College of Charleston Top Questions

I believe the most important aspect of selecting an educational instituion for an individual is knowledge one self. As a parent what do you know about your student, as a student what do you know about yourself? Focus on what interests you because the glam of being in a new environment will fade, but your passions are lasting. What is your persoanlity, intorverted or extroverted? Do you enjoy night life or would you rather stay inside and read a book, know yourself. Amongst other things observe your financial situation, never rule out a school because you THINK you do not have the funds to attend the institution. Ask questions talk to the financial advisors go to the school's career assistant facilities. The faculty and staff want you to be there as much as you desire to attend a school, and they have the resources to help you accomplish your goals. Always do the research, know what you are getting into. This applies to looking into a prospective school, joining a club on campus and possibly even a fraternity/ sorority. You want your [student's] experience to be a beneficial one with few regrets and many rewards: enjoy the journey!

Make sure your kids get enough to eat, meal plans are expensive but at least they make sure they won't be surviving on ramen noodles and pop tarts... Also make sure they know the importance of getting to know their professors. Even if you're late a few times, if your prof knows you work hard and have a good heart, he'll let some things slide and even give extra credit!

Rising juniors and seniors in high school have many things going on in life; not only are they changing, but preparing for the next biggest step in life, college. Choosing the right college is difficult and can be a time consuming, stressful matter. When choosing a college, it is important for students to think about their true personality. It's not about where their friends go, or where the party school is. The college chosen may completely change the outcome of their life; so when looking, it is important to think of your own needs. In order to be successful, the student should make sure the college has an academic plan suitable for their future career, and if undecided, the school should have options for the student. This can also be a difficult decision for parents. It is important to retain honesty within the bond between child and parent when making decisions like this in order to see that the needs of the student are being met academically and socially, and that the financial needs of the parent are being met. Open communication can make a deal of difference when choosing a school. Patience, research, and communication are most important.

The only advice I would give to the parents and students is that think about your future before all the fun activities.

Advice: Don't ruin yourself financially to get a college degree. Wherever you choose to attend, just make the most of it. Grow intellectually by participating in class, complete assignments and spend the proper amount of time studying. Make the most of you're education by actively participating in the college. Don't go to school because of prestige, what's "cool", or because it's by the beach. Go where you feel like you can prosper intellectually and socially for four years of your life. College is fun and there's a good chance that if you go in with the right attitude you will be able to have fun and earn a degree in something you appreciate and enjoy!

Whe you visit the school for the first time, keep an open mind. Ask yourself if you could really feel yourself living and spending four years of your life at that particular institution. If the school feels right, then it probably is the right one for you!

Students should find a college that feels "right" to them because if they are comfortable with the campus, then they can easily make friends with students and even as far as succeeding well in their classes. Parents should trust their children and go with the plan.

Explore all of the possibilities.

Finding the right college is difficult, so be patient when exploring options. Know that the first one or even the first twenty may not be a perfect fit. Sit down and write out what characteristics you are looking for in a college. Things like size, location, cost, major, and extracurricular activities are some things you should consider. Choose a variety of schools to vist, and go take a tour! Walking around a campus is crucial to picking a school; you get a feel for the atmosphere and the people there. Are the students helpful, friendly, talkative, happy? Question whether you could see yourself walking amoung the students and going to class; this step is probably the most important. After finding a college you have to learn how to live in a new environment. this will be more difficult for some, but give it time and you will settle in. One of the truest pieces of advice I ever recieved was to go to class. That, if nothing else will keep your head above water. If you work hard your first year, then the next three years will be much smoother because you will not have to play catch-up.

College is all about learning, so my advice would be to try as many new things as possible. Living on campus is key to the college experience; living with someone new is even better. Either you'll make a new friend for life, or you'll learn how to compromise and control your temper. Also key is considering whether you want to stay close to home. You shouldn't go to school far from home simply because you think that's what you're supposed to do. If you're anxious to live and see somewhere new, then go! But if you like where you live, you shouldn't feel like you have to leave just because you're in college now. You have your whole life to see the world; in fact, study abroad may make it more possible than you think! College is going to be a new experience regardless of where it happens. My strongest advice is to tour the school and ask questions of the students , not just the tour guides. Do your research. Most importantly, consider what you want to study and what you enjoy doing. Then ask yourself--is that possible at this school?