University of Southern Indiana Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Southern Indiana know before they start?

brian

My advice would be to really understand yourself or in the case of parents really be honest about who your child is and what she is capable of then research,research,research. I have seen far too many people struggle and fail because of trying to be what their parents expected. I would also recommend living on campus and make a point to get involved it your college experience after all.

Elianor

i would like to advise all parents before they make any decision to send their children to college, especially out of state. i would suggest that they look into academics ability, campus safety and environment.

Erica

I would encourage students to research prospective colleges/universities. I would encourage exploration of the fields of study offered by each institution, along with exploration of potential career fields. It is very important to select a field of study that you will enjoy. As a high school student, it is very difficult to choose a major without having experience in any real job settings. My advice would be to participate in as many job shadowing opportunities as possible and weigh the pros and cons of each potential profession. This will help you to determine your likes and dislikes about different professions. Once you have determined which career path is best for you, then select a college/university that offers that field of study. As four year universities can be expensive, I would recommend taking pre-requisite courses at a junior college, then transferring to a university. As for making the most of the college experience, I suggest you take this time to explore what life has to offer and what you truly want out of your life and future career. Keep an open mind and discover what is available to you.

Courtney

I would advise any student attempting to find the right college for them to consider the following things: distance of the school from home, quality of your education for the price, location of the campus, quality of the school's programs you are interested in studying, and number of students that typically live on campus. Incoming students may think they want to be as far from home as physically possible, which is all well and good, but it's important to be sure that the location of the campus is in a place where the transition from home to college is made as easy as possible. For some people this may mean a campus located near a bustling city with a lot to do, for others it may be a quieter, smaller campus with a more homey feel. Also, it's very important that the school you are considering has a strong program in the area you wish to major. Be sure to ask about the job placement rates for students graduation from the school with degrees in the major you wish to pursue. Finally, just try to get involved at your school and have fun!

Sarah

Don't pressure kids to go to a Big 10 school, the college you went to or an Ivy League School. They are seniors in high school and it's time to start treating them like adults. I know that in your eyes they will always be your little 10year old boy/girl but its time to give them freedom. Not only the freedom to choose what school they want to go to,but freedom to be who they want to be. Give your children the freedom to make their own mistakes and learn from them. When your children do make mistakes, be there to support them. Don't lecture or criticize. Just love them and support them all the same. Let them know that it's not the end of the world and that everything will be okay. That is my advice to parents. My advice to students is much simpler. Live life. Live and love living life to the fullest. Don't be scared to try something new and take a risk. Life is an adventure and college is the perfect time to enjoy that adventure. Live and Love with all of your heart.

MARY

VISIT VISIT VISIT! VISIT THE CAMPUS AND TALK TO THE COUNSELORS SO SEE IF THEY WILL BE HELPFUL AND IF THERE EASY ACCESS TO THE PERSONALE.

Renae

Research and visit as many colleges as possible and know what you want out of college

Aimee

One, make sure you go away to school to become independent and get the full college life. Also, make sure you start early on your search and choose a school that reminds you of home. And when you get to school, don't be afraid to go up to someone and become friends. Don't be afraid. Remember, they are in the same situation.

Ryan

Please take your time selecting a college. Pick one that allows you to stay focused on your goals. There are many distractions, that include drugs and alcohol, that can deter you from getting the most from your college degree. Staying focused will allow you to rise above the rest and stay ahead of the pack. College should not be easy, if it is too easy, you are probably not learning anything. It is designed to push you to your limits, so that you can overcome even more challenging situations that life has planned down the road. If your professors make a statement that you are not sure is correct, challenge them. They are human and make mistakes like everyone else. You will stand out to them and are much more likely to be noticed by anyone who is paying attention to your academic presence. Read books that are related to your major. Not only are they easier to read than a standard textbook, you can make references to such literature in class. This makes you an appealing study-buddy. Group studying is one of the most effective way to learn everything that you need for a test.

Leah

I would say that it is truly the choice of the student. It's better to allow the student to go with his or her gut instinct as to which college to go to. Distance from home should not make a difference. Cost should play a role, but it should not be the deciding factor as to which school to choose because there is always financial aid available. Picking a college was tough for me, and when I finally narrowed it down to two choices, it was even more difficult. But in the end, I chose the school that I found most appealing, both visually and academically, and where I thought I would be the happiest. Even still, if a student finds that the school that he or she picked is not right for them in the end, most schools are very willing to help with the transferring process.