University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

If I had to give one word of advice to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of their experience, I would suggest that the student take a course or two in a subject they are truely interested in. By taking courses that do not focus specifically on academic instruction, the student will have the opportunity to create a positive learning experience. This will also help the student decide what career path they may be interested in.

College is an amazing part of your life. You need to choose a unviersity that will help you figure out what you want to do and become the best you can be at it. This means good academics and professors. This means good facilities, internships and research opportunities. You need to not just think about extra curricular activities, but get involved (whether it's student organizations, sports or volunteering). You need to remember that once you enter college, it becomes your full-time job. It is not a game, but something to be taken serisouly and made the most of. The performance you show in college will be what future employers base their opinion of you on. So, are you going to be the CEO one day, or ask 'would you like fries with that?' Pick the unviersity that feels right to you, not your parents or friends; it's four years of YOUR life and the beginning of your future. Take the time to really look into potential schools and visit in person (overnight if you can)! Take the tour, but ask around on your own too. Most of all, make sure that you feel comfortable with your choice.

I would definitely live on campus as long as possible. It took me three years to finally gather enough funds to move to the residence hall at my college, and it has so far been worth every penny. There is no way to make up for some of the experiences I've had living on campus - too much to miss. I never realized just how many midnight breakfasts and random movie parties, dodgeball playoffs, and games of twister I'd missed out on until I had a chance to move in. Spend at least one year getting "the college experience" - which is even more fun and entertaining without a hangover, I might add. Just remember to spend time on your classes and study, read, and pay attention to deadlines, and you'll be fine. Another thing - never be afraid to talk to your professors. They're just people, and are usually open to helping students who show them a little interest. Good luck!

Visit the campus and talk to actual students. Know what you want out of college and make sure it fits with what the college you are considering offers.

look for a college that has safety, has tutors and helpful workers, a school that is accademicly strong, but in a diverse fun loving environment in all aspects.

Assess your career and/or postgrad plans. If you intend to seek a bachelors degree and move straight into the workforce, USF is a fine school. If you have aspirations to further your education, I suggest looking elsewhere.

I don't think that money should play a large role in choosing a university. I understand how much it does matter, but take out a loan. If you take out on your car or house, why not do it for your child's future? If your child finds the University they love and the place that is their home away from home, let them go there to become the happiest and most productive member of society they can be. When at school, even if it isn't the school of your dreams, don't be afraid to meet people: join a club, go see a play, attend a football game, talk to the people in your dorm, see as many guest speakers as you can. Every event you go to, book you read and person you meet will help make you who you are. This is the time to learn about yourself. Grades do matter, but a B isn't the end of the world. Just keep your eye on the prize and do what makes you happy because then you'll always succeed.

Visiting the campus is key into picking the right school. Seeing what the school like during normal school day's is also a key element. Understanding how chaotic the environment is normally as opposed to a tour during the summer when there are very limited students on campus. Do the research through big name websites and talk to the advisors for the college they are applying to.

Research, research, research! Go online and find schools that fit your own personal criteria, then find out as much as you can about them. Always visit the campus if you can because it might change your mind (in a good or bad way) about whether you really want to spend four years there. Apply to as many schools as you're interested in and then make your final decision based on where you are accepted and what financial aid you're offered. Once you're on campus, keep an open mind! You never know where you'll meet people, who you'll end up being friends with or what you'll learn. Keep your eyes peeled for events that interest you and don't be afraid to go alone because you'll meet people there with the same interests. And ALWAYS ask for help when you need it no matter what it's for or who it's from, because you deserve to have the time of your life in college without anything holding you back!

The best advice for parents when assisting their future college students would be to allow them the freedom to go off to college and the opportunity to find themselves as young adults. Guide them and give the student the final say in where they choose to go to college, because their happiness could parallel their level of engagment in their studies. College is the testing grounds for young people and during this time students have the chance to prove themselves as responsible. My advice to students is to research the atmosphere of the college, paying special attention to substance abuse (alcohol/drugs) within the student body. Choose your college wisely because this is four + years of your life and you should make the most out of those years.

Know who you are, or allow your son/daughter to discover who and what they want to do with their lives. Know the things you'd like to do within your day and incorporate that information into a career. Do something that's going to inspire you. Live a life that is an inspiration to other people by simply being true to yourself, never giving up no matter what life throws at you, and believing anything is possible. It's all about your attitude and how you apply yourself. Don't listen to anyone that trys to bring you down, because they will try. I promise, from someone working on their second degree with many years behind my belt, life is rough and it's only going to get tougher, but as you continue to learn and grow individually, you're able to stand on your own two feet and make a difference in this world. You become well rounded men and women, with beautiful minds to go out and change the world! The best advice I can give you is to just be yourself, believe in yourself, and share your gifts to the world around you.

