University of Sioux Falls Top Questions

To recommend going to this school and decide which major would be the best choice for me.

I actually wouldn’t have to give myself any advice except for to continue on what I’m doing right now in high school, because you’re on the right path to success and one day you will be somebody in the world that’s important, and you will feel better when you know that you will have your college degree.

One of the main reasons I chose the University of Sioux Falls is the environment. I have always lived in a small town, and, even though the city of Sioux Falls is much bigger, it still maintains the safe atmosphere. The University itself portrays an even better atmosphere because of its Christian affiliations. If I were to go to a secular university, I think I would feel very out of place and uncomfortable. Therefore, since USF is a Christian Liberal Arts college, I believe I have been more successful here. When working with peers that have similar goals and beliefs as I do, I have been able to stay more focused and believe that I do not have the same temptations that the rest of the world has to offer. Many people become carefree and uninhibited their first semester of college, but through my great college community I have been able to stay true to myself and avoid making regrettable decisions. Also, being a smaller school with smaller classes and many Christian students and educators, I think USF has provided the personal attention and care that I need, rather than getting pushed by the wayside.

I attended SFSU in order to become more independent and meet new new people. By being here, I,m doing my best to use it as a fresh start and reinvent myself.So far, it hasn't even been a week but it has broadened my mind in several ways. I,ve already attended a meeting on studying abroad, I hope to be able to go to Australia and study Dance/Drama there I was shocked by how accepting people were in my dorm and a sense of community is being built here. I love it, I like feeling a part of a community since I,ve spent most of my childhood being ostracized and feeling isolated from the rest of society. In my hometown, Stockton, California, people lament on not being able to leave due to the lack of jobs and opportunites in the region. Unlike them, I left. And I hope to stay out.

My time at The University of Sioux Falls has been beyond valuable. Both academically and personally USF has helped me become the person I am today. The small class sizes offer a greater level of participation and understanding than at larger schools. The one-on-one attention every student receives is invaluable in the academic world and is a huge benefit for the future. I feel as though I am getting an excellent education that is going to more than prepare me for my future. On a more personal level, USF has helped me grow as a person by emphasizing a life based in service to both God and others. They constantly offer community service opportunities that would appeal to a great variety of students. Campus-wide involvement in student activities is another way that my USF experience has been valuable. I have met many amazing people through activities put on by my school resulting in what are sure to be lifelong relationships. Attending this school has had a huge impact on my life; my decision to attend this school has been one of the best choices I have ever made. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

It is always an experience to live out on your own. College is a privilege, and I worked hard to get here. I never new i would of ended up here at USF... but now that I am, if I had to go through all the hard work to get here again I would. Being out on my own while attending college has made me even more independent and this will ultimately benefit me in the long run. I have made some great friends who I feel will be a part of my life for a long time. Also, the hands on learning here with smaller classroom sizes is amazing to have. I feel very blessed and grateful to be here with such great teachers.

Looking back, I would give myself the advice to stay focused. It is really easy to become consumed with friends, sports, and work. I would say "DON'T do it!" You don't want to pay $10,000 a semester only to end up retaking classes or having to go to school longer than four years. I would also state that you need to have a good balance between your social and academic lives. I say lives becuase they are really two different areas and they each deserve their own time. My advice would definitely be to stay focused on your goals and do not give up on them.

Don?t be afraid! College will be the best time of your life. There is no need to be self conscious or worried about meeting new people. You will meet some of your closest friends as soon as you get here. Be open to making friends and you won?t have any problems. Procrastination is going to be your weakness, so always try to stay ahead. At times it will stress you out to the limit, but just remember that you can do it. Don?t dwell on your mistakes but look forward to the future. And remember, don?t take everything so seriously. College is a chance for you to find out who you really are, so explore lots of new things! You are about to go through a lot of changes, so hold on for the ride. You will make it through, just keep your head up and keep your faith and values close to you. God is your rock through it all, so keep your eyes on Him and everything will turn out right.

The advice that I would give the "high school senior" version of myself would go something like this... "Don't be scared to put yourself out there to meet new people. I know you're going to struggle with the change of lifestyle, but finding friends right away will definately be a comfort. Take advantage of the many activities going on the few month or so of school. Be involved. Talk to people. Be outgoing, but be yourself. Suck it up and don't be so scared to meet people. Everybody is in the same boat with meeting new friends. Cliques are formed quickly, so talk to a lot of people and find where you fit. Things will fall into place, you just have to push them around a little bit. These people could be your best friends 15 years down the road when you're living in the suburbs with your husband, 2 kids, and Scruffy. Don't get caught up in worrying about how you're going to make it through the next 4 years. Get caught up in your friends. Just don't forget about your schoolwork and studying!"

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to start college right out of high school as going back to school as an adult is difficult for two reasons: less time (due to jobs and often families), and more bills. I'd also tell myself that college life (sororities, football games, dorms, etc.) is an opportunity to mature as a person and make lifelong friends and memories. College life is something that everyone should experience, but it's nearly impossible to have that experience as a non-traditional student. I'd also tell myself how difficult it is to find a job without a degree. Most employers require some sort of degree which leaves non-degree holders less quality job options.