University of South Carolina-Upstate Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of South Carolina-Upstate know before they start?

Salsa

Understand there are options. Check the current status of any problems a university or school maybe undergoing. This may help with financial status and even the future or your child.

Tabatha

Tell them to go to a two year college with an apartment with some good friends (if immature) then go to a 4 year school. If matture let your child go to the 4 year school.

Brittany

Start looking as colleges and soon as possible. Go and visit as many colleges as you can and take the time to walk around the city where your college is located at. You want to have some idea about what is around you for shopping, food, and entertainment. Look at what degrees they have to offer and what classes they offer. Try and get involved in campus activities and groups, it's the best way to meet people. Make sure you look a class sizes...it's makes a difference. See what kind of housing they have avaliable and where they buildings are located on campus. Parents need to be supportive and also weigh in on what they think...while respecting their child's choice.

Evelyn

visit several colleges, and maybe even spend the night at a few. just make sure you make the right choice.

Matt

Visit schools. Your child will know what feels right for him or her.

Heather

I would tell parents to allow their children to make their own decisions about which school and major that they want to. I would tell students to follow their dreams and, at the same time, be realistic about what they want to do with the rest of their lives.

Tiffany

The student should choose where THEY are comfortable. Extra curricular activities are a must, even if the student does not plan to participate. Things may change when you make new friends and find new interests. Stick with your first choice. Do not settle, even if it takes extra effort.

Aaron

Finding a college is a decision that should never be downlplayed. It can be expensive, time consuming, and emotionally frustrating to attend a university for several semesters, only to realize that you aren't happy there, and sometimes changing schools isn't an option. Obviously the first thing a high-school graduate should consider is what the university offers accademically, since most are making an investment and hoping that investment will result in a usefull degree. Many students think that this means they have to decide exactly what they want to do with their lives, choose a major, choose a minor, and get moving, but the years a young adult spends in college will almost inevitably be a life-changing experience. Statistical evidence shows that most college students change their major at least once or twice and most adults will completely switch careers several times as well. A student should find a school that provides enough options, but a student should find the environment social stimulating as well. Not only will a student be happier, but a thriving community may also help them learn about and get involved in activities that will help them discover the career they'll love.

James

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to do alot of research on the college you are trying to attend. Make sure the college you want to attend fits you and your personality. Most importantly make sure you will be able to afford to got to the college that you want to attend financially. You should choose a college based on location, weather, interests, environment, academic rankings, sports rankings, majors, Greek organizations, academic clubs, leadership programs, intramural sports, community service projects, multicultural events. You also might want to choose a college based on in state or out-of-state.

Ashley

Go tour the campus first and see what life on campus is like. Between work and school I dont have much time for any clubs but I do highly recommend to go to sporting events and support your school.

Katy

I strongly believe that any college you are considering, you muct visit. You should tour the campus, find out class size and student to teacher ratio. This will help you, are you better with small or large classes? You should find out about greek life and campus activities, do you want to be really involved, or would you rather be at a college that leaves you alone. You should also wander around the city that the college is located. This way you can find out about the night life, are there alternate things for you to do if you dont drink? Are there things that interest you in your town? Because you do not want to be stuck in a town that is no fun. Lastly, and most importantly, you have to decide if you like the feel of the school and the area, because if you do not, you will be miserable in your environment; causing your school work to suffer, and making you miserable in the long run.

Tyler

Study hard and have no regrets

Aimee

NA

Kristen

Pick a school that you are comfortable with and that offers what you enjoy.

Whitney

Choose the college that you want to go to. Don't let your parents, friends, or boyfriends/girlfriends be the deciding factor. You don't have to decided immediately what you want to major in. Take your time and decide and if you need help talk to a neutral source. If you do know what you would like to major in then choose the school that has one of the best programs of interest.

Carmen

I think the most important decision a parent can make is to stress the importance of college, but don't force your child to where you want them to go. Let them make a reasonable decision. Also , prepare your child in life skills, opportunities, rewards, and make them aware of the difference in high school and college. Give them useful resources to broaden their horizons. Also prepare FOR them and yourself financially. Don't allow money to be a burden to your child's education. As a 22 year old readmit student, I've lived on my own since I was 16. I was a foster child raised by my grandmother who decided to turn me back over to the state at 16. I graduated high school 13th in my class and decided to attend college. It was hard because I was working full time as well and wasnt sure what I wanted to major in, so I dropped out, which was unintelligent because it was so hard to go back, but it is something I want so deeply, so I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it work. Remember children today are the doctors of tomorrow.

Sarah

I am the first person in my family to attend college, so my parents and I were completely lost when we first started looking into colleges. Due to my lack of knowledge, I made several wrong choices. I would advise students to not procrastinate. Begin looking for colleges during your junior year in high school. Explore your options. There are so many colleges out there. Parents should also be involved in this process with their students. It is very difficult, almost impossible, to go at it alone. Students should choose a college based on his/her own personal preference. They should decide if they want to attend a large or small university. There are colleges out there for everyone. Students should visit the various school and see what fits best for them. Once they get into college, they should make the best of their time their. Make friends, get involved with campus life, but focus and continue to grow while you are there. Students should feel like they are truely a member of the student body. Not just another person there. Once you get the feel of college and get comfortable, you don't even realize you're at school.

Melissa

As a college student who struggles finanically, I would advise all parents and students to look into all avaliable scholarships and loans. I have to pay my own way through college with a single mom, it is difficult,. However, I can not wait to finish and proudly say I made it on my own! As far as campus life and academics, parents and students should consider whether they want a large campus or small campus. Certain aspects of college are more important to some students than others. College is all about the experience that one makes it! If you find a fit thats just right for you, I think the sucess will be amazing! I have enjoyed college, I just need money to finish so I can become the next Erin Andrews, broadcasting the sports to you from the sidelines of ESPN!