University of Southern California Top Questions

I would tell myself to make sure that I maintain consistent work habits through to the end of senior year in high school because once you start a bad habit of slacking off in high school, you will most likely be that way in college where it is much more competitive and more difficult to maintain a high GPA. I would also tell myself to make sure I work hard to take advantage of every opportunity for financial aid by applying to all the scholarships I could find that apply to me. In that way, I won?t have to worry about money problems while I?m in college so that I can just focus on my academics and extracurricular activities.

Hold on tightly to your sense of self. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, JACKIE! USC is an incredible school, and you will find some of your best friends here and will find your success sitting next to you on the palm-tree surrounded knoll. Pray to your guardian angel and walk confidently in your studies. Learn to manage your time well so you can stare all difficulties in the face with the knowledge and understanding gained from your experiences. Walk the halls and walls of this school proudly, breathing in the legends of the great people who've walked there before you. Study hard and stay focused and love your life and everything around you! Your heart belongs here. Be open to the journey! :)

If i was a high school senior I would make sure I knew what I wanted to do when I got to college, or at leas be fully aware of the options available to me when I arrived at college. Knowing the endless possibilities of major and minor combinations is important but also having some idea of people you would like to meet as these are likely to be your frends for life. It's also important to realise there are other options available to you such as taking a gap year to go travelling and experience life before getting bogged down in college. I would make sure I kept up my Math skills more as they are neccesary for any facet of life. Finally I would try to fully understand that there is a world of possibilities and that even after freshman year, you can still change your mind and go in the opposite direction if yuo think its important, for example switiching majors, living arrangements or social circles.

Just be yourself. It's so easy to try to make yourself into somebody you're not to impress admissions people, new friends, new teachers, etc. But in the long run you don't gain anything. College is all about finding out more about yourself, and the best way to do that is to start from a completely honest and sincere place. If you're comfortable with who you are, other people will be too, and then you'll truly be able to grow.

Make the most of all the opportunities presented to you and those you seek out for yourself. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, do what you want, but remember school is the priority. Be outgoing and go with the flow.

Going to college is a trip. There is really no way to prepare yourself mentally for all the changes that are about to come. There is, however, a mindset that could better frame your college experience. You see the world as something in the palm of your hand. Throughout your life so far, school has been a breeze, you have never had to work particularly hard to succeed, even to excel. You must realize that this has been misleading. You are lucky that writing comes easily to you, that common sense can guide you?for the most part?in the right direction, but this intuition is not nearly enough. You have to really work HARD in college. The biggest change is the expanse of opportunity you are about to be presented. Open yourself up. Accept challenges and responsibilities as something to embrace, not something to shy away from. Take all the chances, learn to say ?Yes! I will! I can!? Once you change that ?Why?? mentality to a ?Why not?? mindset, you?ll begin to find life more exciting, more rich, more fulfilling. Give it a shot, put your ?no? in your pocket and wear that ?yes? on your sleeve!

Passion is the key to success. Paint your blank canvas with all the colors you want.

As a high schooler I got nervous very easily and worried about small unimportant things. I still do. However, After a year and a half of college, I have learned some things. Looking back, I would tell myself to chill out a bit, continue working hard on applications as well as in school and to remember my work ethic. As advice for beginning my freshman, I would prepare myself with a few points. First, not to be afraid of change, and different things. It is okay to become a different person without betraying yourself. Everyone develops and matures; otherwise they would continue as the same person they were in high school throughout life. Second, even though I worked hard in high school, college is not the break. In fact it's the other way around. High school is so insignificant compared to the work you do at university. This is the real start of your life. Third, one of the most important things I've learned is that balance is key. It's quite difficult, but it is imperative to balance schoolwork with extra-curriculars, friends and family. This is important for all aspects of health. And, remember to eat.