When i was in high school, movies and television gave me a view of college that was extremely skewed. I expected to be able to breeze my way through classes and continue, as i did in high school, without studying. I was in for a rude awakening. You must study and do your work because the professors aren't able to single you out and listen to your problems because theres 300 people in the class. Bottom line: You must be responsible for yourself. Once you overcome that boundary, the hardest part is behind you. As for choosing the right school, I think atmosphere is key. I hear that most colleges up north are indoors and that blows my mind. I love walking from class to class, being able to sit under the trees, next to the lake and study for my next class. I feel that enjoying the atmosphere of your college makes it much easier to WANT to go to. Just another reason to help you get out of bed in the morning.

Many parents and students are unnecessarily anxious about the start of the whole college experience (i.e. picking the right college). Finding the right college should come effortlessly. For me, cliche as it sounds, but when I first saw the campus, it was "love at first sight." Being at USF just felt right. And in the end, the right college will feel, well, right. But I want to stress that parents and students should not factor in the cost of tuition. The cost of tuition should be factored in at the last moment after the student has found one or two loves at first sight. As for making the most of the college experience, the student, depending on his or her major, should be aware that even though there is a bit of degree of freedom, college is meant for advancement and preparation for the consequences of the real world and a career. Thus, he or she should acclimate himself or herself quickly to the college life in terms of academics and extracurriculars, so that the whole first year isn't used as an acclimation period. In so doing, the student should be ready to focus on his or academics.

My situation is different from most. I am 52-year-old adult, and make all decisions regarding my college education for myself. I am fortunate that I need only consider finances, quality, and professional reputation of the actual institution I ultimately select. Fortunately, I have been able to meet all of these needs at the University of South Florida. However, if asked to advise younger students and their families about selecting a site for higher education, I would remind those involved of one thing: it is the student alone who will attend the school. As such, he or she should be the person to make the final, and hopefully sensible, decision as to where to attend college. That said, other factors come into play: finances, living arrangements, caliber of the educational institution, etc. The involved parties should thoroughly discuss all considerations and attempt to come to a consensus. Nevertheless, I feel the more the student is invested in the selection of the institution, the more successful that student will be in his/her education overall. A student truly invested in his/her education will be able to create an appropriate balance between education and fun, which are not mutually exclusive!

FIRST, GET ALL OF THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EACH OF THE SCHOOLS THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN. EVALUATE EACH OF THEM, THEN CHOOSE THE ONE THAT WILL BEST BENIFET YOUR COURSE OF STUDY, ACADEMICS, FINANCES, AND SOCIALLY. THEN APPLY TO THE COLLEGE OF YOUR CHOSE, AND GIVE IT YOUR BEST TO SUCCEED, AS WELL AS ENJOY YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

Take some time to figure out your major and choose something you truely enjoy. Don't take on too heavy of a courseload but try to graduate as quickly as possible to be sure you continue to qualify for financial aid.

The best I advice that I could give a parent or student about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience would be to assess all of their given options before making a final decision. I would tell the student and/or parent to choose the environment in which they feel most comfortable and able to strive in, and the institution in which they feel will better them and better preparethem the most post graduation. The one thing that I wish I had done as an incoming freshman was take advantage of the opportunites that I had to visit other uiniversities and experience life on those campuses. Although I am very happy with my final decision of attending USF, it is always a good idea to observe all of your given possibilities. Furthermore, I would encourage students to get involved in as many campus activities as they can, because getting involved effects and aids you as a maturing adult and helps you gain that total college experience. I rushed a Fraternity my freshman year of college, and it has been the most rewarding experience yet.

The best advice I have to offer both parents and students about finding the right collge and making the most of the college experience is to look into the colleges that most appeal to the student. Take time to figure out what is really important to the student (ie. location, class sizes, campus size, distance from "home," as well as safety and academic concentration). Tour the schools that you have choosen after narrowing down the list and do not be afraid to ask questions. Stop and talk to students that are already attending the college, as well as talk to the facualty and staff. I would like to just stress the importance of feeling comfortable at your school. As long as you know that you will be able to find the answers you need to the questions you might have at the school you want to go to, then not much should go wrong. I love my school and its location, as well as its accessibilty to local hangouts, amusement parks for fun, housing, and stores.

