University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

In addition to the important issues of education, safety, and campus life it is important to also When looking into a college, it is important to find the one that best fits you. Choosing a suitable college is as important as picking your career. If you are not happy with the college you attend, then you are not going to benefit from an education there. For example, if you prefer a closer interaction with the professors, perhaps a college with a smaller student population would be the best fit for you. As for making the most of your college experience, you should take advantage of campus clubs and volunteer opportunities.

I think that it matters far less what college or university you go to than it does knowing what you want to major in. My lesson to new students: Major in a field that you're passionate about, not in something that will make it easy to find a job. You'll get more out of your education and more out of life. Do what you love to do, and if the school you're going to doesn't offer it, transfer to a school that does.

Find one that fits your budget and have at least two majors that you are interested in.

Finding the right college depends on the feeling it creates inside you. If you come to the campus and something in the people and the place makes you feel alive... if something stirs in your soul then that's how you know you are where you are supposed to be.

Pick a school with a good program in the field you want to study, but that also has other good programs in case you switch.

You have to be aware of yourself before you are able to pick a college that is right for you. I know plently of people that graduated from my high school and surrounding high schools who transferred colleges more than one time. To me, they got caught up in the hype of one or 2 things about the school and didn't focus on what would make them happiest. It is very difficult to pick a school when you have no yet attended it, so talking to other people who currently go there is one of the most important things to do when choosing a college. Besides looking at degree programs and school size people need to focus on other things the school offers. If you are very social- a big college with a strong greek life and football team might be right for you. If you are more artistic and quiet, a smaller school would probably fit you better. It all depends on who you are as a person, not who you want to be.

I think the most important factor for students in choosing a college is following your heart. Don't limit yourself based on location or even cost. Yes, going to a school 10 hours away from home can be difficult but you will be happy there if it's where you truly want to be. Yes, going to a private or out-of-state school can be expensive, but there are numerous opportunities for finanical aid, loans, and scholarships. Don't be afraid to apply to the schools you fall in love with--it can't hurt to try and you will always regret it if you don't. Along with this, I would encourage parents to allow students to truly make their own decisions. While enforcing a distance or cost limit may seem in your best interest, this is not always the case for your child. There are challenges to distant or expensive schools, but if your child acknowledges and accepts them, you should try to as well. They may be giving up monthly trips home or taking on large student loans after school, but if it is what really will make them happy, give them that chance.

I would advise students and parents to work together and start early looking at colleges and talking to other College students. Begin searching for scholarships at least your junior year of high school. Go to sports or academic camps at a college you are intrested in. Get to know you High School Guidence they can be very helpful. Go online and do the research!

The first advice I would give to parents is find out exactly what your child plans to major in and check all schools in your state that have this major. Then you /student visit at least five campuses that interest you both and get all the information that you need. After that, narrow your list down to the top four colleges that interest you both and apply to all of them. Try to receive at least 3-4 acceptance letters and then look at the cost of each of them and scholarships they have to offer. Ater you decide on which college you decide to attend you must make the most of college experience by studying more than you did in high school taking your classes very serious and realizingthat this is your future and your life by trying to always do your best and never settling for less. Set standards for yourself by trying to make A's in every class that you take. The better your grades, there is more money available to you. Last but not leaset, apply for all scholarships that you qualify for.

My first piece of advice would be tp take a tour of the school before you decide to go there. Also, make inquiries about financial aid from the school before making a commitment. Live in a dorm for your freshman year. Many of your friends will be made by living together. Make sure that you are comfortable with the distance between your school of choice and your home. Make sure that your choice meets the criteria of your career choice.