When I was a high school senior, I really cared about the prestige of the college I would be attending for the next four years. I am a New York native, and honestly if I could go back, I would tell myself that it's more about what you learn in college, and accumulating student debt is not a fun adventure. Back in high school I qualified for State and local City colleges that offered full scholarships plus a free laptop. I would tell myself to go for that, and nothing can compare to the luxury of living at home. I would advise myself, if I really still intend to go out of state for college, to make friends and start early, because friendships take time to grow strong, and once you miss out on initial bonding time, it will feel futile to try to catch up. As an Asian girl, I have always been shy, but in college you're really on your own now, and I would tell myself to suck it up and start speaking up, even if it means I just might embarrass myself! Finally, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships!

You have to visit the campus, and explore the different activites. Meet the actual students and see if you can relate. Additionally, sit in one of the classes to see if you fit into the learning style and teaching style. Always meet with a fiancial advisor who could help you calculate and plan your finances. College is a lot expensive, and there are so many expenses that are hidden.

Very simply put, find a college that will make you happy. I truly believe all the other important aspects of finding the right fit in a higher learning institute will follow. After careful research, choose the college at which you can imagine yourself being happy. Don't only focus on prestige and academics. Consider the school's social climate and attitude, your interests and wants, and whether or not a certain college can satisfy your overall experience as a college student. After the application process, remember that a college choosing you is half of the deal. It's about you choosing them. Choose them for how they can enrich your life with happiness and satisfaction as a student and citizen of the world. If you are happy, your college experience will be amazing and fruitful regardless of what you're involved with. If you are happy, that certain college is the one for you.

The college experience isn't easy. There, I said it. It's a sentence many parents and students that are so focused, so entirely consumed by the college acceptance process do not want to hear. But there will always be compromises, letdowns, and a difficult transition period, regardless of whether or not you attends your "dream school." That is a reality that students should prepare themselves for long before they begin the college application process. The most important advice for finding the right school, however, is to be selfish. This process is one of the only, and most important, times that one should be completely selfish. Shed the pressures and desires of society, friends, and family and only look for where you could see yourself happily spending the next four years of your life, because it is you, and not anyone else, that is spending those four years at a university. Once there, remember that the college experience is wholly under your control. Being gay, I was terrified to attend a school that is almost entirely socially dominated by the greek scene. But once I realized the full potential for a great college experience by taking control, I was happy.

When you ask your parents how they knew eachother was "the one", they say they just knew. When you walk onto the campus for the first time, or visit the college's website - you know. You get that feeling that you can't describe to anyone. You don't even want to describe it to anyone! Disregard distance and money in the equation, those things can be easily fixed with plane tickets and financial aid. Just focus on how you felt when you stepped on the campus, those first few moments will tell you everything you need to know. If you are unsure or don't feel that into the school, then tthat college is not the one.

Remember that what you think is your dream school might not be as great as you think it is. It is really up to the student to make the most of his/her experience. You can go to any school and not make an effort to meet people or get involved and obviously will have a bad expreience.

My advice to young, prospective college applicants would be to choose the school that best fits your major. Choose the school that you know will make you happy in the end when you graduate and get your degree. Don't choose a college because ALL your friends are going to same college. Choose the one where you know no one and start a brand new life or should I say beginning. My advice to parents is to be supportive and always be there for your children because they are going to need you throughout their college experience. Choose wisely and make sure you have a back-up plan, meaning apply for as many colleges as possible that way you have other options open to you. Good luck and always remember to dream big! go the distance and never let anyone tell you that you can't! because you know that you can.

Make sure you take the time to go visit the campus and interact with some of the students. If the school atmosphere and people there do not fit you, it could be the worst four years of your life. I don't think many people understand the significance of the choice you make when deciding which school to attend. The school you decide to attend will be on your record (resume) for your entire life, thus it is very important that you go to a school that you will be proud of. Many of the top firms only hire from "prestigious" target schools and thus makes it a lot more accessible to get a good job post-graduation. Talk to people you know who have gone to the school because they know best about the school. That doesn't mean talk to someone who graduated from the school 20 years ago because a lot changes during that time. Ideally, talk to someone who is currently there or recently graduated from that school. Also, make sure that you get more than one perspective on the school because everyones' experiences are different.

