University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

As a transfer student, I would definitely tell my high school self to consider different possibilities. I went to a small private high school and thought that I would enjoy a similar atmosphere in college. However, I soon found out that the environment around me was not 'me' at all and decided to transfer. I would encourage myself to consider trying something new. In high school, I would never have considered attending a big state school for various reasons, so I simply shut out the idea without even looking into the option. However, transferring to USC has been one the best decisions that I could have made for myself. This experience helped me learn that there may be many other opportunities that I am missing out on simply because I was too stubborn to try something out of my comfort zone. I would definitely advise my high school self to be more willing to explore different options rather than always doing what I expect myself to do.

If I could go back to my senior year I would tell myself to work harder on both my grades and finding scholarships to pay for my education. I only worked hard enough to "get by" and if I had applied myself I know I could have done better. I did not realize how expensive college would be and even though I knew my parents would not be able to help out very much, I did not take intiative and work hard to find a job or fill out enough scholarships. I did not know how expensive the books would be, or how much I would spend on little things such as laundry or parking tickets. Also, I would have told myself not to worry so much about what people thought of me in high school. College is so much bigger and more diverse that I can be myself and find plenty of people who like the things I do without having to be fake or put up a front. My beginning year at college has been the best time in my life, and I sincerely hope I can continue to stay here.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to work and study harder in High School. I know I could have done better and graduated with a higher GPA. I wasn't a lazy student but I could have studied more than what I did. I would also tell myself not to follow the crowd. To stick to my guns and stand up for anything I believe in. I was very active in High School. I was president of the largest all girls club at school. I wouldn't have changed anything about that part. I was also in several other clubs and played Jv and varisty soccer.

I would tell my high school self to look for more scholarships and to not be so afraid of meeting people. There are so many people at USC there is so reason why you shouldn't have tons of friends. Scholarships are the most important thing so stop being lazy go look for them so that way you won't have to worry about how you're going to pay for college.

When you are deciding what college to attend, make sure you take note of that school's diversity, student-teacher ratio, the academic quality, housing and so many other things that have high value to you. Also be prepared for ANY type of roommate if you did not chose one in advance. When you first get to school always remember who are and what you stand for, never be influenced or let anyone take away from your character. Also along with that, do not forget where you came from and your friends from home because you will be with your new friends and it may become diffucult to keep in touch with the old ones. When it comes to academics, DO THE HOMEWORK and STUDY!! It will make or break you. Never get too caught up in yor social life that you forget the reason you're initially there for. Make sure you talk to your advisor before adding and taking away any classes. Keep focus, don't be lazy and go to class! Also, make sure you have fun, try new things, and make GREAT memories!

I would tell myself to develop good time management and study skills early, because without them the transition is quite hectic.

Pretend your a sophomore, if the teacher assistants know your a freshyy they see that as a chance to make your life miserable! Be confident and approach them! Don't be scared

It is incredibly important to give it your all. You need to live your life optimistically and go to bed every night with no regrets. You need to put yourself out there, applying for any and all scholarships or awards that you come across. You must not underestimate yourself and you must always believe that the impossible is possible. Moving on from high school to college can be overwhelming but you must remain strong and persevere. Every day will not prove to be the best but you must remember "this too shall pass" whenever you are presented with an obstacle. Tomorrow is another day and you are an incredibly capable and independent woman. You can achieve anything if you set your heart to it and you will be successful if you put forth the effort.

Don’t worry about being so far from home. You’ll be too busy to miss it as much as you think you will. Don’t worry about your friends. You’ll make new ones in no time and the old ones will keep in touch. You won’t be lonely. Don’t worry about whether or not you chose the right school. You did. You love it. You couldn’t imagine a better place to live and learn. Don’t worry about being in a long distance relationship. You get used to it. About two months into freshman year, you’ll learn that bus tickets are relatively cheap. Don’t worry about schoolwork. Those A.P. courses prepared you for the amount of work you’re going to have to do. Don’t worry about your scholarships either. You can keep your G.P.A. high enough to keep them as long as you don’t procrastinate. Don’t worry about finding a job. There are plenty of opportunities on campus with good pay and flexible schedules. Don’t worry about the food. It’s fantastic. Don’t hesitate to try the cheese grits. Don’t worry about college.

Six years ago, a seventeen year old senior, with every aspect of her future delicately placed, frolics through the corridors of her high school eager to begin living. As the potential first graduate of a post secondary institution from her immediate family, her future appears infallible. Oblivious to all that remains unforeseeable I whisper, “Enjoy these moments of innocence.” Yet, of course she does not hear. “Hard work will be rewarded,” I ensure. She prays this to be true; working both as a student and employee drains her immensely. She perseveres. As graduation beckons, she joyfully welcomes her first child and she tearfully says her final goodbye to her grandmother (the victim of a senseless murder). “Even the direst situations offer lessons.” This time she hears. So, as I approach my first year of law school, I remain appreciative of every gift my past endeavors have bestowed. Patience, persistence, and purpose all resonate within me as I embark on my journey as a criminal prosecutor. My comprehension of life has immensely enhanced from all of my experiences. Everything happens for a reason, I always knew, but only now do I genuinely recognize the value of that statement.