University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Guerline

Visit the college, make sure you really enjoy the setting and the academic aspescts of the school. Tour the city, because your choice of school may not necessarily concide with the town it is located in. Enjoy your college years, because they only come around ONCE!

Zia

Make sure it is a college that offers many academic opportunities. Often you will find that students will go to school with one intention, and decide to change their minds halfway. This allows them to choose from many different options.

Dominique

Life is short so work hard and have fun. Attend a college that makes you feel comfortable and helps you to achieve your goals!

Tierra

When all is said and done, you, the student have to be satisfied with the decisions you make in college. Think about who you are, what you like, and what you want to acheive. Then, find the college that will best fit to you. When you do finally go to college, don't be afraid to step out of what you know . There is always something new to learn or experience. Never does a person change as much as they do in their college years. Change isn't a bad thing as long as you are conscious and happy with what you become. College is a time to create lasting memories, while building for a better future.

Courtney

In order to pick a college where you will succeed and be happy, you must first know yourself. Every college and university differs in small ways, much like one person to the next. Your college years will lay the foundation for the rest of your life, not only academically, but in finding yourself. You enter a novice, nervous and unsure, and you will leave with an understanding that the only thing you can be is yourself. College is the last time you have an excuse to be irresponsible. Take advantage of that. Skip a class now and then. Fail a test or two. You will learn. You will learn not only about history and religion, calculus and chemistry, you will learn what it takes to be happy, to be successful, and to be yourself.

Kristen

Follow your heart, and stay focused. Keep your priorities straight.

Nicholas

Finding the right college is tricky. It?s about combining all the things you love and/or hate; creating a new life, hopefully a fulfilling one. Before picking the college for you, parents and/or students should visit the campuses and meet a few professors and students. The people and campus are more than half the equation for enjoying college. Sometimes a campus will look or sound great, but until you see or hear it in person you won?t get a true grasp of its spirit, or lack thereof. Another key factor would be location. An example of this would be if you don?t like bad winters then why pick a school extremely far north? Which brings me to my next point. The college you go to should depend on what you are looking for in college. Academics? Athletics? Social life? Those are a few questions that every parent/student should ask themselves before picking the college for you. Picking a college is a lot like picking out a car, it all depends in what you want. If you want fun pick sports car/party college, if not then pick something that best fits you and your personality.

Andrea

Finding the right college is very important. It's good to know who you, as a person, before you go to school your freshman year. It can be very confusing and even if you think that you will not be drawn to the party scene, it's vey likely that you will be. Another important thing is to make sure that you have plenty of financial backing. School can cost a lot of money but the cost of living can be even worse. You may think that you'll be eating at home all the time but when you're at school all day it's a lot easier to just buy lunch for $5. Ande let me tell you, those $5 add up. In terms of making the most of your college experience, it's about finding that balance between getting good grades and having fun. While its hard to find it within the first year or two, it is attainable. These four (or five) years are really important for your future and its important to remember to try hard but not to stress yourself out too much. That can be difficult too.

Sara

Definatly visit the school and talk to current students before you choose, and visit more than just your first choice. I didnt visit schools before i chose them, and ended up going to 4 colleges until i found my place at USF. Now I'm happy as can be!

Chester

Finding the right school is based on your child's sholastic abilities, field of study, and extra curricular activities. I believe early encouragement is the basis for a quality college education. Most children will not have not found their calling by the time they reach college, and in order to have the opportunity to follow their instincts it is best that they be welcomed by the program based on their previous efforts. This approach can also alleviate financial obstacles through scholarships and grants creating opportunity to attend colleges previously unavailable. Children that have chosen a field of study also greatly benefit from this approach. Whether your child has made their decision or not, they can be confident about the possibility of being accepted to their desired college. Your childs good mental health is an important part of learning, and extracurricular activities can balance the stress of college workload. Research the programs available for your child to participate in. Many schools have a comprehensive list of sports clubs and organizations. With these factors in mind, your child should have a wonderful and care free college experience to be revered.

Misty

Choose a college that is not too close to home but not too far away so you are more comfortable when moving. Also make sure that the student body is united and that the school has many extra-curricular activities that you can be involved in.

Andrea

Visit the college beforehand to get a good feel of size and atmosphere of campus.

Kerline

The advice that I would give to all parents and/or students about finding the right college is that college is a place where you can easily get distracted and to not choose that college just because all of your friends are going there. College is where your real life begins and when you start building your future and a future for your children and/or family. Make sure when selecting a college they have a diverse population amongst students and staff as you will encounter this in real life. Make sure they have a diverse range of degrees there because at one point in your life, you will question your current major and think about another major and you do not want to be stuck with that major because you've spent so many years there and there is nothing there to choose. Lastly, make sure that you are comfortable with the size of the college and classes because your learning and education is paramount and you do not want to be intimidated by the size of class or campus and not do well in your courses. College is wonderful and you can also have FUN!