Don't be fooled by information sessions and collegiate rankings when picking a school, the best way to know if you fit in a school is to meet the undergraduates and professors that go there and see whether or not they are the type of people you want teaching you and hanging out with you for the next 2/4/6 years. Numbers don't matter as much as a lot of people seem to make them out to be.

We all eventually "find" who we are after a few years of college. Pick the one that you know will make you the person you want to be for the rest of your life. It may be a tough decision but after enough research, it will eventually become clear.

Make the most of your college experience. Get out there and make friends and get involved in everything your college has to offer. Make sure you feel comfortable on campus the moment you get there.

I would suggest that they ignore the price tags while applying to schools, and to apply to as many school that catch their interests. They need to ignore what the choices their high school friends are making because they need to apply and find a college that is well known in their chosen major. If they do not have a major their selection should be based on the school that gives them the most opportunities to select a major in their interests. Once they have been accepted to schools, I would highly suggest doing an "overnight program" or at bare minimum visiting the schools for a tour. You cannot know if you will fit in unless you step foot on that campus and it just feels right. If no schools feel right or if you do not have your heart set on a major, I would suggest doing 1 or 2 years of a community/junior college (saves a ton of money!!!) Finally, when you are at the school, follow your interests and join as many activities that relate to those interests. This is a great way to make connections and to meet amazing groups of friends.

In terms of "finding the right college," I honestly swear by high school college visitation trips because I personally looked up colleges online and made list after list of my expectations; however after visiting the colleges my perspective changed. When I stepped onto USC's campus, and meet the students and faculty, I knew that that was the college I was going to attend! My advice is to start visiting colleges with a high school or with parents freshman or sophomore year at the latest. This will give you a physical goal to work toward rather than just the concept of college, visiting early is especially useful if your first choice school is competitive. My final piece of advice is to contemplate what major you are interested in pursuing because if you go to a school undecided and then happen to pick a major that is not available at your university youre only options would be to transfer or to change your major pick. WHile transferring is a good plan for community college students, it is somewhat of a hassle to transfer from university to university and often times you wind up losing units and taking longer to graduate.

?My philosophy for the classroom is to create as much agony as possible so the only way out is to think?- Dr. Steven Lamy. The first time I heard these words, I was hooked; I knew I had to take Professor Lamy?s class. A year earlier I had stepped onto USC?s campus for the first time and I knew it was the place for me. The environment, the people, the opportunities all added to an overwhelming feeling that this school simply felt right. My advice to you is to go to the place that consistently hits home. Professor Lamy?s words have stuck with me to this day because he was a teacher who blatantly promised to challenge me. That struck a chord and it was something I felt resound throughout my body. It was a confirmation that I felt good being there. It felt wonderful. People often say choose a school for the program or the financial aid package. I say, choose a school based on what feels right to you. If you feel at home- the place where you?re supposed to feel comfortable and in your element- chances are, everything else will fall into place.

I think that students and parents need to look at all the aspects of a college. The decision to go to a particular college is a big decision that has a lasting impact. I think that in order to make the right decision about which college to go to, the student needs to sit down and think about what he or she wants in a school, compile a list of schools that match the list and then visit those schools if at all possible. Also combined with the visit or by itself, research, research, research and more research. It is very important to make sure that you research your college options so that an informed decision can be made. Once you get to college it is important to get involved in extra-curricular activities and other professional organizations that will help you in your career. If you want to make the most of your college experience you need to place a lot of weight on learning in the classroom but you also need to get active socially. College is a place where you meet lifelong friends and make life loong connections so take advantage of the experience.

It is never too early to start thinking about college. I learned this through the rush of taking SAT's, doing college applications, and finishing up senior year. At 17 years old, I remember thinking, "Wow, this is all happening so fast." It's important to visit as many colleges as possible during high school, and to stay open-minded to any and all possibilities out there. I went to a school all the way across the country my freshman year when I thought I would never even leave California. Your choice should not be based upon the weather or the parties or the women on campus (although these things may add to your college experience), but on whether you believe a school can gear you towards success in your field of study. But most importantly, choose with your heart. When I first stepped on my college campus, I knew that I was meant to be there. Something about it spoke to me. Once you reach college, study hard, but remember to let loose a little and enjoy the experience! Life is not all work! Put yourself out there, try new things, reach for the stars, and you will succeed.