I advise parents and students both to visit many college campuses before making the decision about which college/university to attend. I believe that once you visit "the campus", you can feel it meaning that you just feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home there. You can't experience that feeling by looking at a website (even though you can research the colleges/universities you are interested in). Also, I think it is important to make the college decision together; as a student and their parents. College is so vital in the world we live in today and it is essential that there is a mutual love, respect, and comfortableness toward the college and campus that the student (and parents) end up choosing. As for when you are a student in college, make sure that you continue to study and try your hardest at all times. You are paying for your education and to be the best that you can be in the profession you choose. The hard work and effort that you put into your school work will pay off and you will be able to meet some of the neatest, most helpful people that way. Good luck to you!

Try not to get too pressured in your first year. Don't even consider taking more than 15 credits the first two semesters. Most students need time to adjust to new surroundings.

Finding the right college is a personal choice. If you know what field you want to study, look into the faculty in that department and find out about their strengths and weaknesses. It is also really important to visit the campus of a prospective school, and see how you feel about living in that area. As far as making the most of your college experience - it is what you make of it. If you want to play sports, join an intramural team. If you want to party, join a fraternity or sorority. In a big school, you can find your niche pretty easily. The secret is that sometimes you do actually have to make an effort - a social life won't just fall in your lap. And to get the most out of your education, TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS! Find out what research opportunities they can give you, and learn all you can from them!

I think that it is important to come to the school around a peek class time to see what type of people are on the campus. I also think that the student should ask the college students what they like and don't like about the school and how helpful the advisors and professors are. It would also be smart to look at the area around the school and the student housing that is available. For the student to make the best out of his college experience I strongly recommend getting involved in a club, fraternity, sorority, or any organization. This is agreat way to meet people that have similar values and interests. It is also important to make sure that work comes before play. It is good to have fun but there is a delicate balance that must be maintained in order to do well. Many classes have material that relate to the next class, so it is important to understand the material now, so later you are not overwhelmed because you didn't understand a paticular section in the book, or you were sleep when the professor explained the section.

I think that every student that is attending college should really look into joining organizations and getting involved right away. By getting involved you will meet many people and network to your best abilities. Finding a college that is right for you may be hard but make sure that if you look for the size of the school as well as the ratio for student and teacher in each classroom. It is also important to look for a major or interest that the school might have so you can decide on a course of action for the remaining years in college.

When looking for a great college to attend, there are so many things to think about. When I was looking for a college, I was determined to find one that promoted a safe, and positive learning enviornment. It should be one that makes the students comfortable in their own skin, and offer classes and activites that best suite their personalities and lifestyles. It is easy for college-aged students to get wrapped up in the wrong crowd and get involved with drinking, and doing drugs which tears them away from their students and stunts their academic growth. This is a big problem at many schools and happens to a lot of college students. So, when looking for a school, make sure it is one that is not drowning in these types of issues. Of course you will find it at every school, but it should be one where it is a minimal problem. Lastly, choose the school that you feel most comfortable with. When visiting college campuses and meeting with advisors, you will be able to tell where you feel most comfortable, go with those feelings, because this is your future.

You need to take your time and pick a school that you feel comfortable at. You have to love the environment around it and make sure its an area that you would be able to adjust to. You should pick somewhere safe, where the police really know what theyre doing. Never pick somewhere that you feel out of place. Ask everyone lots of questions about the school theres no stupid questions.

My advice is, go away to college or at least live on campus. Going away to college was the best experience for me because it helped me and my parents mature. Plus it gave my parents some time to themselves after having me in the house for 18 years of their life. For me though, I have met so many people by living on campus, I think it was the best thing I did when making the choice to go to college. To make the most of your college experience; well the best way to do this is to make as many friends as possible, attend as many sporting events as you possibly can, and be school spirited. Just remember that school work should always come first but there is always some time for a little fun.

I aadvise parents and students to look at the overall effect of the campus. If said student is indecisive and does not know what he/she wants to do, pick a college that has a diverse set of strong programs. Picking a school that specializes in what you want to do may not be the right thing to do. The probability that the student will change their major is very high and, therefore, the student would be better fit for a university with many strong programs while attending undergraduate university. Also, the students and parents should look for a school that has strong social networking and psychological support. Parents cannot always be there for students at college and it is imperative that they find friends or professionals to fill in the gaps.

I would them to look for a college which offers a balance between social and academic focus. When touring a campus be sure that there is plenty of quite study areas, vending machines and places to eat on campus; finals week can make campus pretty packed. Also important is the amount of parking available, if you live off campus and are running late, a lack of parking can make life a nightmare. Be sure the campus has plenty of computer labs that have late hours. Make sure that the college you pick has an academic focus that is similar to your own, if you interested in areas of study that are research related attend a college which conducts reaseach on campus. This offers an opportunity to participate in reseach as an undergrad and have a better understanding of what a job after graduation entails. Also important is the experience and education of the professors, since they will be imparting you with what they know. Most of all find a college that fits your lifestyle, a school could have the best professors, campus, computer labs and parking but if you do not enjoy being at school then none of that matters.

