Birmingham Southern College Top Questions

Going back to the high school me...there is no one "college student" image that you have to uphold once you attain the position of one. These next years are years to try new things, be your own person, re-discover what you believe and where you stand on a moral scale, if you do. There is no right or wrong way to do things and to experience things...just know that whatever college you choose to spend the next several years attending, whomever you choose to spend your time hanging out with, whichever activities you choose to take part in: you are responsible for making those choices. Yes, there will be some sorry ones along the way, just as there will be some you couldn't have made any better. Either way, you can learn and grow from them, deciding what you are and aren't comfortable with. Be open to new experiences, be open to new ways of thinking, and, of course, be open to new people. Most importantly, build a community of friends, professors, and staff that you can grow with, because in the next several years, you can become the person you want to be.

The first advice I would give would be to pace myself. Do not be in a rush to to get this experience behind you. You will make some of the most important decisions of your life in college. College is not a race. It is a plan for the future and the rest of your life. Get a fill for things before making important decisions. Do not be in a rush to choose a major. Enroll in different types of courses to determine the field that is most enjoyable. It doesn't matter what anyone wants for you, only what you want for yourself. Next, take advantage of this opportunity. Being able to go to the college of your choice is a blessing. Get involved in campus activities, join a club, make new friends, and try new things. College is an opportunity to explore. Take it. Last but definitely not least, have fun! This doesn't mean party every night, but explore the campus and take a break from your studies occasionally. Life has to have balance. Don't become so invloved in your academics that you miss out on perhaps the most exciting time of your life.

Since this situation was only somewhere around six months ago, my advice is simple. I would tell myself to make sure and get involved as soon as possible. I would aslo tell myself that she should have done more scholarships, that way she could live on campus so that she could be more ivolved in campus activities. I would also tell myself to stop being so shy, be more out there and outgoing.

Perhaps the most useful advice I could offer myself as a high school senior can be summed up in two words: "Don't worry." Throughout my college search as a high school senior, I was always anxious about what college would be like. I worried about how difficult classes might be and that I would not perform as well academically as I did in high school. I also worried about making new friends, since I barely knew anyone coming to BSC. But after two full years at college, I can definitely say that none of my fears came to fruition. My time at college has been one of the best parts of my life. So I would assure my past-self that everything will be alright. While it is important to care about my future, I should not waste my time, effort, or health in constant anxiety over how things will turn out.

When looking for a good college to attend, do not simply choose a place because of its name. Think about what it is that you want to get out of your college experience and make your decision from there. I chose a smaller college because I wanted to go somewhere where the professors would actually know my name and would care enough about my education to help me succeed. My college may not be known for its football team or 'ivy league status,' but it is definitely known for producing the most respected leaders and scholars of tomorrow. Once you have chosen the college you want to go to and have moved in on the first day, things may seem a little scary. That is okay. You will make friends and get involved and pretty soon, you will be the one comforting prospective students by telling them what an amazing experience college can be. It is important that you learn to make every effort to pay attention in class and get homework done. While college can be a lot of fun, you are also there to learn and to expand your education for the betterment of your future. Good luck!

Never make a decision based off a school's reputation or how the school represenatives treated you during the admissions process. Get familiar with the campus and choose a random student to ask about the school in order to get an honest opinion. Oftentimes, students selected by the school to greet prospective students may lie about certain aspects of the school in an effort to make the school look good. Admission counselors are almost always nice to prospective students simply because they are trying to lure someone in. However, once you have been accepted, they barely even speak to you.

When looking for the appropriate college, take into account that things will be different from high school so one must not make comparisons to it. A college a student should look for a place they feel most comfortable; this should not only include the campus but the area surrounding it as well. If you prefer to be in a more college centered town then look for one that caters to that. Also if the school you are looking at is not as school spirited as you like but they have many striking qualities then see if there's another college nearby; you could enjoy their sporting events and still go to the other school. Basically the student would get the best of both worlds. In the end it should not be the parents choice; the student will be the one attending the college and attempting to make it a place they can call home for the next 4 years.

The best advice I was ever given about finding a school was the best advice I could possibly give. It included several instructions, here they are. Go visit the campus. Find out if the campus is friendly. If you hold up a map and look lost, a friendly campus will mean that several students will come up and offer to help you find your way. The attitude of students on the campus can make all the difference in your college experience. Sit in on a class in a field that you are interested in. Talk to the teacher after class. It is good to know that the teachers truly want to teach and interact with the students. Read the student paper. Find out what students are saying about their school to each other, and what things they are interested in doing off campus. Have an open mind. Something that could seem at first to be a strange thing might end up being your favorite quirk about a given campus. Lastly, don't worry too much. After all, your college experience will be what you make of it. Make it great.

Do your research. Plan ahead. Follow your heart. Don't let ANYTHING keep you from attending the college of your dreams. Money should not be a determining factor in setting the foundation to your future. While it certainly does play an important role in the decision making process, it should not restrain you from going to the school that is right for you.... especially when there are so many resources available.... you just have to do your research. I visited over ten college campuses, and when I set foot on Birmingham Southern's lawn, I knew that this was the place for me. With the help of my parents, I did everything in my power to make this dream happen. I will always cherish my college experience because I know I didn't take anything for granted. Seize every opportunity that comes your way and know that four years go by faster than you think.... but then there's always grad school......

Do not base your decision solely on the prestige of the school. Some of the best schools are not well-known but the resources and the passion of the professors far surpass the facets of some prestigous schools. Think about really seeing yourself at a school because you will live there for the majority of the year. Lastly, be sure you are happy. There is nothing worse than attending a school you are miserable at, trust me.