The best piece of advice I would give prospective students and there parents is to visit the campus of all potential schools. You can look online at pictures and study statistics all day, but the best way to choose a college is the feeling you get when you walk around campus. When I chose to go to USC, I did so not because the strong alumni network, financial aid offered, or the quality of the football team, but rather by the beauty of the campus, the friendliness of other students, and the sense of belonging I felt as I toured the University. You're going to spend the next 4+ years of your life at whatever school you choose, so why not pick somewhere that is enjoyable and fun to be at.

College isn't all about partying and having all the fun in the world, but it isn't about just studying and not socializing either. I tend to see some of my peers struggle in their studies simply because they cant seem to manage their social and academic life. A good college should be one that serves both purposes, a place for social interaction, and a place for higher learning. Students and parents definitely need to visit campuses and talk with current students who go to that school. It's better to general view of the school from the perspective of a variety of students who have a variety of peronailities and preferences. But most of all, pursue your career from the very start. It's never too late to start applying for internships or jobs even if you feel like you might be too young. Use your school to find opportunities to get yourself exposed out in the real world, whether through job fairs or career counseling departments.

The best advice I would give people is that you really need to make a decision about college that is not based solely on which school has the best reputation, because it's really important to pick a school that fits you as a person. It's important to take into consideration all the other things besides academia that are going to affect your college experience. I think from a personal perspective location was something really important to me, your surroundings can have a huge impact on you physically and emotionally. One thing I've learned in my college experience, especially being a transfer student, is that college is a lot harder than people tell you. You expect the courses and school work to be difficult, but not necessarily the adjustment it takes to go to a completely new place, surrounded by new people, and a new lifestyle and you're completely submerged into it. There's not a lot of time to get acclimated and for a lot of people it can either become too much too fast, or you seclude yourself instead of taking a risk. Don't ever lose sight of yourself and you'll be fine.

It's fun and exciting to go to one of the best schools, but ultimately I don't think it gets you far enough ahead in life to justify the cost.

After finances, location, school programs, and the prestige of a school are all considered, pick what's right for the student. Not necessarily what the parent wants. Go where there are a lot of opportunitues, because a student will often change their mind, and a school that has many strong programs, and a fitting environment for the student will be better in the long run. Also, as a student, experiment with new things, get involved, and make new friends, memories, and experiences. You're only young and in college once. Enjoy it, but try not to do anything too idiotic. It'll just come back to bite you later.

While researching colleges, the best way to really understand if a school is right for you is to visit campus while school is in session. When campus is bustling with students running between classes, you can really pick up on the attitudes and vibes of the students. You also get a personal look at the facilities, visualizing yourself there and deciding whether you would thrive socially and academically. Once you begin college, you need to shift into the college mindset. You'll no longer be coddled like you probably were in high school. You need to take the initiative to seek help when needed, get to know your professors, meet new friends, and get involved on campus. Also, you need to remember that your first semester at college will probably be one of the most tumultuous times of your young life. There are so many changes in such a short period of time that it is easy to get discouraged and blame your choice of college, figuring that it's just not the right school for you. Give it time and most likely, you?ll end up falling in love with your school and everything that it has to offer.

One of the mistakes that I made when I was applying to college was not visiting the different campuses, and staying in the same city as my parents. My parents, like most parents are over protective, so when I wanted to apply to school in New York, they convinced me not to, since I would be too far away if i needed something, and there were plenty of schools close enough to home. One problem that that caused was that I became extremely dependant on my parents for everything, to a point where I couldn't make my own decisions on even the smallest of issues. If a student feels the need to grow and be somewhat more independant, he or she should have the chance to at least visit colleges in other areas. I didn't visit any college campuses before applying, and when I was accepted to University I was somewhat disappointed. The campus is gorgeous, but it wasn't exactly what I had thought it would be (Colombia better suited me, when I later visited friends there). So my advice is this: don't be afraid to explore and to let your children grow up!

