University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

Make pro and con lists to write out all your opportunities. Do not make the decision in one day. Think it over and choose that school that is perfect for YOU, not your friends.

One of the most important criteria to consider during a college search is the student culture that dominates the campus. Many of the distinctions that determined a school's culture do not receive enough attention from prospective students and their families. The amount of students living off-campus may not seem relevant to an incoming freshman living in a dorm, but colleges with more students on campus generally party less and have a better sense of community than those with a constellation of lightly policed apartments. Regional culture is very important as well, with differences in history and tradition dictating the social atmosphere on campus. Southeastern schools will focus on athletics and Greek life more than their northern counterparts, while urban schools are less concerned with institutional identity and more focused on integrating with the rest of city. In searching for a university, a student should be trying to match a school's personality to his or her own. The ability to feel comfortable with the the preferences and priorities of fellow students is an important step towards enjoying the college experience, regardless of major or career plans.

Finding the right college is not an easy task. To make the best choice, you have to carefully research each of your potential schools to find which institution will best utilize your talents and abilities and launch you into a successful, rewarding future. To begin the selection process, students need to look to their wise provenance for advice--yes, I am talking about the parents. Most of the time, parents are the ones who pay the tuition bill. Students need to search for scholarships and find a school that is within the family budget. College is a wonderful time in a young person's life. You will get to do things that you may never get the chance to do again. Students need to take advantage of every opportunity they are given; Whether joining a club, taking a trip, or volunteering in the community--students always need to stay involved. If you do these things and work hard, you will definitely make the most of the college experience.

The best advice I could give about choosing the right college and making the most of the college experience is for one do not choose to go to a college because your friends go there or your parents went there. You have to choose the college that best fits you. Find a balance between your social life and academics. When you are in college both are important. College is suppose to be the best years of your life, and if you are to busy studying all day everyday, you are going to miss out on a lot of great opportunities; and vice versa, if you are too busy partying and having a good time, you are going to flunk out, and college is going to be a waste. So basically, follow your heart, and do what feels right.

The university of south carolina was not my first choice. As a matter of fact, it was not even one of my choices. I had just randomly applied, and I just ended down here. However, I do not regret my decision at all. I believe it was very good luck that brought me here. However, I believe to find the right college, you have to go visit the campus, especially during the school year, so that you can interact with current students, and see for yourself how life on campus is. Talking to current students is very important because they are more likely to tell you what you need to know, rather than what the colleges want you to know. So that once you get accepted and go there, it won't be too much of a surprise. To make the most out of your college experience, get involved. Education is the most important thing, of course. But if you are organized and have room for other activities, i believe you should get involved. What you get involved in might actually help you decide what you truly want to do in life.

Visit the schools before you applie, if it feels rite it is, dont be afraid to go far from home this is a once in a life time expirance, get involved around campus, ask teachers questions, dont be afraid participate, make sure your schools have a balance of acidademics and extra carriculars, make sure there are planty of oppertunities and if there are not make them for your self, always do your extra credit, time managment away from home takes a little practice so dont get down on yourself if you find yourself pulling all nighters just learn from it and grow, your college is your gate way to adult hood take time to learn everything your school offers not just the acedemics how ever always place them first, dont be scared to talk to some one different from your self, be confident with your self most of all make sure you are happy, this chance only comes once and will shape your idenity for the rest of your life.

Take as many tours of as many colleges as possible. That really helps you find what college you like best. After beginning college, get involved in at least a couple clubs or organizations. This helps you make friends (a.k.a. connections) very quickly. Don't ever be shy. This is one of the worst traits particularly if you are attending a large university.

parents let your kids go where they want to go not where you want them to go.

This decision should be all about, you, the student. Not for your family, not for your teachers, not to gain 'approval' from your friends, but for YOU. Your college experience is something you only get once, so make this something you'll enjoy. Look for subjects you're interested in. I've been in band playing the flute with intentions of performing almost all of my life, but here I am realizing that I've been pursuing this degree for everyone but me!! Spirituality and Theology are what I'm truly interested in, which is why I'm changing my major. Don't make that mistake, or you'll spend the rest of your life asking 'what if?' Wanting to be close to your family is okay, and pushing to get away is okay, too. Dream big. You are good enough for ANY college. Apply everywhere; you never know where you'll get in. Explore ALL options. Get involved. Meet new people. Go greek. Show school spirit! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and ask questions. This IS the experience of a lifetime...make it count! Best wishes! xoxo :)

Think about what you really want to get out of your college experience. Don't be shy. Get involved.