Clemson University Top Questions

Visiting college campuses is the most important aspect of your college search. As much as you look at a website or read college stastics, you will not be able to truly understand if the college is a good fit for you until you visit the campus, go on a tour, eat in the dining hall, and talk to some students who are around, that aren't your tour guide. It is also on these tours that you can learn lots of invaluable information about college life on any campus, tips for recieving financial aid, and advice on meal plans and housing.

Students-- Let LOOSE! Those two words are the best words of advice I can give to a college freshman. As a competitive high school student, I remember the days of staying up late to finish homework, wasting my weekends studying for SATs, ACTs, and AP tests and forgetting what it was like to have fun. Grades were important, test scores were important, but just living wasn't. College is different. With the pressure off, it's time to learn how to live. Grades are still important- every test counts now- but your goal is to learn WHO you are, in addition to learning how to use the "shell method" to find the volume of a cylinder. Explore your college. See what it has to offer. Climb mountains, go to parties, do whatever it takes to find out which facet of your personality you like most. Your first year is for discovery- use this year to figure out who your real friends are and what types of things you want to spend the rest of your life doing. Don't be afraid to talk to the "popular" people, they're starting over too. Find out who you are and LOVE IT!

Visit any and all prospective schools. You may be surprised by what school seems to "fit" best...it may not be what you expect at all! And there's no substitute in the decision-making process for actually experiencing the campus and student life for yourself. Also, don't be afraid to apply for scholarships (even random ones) because small scholarships can add up fast. Do yourself the favor!

Finding the right college is not just about being able to afford it. It's about finding a place that you feel like you can call home because let's face it. When you start the college life, your chosen university becomes your home. You will spend more time there then you will at your parent's house. So finding the right college is about finding your new home. If you can fnd the place the gives you the same cozy warm feeling that your childhood home does, then you have found the right place. If you find your home, then you willbe comfortable and all your focus can be tuned into your school work and not on fitting it or trying to belong because you already will. Lastly, parents must understand that they need to support their students with their chocie because ultimatlely they are the ones who will be there 24/7 becuase after all there's no place like home.

To the students I would say let the decision be about you. Don't allow your parents to decide for you becasue that could cause you to be unhappy with your decision. If you know that you want to go home often, don't go too far. Do what fits you. To the parents I would say allow the student to make the decision. You had your chance, and yeah you may want them to attend your alma mater, but at the end of the day it's about them.

Although the price tag may not be appealing, don't settle for anything less than the dream at hand. You will not get a grand experience out of a college unless you want to be there in the first place. There are so many scholarships, grants, loans (if necessary) out there in addition to financial aid that the tuition costs should never be a deterrent. And once in college, don't be afraid to talk to strangers--in your class-- and embrace different things. Colleges have so much to offer if you step outside of your comfort zone every once in awhile to accept something new.

I would advise the parents and students to visit the campus since the student(s) will spend 4 or more years there. The memories you take with you from college lasts a lifetime. Therefore, you would want to visit the school to see how the students, teachers and even the local environment interact. When it comes to making the most of your college experience, I suggest that the student(s) talk to their professors early in their college career to not only build relationships but to also gauge if the chosen major or area of study is right for them. Both students and parents would not like the students to spend longer than the required time in college since the tuition rates have been rising.

Find one that fights what you are looking for in every aspect. Don't settle for one because your friends are going there. Consider if you want a large or small student body. Whether you want them to have a football team and or aspects that are important to you. While you are at college make sure to just get involved. Your freshman year is important so just try things out it doesn't mean you have to stick with them the rest of your time at school but clubs and intramurals are a great way to meet people.

Get involved wherever you choose, and you will not be disappointed.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give to anyone partaking in the college search is to not rush it. Take your time and find the college that is going to fit you best. Just because you have been a fan of a specific school since you were young does not mean this school is right for you. Search near and far, and find the school that will challenge you academically while providing what you need socially. Look at every statistic you can find, from the drop out rate to the average GPA of students. This is a huge investment, and therefore you must treat it as such. You wouldn't rush into an investment in the stock market that you hadn't researched thoroughly, and the same must be applied here. Look for the school that will give you the most you need for an affordable price. At the same time, however, have fun with it!