University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

Make sure future students open themselves up to new and different experiences in college. Do not be afriad to be yourself. Try to attend a diverse school because it will benefit you in the future.

My advice to parents and/ or students about finding the right school is to start your search early. Don't be afraid to try a new area with alot of diversity. When you attend a very diverse school you are exposed to alot more experiences that will prepare you for the future. Don't be afraid to apply for scholarships that require an essay. You never know what might happen. Start you search for financial aid and scholarships early. Remember the early bird gets the worm. Vist all the schools that you apply to and get to know the people that already attend the school. Ask question because you wouldn't know unless you ask. Also visit the area around the school so you know what options you have with social activities. Once you've found the right school don't be afraid to get invovled. When you're involved you meet so many different people and you are exposed to more opprotunities. College isn't all about work. Enjoy yourself! Make sure that you manage your time effectively. You can have it both fun and the degree!!

You need to make sure the college has a good program for your degree/career path. Then things like financial aid and housing come into play. Also, other things like a good sports team help build pride and give more opportunities to go to sporting events and meet new people.

I would tell parents to look at their kids' interests and to see what their chosen colleges have to offer that fit their child's interests. Also, pick a college that is affordable, but do not worry so much about that. Having a great college experience is not always about money. For students, pick a college that well known for the major/academic program you want to go into. Also, pick the college that has a variety of social events, outdoor recreation, and activities going on, especially ones that you are interested in. This is a great way to make friends and to develop a social life in college. Your college experience would not be the same if the school had nothing going on outside of classes. Pick a college that is in the kind of setting you want, for example, a big city or in a country town with a small population. If you are happiest in a big city, pick a college in an urban area, such as New York City or Chicago. If you are happy in a small town, pick a college in a small town.

Don't be afraid to "not know." Allow yourself time to make up your mind about where you want to attend school and what your major will be. Don't be stuck on a timetable.

Go to whichever college feel your going to be most comfortable.

I would let parents/students know that picking the right college depends on the type of person the individual is. If the person excels in smaller classrooms, then go to a small college. If the person is a well-rounded individual and takes pride into meeting new people from a variety of ethnical backgrounds, attend a larger college. Most of all, choose a college that will offer what the student is interested in learning. Of course, that can change several times throughout the college experience, but as long as the student is goal-oriented, focused, and determined to succeed no matter what trials the student may face, he/she will overcome. College isn't like high school, it is hard work and the one that survives college is the one that studies hard, socialize with others in class, and relax. Stress can kill so enjoy extra curricular activities outside of class work. Hard work will pay off.

Find the school that meets the criteria for your degree, don't forget to do a well indepth research on it, it will pay off once school starts. When it comes to college experience, join anything you can (athletics, band, clubs, etc) it will open you up to endless opportunities not to mention the amount of networking that will be nedded once your ready to find a job.

Attend the highest rank college you get accepted to it will be worth it in the long run.

Look at schools that are in your state first, because the in-state tuition can save both of you a lot of money. Make sure you visit the school and talk to current students while you are there. Find out what kind of extra-curricular activities are available, or what students do on their free time most often. Take the cost-of-living of the city of your school into consideration when choosing a university/college. Most importantly, make sure the interests of your school are similar to yours, because different schools might focus on different academic areas while other schools may be well-rounded in progressing their disciplines.

Get as much money together before college

There are many things that you must take in affect when trying to decide on a school. The first thing that is important is to find out if the school has a good degree program for your desired major. Then next important thing is that you need to find someone you can call home. It needs to be a place where you feel you can establish relationships and networking with other individuals. Most importantly, you need to go somewhere you feel the happiest.

My advice to anyone trying to find the right college is to go there. Explore the campus, talk to students, even sit in on a class or two if you get the chance. The only way to know which college is right for you is to experience it first hand. When I was a graduationg senior in high school, I made my decision solely based on the fact that the campus was close to my parent's house which was where I thought I would be living for the next four years. The truth is, you never know where life will take you, and if you don't chose a school that feels right to you, chances are you will eventually realize you missed out on a great opportunity. College is all about expression and finding yourself, so do the research and visit as many schools as you can because you're in for the best four years of your life!

I would tell parents to let their children have a major part in the decision-making process of finding a college for them to attend. This is somewhere that they will be for a long time and they should feel comfortablel with the choice they make. It shouldn't be because you want them to go there, that they attend. Students should know that they should do alot of research on the location of their college, knowing what it's reputation is and what choices they have for jobs and off-campus housing. They should make sure the size of the school is something that they're comfortable with and if the student wants to be really involved on campus (which is something great new students should do in order to make great friends), they should look up what clubs and organizations are at the college.

