University of Southern California Top Questions

In terms of "finding the right college," I honestly swear by high school college visitation trips because I personally looked up colleges online and made list after list of my expectations; however after visiting the colleges my perspective changed. When I stepped onto USC's campus, and meet the students and faculty, I knew that that was the college I was going to attend! My advice is to start visiting colleges with a high school or with parents freshman or sophomore year at the latest. This will give you a physical goal to work toward rather than just the concept of college, visiting early is especially useful if your first choice school is competitive. My final piece of advice is to contemplate what major you are interested in pursuing because if you go to a school undecided and then happen to pick a major that is not available at your university youre only options would be to transfer or to change your major pick. WHile transferring is a good plan for community college students, it is somewhat of a hassle to transfer from university to university and often times you wind up losing units and taking longer to graduate.

?My philosophy for the classroom is to create as much agony as possible so the only way out is to think?- Dr. Steven Lamy. The first time I heard these words, I was hooked; I knew I had to take Professor Lamy?s class. A year earlier I had stepped onto USC?s campus for the first time and I knew it was the place for me. The environment, the people, the opportunities all added to an overwhelming feeling that this school simply felt right. My advice to you is to go to the place that consistently hits home. Professor Lamy?s words have stuck with me to this day because he was a teacher who blatantly promised to challenge me. That struck a chord and it was something I felt resound throughout my body. It was a confirmation that I felt good being there. It felt wonderful. People often say choose a school for the program or the financial aid package. I say, choose a school based on what feels right to you. If you feel at home- the place where you?re supposed to feel comfortable and in your element- chances are, everything else will fall into place.

I think that students and parents need to look at all the aspects of a college. The decision to go to a particular college is a big decision that has a lasting impact. I think that in order to make the right decision about which college to go to, the student needs to sit down and think about what he or she wants in a school, compile a list of schools that match the list and then visit those schools if at all possible. Also combined with the visit or by itself, research, research, research and more research. It is very important to make sure that you research your college options so that an informed decision can be made. Once you get to college it is important to get involved in extra-curricular activities and other professional organizations that will help you in your career. If you want to make the most of your college experience you need to place a lot of weight on learning in the classroom but you also need to get active socially. College is a place where you meet lifelong friends and make life loong connections so take advantage of the experience.

It is never too early to start thinking about college. I learned this through the rush of taking SAT's, doing college applications, and finishing up senior year. At 17 years old, I remember thinking, "Wow, this is all happening so fast." It's important to visit as many colleges as possible during high school, and to stay open-minded to any and all possibilities out there. I went to a school all the way across the country my freshman year when I thought I would never even leave California. Your choice should not be based upon the weather or the parties or the women on campus (although these things may add to your college experience), but on whether you believe a school can gear you towards success in your field of study. But most importantly, choose with your heart. When I first stepped on my college campus, I knew that I was meant to be there. Something about it spoke to me. Once you reach college, study hard, but remember to let loose a little and enjoy the experience! Life is not all work! Put yourself out there, try new things, reach for the stars, and you will succeed.

The best piece of advice I would give prospective students and there parents is to visit the campus of all potential schools. You can look online at pictures and study statistics all day, but the best way to choose a college is the feeling you get when you walk around campus. When I chose to go to USC, I did so not because the strong alumni network, financial aid offered, or the quality of the football team, but rather by the beauty of the campus, the friendliness of other students, and the sense of belonging I felt as I toured the University. You're going to spend the next 4+ years of your life at whatever school you choose, so why not pick somewhere that is enjoyable and fun to be at.

College isn't all about partying and having all the fun in the world, but it isn't about just studying and not socializing either. I tend to see some of my peers struggle in their studies simply because they cant seem to manage their social and academic life. A good college should be one that serves both purposes, a place for social interaction, and a place for higher learning. Students and parents definitely need to visit campuses and talk with current students who go to that school. It's better to general view of the school from the perspective of a variety of students who have a variety of peronailities and preferences. But most of all, pursue your career from the very start. It's never too late to start applying for internships or jobs even if you feel like you might be too young. Use your school to find opportunities to get yourself exposed out in the real world, whether through job fairs or career counseling departments.

The best advice I would give people is that you really need to make a decision about college that is not based solely on which school has the best reputation, because it's really important to pick a school that fits you as a person. It's important to take into consideration all the other things besides academia that are going to affect your college experience. I think from a personal perspective location was something really important to me, your surroundings can have a huge impact on you physically and emotionally. One thing I've learned in my college experience, especially being a transfer student, is that college is a lot harder than people tell you. You expect the courses and school work to be difficult, but not necessarily the adjustment it takes to go to a completely new place, surrounded by new people, and a new lifestyle and you're completely submerged into it. There's not a lot of time to get acclimated and for a lot of people it can either become too much too fast, or you seclude yourself instead of taking a risk. Don't ever lose sight of yourself and you'll be fine.

It's fun and exciting to go to one of the best schools, but ultimately I don't think it gets you far enough ahead in life to justify the cost.

After finances, location, school programs, and the prestige of a school are all considered, pick what's right for the student. Not necessarily what the parent wants. Go where there are a lot of opportunitues, because a student will often change their mind, and a school that has many strong programs, and a fitting environment for the student will be better in the long run. Also, as a student, experiment with new things, get involved, and make new friends, memories, and experiences. You're only young and in college once. Enjoy it, but try not to do anything too idiotic. It'll just come back to bite you later.

While researching colleges, the best way to really understand if a school is right for you is to visit campus while school is in session. When campus is bustling with students running between classes, you can really pick up on the attitudes and vibes of the students. You also get a personal look at the facilities, visualizing yourself there and deciding whether you would thrive socially and academically. Once you begin college, you need to shift into the college mindset. You'll no longer be coddled like you probably were in high school. You need to take the initiative to seek help when needed, get to know your professors, meet new friends, and get involved on campus. Also, you need to remember that your first semester at college will probably be one of the most tumultuous times of your young life. There are so many changes in such a short period of time that it is easy to get discouraged and blame your choice of college, figuring that it's just not the right school for you. Give it time and most likely, you?ll end up falling in love with your school and everything that it has to offer.