Some times your first choice isn't always the best fit for you. As a college student your brought outside of your comfort zone, soon you start to see things differently and its okay. The best college is the one that makes you feel like you belong, not because its an ivy league school, or if its a small liberal arts college, its one where you're able to walk on campus and say yes this is my home, it will be my home for four years.

I spent the entire past summer trying to find, in my own words, the perfect college advice for parents and students. The best I could come up with is simple. Every student has his or her own needs, and the best university will be one that offers opportunities not only to meet these needs, but also to learn about those of others. To get the most out of one's college experience, I would also advise students to take advantage of programs, organized events, and campus activities. This includes new student and orientation programs, club meetings, cultural experiences, academic lectures, and sporting events. Getting involved builds friendships, character, and connections. Of course academic success is important, too, so students should manage to find their own balance between school work and having fun. College is not only about getting a degree, but gaining the life experience necessary to survive and prosper in the "real" world.

The advice that I would give is when choosing a college make sure it is the right choice for you, because that is the university you will be attending for the next couple of years. Also when you get there, get involved so you can make the most out of your college experience. There are more than a million of opportunities to get involved, even if you work activities are very flexible. And yes everyone is nervous but remember every person has been in your shoes once before.

I would recommend visiting the colleges the student is interested before enrolling so they can have an idea of what the campus feels like and if it is a place where they would feel comfortable. I would also recommend doing research on the schools they are interested in to know what the schools offer. Getting involved with on campus activities and joining organizations will also be a positive idea because that is where most of the networking happens and where a person can connect and make friends for life. Absorb all of the knowldege from the classes and life experiences that you can, because this is an incredible part of the rest of your life.

College is more than just learning, its an experience. Your college choice should be a reflection of who you are and your interests. I didnt take the time to reflect on the boy that I was and the man that I wanted to become. My first college choice was a place where I soon realized I would not be able to reach my potential. It became apparent that a more close knit student body, and smaller campus, would most benefit me in my eduactional process. When searching for a school take note of how the student body interacts. How do professors connect with their students? The biggest piece of advice I could give, would be to take a tour of the campus. Dont settle for the guided tour where you get to see what the school wants you to see; take time to look behind the scenes. Ask students how they feel about the school. When they leave campus or the classroom, do they feel better for having attended? Are they on their way to accomplishing their dreams? College should be a place where you can achieve your goals. Choose the school the best allows you to fulfill your ambitions.

Follow your heart, when you visit the right campus you will know, and dont let anything stand between you and your dream of becoming a student at that campus. Choose wisely, and always for the right reason. For yourself, and no one else.

College is an every varied, multi-faceted experience that is centered around the student; so my advice goes out to the budding collegiate who is anxiously anticipating this next exciting phase of life. Finding the right college for you is a decision that you need to carefully consider from many angles. The next four years will circulate around the college you choose, as well as the city in which the college resides. My advice is to find a balanced medium out of what you expect from college, what you hope to gain from college, and what you are anticipating the experience to provide you with for the future. Explore the town, explore the college, visit the library, sit in on a class, relax on a quiet bench and imagine yourself as part of this community. When you finally do make a choice, and you step fresh faced on your new campus, I suggest you go to class with an ubeat attitude ready to learn, make friends, and socialize with your fellow students. Take time to get involved! Remember, college is not only about the academic knowledge you will gain, but the life experiences that will help you evolve and grow.

My first piece of advice would be to take your time. Start searching for colleges ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to compare and contrast schools. Make sure you take a tour of prospect schools; everything is not what it seems on the internet. Take time out to ask a few questions to students walkking by, don't be afraid to ask a professor if you can just in in a class for a few minutes. Most colleges have social events on campus, go ahead and attend one. My final piece of advice is ask questions.

Make sure the location of the campus will suit you, for bussiness and liesure. When the school hosts events for students to get involved, try to attend them. Definitely make friends with those that are taking similar classes with you because study groups help. Check out as many of the resources the school offers for students. Go to a few parties but do not let it interfere with your school work. Be open to new experiences. Do not just stay in your room all day.

I would strongly recommend living on-campus your freshman year because it is an amazing experience and you make friends that will last a lifetime!! Also make sure you choose a school that has the right amount of curriculum work for you and not too much or too little. Also make sure you choose your school based on how far you want to live from home because during your first year you may become homesick. At whatever school you choose make sure to become involved with the extra-curricular activities because it will make your experience that much better especially if you become involved in your school's sports team events!

