University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

Parents don?t force your child to go to any school, but push them to apply for schools, scholarships, and anything else that will help them. You should help them apply before deadlines, get the facts about schools that they may look over, help them realize the long term effects of their decision, and, most importantly, be supportive of whatever decision they make. The best thing for students to do is know what you need to happily live. Think about your basic needs and what makes you happy, and from there, begin your college search. You must think about how you?ll pay for school, because that will play a major factor in where you attend. If you know you?ll get scholarships in-state, but you need to be away from home, apply to out-of-state colleges earliest. This way, you are more likely to get out-of-state scholarships, and will still have time to apply to in-state schools. Finally, don?t stress the details because college is what you make it. As long as the school has what you need to be happy and to live, that will end up being your dream school.

I give my advice to the parents: let your child decide where she wants to go. There are scholarships, loans, grants, financial aid, and so many other ways to help your child get through the school she wants to go to. The experience of college is one of transition. Its a transition into the adult world. Having a school that molds and crafts your child into the person they are meant to be is so essential. Every class may not be relevent at any given time, but each is there for a purpose. College is about learning not only academic facts and numbers, but building people skills, learning to work under pressure, in groups, with people your child may not get along with. And your child will know which school will fit her in this way. She'll know it in her heart, and your job as her parent is to help her on her path. By allowing your child to pick the school she wants, she'll know you trust her and want the best for her. Money should'nt be an issue or a deciding factor. Let her choose and she'll make the most of it.

I would find a college that best suites my goals for getting a job after graduation.

Make sure the school has at least a few majors you are interested in. Chances are you'll change your major, and you don't want to be at a school with nothing else you are interested in if that happens! Academics are certainly an important part of college, so finding a school with the right academic fit for you is important. Don't rule out a school because it is too big. Even the biggest schools feel familiar and small once you get settled in. As you move on in your college career, class sizes shrink and you become familiar with the people in your classes. Also make sure there are things for you to get involved in. Getting involved is the most important part of college. You meet people and do things that are going to make you grow as a person. Being involved will help you find out your passions and strengths, some you never even knew you had. And on top of all of this, don't be afraid to do what others aren't doing (like going away to school). You will have the best experience if you make your own choices.

My advice to others in response to finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is do what is in your best interest. Research and make sure that your college of choice meeets your needs and expectations as it relates to focus on academics, activiities, athletics, size, etc. Also, get opinions from others such as advisors, teachers, graduates, or current college students. Take what they say into consideration because they have experienced it already. In addition, while at an institution of higher learning, make the most of it! Get involved in social events, clubs, sororities/fraternities and just meet new people! College is a new and exciting journey and in my opinion, the best four years of your life!

I would advise parents and future students to visit the college, talk to students while they are on campus, attend a class that is of interest to them, and research the school with the highest accreditation in the major that most interests them.

I would recommend that a high school student begin preparing for college as a freshman and choose a major as early as possible so high school courses can be geared toward the college cirriculum. When selecting the college, the major is one of the most important factors to consider because you want to attend a school that is going to provide the best possible education and one that is renowned for it's successful graduates. With today's economy, companies are going to consider only those employees who are at the top of their field so being fresh out of college will limit what is on your resume. A well known college may set you apart from the competition. I chose to attend USC because of the Darla Moore School of Business which is among the top 5 business schools in the US and the International School of Business is the second best in the world.

I would recommend parents and students to visit the campus several times.

First, it is essential if possible for one to select a school that is best suited for their major or career choice. USC-Columbia was a great choice for me because of it?s location in the city. It has provided me with opportunities in the health care field that I would not have had at a college in a small town. Second, for incoming students, study hard and play later once the semester is over. This advice is for students who are serious about their education and future. In order to succeed academically and in life, one must work hard, and put in the effort. Perseverance is the key. Especially, if the student/parent is paying for the education because it is expensive, and considering the tough economic times that we currently face. Third, getting involved in school related activities that will better enhance your college experience, and future career. Making contacts/networking is very important. By working together and helping others to also succeed , we can make a great difference in the world. Finally, my overall advice to students is to study hard and play later. The rewards for those who work hard and make sacrifices are great.

I would advise both parents and students first and foremost to not be afraid to make a leap and move away from home. I moved 4 hours away from my family to go to school, and it was the best choice I could have made. By moving away from my comfort zone, I was forced to grow up a little bit quicker, learn to be self sufficient right off the bat, and various other life skills that would have been learned much more slowly had I stayed close to home. By being somewhere that I did not know anyone, I had to become more outgoing and gregarious to make a social network, and I also was able to re-invent myself in a place where high school stereotypes were not going to be held against me. For parents, it works well because they are not able to still be intimately involved in my life, and it helped them accept more quickly that I was an adult, and to trust me to make my own choices.