Clemson University Top Questions

The hardest and most important thing about choosing the right school and major is figuring out what you want to do. For most people this does not come easy, and it may require exploring several different options, majors, and sometimes schools to figure out what exactly you want to do with your life. It is not vital that you find out what you want to do immediately; however, doing something that you do not enjoy just because you are unsure of what you want is a waste of your time. It is important that you realize that the college experience is not solely about the academic education you receive. Your education is very important, but it is only a small part of your overall college experience. The college experience is more about developing as an individual, and improving yourself in many aspects of life. It is a time to grow socially as well as intellectually, and it is a time to expand your horizons. It is a time to mature and embrace the responsibilities of being an independent adult. My advice is to find a school that you love and one that will help you accomplish the things mentioned above.

make sure you get involved with your University. Fraternities and Sororities are a great option.

Take a tour of the college during the school year to get a taste of what campus life is like. If you can, sit in on a class. also, talking to students around campus about what they like and don't loke about campus life is a great way to find out if the school you are looking at is right for you.

When you are trying to find the right college, make college visits. While you are on campus, watch how the students interact with one another. At my college people greet one another, hold doors for each other, and are courteous to one another. If that's not what you are looking for, thats fine. Try and find the right atmosphere for you. You will certainly find a group you can fit in with anywhere, but some places its easier than others. In order to make the most of your college experience you need to get involved in things. Go to sporting events, join an organization, play on an intramural team. The more engaged you are the happier you will be with your experiene.

Pick one you just know is the right one regardless of cost or distance from home

My advice to students and parents is very simple. Students: Find your balance. People will pressure you from every direction to party every night, or to bury yourself in homework every hour of every day. They will tell you to join clubs, to get a job, to not get a job, what to eat, and what to wear. My advice however, is to just be you. "To thine own self be true," right? Do your best in class and don't be afraid to ask questions; if you find a club you like, join it; get some sleep when you can; and once again, find your right balance. Parents: Your baby still needs you, just not in the same ways as before. Keep your distance when your daughter needs you to, but be there when she needs to talk about that exam she just failed or about the club she just joined. Show your son how to use a washer machine and how to make a bed. When you see your baby "all grown up," well developed, and successful in his or her own way, you will know that you succeeded. Good luck to you both.

Be prepared.

Get things together before leaving for college. Be punctual and prepared all of the time and never wait until the last minute. Follow what your heart tells you it wants to do, and never let anyone tell you that you are not capable of doing something.

I would tell students to look at the most important things in life when picking a college. Don't pick a school mainly because of the social scene or the awesome attractions surrounding it. Those can be factors but, pick the college that is really going to help you grow as an individual and will really provide for your major. Take advantage of unique opportunities -these can really make you stand out among a crowd when looking for an internship or going into the workforce. Parents, support your student no matter what decision they make and be there to listen, because they respect your advice and understand that you were once in their shoes as well.

When looking for the "right college" try to find one that fits you the best in several areas. Try to find a college where you don't feel overwhelmed by the size and one that offers several activities to get involved in that you enjoy. Also look for a college depending on its academics. Try to find one that fits your academic style; for instance don't choose a big party school if you are extremely academic based and put class first. Also choose a school where students are similar to yourself in personality. The best advice I can give in regards to making the most of the college experience is to get involved and stay active.