Columbia College-Columbia, SC Top Questions

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I think that I would tell myself that I don't need worry. My study habits were sufficient as a senior and I have been able to keep up with college work as a result of this. My GPA is 3.889 as of this moment. I have kept up with all my work and recorded all of grades and been able to talk to teachers if there have been any discrepenscies. My only advice to myself would be to not worry.

Make sure that you know what kind of an environment you're comfortable in. Also do not discount the choices that your friends are making. It's important to have some people who are close to your culture.

Knowing what I know now as a college freshman, I would tell myself not to worry so much. College is difficult, but it isn't impossible. I know that I can make it through just about anything. I would also tell myself that college is also different than high school. College requires more work and more time management. Also, making sure to stay organized would be important. I would make sure that I do all my homework early to ensure that I finish it all and do not forget anything.

my advice is very simple : study (that includes reading for class), pay attention to all deadlines, and stay on top of assingments. also, have fun, meet new people, do not take anything too seriously, and get to know your professors. they're good people that will only help. all of this being said, this biggest factor in soccess is simply showing up to class and paying attention.

Think of college as an opportunity to experience independent living while still having the security of being part of a family. Don't select your college of major based on where your friends go or what you parents do. This is a chance to try things that you may have thought would be interesting but didn't have access to study in high school. You can meet people with different ideas and values. Crossing paths with them can give you a new perspective and a better understanding of how and why things happen. Find a core of people (friends, classmates, faculty & staff) that you can work with. Make them you safety net. Try to develop new hobbies and interests. Make yourself available to be changed by what you live through in college.

I would simply suggest first that students and parents make a list of things that they want in a college and then visit colleges with as neutral attitudes as possible and second that they visit the college to be sure that it has what they want. My belief is that the only sure way to know what you are committing to is to visit the college and get a feel for it. You'll know what feels right.

Finding the right college as a student is about finding a college that can help you develop into the person that you would like to be and the person who you do not know you are yet. Searching for a college is about having the opportunity to flourish within its programs at the college, abroad, and the extracurricular activities. For parents finding a college for your student is about the college that builds community ties, strong relationships, and post-graduate opportunities for your student. After all the habits that are built in college often dictate later habits. Not only is it about what the college builds for your student, but the setting, finances, and availability of on campus staff willing to aid your student and you as you transition into a student's college life and new habits.

If I were able to give out advice on choosing the right college, I think that parents should let their children find their own school. Who knows us better than ourselves? College is someplace where we will learn academically, but also about life. Students need to be in a place wihere they can be comfortable enough to be who they are or who they want to become.

Find the school that offers the best program for your field of study. Also choose a school based on how well organized their financial aid staff seem to be. For example, if it takes awhile to get forms, or you have to ask multiple times to get a form, you might want to reconsider this school as a choice. Also, make sure the school is accredited. (Some schools lie about their accredidation.)

Finding the right college where you will be happy and able to flourish for your entire college career can be quite an undertaking. As a parent myself, when I reflect on my college experience thus far and search for the advice I would pass along to my children, I find so many things coming to mind. I would want my child to attend a safe campus but one that provides them many opportunities to find themselves as an individual and to form tight knit, lifelong friendships. I would want the school's academic program to be rigorous but taught by faculty members that are kind and understanding. Since I am not only a parent but a college sophomore, I can speak from the student's prospective as well. As a student, I like to know that I am safe and protected on my campus. I also enjoy the many social opportunities, clubs, and organizations my campus provides daily. The dorms on campus are superb and feel like a home away from home. Most importantly though, the faculty truly take you under their wing and do everything in their power to help you reach your dreams and realize your potential.