Clemson University Top Questions

I would say, take the first semester slow, do not try to be involved in everything on campus right when you arrive. Once you get your classes and you see your tests schedules, you will agree it was a good idea to not join that extra club that had a meeting that night and you feel bad for missing it. Remember, you are there to get a degree and get good grades, but also have fun. Do not forget to call home, they miss you and want to know that you are doing well. Your mom is sending you to school, so do not mess it up and help her everyway that you possibly can, remember when she kept bugging your about those scholarships and you only did a few, well do more.

The summer after high school graduation I would often find myself crying and dreading the fact that I had to go off to school in a few months. Looking back, I think it is so silly that I was so afraid. College has truly been the best experience of my life, and I've only been there for one year! I wish I could have told myself to look forward to a new beginning and to embrace the experience with open arms. I would have encouraged myself to get excited about going to school, to pick out cool things for my dorm room instead of just the essentials, to enjoy the first few weeks of class--because they are the easiest, and to not hold back. I wish I was not so withdrawn and shy. I would advise myself to always carry an umbrella in my backpack, go to the bagel shop for breakfast, and study on the second floor of the library. I would also tell myself to join more clubs and participate in more activities on campus instead of stressing about schoolwork. Finally, wake up bright and early on football Saturdays and get ready for a long day!

In my experience, the best way you can make your college experience the best it can be is by getting involved on campus. If there aren't a lot of student organizations, start some! Plus, future employees love to see signs of leadership from your years in college! One recommendation: Don't go home on the weekends! That never helps. So much happens on the weekends and I guarantee you'll make friends a lot faster if you stay on campus. When you're choosing a university, make sure you feel comfortable on the campus when you go to visit. Could you see this place as your home one day? Also, find out if there is somewhere, off-campus or on-campus, where you can use your talents or hobbies. For example, if you love to act and there is not a strong theatre program on campus, look for a community theatre nearby. Lastly, look for places on or off campus where you can show leadership and contribute to the college and to the community instead of only looking at what the university can offer you, as important as that is. :-)

As a satisfied college student, I have some useful advice on choosing the right school and making and the most of your college experience. The first step in choosing the right college is figuring out how far you want to travel. Choose a travel distance radius and have most of the schools you check out be in that radius. Next, decide on something that interests you and pick a school that offers a degree in that area. If you're not sure, choose a school with a wide range of options- that way, you can take different classes and get a feel for your passions. Finally, choose your top schools and go on an overnight trip to each and stay with a real college student in the dorms and go to classes for a day. You'll get a feel for what it's really like to be at that school. Once at school, get involved! Join a club that interests you and develop a personal relationship with your professors. Make sure you practice good time management and take advantage of the tutoring services on campus. Be aware of all the opportunities that are now yours and have fun!

I would advise parents and students NOT to choose their school based on who else is there. Further down the road, your success will not hinge on where your friends or people you know attended school. What is important is that the student feels, comfortable, supported, and most importantly, that they will THRIVE and EXCEL in the given envirionment. Also, choose a college or university where you see yourself experiencing the most growth. That school may be 30 minutes from home, or 30 hours from school. Progressive thinking is key.

The most important thing about getting the most out of college experience is going to a college that has a good balance of academics and social activities. You want to go to a school that is academically prestigious and has good programs for your interest of study because after all, you're going there to prepare for your future career. However, you don't want to consume your life with work, and the same goes for college. You do not want to make studying and academics something you do every second while you are at college. Students need time to relax, unwind, and have time for themselves. Unfortunately money is also a large factor. It can be very difficult to pay for college, so it is important to apply for scholarships and financial aid because the potential for a good education should not be hindered by money.

Dear Prospective Students and Parents/Guardians, Do you best at your college or university that you may be attending because any school means hard work. The degree you are trying to obtain will not be given to you, but instead you have to earn it. Attending college is the start of your new life; so use your advantages the best you may know how and make something of yourself. The world needs intelligent young men and women to continue making it a better place. Always strive for success and never give up.

I would definitely say that you need to visit the colleges you are interested in. It gives you a great idea about what it would be like to be living there for a year! I was torn between two schools, but when I visited Clemson, I fell in love and knew it was where I was supposed to be!

Choose a college that gives you room to experiment with various majors should you change your mind during those four years. Become active in as many as extracurricular activities as you can handle and look into a major AND a minor. Your shelling out a couple grand for this school so you might as well get all the education you can.

Check out the traditions of the school. Visit the campus, and class rooms. If possible atend a sporting event at the school before enrolling. Once enrolled become involved in a sorority/fraternity. Enjoy al that ht experience has to offer; but do not loose focus of the purpose is toprepare yourself for the rest of your adult life.

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!