Location, are you active? What are "you" looking to get out of college? Do you want the prestige of a big school, or do you want the experience of the city that the school is within. Being content with your living situation, and enjoying the company that you are around is just as big apart of the college education for me. Meeting new people and networking while in college is just as important if not more important than being in the class room in some cases. Its great to make good grades, but if you can socialize with your fellow class members, how are you going to socialize in the business world? In todays world it comes down to who you know more than what you know alot of times to get that job you really want.

Make sure that you visit the schools you may want to attend and visit the colleges or college within the university that you plan on attending.

The right college is what you make of the lifestyle. College is going to change your life, period. The question is how much are you going to let it? I couldn't move too far from home so I chose USF because it is only an hour and a half from home. Close enough to visit and far enough to keep the past at bay. I wanted a larger university because I wanted to meet a lot of new people and learn from a vast array of subject. The opportunities given for personal growth and development are without bounds. It appeals to me that they are the only University to have a Joint Leadership Center for all ROTC branches, have an acclaimed medical program, great communication courses, and a fun and interactive Greek life. What do YOU want from the university of your choice? I got everything I wanted and more from USF.

If there's one thing I would loved to have had going into my first year of college, it would be some sound advice from someone who has been there and done that. My first advice would be to parents to get involved in their child's school choice, but don't push. For me, moving out and going to school just an hour away from home was scary enough. Nothing is more important for a student, than to know that their parents support them no matter what or where they choose to go to school. Secondly, to the students I would say go visit as many colleges as you can after you have a narrowed list, and visit those schools as often as you can. My biggest mistake was only visiting schools once. Then, when you get to that glorious haven, put yourself out there and get involved. Meet people! Even if you don't stick with it, you will have made some valuable friendships to hold on to. When you're finally comfortable in your new school, reach out to others. After all, someday you might be the one giving out sound advice to another student in need.

My advice to students about finding the right school would be to actually visit the campus of the potential school. The students should look at the different programs they offer and the different clubs and organizations they have. Students should be proactive in pursuing their degree or finding out what they want to major in. It is a tough choice but I advise students to take their freshman year as an exploratory time and find out about the different programs and majors there are out there. Also students should get as involved as they can in extracurricular activities. These will not only help you build friends but also the specific major organizations will help launch your career when you are finished with college. These organizations look very well in resumes and are very helpful in finding a good job. My advice to parents would be to encourage your student in whatever they find they want to major in. Be lenient with your student, but also steer them in the right direction. Too many students don?t do well in college because they forget about the academic part and focus only on the social aspects of college.

I would suggest that a potential student checks out the different programs socially and for their major.

I would say make sure you do all your research when it comes to what college you want to attend. Always make sure that the school has the degree that you want to major in and has a great program. Also that they have good financial packages and have many organizations that you think you are interested in and or would like to join.

Plan the money situation way ahead.

The advice I would give to students is to really look at the whole picture. Students tend to look at just a school, a major, a city, or a program, make sure you look at the whole lifestyle you would have at a specific school. Find somewhere you will be happy, want to learn, and be sucessful. Make sure you check out both on campus and off campus housing, different programs because you might end up changing your major ( I did, twice! ), and the people. Pick a school you will be proud to attend and will enjoy your four plus years at! Get involved on campus you will enjoy it! Follow your heart and your head, you will know when you found the right place. Be kind to your parents, you might miss them more than you will ever imagine. The advice I would give to parents is to support their child and understand that they might make mistakes but being there to pick them up is what parents are for. Don't force them to do something to fufill a dream you once had. Stay connected because as much as you miss them they miss you too!

Choosing a college is a great time of growth during your last year of high school, so be sure that you visit all of your options. Talk to some people on campus that you feel are similar to you, and find out what there impressions of the school are, and how they have changed over their time at that school. Find a couple of classes in which you are interested, whether it be art, business, science, math, film or history. Sit in for a lecture, and at the end feel free to ask the professor some questions. Find out what the perks of attending that school are, whether they have the greatest gym or the largest library. If it's a big school you probably know someone who lives on campus; see if they let you shadow them for a day. Most of all don't be afraid of the time and monetary expenditures that will soon be drastically changing; if all those people that you saw on campus can handle it, so can you. The college experience is an amazing ride and it can shake you up more often than your comfortable with, but it's so worth it.