Kelcy

My best advice is to first evaluate your life. If you are a student that has to work and support yourself through school, then a college with lots of off-campus housing and off-campus jobs would be a good environment to find. I chose a school that provided classes at a self paced schedule. I didn't have to take the maximum load, but could still graduate at a good pace. Some of the larger campuses push academics and then school activities. As a working student I couldn't stay on campus all of my extra time to do activities, but when I found time to attend one or two I still felt included and part of the team. So, again my best advice is to choose a college that best fits the reality of your life. Otherwise, you will feel like you are missing out on something.

Tequilla

Take your time and follow your heart. Pick the school that feels right. Ask many questions about every aspect of the school.

Sandra

Start saving now!! Money is something that can get in the way of classes and stress you emotionally. Don't let yourself get discouraged from being bogged down with classes and all else that comes with the new college experience.

Samantha

Picking the right college for each individual student is a difficult choice. The most helpful tool that I used to help make my decision was www.collegeboard.com. At this website I was able to enter all the criteria I was looking for in a school. It gave me a list of schools that upheld my expectations. After finding schools that you think are right for you, the next best thing you can do is to visit the school. This is important because sometimes you feel at home at a campus and sometimes it just does not work for you. I think a student needs to be comfortable and feel safe on their campus in order to get the best experience possible. Lastly in choosing a school I would advise the individual to speak to several different people who already attend the school. It is helpful to get other's opinions on the school because they would know best what the school really entails. In this step however, it is critical to ask multiple people; Everybody has different opinions and you would not want to be pushed away from a school just because it isn't right for someone else.

Arelan

As for finding the right college, I don't exactly have a grand story. I started my college education at a small college in my hometown. (Manatee Community College) University of South Florida is out of my hometown, but near enough that MCC has an office dedicated to USF information and transfer. The networking between the two colleges made the transfer simple. I didn't have to find it, I didn't have to fight for my application, and USF helped me discover my career path. I consider myself fortunate and blessed. As for the college experience, that's different for everyone. I don't participate often, as I don't live near enough to the campus to make many extracurricular visits. But I participate when I can, and my experience is richer for it. In short, my advice for making the most of the college experience is listen to your heart, and you'll find just what you need to be satisfied.

Destiny

It's simpler than you're spending all your time stressing over. Don't worry so much about going to a "Brand Name" school. What really matters in the long run is the student's attitude and actions once they get there that first semester. Get involved in all that school has to offer and you'll find school pride when you've never had it before, interests you'd never dare before, friends you'd never wave to before, classes you never thought you'd ace before and an experience you never thought you'd love so much before.

Priscilla

I would tell parents and students to make sure and visit the University and look into all the different activities it has to offer as well as the curriculum it offers. make sure to remember that its not always about image, sometimes what seems like the "Top" college to be at in your state is not always the right choice for you. Be sure once you do select the University that fits you best that you go out and get involved and make sure that you attend different things that you would never think about attending because you might end up liking something that you usually wouldnt and it usually makes for a more fullfillng experience and i can almost promise you wont regret it.

Renee

Make sure you know what you want first and check out the schools. Some people think they want to go to a big university, then find the campus intimidating. Search everything about it so you know what you are getting into, it is a huge decision that can effect your whole life. Most of all, have fun and don't get to stressed out over the little stuff.

Arkadiy

The advise I would have to give upon picking the right school for a child would be three main points; education, safety, and interactivity. The most important aspect of higher education is undoubtedly the education. Every parent wants their child to succeed and walk away with a bigger mind and a brighter view of the world. The safety of the campus would have to come in as a second because there is no way a child could learn anything new and succeed if he is plagued with the fear of something happening to him on campus. And probably the most vital aspect of choosing a school would be the interactivity on campus. Lets face it there is no way to succeed in life unless you can interact with other people in the world, and if a campus prepares you for it during the educational process then a student would be better off in the long run.

Ahmed

Have an open mind about what you want to do and where you want to go with your life. Never count yourself out of any situation and don't ever think you can't do something for any reason. Where there's a will there's a way: you just gotta make it happen

Tiffany

When choosing the right college you have to make sure that the university best fits you. Don't go to a school because thats where all your friends are going. Check out the different opportunities that the school can give you. You will be at that university for four or more years so choose wisely. Also, I would tell the student that getting involve in organizations should be a must thing to do after studying. In any organization you gain new friendships and also learned about different things that the university has to offer. I know personally I wouldn't know of great opportunities that my school offer if it wasn't for being involved. The student most learn how to prioritize their social and school life. They should not let one take over the other. If they fail it is ok because its not about failing it's about learning the lesson that comes from it. College is an experience that allows you meet to meet all types of people so one must take advantage.