Go in setting goals, don't just look at the football team or the cheerleaders, expect and realize that college is as far from high school as south Florida is from seeing snow this winter. Weigh your options there are thousands of colleges and universities and there is always a fit for you. In terms of paying for college there are copious college organizations such as this one that are out there and that seek students looking for college fundings. When you do get accepted and complete the orientation processs, remember that the next 4 years of your life have the potential to be the best years ever.

I would suggest that students pick a school that they feel they would enjoy the most. Yes, the ranking of the univeristy in comparision to others can be important, however the school you decide to attend will be your home for the next four years of your life. Go with your gut and pick a university that appeals to you. Once you get your acceptance letter, go and tour the school, eat lunch in the dining area and talk to some students. Get a feel for the school and find out if it is the right place for you. Once you are in school, find an organization to be involved in. Most universities offer a wide range of organizations that you can become part of. Join one, or many and put your heart into it, make friends and network for your future career. Make your academics first with your organizations a very close second. Every moment spent volunteering, attending meetings or going to football will ultimently help you grow and develop as person. Make your new school your home, be open to new friends, new perceptives and a new way of living. Lastly, Have Fun!

A big part of the college experience is the social aspect, so it's really important to get plugged in with groups on campus and to interact with other students. If your son or daughter is a "people-person", they'll probably enjoy a smaller school where he or she will know everyone because it's easy to feel lost and alone at a big school.

First go visit the colleges and walk around; pick a school where you feel most comfortable and get involved at much as you can. This is a time to meet new people and to take risks.

To stay focused and always try your best.

I think it is important for parents and students to visit the colleges they are interested in. I think they should look into the clubs and organizations available at each school and think about which ones they are most interested in. I think it is important to be apart of a group because you meet and make friends that way and connect yourself into a group. It helps a student feel like they fit which is important.

Search around at various schools to see what will best fit you. Get involved with school activities and attend all of your classes.

Make sure you do all you research to narrow down your list. Before going to tour a school have you questions ready to get the best out of the the tour as possible.

Every school has its own personality. Students and parents should keep this in mind when choosing the right college and making the most of the college experience. Choosing a college or university is a lot like choosing a husband or wife for the next 4 years. It would be foolish to decide on a school without doing research about the activities, lifestyle, and location. Start by figuring out what you love and what you want your school to be like, then go hunting for the right one. Visit the school, check out the city or town, talk to the teachers, and ask current or former students about their experiences. Once you decide on a school and start your journey, make the very most out of the experience. This does not mean to go wild and crazy. Instead, learn as much as you can, meet as many influential people as you can, and make every day better than the last. Choosing a school is like choosing a mate. There are plenty of choices but you must search around, find "the one", commit yourself, and make the most of your time together. You will be happy that you did.

First and foremost I am a strong believer that a school that costs a lot does not mean you will get a better education. It just means you get a more expensive diploma. I've been to Northeastern University, a very good school. I didn't work out for me there. The people were very different and trying to fit in was hard. I left and transferred to the University of South Florida, and although it is not as prestigous, I am learning more and having more fun here. Of course, this is just one persons experience, but it is a reminder that students need to figure out what environment they want to learn in and what types of people they want to acssociate themselves with. Once this is established a student can truly have a better decision on where they want to attend school. They should also be reminded by the parents that they are attending college to get an education and learn. I can't stress enough that the student needs to be responsible, because once he/she leaves for school nobody is there to tell you if your messing up. Balance between school and play is important.

USF Sarasota is a great school. It is a small hometown campus where the professors carea about the students. The faculty is caring, helpful, and a great support for student success.

To choose the right college for you begin by researching the school websites first. Make a checklist to see that the potential school offers the program you're interested in, the admissions requirements, the cost of attendance, availability of scholarships and financial assistance, offered extracurricular activities, options for on-campus or off-campus living, and what the city surrounding the campus has to offer. Once you've narrowed your list down to three to five schools, plan several days to make trips to the colleges you're interested in. Take a tour of the campus, eat a meal at the dining hall, tour the on-campus living facilities, and imagine yourself as part of that college's student body. Choose the college that you see yourself being happiest at. Once you've made your decision make your experience worth it. To do well in school read the material ahead of time, attend lectures, form study groups, visit the professor's office hours, and do the homework. Doing well academically should be number one priority, but make sure you still make time for yourself by getting involved in different organizations, staying active and taking advantage of campus activities available to you.