Being genuinely interested or curious about one's own field of study will make the whole college experience much more valuable and enjoyable as you dig deeper into something that you actually find interesting. If you are actually interested in the material, you will bring to class discussions and assignments great thoughts and contributions that you and others will be able to draw back on perhaps throughout the rest of your entire professional and personal lives.

In order to choose the right college, you must actually visit the campus. When you find the right campus, you will feel comfortable. The best way to make the most out of your college experience is to get out there and meet new people. You need to have a social life as well as an academic life. There are so many different types of people at a college who are willing to meet new people as well. The friends you make during your college years will be your friends for life!

Visit the campus and talk to actual students!

In finding the right college, parents and students must first take the time out to identify what their desired schools are. Once that decision is made, they should consider what kind of atmosphere (mainly the weather and people) surrounds the college or university, and then take a tour and see how the current students interact with each other and you, the "tourist". From there, filter out the schools that didn't meet your expectations of a school community that you want to be a part of. To make the most out of your college experience, get involved! It's been said time and time again, but truthfully, it's the best way to remain in the know. Being involved also allows you to make new friends that you'll keep forever. Attend study groups, and get to know your teachers as well. This may seem hard if you're shy, but you'll find that the BEST school has the warmest people that help you break your bashful tendencies.

The best thing to do when deciding which college to attend is to visit the campus. The feel of the campus will tell a student if they can see themselves there for the next four years. Also, after deciding where to go, get all of the necessary paperwork in as soon as possible and pick the first available orientation date. This will allow you to get better classes and meet new people. Don't be afraid to try new things, even if you're by yourself. Don't be afraid to branch out from your usual friends.

Through experience I have learned a lot about finding a college that is right for a student. It is imperative that a student visit the school before deciding upon a college. The pictures might show a little about how the campus looks, but only visiting and being on-campus can give someone the true feel of a college. It's also very important that a student looks at the schools academic achievements that are in line with their intended major. Some schools are good in some areas, but not others and it's extremely important that a student make sure they pick a school that will give them ample future career opportunities and provide a good educational background. Campus life and extracuriculars also have an impact on a student's college experience. If a student wants to play sports or join a special club, he/she should research to make sure they will able to participate in it. Lastly, the location of the school is essential. Whether a student wants to be close to family, near the water, away from the cold, or whatever the case may be, be sure to choose a school a school in a desirable location.

Make sure to research each school they are interested in to make sure that they offered the programs they want. Also remember to study, do not let partying get in the way of your studies.

There are many things I wish I knew before choosing my college. One is what people like to do around here for fun. When I came here I found that almost everyone likes to drink and many people also like to do drugs. I do neither of these, so I find that I don?t get many opportunities to hang out with people, because my preferences are not the same as theirs. I also want to warn people about the administration. I would call the college many times before you begin and ask all kinds of questions to get a feel for how knowledgeable the administration is. I found that my administration is not that knowledgeable and I have to really try to pry things out of them and make ends meet. Overall, I would say just go with your gut instinct. I was unsure between two colleges and when I finally chose mine, I was glad I did. I love it here, and have so many opportunities, and am learning so much. I can never wait for the semester to be over, not because I don?t like it, but because I want to start the next one!

Some advice I would give parents or students about finding the right college and making the most college experience would be to live in the dorms freshman year. Also, participate in extra cirricular activities such as sports and clubs. Attending football games helps show your school pride and meet many new friends who enjoy the same activities you do.

The first education is to have good insight about being on your own before you do. Even though going off to school is a learning experience in itself, being even the slightest prepared can help. Research your options, make sure your college has what you need. See if you have high school friends who are attending the same college. This is really a big plus! You can share rooms, notes, rides, clothes, etc. Keep your parents informed. They may be upset with your lack of attending classes, changing majors, etc. but at least they will know what is happening in your life. Believe it or not, they may have some valuable knowledge or experiences that could come in handy. Have a a safe mindset. Know your neighbors, your surroundings, your friends, and always left someone know where you are. Even though this is your chance to make your mark in life. Mistakes will be made, just pick up and trudge forward. That is what its all about, right?

