University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

If I had to give one word of advice to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of their experience, I would suggest that the student take a course or two in a subject they are truely interested in. By taking courses that do not focus specifically on academic instruction, the student will have the opportunity to create a positive learning experience. This will also help the student decide what career path they may be interested in.

College is an amazing part of your life. You need to choose a unviersity that will help you figure out what you want to do and become the best you can be at it. This means good academics and professors. This means good facilities, internships and research opportunities. You need to not just think about extra curricular activities, but get involved (whether it's student organizations, sports or volunteering). You need to remember that once you enter college, it becomes your full-time job. It is not a game, but something to be taken serisouly and made the most of. The performance you show in college will be what future employers base their opinion of you on. So, are you going to be the CEO one day, or ask 'would you like fries with that?' Pick the unviersity that feels right to you, not your parents or friends; it's four years of YOUR life and the beginning of your future. Take the time to really look into potential schools and visit in person (overnight if you can)! Take the tour, but ask around on your own too. Most of all, make sure that you feel comfortable with your choice.

I would definitely live on campus as long as possible. It took me three years to finally gather enough funds to move to the residence hall at my college, and it has so far been worth every penny. There is no way to make up for some of the experiences I've had living on campus - too much to miss. I never realized just how many midnight breakfasts and random movie parties, dodgeball playoffs, and games of twister I'd missed out on until I had a chance to move in. Spend at least one year getting "the college experience" - which is even more fun and entertaining without a hangover, I might add. Just remember to spend time on your classes and study, read, and pay attention to deadlines, and you'll be fine. Another thing - never be afraid to talk to your professors. They're just people, and are usually open to helping students who show them a little interest. Good luck!

Visit the campus and talk to actual students. Know what you want out of college and make sure it fits with what the college you are considering offers.

look for a college that has safety, has tutors and helpful workers, a school that is accademicly strong, but in a diverse fun loving environment in all aspects.

Assess your career and/or postgrad plans. If you intend to seek a bachelors degree and move straight into the workforce, USF is a fine school. If you have aspirations to further your education, I suggest looking elsewhere.

I don't think that money should play a large role in choosing a university. I understand how much it does matter, but take out a loan. If you take out on your car or house, why not do it for your child's future? If your child finds the University they love and the place that is their home away from home, let them go there to become the happiest and most productive member of society they can be. When at school, even if it isn't the school of your dreams, don't be afraid to meet people: join a club, go see a play, attend a football game, talk to the people in your dorm, see as many guest speakers as you can. Every event you go to, book you read and person you meet will help make you who you are. This is the time to learn about yourself. Grades do matter, but a B isn't the end of the world. Just keep your eye on the prize and do what makes you happy because then you'll always succeed.

Visiting the campus is key into picking the right school. Seeing what the school like during normal school day's is also a key element. Understanding how chaotic the environment is normally as opposed to a tour during the summer when there are very limited students on campus. Do the research through big name websites and talk to the advisors for the college they are applying to.

Research, research, research! Go online and find schools that fit your own personal criteria, then find out as much as you can about them. Always visit the campus if you can because it might change your mind (in a good or bad way) about whether you really want to spend four years there. Apply to as many schools as you're interested in and then make your final decision based on where you are accepted and what financial aid you're offered. Once you're on campus, keep an open mind! You never know where you'll meet people, who you'll end up being friends with or what you'll learn. Keep your eyes peeled for events that interest you and don't be afraid to go alone because you'll meet people there with the same interests. And ALWAYS ask for help when you need it no matter what it's for or who it's from, because you deserve to have the time of your life in college without anything holding you back!

The best advice for parents when assisting their future college students would be to allow them the freedom to go off to college and the opportunity to find themselves as young adults. Guide them and give the student the final say in where they choose to go to college, because their happiness could parallel their level of engagment in their studies. College is the testing grounds for young people and during this time students have the chance to prove themselves as responsible. My advice to students is to research the atmosphere of the college, paying special attention to substance abuse (alcohol/drugs) within the student body. Choose your college wisely because this is four + years of your life and you should make the most out of those years.