University of Southern California Top Questions

One of the mistakes that I made when I was applying to college was not visiting the different campuses, and staying in the same city as my parents. My parents, like most parents are over protective, so when I wanted to apply to school in New York, they convinced me not to, since I would be too far away if i needed something, and there were plenty of schools close enough to home. One problem that that caused was that I became extremely dependant on my parents for everything, to a point where I couldn't make my own decisions on even the smallest of issues. If a student feels the need to grow and be somewhat more independant, he or she should have the chance to at least visit colleges in other areas. I didn't visit any college campuses before applying, and when I was accepted to University I was somewhat disappointed. The campus is gorgeous, but it wasn't exactly what I had thought it would be (Colombia better suited me, when I later visited friends there). So my advice is this: don't be afraid to explore and to let your children grow up!

I firmly believe that everyone should enter freshman year knowing they have options. I think binding yourself to a major immediately is not in the best interest of many students. So many people go into higher education KNOWING what they will be for the rest of their lives. I entered USC to study french horn, and I already had a job performing in Hollywood Studios, but I realized this year that I love my neuro classes, and I love volunteering with stroke victims, and I want to be a brain surgeon. Having a dream isn't wrong, but college gives you so many opportunities to discover other things that your dream may change. If your dream stays strong, then go for it, but if you find yourself interested in a different path, don't be afraid to change. Don't tell yourself that you're trapped, or that you're afraid to try something else. I thought I had my entire life figured out, and I rejected changing at first because I was afraid, but a good college won't let you believe something is your path unless they have first presented you with every opportunity to find yourself.

The quality of a university as professed by its academic reputation is not nearly as relevant as its alignment with a student's personal goals; ultimately a degree is only a piece of paper and a GPA only a number. A university with a strong alumni network and connections to businesses will provide the best job opportunities; a school known to specialize in a field is better for students of that field than a generally "good school." The most important thing, however, is to understand the social climate of a school; academic success is predicated upon psycholigical comfort. To attend a school simply because it statistically aligns with one's desires is a recipie for disaster, but a student who feels as though she shares values and understanding with her peers will be more mature and capable by the time of graduation.

When finding the right college, visit the campus and see if you can really see yourself there. Find out how big the average class size is and also find out how many extracurricular organizations are readily available. A new student should not be afraid to constantly try new things and new group organizations. Don't be afraid to take a class that may not be related to your major--college is the only time you have the opportunity to try out and test different areas of interest. I found that the easiest way to meet new people and make friends was by signing up for acting classes--it was the type of class where you are forced to interact with other students. Sign up for an improv or theater class and you'll quickly make new friends.

The most important thing in your college experience is often something very indescribable. Make sure you visit each campus and take a complete tour before you make any decisions. It's amazing what a difference a campus that you feel comfortable with can make, even if it seems to have little to do with the educational system. A gut reaction can and should be the deciding factor because the reality is this: as a student, assuming your college isn't completely bereft of quality, you will get as much out of your college experience as you put into it, no matter where you go. Get involved, look for the clubs and activities that interest you, get to know your professors, and of course, study hard, and you will have a successful time of it regardless of your choice.

Attending the right college is a critical to one's life because college often acts as the platform off which a career is launched. In order to have best possible college experience, it is important to choose a school that is both academically challenging and socially active. It is important to have an academically challenging school because it will give a better learning experience for one's career after school. It is equally important to find a school that has a social life that fits the student. The right people will allow for lifelong friends and later business connections to be made. In looking for a college, it is highly recommended to visit the college in person to get a feel for the surrounding area, current students, and the campus itself. Simply visiting the college's website and viewing pictures can give a false impression of the school. Applly to a few schools you know you will be accepted into, a few you might get accepted into, and a few "top" schools that will be difficult to get into. This will give you options of where to attend when the decision time comes.

Any college is an experience and a series of great memories to be made. Of course there are good and bad fits but keep your mind open and you will enjoy where ever you end up.

I believe that the most crucial component of finding and thriving at the best college for YOU is following one's true heart and desires. In order to get the most of one's college experience, it is necessary to find the university which has the most elements of one's idea of - not only a valuable education - but also the ultiamte home and life experience. If a school has the resources for one to master skills, volunteer in the surrounding community, or become involved in student government, to name a few options, then that institution will best nurture a fulfilling and rewarding college experience.

Selecting a college is one of the most important decisions anyone will make in their lifetime. It's where four years of memories will be made and four years of learning undertaken. College is life-changing and it is what takes you from the world of youth to that of adulthood. It's simply a choice that must, at all costs, be made wisely. Some people may believe that there is some sort of formula that equates to the perfect college experience, but the fact is, what it comes down to is this gut feeling of comfort. It comes naturally and is simply felt once you're there. Point being, the most important step in choosing the right place is the visit. If the school is right, it will FEEL right--the people, the atmosphere, the experience. It is instinct that will help to choose the perfect place and it is instinct that will guide you to make the decisions that affect the rest of your college experiences. Follow what your gut tells you and no regrets can come of it.

Apply to many schools, tour all of them, go to the best one for your major, research the social activities, live on campus your first year, try to get in the least amount of debt.