When choosing a school I would emphasize that you apply to as many schools as possible, take tours of the campuses and if possible, talk to current students to get their opinions of the college. The best information about a college comes from the students who have first hand experience. Find out as much information about the school as possible to get the full picture. I think it's very important to at least have an idea of what you want to do when you enroll to a college or university, but at the same recognize that whatever plans you have need to be flexible. Accept the fact that you may change your major once, twice, or more times before you find the right fit. Try as many different courses as you can because that will help you determine, and later decide, what you want to pursue in the long run. Once you have found the things you are interested in, get involved. Personal experience proves that you enjoy college much more when you are part of the action, taking part in the activities the school has to offer as well as interacting with classmates outside of the classroom.

I would say find a school that suits your needs in a college. Live in the dorms and experience living with room mates. Get involved with sports, football games, and the activities around campus. Join clubs and help out the community. Get into the spirit of the school and have fun. Make lots of friends because the college memories last a life time.

enjoy it it only happens once.

I would first suggest that you look for the school that will fit your needs as far as your personality, the things you are interested in, faculty members, and the area of the school. If you are not interested in the things that go on either on campus or off campus, your college experience will not be as much of an impact as that of a place where you loved everything about your campus, on and off. Look at things like faculty and the students; are they friendly? Are they going to make your experience better? These are all things to consider before choosing a school.

your first impression is always true. if you like the school from the first day you will like it later one.

I think visiting numerous college campuses before making a decision is the most important factor in choosing the right college for you. The environment of the campus is a major factor in your academic career and it can affect your study habits. Depending if you like large or small college campuses, a large campus usually has more going on. This can easily affect your grades since it can be a distraction. But, if you enjoy being involved, then larger campuses will probably be what you want.

I would say to apply to a bunch of different colleges. Some at the level you think you can get into and then under score and overcore. Visit them and make your choice. Personally, I think USF is the best . Study hard and go out and have fun too.

Go check out the campus the semester prior to enrollment. Attend a few classes and get a feel for the school, talk with current students and get their opinions of the school. Ultimately just go with whichever school fits you best and you can picture yourself succeding at!

Start saving now! College can be expensive and you can never be sure how much financial aid will cover from year to year. Allow the student to focus on new experiences and putting hard work into their studies, instead of worrying about money. Working part-time and studying full-time isn't the best combination. College is full of many, new experiences. Enjoy them! Students, if this is your first time away from home, don't go too overboard the first semester. Sure, it is alot of freedom, but some mistakes you make the first few months will have you bending over backwards to fix over the next few years. College is mainly a place for education, but finding your true identiy is important too. Just remember, study hard, live a little, and laugh alot.

Look into and know all you can about financial aid.

Look closely at the academics and if they provide what you are looking for but also dig deeper. Look at articles that are written about them in the news. Find out the inside scoop. A lot of time kids go to school really excited to be a part of "such a wonderful" school and then come to find out its not really that. Also be involved and live on campus. The wost feeling when freshmen first come is loneliness and loss. They are new with no friends and on there own. If they feel like someone else is there supporting them it will help. I joined a sorority but some join surfing or salsa or football. One more piece advice is write a quote or a reminder somewhere where you can see it every day. This will remind you that you need to stay focused and your here to LEARN and GROW and to find yourself. Dont let anything stop you, not a teacher, a class, a bad grade, a relationship, nothing stop you from following your TRUE dream. AND.....HAVE FUN!

My advice is simple: follow your heart and your gut feeling about choosing a school. I have exerienced my share of different schools and I have come to the realization that it doesn't matter if you know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but where and who you want to do those things with. Have fun and always livve each day like it's your last. Make sure you feel comfortable where you are and be expected to get discouraged, but know that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger and with the right mindset you can become anything you want. Don't pick a school purely based on its football program, at first you may find it extremely difficult to juggle partying and academics,; don't lose sight on what's important.

I would tell them to consider the campus and the city its located in. On top of that I would suggest to research the faculty and the expertise of the professors at the school. Also, I would recommend for them to look into the on-campus activities and sporting events because those are the most fun.

Visit the campus before you make any major decisions.

My advice would be to take your time with researching college options, go for walking tours, sit in on a class, eat at the cafeteria. I was able to narrow down my choices to the top 2 before my senior year of high school. Also, if it's possible, try to get a roommate that's a year older than you. That ended up helping me with adjusting to university life, and I made most of my close friends that way. When you start school, don't be shy, just keep reminding yourself that college is the best time in your life to reinvent yourself and have some fun while doing it! Meet new people, try new things, take a random, school-sponsored spring break trip (I went backpacking out West)! Whatever you do, make sure that you're doing it for YOU.

Follow your heart. If you visit the campus and it doesn't feel right, then visit some different ones. You'll know where you belong.