University of Southern California Top Questions

As often as you hear it, walking on the campus and talking with current students is by far the best way to discover if you are going to like that university. As an undergrad, I cannot tell you the number of times that my peers would say that the reason they chose USC was because of how they felt when they walked on campus. For some people, it was how welcoming the campus seemed to them, for others it was how spirited and proud USC students are to attend USC. To make the most of your experience at university, you have to seek opportunities and not focus on grades as much. Opportunities range from anything with hands on experience to internships to networking. It is becoming more and more essential to be a balanced person and many universities understand that and are giving their student population the ability to become balanced. Fight On!

You never know what might happen--go ahead and take a chance. Yes, they say the college you choose will shape you into the adult that you will become, but remember that ultimately you make the decisions to become who you want to be. No matter where you go to school for the next four years, no matter if you're a serious student going to a reputed party school or vice versa, trust that you will attract around you a community of other people who will share in your interests and support in your endeavors. On coming to USC, I was worried that I would be completely out of place among its Southern California blondes. But I found myself welcomed into a network of relationships that now after two years have become close friendships, friendships that will be a part of my work and leisure far after graduation. Being here now, I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else.

Interestingly enough, I have found myself discussing this very subject quite often lately. I suppose it has to do with me being a senior and thinking about which path I want to take after graduation. I find myself questioning the decisions I have made, plagued by that ever present "what if": what if I didn't choose my college/my major, what if I had more direction.... and on. Yet, ultimately, I cannot say that I would change anything about my own experiences. Everything, without exception, has contributed to who I am now, at the end of my undergraduate career; I have had some amazing opportunities that would simply not have been there had I chosen differently. My advice, then, is to think deeply about what each college will offer and where you will match, but once the decision is made, trust that it is the right one for you and learn to be flexible and adaptable. Expectations, more often than not, hinder a true experience; do not expect for things to simply happen but realize that it is necessary to take initiative. Oftentimes, those very things that we are fearful to pursue turn out to be the most fulfilling.

The best way to choose a college that is a good fit is to start looking early. A student should start visiting colleges in the summer before his or her junior year of high school and should learn what is expected from the schools that he or she hopes to attend. Important factors to consider include the size of the school, its location, and its demographics. One should choose a school at which he or she will fit in, rather than a school suited to who the student wishes he or she were. One must realize that he or she cannot change who he or she is in college. Don't choose the school with the best name; you may end up miserable if you don't like the location or the student body. The fit really is important, and one should examine all factors including location, weather, Greek involvement, enthusiasm for sports, emphasis on study, and social habits, among others. Also, no matter how much research one does, it is hard to know what a school is like until you attend it. Sometimes people make the wrong choice, and in this case, one should not be afraid to transfer.

not sure

Pick a school where you know you will be happy both academically and socially. It is important to know how to balance the two aspects and if you are somewhere you think you can do this then it is a good fit for you. Also, don't expect to be happy the first second you step on a campus. Every school has its ups and downs and a lot of what college is is what you make of it. So don't be disappointed if you don't get into that ONE school; keep and open mind and you will be good to go!

It's hard to know what type of college experience you're looking for without diving in and experiencing something to begin with. Do you want a big school, or a smaller environment? Urban atmosphere or a college in the boondocks? While the "college road trip" can be a great way to get a feel for different schools, you ultimately won't know the best fit for you until arriving for freshman orientation. That's why I think the best advice to finding the right college AND make the most of the experience is to keep an open mind and be willing to feeling out of your comfort zone. This will not only allow you to keep a positive and optimistic outlook about your college experience, but will also give you the push to try new activities and join new organizations that you may never have considered before. Instead of feeling like, "this is not for me," staying open to a variety of experiences and people will lead you in new directions and help shape the you as person you will become in the future.

Have fun, enjoy it, and learn as much as you can about each of the schools you visit. Go actually visit the schools you are really interested in because that's the only way you can really see what the campus is like, what students are like, and whether or not you truly feel like it's a fit. Parents, encourage your student to do research early (sophomore/junior year of high school) and help him/her find options that fit all of the student's needs, whether social or academic. Help them feel comfortable making the decision for themselves.

I feel it is critical to find the place where you belong. But honestly, everything happens for a reason, and you will end up in the place that best suits your needs. If by some chance you feel differently, transfering is always an option. I think it is of paramount importance that you visit the campus, and spend time there. Walk around, try the food, examine the dorms, attend a class lecture, get a feel for the environment. Talk to the students, research the academic curriculem, and if athletics and school spirit are important, then get a feel for them as well. Be confident in your decision, and be confident in yourself. Be social, make friends, and don't look back. Have no regrets, love where you are, love where you're going, and love where you've been. Make the most of your college experience - do everything that you can do. Intern, study, party, excercise, and enjoy. College is the best 4 years of your life, don't let them driftaway. Sieze the day, and make something of yourself. Be sure to study, but stay up late some nights. Always be safe, but live your life - and fight on!

Don't look at the ranking, because that doesn't determine your success in life. It is definitely a beneficial factor, but it does not make or break your college experience. Look for a school where when you see the campus, the student body and major-related coursework, you think to yourself "wow, that's where I want to be." Many students and parents get so caught up in GPA and extra-curriculars, that they forget about what happens once the student finishes with school. Studying mechanical engineering for instance, when you really wanted to be a performance pianist only ensures your later life will be full of regret. Fall in love with a college, without regard to its name, and do something you love doing. Once there, you will know exactly what to do, and success will surely follow.