I firmly believe that everyone should enter freshman year knowing they have options. I think binding yourself to a major immediately is not in the best interest of many students. So many people go into higher education KNOWING what they will be for the rest of their lives. I entered USC to study french horn, and I already had a job performing in Hollywood Studios, but I realized this year that I love my neuro classes, and I love volunteering with stroke victims, and I want to be a brain surgeon. Having a dream isn't wrong, but college gives you so many opportunities to discover other things that your dream may change. If your dream stays strong, then go for it, but if you find yourself interested in a different path, don't be afraid to change. Don't tell yourself that you're trapped, or that you're afraid to try something else. I thought I had my entire life figured out, and I rejected changing at first because I was afraid, but a good college won't let you believe something is your path unless they have first presented you with every opportunity to find yourself.

The quality of a university as professed by its academic reputation is not nearly as relevant as its alignment with a student's personal goals; ultimately a degree is only a piece of paper and a GPA only a number. A university with a strong alumni network and connections to businesses will provide the best job opportunities; a school known to specialize in a field is better for students of that field than a generally "good school." The most important thing, however, is to understand the social climate of a school; academic success is predicated upon psycholigical comfort. To attend a school simply because it statistically aligns with one's desires is a recipie for disaster, but a student who feels as though she shares values and understanding with her peers will be more mature and capable by the time of graduation.

When finding the right college, visit the campus and see if you can really see yourself there. Find out how big the average class size is and also find out how many extracurricular organizations are readily available. A new student should not be afraid to constantly try new things and new group organizations. Don't be afraid to take a class that may not be related to your major--college is the only time you have the opportunity to try out and test different areas of interest. I found that the easiest way to meet new people and make friends was by signing up for acting classes--it was the type of class where you are forced to interact with other students. Sign up for an improv or theater class and you'll quickly make new friends.

The most important thing in your college experience is often something very indescribable. Make sure you visit each campus and take a complete tour before you make any decisions. It's amazing what a difference a campus that you feel comfortable with can make, even if it seems to have little to do with the educational system. A gut reaction can and should be the deciding factor because the reality is this: as a student, assuming your college isn't completely bereft of quality, you will get as much out of your college experience as you put into it, no matter where you go. Get involved, look for the clubs and activities that interest you, get to know your professors, and of course, study hard, and you will have a successful time of it regardless of your choice.

Attending the right college is a critical to one's life because college often acts as the platform off which a career is launched. In order to have best possible college experience, it is important to choose a school that is both academically challenging and socially active. It is important to have an academically challenging school because it will give a better learning experience for one's career after school. It is equally important to find a school that has a social life that fits the student. The right people will allow for lifelong friends and later business connections to be made. In looking for a college, it is highly recommended to visit the college in person to get a feel for the surrounding area, current students, and the campus itself. Simply visiting the college's website and viewing pictures can give a false impression of the school. Applly to a few schools you know you will be accepted into, a few you might get accepted into, and a few "top" schools that will be difficult to get into. This will give you options of where to attend when the decision time comes.

Any college is an experience and a series of great memories to be made. Of course there are good and bad fits but keep your mind open and you will enjoy where ever you end up.

I believe that the most crucial component of finding and thriving at the best college for YOU is following one's true heart and desires. In order to get the most of one's college experience, it is necessary to find the university which has the most elements of one's idea of - not only a valuable education - but also the ultiamte home and life experience. If a school has the resources for one to master skills, volunteer in the surrounding community, or become involved in student government, to name a few options, then that institution will best nurture a fulfilling and rewarding college experience.

Selecting a college is one of the most important decisions anyone will make in their lifetime. It's where four years of memories will be made and four years of learning undertaken. College is life-changing and it is what takes you from the world of youth to that of adulthood. It's simply a choice that must, at all costs, be made wisely. Some people may believe that there is some sort of formula that equates to the perfect college experience, but the fact is, what it comes down to is this gut feeling of comfort. It comes naturally and is simply felt once you're there. Point being, the most important step in choosing the right place is the visit. If the school is right, it will FEEL right--the people, the atmosphere, the experience. It is instinct that will help to choose the perfect place and it is instinct that will guide you to make the decisions that affect the rest of your college experiences. Follow what your gut tells you and no regrets can come of it.

