Clemson University Top Questions

One of the most enlightening components of this question is that I was able to ask a random pool of Clemson classmates what their answer would be; then, I formulated this response. The beauty of starting college is that you're starting a new chapter. It's important to close the chapter of your high school life and strive to fill the next chapter with even more than you've already accomplished. If you were more self-taught in high school, try helping others in classes. A candle loses no light when lighting others, and college is ultimately a team-taught environment. Review notes when you get back from class so it remains fresh in your mind. If you want another muffin from the cafeteria, go to the gym for an extra 15 minutes to avoid gaining the "freshman 15." I don't care if you're not a sports fan, go to Clemson football games. Study the extra couple hours during the week to allow yourself to enjoy such a wondrous and spirit-filled tradition. The fact that I can ask my peers for such responses shows how distinctly culminating Clemson University is as a whole.

Have fun but don't forget that you need to study more than you did in high school.

My high school senior self thought I knew it all. I thought I was invincible. I expected to go to USC, join a sorority, and balance studying and partying, but I was rudely awakened. A male student who I was fairly acquainted with started threatening me and saying strange things to me. It ended with him threatening to kill me and my family. He was arrested for stalking and trespassing. I transferred to Clemson for the spring semester. If I could go back to my high school self before this incident, I would tell myself that I am not invincible. I would tell myself that not everyone out there is going to like you. But I would also tell myself to keep going. I would tell myself to be open to new ideas and new people, because there is so much more to college than getting into the sorority you want or graduating with that perfect GPA. I would tell myself to find friends that help you grow on both a personal and intellectual level. I would tell myself to make the best of these years, and to never give up. Only you can control your fate.

I would tell myself to keep working hard and let myself know that the work may not get easier, but that it becomes more rewarding. I also would tell myself that I would find some of the people who I will be friends with for the rest of my life will be met at Clemson, and that they care for you and accpet you for who you are. Also, never pass up on the opportunity to do something that is a little out of your comfort zone, because you will meet some of the brightest and funniest girls who are willing to bend of backwards to help a fellow STEM sister out. Finally, I would tell myself that sleep is your best friend in the world and that coffee is a very close second.

I would probably say to make sure you do all your reading, it's really important to the course and actually learning something. Don't spazz out and don't sit in your dorm all the time. Eat with friends and do more extracurriculars.

One of the main things that I would tell myself is that although you feel grown and mature in high school that life really starts after high school. Be very dedicated in your schoolwork because your grades really affect where you will be accepted for college. Enjoy every moment of high school because you will miss the friendships and carefree life you had there. College brings much more independence but also much more responsibility for yourself and for your actions. Be friends with everyone in high school--even those who seem 'nerdy' or 'awkward'. Some of these people will turn out to be some of the best adults--and maybe even your best friend later in life.

The most important piece of advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to find the college that is best fit for who I am as a whole person and not to make a decision about which school I attend based solely on convenience, whether that convenience is based on the amount of financial aid I receive or the school's location. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to live at home instead of placing more responsibility on myself by having an apartment and having to work so much which takes time away from my ability to study. The last piece of advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to follow my heart and not the salary when choosing my life's work; I want to be happy in life, but money doesn't always bring happiness.

Just as in high school, every year of college counts. Opportunities will present themselves starting day one of college, opportunities that can shape the next three years of college as well as the rest of your life. Do not hesitate to get involoved or to try something new. Jump right in the moment you get there! Yes, college will be busy and school work will be more challenging, but having a full schedule will only help you manage your time and stay on top of everything else. Expanding your horizons will help to reach places and do things you never imagined, so do not be a spectator as opportunities come and go.

Rebecca, This is your future self. I just recieved my Associates degree of Liberal Arts from JCCC. I am now in the process of transitioning to Pitt StateUniversity to major in Music Education. There are a few things that I should tell you about college and what you should be doing right now. You need to be filling out scholarships or you will have to take out a lot of loans when you go to Pitt. I know that you do not want to fill out scholarship applications or job applications, but you need to so you can have plenty of money. Go ahead and go to JCCC for your first 2 years; but in your last semester there do not take World Regional Geography, you will not like it and you do not need that class for any of your degrees. Finally do not be shy, make friends and be part of Intervarsity at JCCC, have fun and work hard for good grades. Love, Rebecca

open up a little more, and try to get out and do more things on your own and getting involved with other students.