University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

A big part of the college experience is the social aspect, so it's really important to get plugged in with groups on campus and to interact with other students. If your son or daughter is a "people-person", they'll probably enjoy a smaller school where he or she will know everyone because it's easy to feel lost and alone at a big school.

First go visit the colleges and walk around; pick a school where you feel most comfortable and get involved at much as you can. This is a time to meet new people and to take risks.

To stay focused and always try your best.

I think it is important for parents and students to visit the colleges they are interested in. I think they should look into the clubs and organizations available at each school and think about which ones they are most interested in. I think it is important to be apart of a group because you meet and make friends that way and connect yourself into a group. It helps a student feel like they fit which is important.

Search around at various schools to see what will best fit you. Get involved with school activities and attend all of your classes.

Make sure you do all you research to narrow down your list. Before going to tour a school have you questions ready to get the best out of the the tour as possible.

Every school has its own personality. Students and parents should keep this in mind when choosing the right college and making the most of the college experience. Choosing a college or university is a lot like choosing a husband or wife for the next 4 years. It would be foolish to decide on a school without doing research about the activities, lifestyle, and location. Start by figuring out what you love and what you want your school to be like, then go hunting for the right one. Visit the school, check out the city or town, talk to the teachers, and ask current or former students about their experiences. Once you decide on a school and start your journey, make the very most out of the experience. This does not mean to go wild and crazy. Instead, learn as much as you can, meet as many influential people as you can, and make every day better than the last. Choosing a school is like choosing a mate. There are plenty of choices but you must search around, find "the one", commit yourself, and make the most of your time together. You will be happy that you did.

First and foremost I am a strong believer that a school that costs a lot does not mean you will get a better education. It just means you get a more expensive diploma. I've been to Northeastern University, a very good school. I didn't work out for me there. The people were very different and trying to fit in was hard. I left and transferred to the University of South Florida, and although it is not as prestigous, I am learning more and having more fun here. Of course, this is just one persons experience, but it is a reminder that students need to figure out what environment they want to learn in and what types of people they want to acssociate themselves with. Once this is established a student can truly have a better decision on where they want to attend school. They should also be reminded by the parents that they are attending college to get an education and learn. I can't stress enough that the student needs to be responsible, because once he/she leaves for school nobody is there to tell you if your messing up. Balance between school and play is important.

USF Sarasota is a great school. It is a small hometown campus where the professors carea about the students. The faculty is caring, helpful, and a great support for student success.

To choose the right college for you begin by researching the school websites first. Make a checklist to see that the potential school offers the program you're interested in, the admissions requirements, the cost of attendance, availability of scholarships and financial assistance, offered extracurricular activities, options for on-campus or off-campus living, and what the city surrounding the campus has to offer. Once you've narrowed your list down to three to five schools, plan several days to make trips to the colleges you're interested in. Take a tour of the campus, eat a meal at the dining hall, tour the on-campus living facilities, and imagine yourself as part of that college's student body. Choose the college that you see yourself being happiest at. Once you've made your decision make your experience worth it. To do well in school read the material ahead of time, attend lectures, form study groups, visit the professor's office hours, and do the homework. Doing well academically should be number one priority, but make sure you still make time for yourself by getting involved in different organizations, staying active and taking advantage of campus activities available to you.