University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to allow my emotions to get in the way of my academic success. I never drank in high school, but I definitely started in College. I participated in binge drinking with the new friends I had made, and I made mistakes a few nights because of it. If I had known then that alcohol truly affected judgement I would have still socially drank, but I would hopefully behave more responsibily like I do now. College is about discovering who you are as well as getting an education, but when I was confused about why my personality and actions had changed so much my grades and focus dropped dramatically. I never went to tell to a guidance counseler, but at times I believe it would have helped. I got over my bad hump by taking a step back and reevaluating my life. I only wish that I would have known my freshmen year to periodically give myself an evaluation, so that my GPA would not have been affected. I do however have no regrets, because everything has been a life lesson and an amazing journey.

Forget about all the drama of high school. College is a time to make new friends and have new life experiences. Meet as many people as you can and do everything. Get Involved on campus and join lots of organizations, that's where you'll meet the majority of your lifelong friends. Get to know the people that live in your dorm, you'll be spending a lot of time with them and they'll become your family by the end of your freshman year. Live on campus as long as you can, the RA's are always annoying, but living off-campus is such a big hassle. Overall - just have fun and enjoy it while it lasts because it will be over before you know it.

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, I would start off by saying put a lot of effort and time into choosing the right college to attend. My school is extremely different from what I expected. I would also tell myself to make sure I have good study habits before graduating. The work is a lot more challenging than the work in high school, and studying requires a lot more time. Furthermore, I would freshen up on my time management skills and apply for as many scholarships as possible. I found out the hard way how difficult it is to pay for fees and books. Last, but certainly not least, I would tell myself to be prepared to have to make complicated decisions and always keep a positive attitude.

IIf I could go back to high school and assume what I know now I would tell myself that life is about making changes, and decisions for the success of your life. To be successful you have to own it. You have to want a college career for wanting to move ahead in life. No one can do it for you, if you want a career that is lucrative enough to sustain you. I would write down all the things that I wanted in life, and also the cost. I would write down travel destinations and cost. Money means everything to someone who wants to be successful. No problems at home or family should consume you more than your college course work. Worrying about family issues can not help you become a successful graduate, work and study hard. Do not wait until the last minute to do work, start everything early. College is meant to be the foundation for your future life, not a party scene. If your life means anything, and you love yourself talk make great decisions.

I would tell myself not to slack off just because it's my senior year in high school. Also, if you want to get accepted into graduate school you need the best grades and GPA. You should also get involved with extra curricular activities in order to make new friends.

If I could go back in time to inform myself of the future, the advice I would give myself is always believe in yourself and your dreams. I would tell myself to work hard now so I can see it pay off as the months and years go by. Surround yourself with people who believe in success and stay positive even when things don't work out quiet as planned. I would tell myself to stay organized because it would help me better situate things in the future and whenever things seem to get hard worker harder and in time i will see those situations become easier.

First off, I would tell myself to pick a school that I feel comfortable with, not one that everyone tells me to go to or a school that I think is better. I have to make sure I am comfortable with the campus and the people on the campus because I am going to be spending a lot of time there. Also, if I plan on going to a school far away I have to think about the extra hassle that could be involved such as multiple flights and having to get any forgotten things shipped to me. As far as making the transition easier, I would advise myself to get involved with things on campus., join a club or sorority, play a sport - do anything to meet people. If you are feeling homesick at all or having trouble finding your niche going out and doing things will definitely help.

I would give myself the advice of getting involved with clubs and activities that i feel passionate about. I would tell myself not to get too stressed about the workload, just handle it one thing at a time, most of the time it ends up working out. Don't worry about hanging out with people that do not keep up a balanced friendship, you're going to meet lots of people in college and not all you will click with. Be social and have a good time but its okay not to go as crazy when you know you have important things to do. Don't be afraid to say no when you feel peer pressured and keep to your morals. Overall, remember who you are and let college be a fun and learning experience, academically and personally. These are the best days of your life.

Take as many dual enrollment classes as possible.

Dear Tamara, As a senior in high school, I know for a fact that you will stress about moving 500 miles away to an area where you do not know anyone. However, do not fret. Now, that i have completed the journey to college, I can honestly tell you that it will be amazing. The friends and family you leave behind will still be there upon your many trips home. You will stay connected with them because they are wonderful people and an extraordinary part of who you are. Also, you will meet many new people that will become a part of you. It will be hard at first since you are a quiet person, but it will happen soon. The best way to meet these friends is to join a group that interests you. By doing that you already have something in common with others involved in that group. There is no doubt that you will work hard and excel academically, but remember to also enjoy your years as a college undergraduate student and take the many opportunities you are presented with. It will be worth it.