Furman University Top Questions

To learn how to study better. I came to college never having to really study before, so my grades really suffered the first year since I had to teach myself good study habits.

Both parents and their students have to realize that this is a totally different experience for the child. Their child will have to mature to meet the college standards and his/her peers. These young adults seek not to waste time on trivial things, but to better themselves so that they can begin a career well suited to them when they graduate. For finding the right college, the student needs to go to the college and spend as much time there as possible to get a feel for the environment, atmosphere, etc. They also need to make sure that the college has the academics and major suitable to their preference. The best thing for a student and their parents to know is that it takes plenty courage and a great mentality to step up and make the best out of one's life, especially by going to college and later finding a career for themselves. This will be a great experience for them that they will never forget nor have anything else like it. It's a once in a lifetime discovery of ones own ability, personality, strength, weakness, and determination to perservere and march into the real world.

Do not judge a book by its cover. Finding the best fit is essential. If a school does not work and you gave an honest try then get out. You must be happy to optimize your performance and college experience. Being able to get along with a place and loving a place are completely different things. Taking an overnight visit or two can help you get a feel for things. Do not just hang out with one host student either. Host students have been screened by the university and are mostly biased in one direction. Meet lots of students on your visit and do not be afraid to ask questions. Stay for the weekend and see what really happens, whether it is in the library, a new church, or a fraternity basement. For a time that should be a highlight of your life, you do not want to regret not knowing something. There are so many colleges and scholarships that you should not have to settle and compromise your college experience. If you do your best every step of the way, you can regret little.

You really, honestly need to take time to think about it. It is in no way an easy decision, and should by no means be decided by one single factor, ie cost, particular athletic, etc. Once you find the right school for you, it seemed really impoirtant to me last year that I got as involved in the school community as possible. Keep your grades up if possible, but dont beat yourself up over a few bad tests, classes, grades etc. It happens, and colleges are an incredible place to learn what methods of studying and learning work, and especially what DOES NOT work. I know that all too well. Maintain good friends, avoid bad friends. It seems like redundant advice, but seriously, Dont waste your money, you will quickly realize money does not grow on trees, especially if you already do not know that. above all stay healthy, it will be worth it. and when things feel too hard dont give up because the benefits will outweigh whatever struggles there are along the way.

I would advise them not to stress out do much. Just because something does not work out the way you want it to does not mean that it can not turn out to be the best experience of your life. I would also tell students to not be afraid to push the boundaries at bit. It is better to regret having done something then to regret having not done something. College is more than just getting an amazing GPA. It's about meeting people that change your life and having experiences that shape you into the kind of person you want to be. One of my personal mottos is to Never refuse an experience, unless it is harmful. Sometimes a trip to Waffle House at 4 am can be the most fun you have had all week. But you would never know this unless you go. However, be careful not to become too fun-oriented. Cramming for an exam the night before is never a good idea. College is all about balance; once you achieve that you can do anything. But always remember that things will not galways go your way; you have to learn to roll wuth the punches.

Well they first need to do as much research as possible on the colleges they find that fit them. There are plenty of websites that state the "party schools" the "best schools," etc. Deciding on college is a hard process but once you get there you'll enjoy every bit as long as you make the most out of it. By that you have to socialize with others, because without a social life college can be very boring and mix up many emotions. Social life is basically the key to college, along with time management, which takes a little time, but once you get it down, you're set in the long run.

If you're not sure what you want to major in, pick a school that has a lot of choices. Visit the college to see if it feels right. When you get there make sure you take advantage of the opportunities there, that is, extracurriculars, jobs, professors open doors, and whatever lies outside of your campus.

I think it is important to let your children make their own decisions and own mistakes. I would not fully take the financial responsibility for these decisions but I know through experience that school is that much harder when stressed about money. And make sure you visit campuses; they feel a lot different in person than they look on paper.

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Work hard but play harder. College goes so fast. It is truly the best time of your life.

Do any overnight at all the schools you are thinking about attending.

Visit the school, stay overnight, sit in on a class. Really get to understand the people. The people build or break the atmosphere that you have formed of the school yourself.

Visit the college first and even spend a night on campus if you can. This is a great way to find out if you fit in on campus. Also, you should try talking to as many current students as you can abotu their experience at the college you're considering. They are a great way to get the 411 on your potential future home!

Visit the school and attend an overnight visit. Go on tours and ask any and all questions, regardless of how "embarassing" they might be...

College is the most defining aspect of your life before your career. It is a place where you will discover yourself and what you are made of in terms of work ethic and drive. A college can mean many different things to many different people. The thing to remember is that when you are looking for the school that you want to attend, you have to consider many aspects. First, you have to consider what kind of education you will get. Always strive to put yourself in a position to recieve the best possible education you can. Second, what opportunities will fall before you at this school. You want to have many options after you graduate. Finally, you have to ask yourself how willing are you going to be to complete the neccessary work in order to get a degree. You can't hold anything back when going through college. You have to put in 100 percent. If you do that, your hard work will eventually turn into success. Just keep in mind everything that you school taught you, both socially and academically, and you will succeed.

You must go to the school and actually visit. Schools can be much different than they seem on paper.

I would advise parents and students to look at and visit as many colleges at possible to help decide which one is right for you. Think about your intended major and make sure the college offers it. Overnight visits and sitting in on classes can be a great way to help you get a feel for what the college is really like. Additionally, make sure to research the college online and meet with students who attended or currently attend the institution. This is so important because you cannot rely solely on the literature the college gives you. Investigate all aspects of college life - housing requirements, meal plans, social life, extracurricular activities, and internship/work opportunities. It is important to get a feel for what college life will actually be like so that you can be sure that you are making the best college decision for you, with your personality and personal preferences in mind.

I would encourage students to seek what interests them. Don't just do what you think will get you a high paying position somewhere. The purpose of higher education, to me, is to advance your skills and abilities in what you truly enjoy. For parents and students alike, I would also encourage them to save money as early as possible. Money shouldn't be the reason one can't go the the school one wishes to attend. Many schools out there try their best to help prospective students in any way possible, but there are those that aren't as willing to help financially. Save up money and do your absolute best in high school so you can choose whatever school you want to go to and not just the school you can afford.

Learning about colleges and universities seems to be the first step in the grueling task of choosing where to matriculate; however, my advice is to first know what you want. What do you want your day-to-day life to look like? What do you value? And be honest! Academics, football, location, Greek life, class sizes are all things to consider. When you learned what you?re looking for, find the schools that match. Once the whirlwind of the summer blows by before your first year, get in the mindset! College is what you make of it. I am sure you?ve heard the words ?get involved? far too much to your liking. But it?s true! Join crew, FCA, theater, an intramural flag football team, go to soccer games and hiking trips with your hall. Meet people. Socialize. Learn about yourself. As the years pass, which they will, far too quickly, figure out what you love to do most and live in the moments. Make your college choice based on who you are now, and then make the best of it by deciding who you want to be!

Finding the perfect school is like finding the perfect pair of shoes after a hard day of shopping. You're exhausted, you've given your all into saving up, looking for, and finally choosing the perfect pair. They have everything you need, they are the right size, have the perfect balance of support and good looks. They have the right price tag. You put them on and you feel empowered...ready to take on the world. Prepared for anything life throws at you. They are the hot new trend, or the comfortable standard. They are a party pump, or a fuzzy bunny slipper. They are traditional mary jane's or the latest 'boots with the fur'. Most of all they are you. The right school feels like this. I know I found the right pair for me. You need to try on a few pairs before you know what fits, but when you find it...you know.