University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

Finding the right college isn't as important as being dedicated to do well in college. The most important thing is to stay focused and not get caught up in the image of the "college life" which portrays over-partying. Start strong and never get delayed. It's important to start off doing well in college.

The best advice I can give anyone in search of the perfect college is to vist the school! Any school can look perfect online, but you cannot truly feel the campus vibe until you are actually on the campus. Being comfortable on your school's campus (your future home) is extremely important and can only be determined by visiting the school, touring the campus and talking to students. I believe being comfortable on campus is even more important than declaring a major. You cannot attend a school because you hoped it would be something it is not. You must attend a school where you feel comfortable and safe yet challenged because that is where you will succeed at your highest potential.

The college experience is truly one unlike any other. You can fill yourself with worries and anxiety, of wondering if you will fit in, if you can afford it and a whole multitude of emotions. But really that is not what it comes down to at all. You are who you are as an indivual and we waste so much of our lives antagonizing over the details instead of living the experience. I speak almost with a side of hypocrisy in admitting I went through the same emotions especially worrying about money and job placement (or my ability to get into a good graduate school) but all that is not the essence of experience. Visiting the campus and knowing that your family is behind you in any endeavor means far more than the physical things you will carry away. No matter how hard colleges try to dress it up the experience is all your own. One last mention for the parents is that your child will change their mind and their hearts about what they want from life and how college will affect that and all I can petition you is to build them up with love and support.

Be confident. When one goes to college there is nothing for anyone to judge one on but.... oneself. Going away to college is a way for the world to judge you on YOU, and not your past, your friends, your family. YOU have to be the one to make yourself who you want to be. Like everyone always said, "Confidence is key." And for Mom and Dad, let your babies go. It's time. Growing up is something we all have to do so at some point we'll be reading a message such as my own, making me feel better about letting MY kids go. Good luck.

Make sure to find a college that will best suit your own academic and social needs, and not the needs of others.

After completing my first year as a freshman at the Univeristy of South Florida, I think back prior to arriving there and the process it took to get there. One of the most important things I advise parents and students is to truly take a tour of each university, discover what majors are available and what is required of them, speak with an educational as well as a financial advisor. Once a student is there, it is a one way ticket road to a different point in their life. One learns something new about the college as well as themselves every day of their collegiate experience. Always remember to organize your time and make time for your classes because there will always be time for a social life, no matter what.

My advice to parents and students looking for colleges is to find a school that is right for you. Don't try to base a decision off of where your friends are going. More than likely, you will feel that you picked the school because of your friends and not necessarily for your preferences. College is a time for you to have fun but it is also there to provide a decent education for you. Therefore, it is vital to make a decision that will have a better impact for your future . It is also important to take a campus tour and to find out what academic programs stand out. It is necessary that you really take the time to list pros and cons of various schools because it truly allows you to figure out what the best school would be for you.

Just make sure the university a student chooses is their own choice and not what their parents want

I would advise them to research the school thoroughly. Find out what makes that school the best choice. Try to decide what your career goals you have and pick a school that focuses on whatever career you wish to pursue. Make sure to have fun but don't ever let it come before your education. Stay in tune with your academic advisor so they can help you with class selections and career tips. Go to the school games...they're usually apart of your tuition so why not take advantage of it? They're fun! And you get to meet a lot of people you probably never even saw at school. Try to intern at a few companies before you graduate. This will look awesome on your resume and will also give you some hands-on experience that you can't get from the text book. With all of the valuable information I learned in class, it was nothing compared to what I learned interning, and that was only a couple semesters. Internships will also give you an indication on whether you really want to pursue whatever line of work you have chosen.

You can never plan too early and you especially don't want to be scrambling for a plan during crunch time senior year. Take time to thoroughly look at school websites and go out to the university and walk around, ask questions and get a feel for it. When you've finally found somewhere that suits you and you've been accepted, orientation will probably offer a lot of activities that are available on campus.