University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

Finding the right college can be difficult if one is uncertain of their own interests. That is why it is essential to choose a college depending on its location, social influences, and academics. Colleges are built in a variety of locations: suburban, metropolitan, and countryside areas. The student must determine which environment will suit them best. Ask yourself a series of questions like: would you rather enjoy a fast-paced and entertaining city or a calm and peaceful suburban area. Try organizing a ?pros and cons? list. This will help you point out the negative and positive aspects of those places. Social factors to consider include campus organizations, fraternities and sororities, sports, etc. College isn?t all work and no play, therefore exploring socializing options may greatly affect your college experience. Last, but not least is academics. Finding a degree program that fits your career choice is the most important decision of them all. Researching programs at various schools will help you determine which program will assist you the most in reaching your goals. Moreover, every college is unique in its own way and it is up to the student to decide which will aid them with the most success.

They always told me that I had to find a pace that I felt good in. They also told me that when that place came, I would know and I fell that with USF. Its a wonderful school school and I'm very happy there.

I would tell parents and tudent to make sure that you work hard and pic the school that you are most comfortable with and you know you will get your work done. Make sure you write a list of all the positives and negatives about each school before you choose one. Don't forget to stay focused and positive.

I would encourage parents/students to visit the campuses they are interested while still in high school and ask as many questions as needed to determine if that is the college they would like to attend for the next four years. I would suggest talking with students and falculty at the college to get a better undestanding at how that school values education and social networking. The key for finding the right college is doing your research and making sure the pro's of attending that institution outweigh the con's. As for making the most of the college experience, I suggest having school spirit and most importantly getting invovled. The experience does not originate from studying all day in your room. I strongly encourage incoming students to find a balance between their studies and their social life. Time management is the key factor for making the most of the college experience. Take advantage of the free tutoring, free food, service opportunites, and fun events that your school has to offer. In addition, do not be afraid to introduce yourself to other students and instructors. Embrace everything your school has to offer and be grateful to receive a college education.

Weigh all of the options when considering colleges. Choose the college that is best for your situation and ultimately makes you happy. As far as the "college experience" -- it is entirely what you make of it. You can be a secluded bookworm, a fratboy, or any other stereotypical college kid. Or, you can be what you want to be. My advice is to (1) get up, (2) go to class, (3) do your work, (4) do your best, (5) make friends, and (6) find an extracurricular activity. Determine if academics or social life is the biggest priority and go from there. College is entirely what you make of it -- no one can make or break your experience but you. Know that you'll make mistakes, but be aware that you have the ability to learn from them and change your actions, and with that yourself. Make of that, and of college, what you will.

When looking for the right college, the main thing to focus on is the atmosphere and the environment of the campus, both academics and athletics. Academics because you are paying for an education. Athletics because sportshelp promote school spirit and the more school spirit there is, the better the learning environment and the more enjoyable it is to attend the school. More spirit equals more motivation.

Parents: The best advice I could give you is to be just as open minded as you can be. This time of picking a college should a fun time. If you put to much pressure on your kid he/she is likly to conform to what you want them to do but in the end will not enjoy it at all and will have to spend alot of time and money moving to a new school that he/she does enjoy. Students: It is very important that you take your time and pick the right place for you. This means not picking a college jsut becuase all of your friends are going there. As you might end up hating it. Dont be affrid to be the student that goes out on his/her own. Everyone is going through the same thing that you are and want to make new friends just as much as you do. So by picking a college that none of your friends are going does not mean that you will end up with no friends. Make sure that the college you pick has a good program in your college. Last fill out all of your papers!

The best advice I can give is to throughly research the school you want to attend and to make an effort to get involved with extraculriculars once there.

I would advise parents to think financial and find a school that fits your budget.An undergad degree isn't worth being in debt.Law school,Graduate studies,and Medical school are a time for that.Make the most of your money and your resources if there's a school locally.

I would advise parents and students to visit the campus more than once. I would tell them to take the tour, but also to walk around on their own and talk to actual students. Learn about the school from the students who aren't paid to talk good about it. For making the most of the experience, I would say find your niche. Find a group of people who you enjoy to be around. A strong group of friends is key to enjoying life on campus because you will always have someone to hang out with.