University of Southern California Top Questions

Focus on your studies and don't get carried away by insignificant events.

PAST AND FUTURE I would have told myself that what I thought was the end was really just the beginning. I was doubly worried; partly over the impending goodbyes to the only friends I’d ever really known, and partly due to the masses of new strangers I was going to be forced to live with…but I see now that these were both just starting points. "Those old friends are already a part of your life, which will never change. As for the upcoming acquaintances, they’re not trouble or a burden or something to fear. They are just new friends waiting to happen. And it may not happen over night, or over one week, or even a month. Soon enough, though, you’ll realize that the cycle has started anew, that you have a new group, a new stage of life. The only difference is, this time, you have an even greater past from which to draw inspiration and love."

I remind myself to be open minded, and go with the flow. This school is the most amazing place to study, and I feel like I get to go to Disneyland everyday, because this place makes me happy. I would tell myself to always be myself, and to not let anyone change my opinions, or my personality. I should always stay true to myself.

Young Carly! I know you're anxiously awaiting your looming college adventure, so here's some advice to ease your concerns. Primarily, don't worry about the transition. You'll love meeting new people (although at times it is stressful) and you will absolutely love living away from home. Remember that all your high school friends are going off to different schools and experiences, so don't expect them to be the same. They'll experiment in all kinds of stuff, but hey, you can do that in college. Just remember to keep a solid code that you firmly believe in, and surround yourself with people who think the same way you do. It's awesome to have a diverse friend group, but remember that peer pressure flourishes in college where at the end of the day you don't go home to your parents, but to lots of friends that live next door. The dorms are one big 24/7 sleepover with all your new best friends, so manage your time well. With that said, have a blast! Meet tons of new people! Try new things! Keep following your dream! You've got a great start by picking USC.

The transition might be tough at times, but don’t give up – you’ll find your niche and love it! Worry less about fitting in with the crowd and more about the person you want to become and how to accomplish your goals. Top three tips: 1. Get involved with extracurricular activities so that you have things to look forward to outside of schoolwork. You will also make friends who have common interests and dreams. 2. Take time to get to know your professors. Some of them may seem intimidating, but almost all professors love to have students visit them during office hours. In addition to asking questions about the class material, find out more about their research and particular interests. Many professors have written books, traveled the world, and are renowned in their subject areas. Not only is it fascinating, but they may be able to help you with internships or research. 3. Enjoy going to cultural events, sports games, and hanging out with friends. Don’t neglect your schoolwork, but take time to have fun. You will cherish the friends you make and the memories shared long after everything you learned in the classroom!

Knowing what I know now I would tell my high school self to get ready for change and go with it. From the change of no homework to loads of homework was the biggest change of them all. No matter how many people may have told me that it was going to be the biggest change it didn't stick until I was put into the situation of the intense work-load. Those long nights and days of studying would have been easier to get through with the knowledge of right studying habits too. It is the most important thing that college students have right study habits or studying will be unbearable and may seem useless to some causing them to not study at all. Also to get ready to do things without needing help from other people. I became more independent within one month. All in all, I would not change anything because it has been a great adventure and learning experience.

1. One of the greatest delusions about college is that, it's like high school and that people are constantly judging you based on how you look, speak, act, dress, etc. College kids - and people in general - truly don't give a rat's ass about you, as they're far too concerned with their own lives. So stop flattering yourself, and worrying about what people think about you; truth is, they don't think about you. They think about themselves - a slightly chilling axiom which can be liberating in so many ways. 2. The second greatest delusion is, you have to party hard in order to say at the end of your college stay, "I have truly lived." The partying is over-rated, and exhausting, and certainly not worth the price of your brain cells. Like Einstein said, the formula for success is simple; Success = X + Y + Z, where X is hard work, Y is fun, and Z is keep your mouth shut. Ergo, work hard, play around some, and shut up (especially if you live in a dorm; because if you can't keep to yourself, your bed is sure to wind up on the roof).

College is initially a jarring experience. When you first enter, you may not embrace the variety of social activities and opportunities that it may present to you. It’s difficult to adjust to something that seems like a completely different world full of, let’s face it, what seems like no responsibility. Don’t let the novelty and anarchy of college scare you or deter you from the wonderful experience that college is capable of becoming. Instead of wasting time in the agony of adjustment, dive into the best experience of your life. Your four years in college is something that no one can take away from you. Do your best in your classes, join as many clubs as you can, participate in social work and even have fun at those parties! College is what develops you into an independent person capable of taking on life- soak it in and don’t miss out on a single opportunity.

My dear, do be excited for college. It is what you thought it would be, in a sense. It's also completely opposite, but that isn't a bad thing. So you didn't get a full-ride, who cares! Just be willing to put in the effort to prove yourself worthy as those who did. And of course, keep an eye out for scholarships inbetween study breaks. Also, relax! When you go to football games, be like everyone else: loud, slightly obnoxious, and proud. And don't repeat junior year: SLEEP! In this case you don't have to be like everyone else. As well, not everyone you meet will be your best friend or boyfriend, but get to know them. I do suggest more guy friends to get their perspective on life and raunchy jokes. Oh, dorm food isn't THAT bad, just mix it up. Then there are themed dinners which can be awesome. And of course, don't be afraid to try new things. Embrace free or relatively cheap excursions while you are here. Even though you have lived in California all your life, there is more to it than you thought.

Ryan: Listen to Dad. I know that you may not agree often, but, at the end of the day he's right when he says that he's been there and done that. He is also smarter than you think and cares for you deeply. Always give 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in everything you do. If you slack off in anything, you will suffer the consequences later. Be patient and believe in yourself, but don't think that you're the best there is--you're not. And when you get to college, be confident, but be careful. Your words carry more power than you realize and you must choose them with the understanding that they reflect the person you are. But also remember that words can be empty when not backed by actions. Don't try to do it all. Choose wisely but don't be afraid to take risks. With great risks come great rewards. Set your priorities straight and see things through til the end. But above all, do not forget where you come from, who you are, and what you believe in. And always, be the best man you can be, that's all anyone can ask of you.