College of Charleston Top Questions

go somewhere fun, just be sure to focus on school enough

do what you want and follow your dreams!

Why did you guys spring this question on me? I thought I would be able to fill out a survey and just be done with it. I would say that finding a campus that is visually appealing is pretty important. So, probably visiting lots of campuses would be a good thing to do. My first year I went to a school that I hadn't even visited and I was pretty disappointed with it. I also believe it is important for a student to live on campus with roommates if that is affordable. It's important because when you live on campus it's easier to make friends. In classes it's kind of difficult to meet people, and I can attest to this as I live at home. Also, I wouldn't recommend working a lot if you're in school full time. You want to be able to focus on your school work and social life for the most part for an excellent college experience.

Advice I would give to students in finding the right college is be true to who YOU are when searching for a school. Simply because a large school may look fun, if you tend to be shy, a smaller close knit campus may be for you. On the other hand, just because a school is excellent academically, if it's tiny and you want lots of things to do, people to meet and school spirit to share, a larger school may be a better fit. Home-bodies, don't travel too far away and adventurers don't limit yourself. College is YOUR time to grow and develop socially and academically. Most importantly visit the school! Most people can tell right away if they see themselves laying on the grassy green reading a book, in the class room, or just hanging out with friends in the dorms. Have fun with the decision!

Visit the college before you decide on it.

My best advice is DO NOT GO WITH THE CROWD!!! Make your own decisions. In the end you will be so much happier, you'll make better friends, better grades, and better choices. Parents, please do not pressure your children to do what you think they should, because as previously stated, it wont make them happy which makes it harder for them to be successful. Prospective students, dont be afraid to not settle down your first year. If you dont get into the school of your dreams, commit to getting there- work hard and make the grades and transfer, its totally worth all of the work and stress of moving schools. And do not declare your major too early. Take your gen. ed. classes and some survey courses that you maybe arent that familiar with. Eventually you'll find something that inspires you and you wont waste time committing to a major that is what you think you should do. Keep your mind open and clear. Dont get into the menatlity of "I'll do better next semester", because that semester will never come and next thing you know you're graduating. Carpe Diem!

Before you even begin to look at potential colleges, take the time to sit down and figure out what you expect to get out of the whole "college experience" thing. If you want to be heavily involved around school and feel "part of a campus community" then go to a college with a prominent football team - everyone likes football in college. If you just want to get out on your own and live for yourself go somewhere where the college is a part of the town, not the other way around - you get that warm and cozy "resident" feeling. Truthfully nobody goes in to college knowing what they want to be, that's what college is for. "Academics" is just another term for "what I want to do", consider your interests and go somewhere that seems it may cater to them. You get to make college whatever you want it to be; you'll be in a new place with new people, change is never a bad thing.

To remember that this time is fleeting and to enjoy the four years you spend in college. It is the time in your life that shapes who you will become.

My advise to parents is to go and visit the colleges your child is interested in. College is an investment and should be well researched and evaluated. My advice to students would be to choose a campus that you would like to be at for your complete four years. When you transfer colleges you lose more credits then you think, plus you have a larger sence of belonging when you have attended one college for all four years. There will always be another party or get together, but you cannot make up a class or assignment. Use your time wisely and learn to budget you money. Take advantage of internships, they will be your stepping stones towards your future careers. Have fun and be careful, hard work does pay off!

Look for a college that fits your educational and social needs. Don't stay close to home because you're scared to leave....you need to get out there and ecperience it. Focus on your school work, but allows time to meet knew people. The best friends i'll ever have i met in college.