Apply to many schools, tour all of them, go to the best one for your major, research the social activities, live on campus your first year, try to get in the least amount of debt.

I would suggest to apply to colleges that best suite your personality. It is important to visit a variety of colleges before or while you are applying to colleges. I was lucky with USC, I loved it as soon as I saw it. If you are looking for a school with certain things like fraternities and sororities make sure you research the schools that have those things and apply. It is important to not worry about the cost of college when applying. Schools offer financial aid or loans can be taken out. As a borrower, I never regret my decision to go to USC even though it cost a lot. I am so happy and couldn't imagine settling for a school close to home for in-state tution. I wanted to go faraway and have a college experience away from home. I went for my goals and achieved them. That has been the most statisfying part of my college experience. Getting invovled is also important. Get involved in groups and in your dorm and that is where you will meet your closest friends. I found that in a sorority.

The most important thing is to learn all about the schools you apply and are accepted to, both briefly before you apply, and more in depth after acceptance. Learn about the academics, social life, housing, financial aid, surrounding area, the school's community participation, racial/ethnic compilation, or any other aspect of life that weighs heavily on your experience in a new place. Each person is different and there is no set formula for finding the right school, but getting as much education (after all, that's what you're looking for in the first place) as possible about your options, will help you narrow down your choices. Once you have a couple schools in mind, go with your gut. You were smart enough to have gotten this far. Chances are that if you have amassed all the information you can about these schools (through research, school visits and tours, and testimonials) and you have a feeling that __ college is right for you, you are probably right. Learn about these colleges, as they have learned about you through your applications and personal statements, and pick the one that offers you the most valuable overall education.

I would say pick the place where you feel you can flourish the most. Don't be afraid to get involved - dive right into everything. Take the time to research and know your school. See if it has what you are looking for. Don't just pick a place because you hear it is good - pick it because you want to go there. Also, study what you want to - it is your experience so don't go into something just because you're told it's what you should do. Don't be afraid to change your mind, either.

I would tell parents to let the student choose the college on their own. Attending college is a personal experience where the student will grow and find themself. I would encourage the student to visit as many schools as possible and spend as much time as possible (an overnight or weekend stay) to get a true feel for the campus. The student should choose the college atmosphere in which they feel most comfortable and most able to learn. To make the most of one's own college experience, it is important to be involved in a variety of activities both academic and social. The student should try new things and socialize with new people to enjoy all that the college campus has to offer. The most rewarding thing about attending the college of one's choice is that the college experience can be whatever the student wants it to be.

Make sure you visit the campus and spend some time going to classes and getting to know people before deciding which school is right for you. Once you've found it, try to remember you're there to learn first and foremost and stay focused on your studies.

location location location. and name recognition helps.

Visit the campus and get a feel for the campus.

Make sure you visit the campus and get a feel for what the next four years of your life will be like. If you like what you see, definitely consider it. If not, consider other schools no matter what because chances are, you'll be miserable if you end up at a school you hate being in no matter what that school is or what it has to offer.

College is supposed to be the place where you learn, and grow, and nurture a love for learning and curiosity about the world that stays with you all the days of your life. When looking for the right college to attend, make sure to look for a place with the right balance between a healthy social life and rigorous academics, all the while keeping in mind your particular career goals and what you hope to achieve by attending a four-year institution. The so-called "College Experience" is lived 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in the classroom, and 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} outside of it. Relationships formed there will last a lifetime, and when combined with the degree you receive, can propel you forward towards success in ways you could not achieve with just the degree alone. Remember that no two experiences are alike, especially when it comes to college, and ultimately it is what you make of it. So, if you don't find what you are looking for at first, continue the search for the perfect fit.

Be involved in as many on-campus groups as possible. Find things you are interested in and join that group. Be active. Get internships and jobs while you are in collefe as soon as possible, even if you're not sure what you want to pursue.