University of South Dakota Top Questions

The most I can say is not matter where you go have fun and make the best out of wherever you decide to go. Make friends, join as much as you can, and be friendly. Having fun is the one of the most important things but also make sure that you find a place where you will be able to study and focus on what your going to school for. When you choose a school choose the one that fits you just right or you'll regret it.

You do not have to go to college knowing what you want to be. Test out the waters at a school and figure it out from there.

The key to finding the right college for you is feeling just a little out of place. You do not want somewhere that is completely out of place for you, but somewhere that can push you to be more than you already were. College is about learning and growing, not just in your future career but in your personality. If you go to a college where you know a large number of people in a city you know, you are not giving yourself much room to grow. When you are forced to meet new people and to explore new places, though, you find yourself start to grow very quickly.

You should look for a college that accuratly reflects your personality. If you aren't happy with something at the school chances are living there isn't going to make it any better. Also look for schools that have the best programs for what you are considering as majors. Attending a good program can put you ahead when looking for a career. You should also look for a school that isn't going to kill your pocket book. Going to college is going to hurt it but you dont want to be in debt for the rest of you life so be sure to go some place that isnt too expensive. Also look to see what schools are going to offer the best financial aid packets; even the smallest amount can help. Check the student to faculty ratio too. If you need help the better the student ratio is the more likely you are going to get better help. Plus this usually means smaller class sizes which is always a plus. The most important advice I can offer is to pick some place that will make you happy. If you are happy then you are more likely to succeed.

Go where you feel comfortable, not where you are going to get the most financial aid. You can always pay back students loans, but you can't get back the feeling of fitting in and loving a school. Make sure the school has the programs you want and emphasizes the areas that you are interested in. Talk to students on the campus. If you can try to talk to ones that are not in charge of bragging up the school and giving tours, because those are the students that will tell you the truth. When you think about transferring, wait it out at least a semester. Weigh what really makes you want to leave, because the academics will be hard anywhere. The professors and your friends are the things that you may or may not want to replace. Remember to find support from those that know you best, family and friends, and keep on trucking even when you feel you have too much to do. You'll get it done!

I would tell students to be realistic and choose a college where they would be comfortable instead of going to a place that might offer a prestigious degree but wouldn't allow them to be able themselves. But they must be willing to work hard and get involved in many things to get into a good graduate program, or just obtain a quality education. They have to plan ahead and work with their advisors so that they don't miss a deadline for applying for scholarships or register for the wrong courses. I think it is especially good if students can find an instructor who takes personal interest in them. I would never have received a scholarship if I hadn't got to know one of my history professors well and he hadn't nominated my paper for the scholarship. Getting to know people in your intended area of study is invaluable in the professional field, and I think it is best to start forming connections early on your academic carreer. Finally, I would tell students to always keep their final goals in sight, but not forget the daily goals of writing papers, reading books, etc.

Determine before college what you believe is important. Then keep focused on your goals but look at your future with an open mind because you will learn so much! Parents give your children room to breathe but be there for them when they need you...which will be often.

Find the place that is right for YOU! Do not base your decision on friends, relatives, or other outside pressures. Choose the place that feels right to you in your heart and that you can feel comfortable with. College really is a once in a lifetime experience and you just need to be yourself, get involved, meet as many people as you can, study and workhard, have fun, and enjoy it without any regrets.

Do what feels right.

There's a lot to say when it comes to finding the right college and making the most of time you've got. More than anything, I think it is important for parent's to just be supportive in the most general sense of the word. Just be proud of what your children are trying to do. They are about to take a big leap into the unknown. Also, college is not for everyone, so please try to respect that decision as well. Potential students, it's very important for you to stay open-minded. Remember that we seldom get things right the first time, and each time this occurs we learn invaluable life lesson. For example, most of us freak out when selecting a college to apply to or attend. We want it to be that "right" or "perfect" college. Well, after three years in college I can tell you that that doesn't exist. My university is by no means "perfect", but I've made lifelong friends, I'm traveling to Europe with my school, and my self-esteem is at an all-time high. This being said, imperfections can be beautiful things. Have fun and be yourself.