on a regular basis, as well as courses of study, campus life, and community interaction. Once in college find your own niche, whether it is playing intermural sports, trying out for plays, joining volunteer organizations or joining a sorority or fraternity. Don't be afraid to try a new experience. It will help you to grow not only as a student but as an individual.

My advice goes to prospective students: do whatever it is you need to do to make sure this is the right choice. make a list, visit the campus, talk to students who already attend the university. The university will tell you whatever it is you want to hear to get you to attend their school. But this is an important decision and it needs to be taken with thought. Make sure this college has your major and will help you find a job so you can reach your dreams. Once you're there, work hard and have fun but be smart. I joined a sorority and i had fun. I volunteered and raised money for premature babies, I studied, and I partied. Greek life is great and if your interested then do it. But remember to work hard. Study a little bit everyday or write a page a day for a paper, then have fun at night. If you procrastinate you will not do as well. I'm telling you the truth because i know from experience. To get anything out of life put a little work into it and you'll land among the stars.

Understand there are options. Check the current status of any problems a university or school maybe undergoing. This may help with financial status and even the future or your child.

Tell them to go to a two year college with an apartment with some good friends (if immature) then go to a 4 year school. If matture let your child go to the 4 year school.

Start looking as colleges and soon as possible. Go and visit as many colleges as you can and take the time to walk around the city where your college is located at. You want to have some idea about what is around you for shopping, food, and entertainment. Look at what degrees they have to offer and what classes they offer. Try and get involved in campus activities and groups, it's the best way to meet people. Make sure you look a class sizes...it's makes a difference. See what kind of housing they have avaliable and where they buildings are located on campus. Parents need to be supportive and also weigh in on what they think...while respecting their child's choice.

visit several colleges, and maybe even spend the night at a few. just make sure you make the right choice.

Visit schools. Your child will know what feels right for him or her.

I would tell parents to allow their children to make their own decisions about which school and major that they want to. I would tell students to follow their dreams and, at the same time, be realistic about what they want to do with the rest of their lives.

The student should choose where THEY are comfortable. Extra curricular activities are a must, even if the student does not plan to participate. Things may change when you make new friends and find new interests. Stick with your first choice. Do not settle, even if it takes extra effort.

Finding a college is a decision that should never be downlplayed. It can be expensive, time consuming, and emotionally frustrating to attend a university for several semesters, only to realize that you aren't happy there, and sometimes changing schools isn't an option. Obviously the first thing a high-school graduate should consider is what the university offers accademically, since most are making an investment and hoping that investment will result in a usefull degree. Many students think that this means they have to decide exactly what they want to do with their lives, choose a major, choose a minor, and get moving, but the years a young adult spends in college will almost inevitably be a life-changing experience. Statistical evidence shows that most college students change their major at least once or twice and most adults will completely switch careers several times as well. A student should find a school that provides enough options, but a student should find the environment social stimulating as well. Not only will a student be happier, but a thriving community may also help them learn about and get involved in activities that will help them discover the career they'll love.

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to do alot of research on the college you are trying to attend. Make sure the college you want to attend fits you and your personality. Most importantly make sure you will be able to afford to got to the college that you want to attend financially. You should choose a college based on location, weather, interests, environment, academic rankings, sports rankings, majors, Greek organizations, academic clubs, leadership programs, intramural sports, community service projects, multicultural events. You also might want to choose a college based on in state or out-of-state.

Go tour the campus first and see what life on campus is like. Between work and school I dont have much time for any clubs but I do highly recommend to go to sporting events and support your school.

I strongly believe that any college you are considering, you muct visit. You should tour the campus, find out class size and student to teacher ratio. This will help you, are you better with small or large classes? You should find out about greek life and campus activities, do you want to be really involved, or would you rather be at a college that leaves you alone. You should also wander around the city that the college is located. This way you can find out about the night life, are there alternate things for you to do if you dont drink? Are there things that interest you in your town? Because you do not want to be stuck in a town that is no fun. Lastly, and most importantly, you have to decide if you like the feel of the school and the area, because if you do not, you will be miserable in your environment; causing your school work to suffer, and making you miserable in the long run.

Study hard and have no regrets

NA

Pick a school that you are comfortable with and that offers what you enjoy.

Choose the college that you want to go to. Don't let your parents, friends, or boyfriends/girlfriends be the deciding factor. You don't have to decided immediately what you want to major in. Take your time and decide and if you need help talk to a neutral source. If you do know what you would like to major in then choose the school that has one of the best programs of interest.

I think the most important decision a parent can make is to stress the importance of college, but don't force your child to where you want them to go. Let them make a reasonable decision. Also , prepare your child in life skills, opportunities, rewards, and make them aware of the difference in high school and college. Give them useful resources to broaden their horizons. Also prepare FOR them and yourself financially. Don't allow money to be a burden to your child's education. As a 22 year old readmit student, I've lived on my own since I was 16. I was a foster child raised by my grandmother who decided to turn me back over to the state at 16. I graduated high school 13th in my class and decided to attend college. It was hard because I was working full time as well and wasnt sure what I wanted to major in, so I dropped out, which was unintelligent because it was so hard to go back, but it is something I want so deeply, so I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it work. Remember children today are the doctors of tomorrow.

I am the first person in my family to attend college, so my parents and I were completely lost when we first started looking into colleges. Due to my lack of knowledge, I made several wrong choices. I would advise students to not procrastinate. Begin looking for colleges during your junior year in high school. Explore your options. There are so many colleges out there. Parents should also be involved in this process with their students. It is very difficult, almost impossible, to go at it alone. Students should choose a college based on his/her own personal preference. They should decide if they want to attend a large or small university. There are colleges out there for everyone. Students should visit the various school and see what fits best for them. Once they get into college, they should make the best of their time their. Make friends, get involved with campus life, but focus and continue to grow while you are there. Students should feel like they are truely a member of the student body. Not just another person there. Once you get the feel of college and get comfortable, you don't even realize you're at school.

As a college student who struggles finanically, I would advise all parents and students to look into all avaliable scholarships and loans. I have to pay my own way through college with a single mom, it is difficult,. However, I can not wait to finish and proudly say I made it on my own! As far as campus life and academics, parents and students should consider whether they want a large campus or small campus. Certain aspects of college are more important to some students than others. College is all about the experience that one makes it! If you find a fit thats just right for you, I think the sucess will be amazing! I have enjoyed college, I just need money to finish so I can become the next Erin Andrews, broadcasting the sports to you from the sidelines of ESPN!