Anthony

I would tell fellow students there are many decideing factors to consider when choosing the right college for you. You want to choose a college that has teh best academic program you are interested. You do not want to settle for mediocre programs. Also you want to consider the current student population and how many students are enrolled at the college. Finally you want to consider all the recreational activities that school provides.

Michael

When it comes to finding the right college for your child it is imperitive to concider several important things. First and formost, does this school offer your child's intended major? Second for you parents, concider the cost of attendence. Examine the surrounding area. Does it seem like a place where your child will have a save and secure learning enviroment? Make sure your child is able to learn in the athmosphere offered by that school (ie class size). Finally, concider the fun and friendship your child can have while attending this establishment. Utimately the decision should be up to the student because many times if its not where he or she feels comfortible at their learning will be hindered.

pete

I advise students to pick a school where they will be challenged. A challenging environment will ensure success after graduation.

Evellin

First, please start preparing for college early! Begin to look at various colleges through your freshman and sophomore year so you'll have an idea of where you want to apply. Be sure to check out application requirements, available scholarships, and what the schools have to offer. Choose the school that appeals to you and your interests. Don't base your decision off of where all of your friends are going, or where your parents want you to go. Go for the school that YOU think is best. The only way to make the most out of your college experience is to focus on your studies, but have fun along the way! Let yourself explore and give yourself room to grow into the person you were meant to become.

Kerri

Pick a school that is diverse not only in its population but also in the majors it offers. You amy go into the school expecting to major in one thing, but it is completely normal to change your major frequently. Try everything once! Take classes that you know you can handle and register for more classes than necessary so that if on the first day you feel that one is too hard, you can drop without the pressure of filling the hole for credits. And most importantly.... GET INVOLVED!!! Enjoy college, because when it's over, it's over and you have to join the world as an educated individual that is expected to work for everything they get. The friends you make in college become life long friends so don't get involved with the wrong crowd, but do get involved with a variety of different people. And never forget that you control your future! Don't let anyone tell you who you are, what classes to take, or who to be friends with. Make your own choices... it's your life!

Brandon

I would say to make sure that you are going to a school because of the programs it offers for the degree you are seeking. Don't pick a school bases on it's sports teams or it's party life, but rather how well the school is going to prepare you for a career after you graduate. Also research the school's location and student life both on and off campus in order to learn if there are many activities to get involved with in the community.

Jeanette

Do not miss an opportunity to learn everything you possibly can. Particularly if you have yet to chose a major, find a school that encourages you to expand your horizons and study diverse fields. If you have a general idea of what you want to study, familiarize yourself with course options to better decide which school best fits your areas of interest. Schools with diverse student populations will give you a chance to learn more about cultures you may otherwise be unaware of. In order to make the most of your college experience you should keep your mind open and meet new people. Don?t be afraid to participate in class discussions because you can learn more about something by talking about it. Don?t be afraid to ask questions. Get to know your professors; they will appreciate your interest and will help you get the most out of your education. Communicate with your advisor. If they are not providing you with the help you need, don?t be afraid to change advisors until you find one who will help you get an internship and put you on the right path towards your desired career. Have fun.

Demetrios

In choosing the right college and making the most out of the experience, my advice is to be informed and be realistic about the college you want to attend. You see before I went off to college, I thought that paying for my education was not going to be as expensive as it actually is. Picture this, looking at your student account and seeing that you owe almost five thousand (5,000) dollars for the upcoming semester. Mind you, this is ?in state? tuition and housing prices. This does not include textbooks and meal plans. That means if you do not have any type of financial aid, this is all on you! This is why I tell you to be informed and be realistic because college is no walk in the park. You must thoroughly research the prospective colleges and see which one will fulfill your education desire while making sure you can still afford it. When you do this, I believe you will be able to make rational decisions about the college you want to attend and how to have the best time of your life!

Lindsey

When finding the right college, I would advise students to first make sure the school has his or her intended major of study. Then I would suggest looking into the financial aid program of the school, making sure they are willing to provide scholarships and grants. The school's surrounding area may play a role into the decision-making process; one will want to ensure that it is safe. In order for a student to make the most out of his or her college experience it is very imperative that they get invovled in campus activities. This allows them to establish life-long friendships with people who are focus and goal-oriented. Getting involved also allows for students to network for potential jobs in the future. It would not be healthy to go through college with no friends. So getting involved and making friends would be first on my list in order to make the best out of any college experience.