University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

I would say go with you first instinct. If you aren't used to being around thousands of people everyday, then you should look at small schools. College isn't all about parties so don't go in expecting to party every weekend because you and your grades will suffer. You should also make friends because you never know when you might need someone to help you in a class that you are having difficulty in.

I would suggest that you visit each school that you wish to attend and obtain as much information on each so that you can make the most informed decision.

I would tell parents and students to visit every campus that you wish to go to. Take all of the tours and talk to students that go there or have graduated from there. I would also tell them to take their time when making this decision. Choosing a college is one of the biggest decision in one's life and it should not be based on where your parents went or where your friends are going.

Students and parents should compromise on the situation/choice together, but, simultaneously, students shouldn't choose a college because their friend(s) are attending, for partying, or out of spite.

I would say research your colleges first - base your choices on who offers the best programs oriented to your interests, regardless of cost; what you pay in tuition will be worth it if you select a high-quality program at a renowned school. Start planning early, in your junior year of high school - a lot of schools operate on rolling admissions, so you'll want to have all of your information ready to go once you take the SAT so that you're first in line when the admissions committees start reviewing applications. And don't be afraid to shoot for the moon, either - don't doubt yourself or your performance; if you really want to go to the best schools, apply anyway - the worst they can do is turn you down. And, above all, HAVE A BACKUP PLAN! If your first choices do end up turning you down, make sure you have a "backup," where acceptance is virtually guaranteed - because you don't want to be scrambling to find somewhere to go a month or two before the school year starts.

Go to class, get your assignments done, then have fun. In that order. If you try and be social first, school work will come last. If you don't make an effort to get your work done, it will not get done.

Apply everywhere you think you?d like. There?s always a chance you?ll get into your dream ivy league, or you might not get in where you?ve planned on going your whole life. Use pamphlets, websites, and tour guides to decide where you don?t want to go based on concrete factors: it?s too expensive; it doesn?t offer your major. Then, move on! Get out and explore wherever you?re still interested on your own. Stop passing students and ask questions about whatever matters to you, and they?ll probably give you honest answers. If you know a current student, go stay with him or her one weekend. You'll get a genuine feel for the school, and you might also meet people who could become friends if you decide to enroll. Once at college, remember that all of your fellow freshmen are in the exact same boat. No one knows anyone; everyone is at least a little nervous. When you think you?re comfortable, start getting involved. It?s the best way to make new friends and discover things you love to do. Work hard, but don?t overwork?college is supposed to be fun!

Actually visit them all and stay one night at each.

As far as finding the right college the best advice that I can give is to visit every college or university that you are interested in and to keep an open mind. When visiting a college/university go on a student guided tour and then also walk around the campus with parents, get lunch, and do some people watching to get a better idea of what it would be like living there. Also, make sure to familiarize yourself with the college/university website and read all of the information available for future/prospective students because all of that information is important! For making the most of your college experience try to get involved, go to class!, don't hide in your dorm room- eat on campus, take walks, ask questions and take advantage of the opportunties available (like extercise facilities, libraries, movie theaters, etc.) and most of all enjoy it because the time goes by too fast!

find a school that fits you and makes you feel comfortable like being at home