Clemson University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Clemson University know before they start?

Rebecca

First of all, the student who will attend the college needs to make the final decision. Parents who desperately want their child to attend their alma mater or want to make the decision for their child will have to face and respect the fact that it may not be what their child needs, and that it isn't the end of the world. That said, kids will often find out that their first choice isn't as good a fit as they thought it was after they visit; this is normal, though it does disorient one a bit. Parents, please be patient if this happens. Also, don't become incredibly angry if your child turns down a scholarship from one institution to go to another. While finances are important, if your child goes to an institution that they are unhappy with to begin with, it will wear on their grades and mental health, and which is more important in the long run: money or your child becoming a happy, healthy, mature adult? If your child is truly passionate about the institution, they will find a way to help meet its costs, and show you just how mature they truly are.

Stephen

Be sure to visit the college and talk with professors about their goal as a university and make sure that goal is what you want. Furthermore, talk with students presently enrolled and figure out the goods, the bads, and the future of the Univesity.

Jabe

I would say make sure that when you visit the campus, you can see yourself there. Definitely ask students who already attend their opinions. Once youre in school, get as involved as possible, but dont forget about classes.

James

Research which schools are best for the major of your choice. Be social. The longer you wait to make friends, the harder it can get.

Sarah

I think there are 5 important steps in deciding what college is right for you or your student: #5: Figure out what you want to do Once you have an idea of what kind of field you want to go in, then its a lot easier to narrow down schools. Such as, if I wanted to be an engineer, I would apply to schools with good engineering programs. #4: Figure out what size of a school you want to go to If you think you'll be overwhelmed, then apply to small school; if you want to be around a ton of people, apply to a huge school #3: Figure out where in the nation you want to go Pretty self explanatory: go to a region that you would love to live in for 4 or so years. Its the best time to experience something new! #2: Figure out if you want to go to school with friends from high school Some people want to, some people don't #1: VISIT!!! The best thing you can do is to visit the top 3-5 schools you're deciding from! Just visiting Clemson made me fall in love with it!!

Jamal

Do not rush into make a decision about which college to attend. Research, research, research! Also, do not worry about knowing exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life. College is the perfect time to find out just who you are and what you would like to do. There?s not a person that has been in college that can say that it was not hard. Do not be discouraged no matter what, and never give up on yourself regardless of how dismal your situation may seem. Remember to relax and enjoy yourself (within reason) so that you can stay sane in the process!

Jessica

You will not know exactly what you want to do in life until during / after your college experience, so pick a school that is well-rounded, with lots of excellent departments, and vibrant student life. That way, your student can be exposed to lots of new ideas and make a more well-informed choice about his / her career. I would stay away from schools that care more about pedigree than school spirit because the environment of 'working hard' and 'having fun' coexisting is really important for the success of these college years. If you're too stressed to have a fun time at the theater or downtown dining or pep rally, then your education is not worth the sacrifice. If you feel like you are not being challenged at all in your classes and you can't tak to you professors about new ideas that you have, then your education is not really turning out as an education at all. And, make sure that the housing and meal plans are up-to-date, convenient, and accessible; if you don't have somewhere nice to go home to at night, it makes a long day even longer.

Spencer

If you have a specific field of intrest or intended major in mind make sure to research it well. There are a lot of colleges out there that have outstanding programs in majors you wouldn't expect and it is easy to miss a great oppurtunity. Use accrediting sources to find programs your looking for and make sure to take a campus tour. Most students, especially freshman, will be living on campus for a least a couple of years and getting a good look at the campus and area around it is essential to knowing if the college or university is going to the right place for you. Guided tours are great but usually they are limited and only show one side or particular buildings on campus. Make sure to take time to wonder around on your own time and path, finding places where people are living their everyday campus life.

Laura

I think you need to weigh all of the options available out there. It is very important for prospective students to tour the campuses that they are interested in, but they should go above and beyond the university tour and try and talk to a current student about social, academic and other aspects. It is important to do alot of research on the university and apply for aid as needed. Once at the designated college, each student must focus on their academic work and try to balance out their free time for social events with studying. It is hard to get off track so it is important that each person has good will power and can easily adjust from the change from high school.

Rachael

It is important for the student to feel like they belong at the school that they are attending. When touring schools, if you have a choice, try and find a tour guide that looks like they have fun at school and would know the inside scoop. This will help you distinguish what the campus feel is really like so that when your child gets to that college, they can know how to fit right in.