University of Southern California Top Questions

The best advice I could give would be to look at what the student finds important and make sure that the university has a similar assessment. For example, if the student thinks it's important to give back to the community, you should make sure that the university has demonstrated that giving back to the community is a priority for them as well; this would be shown in things like the existence of a volunteer center on campus, lots of organizations with a service focus, etc. Also, be aware that no matter how much research you do, when you actually get to the university there are going to be surprises. There are some things you simply cannot know until you start attending.

It is very important that you not only visit the university which you are considering to attend, but you must spend an extensive amount of time there. (At least a week or so). Not only should you visit the campus, but also the surrounding areas, since much of students time is spent near their campus. I would advice you look into local papers as far as local crime rates, and check out on and off housing BEFORE you deside to attend. Furthermore, I would sit in some classes. Not only classes in your proposed major, but also general education classes as well. All of this will help you get a better feel for the environment that you will be in for FOUR years, and it is important that you are comfortable in it! Once you're there, simply try your best and not only do your best in class but get out and socialize. College is where you make friends for life, and the experience isn't as fulfilling without some good buds. (But keep a good balance between fun and studies too!)

Find the one that suits your personality

Visit the college before you decide, and become familiar with as much as you can concerning the college life.

Finding the right college takes so much effort. You have to factor in location, TUITION, student population, faculty, etc. Make sure you visit the schools, although pictures tell a thousand words they can you give a false representation of the school. In addition, get to know the student population, you could love the campus, but the students could possible the deciding factor in why you choose/not choose to attend a college. Consider, the type of school they are (religious, semester, quarter) schools even the little things matter such as class availability and size. What the curriculum consist of, it ALL matters. To make the most of the college experience you have to adapt well and make friends. Don't stress yourself out to the point where you feel that you made the wrong choice, everyone gets stressed out at college you are not the only one. Just plan out your schedule and study hard. In addition, join clubs, start a new one, take advantage of internships and other resources. Explore outside of the campus, maybe even get involved in the community and do volunteer work. College is the best time of your life, take advantage of it.

I think people try to find the one, but the honest truth is that most people will happy at more than one college. The experience is whatever you make it. Talking to my friends after I graduated, I realized that we all had entirely different experiences even though we attended the same university. Some of us were involved in service on campus, or residential life. Others chose to party or study most the time. There is no right answer and there is no perfect experience. Just realize that four years go by really quickly so plan accordingly. I think parents also need to realize that college is not just about academics. While that should be a student's priority, students learn and experience signficantly more outside of the classroom than they learn in it. College is about discovering who you are and learning to live on your own. Many students will make bad decisions and do things their parents may not approve of, but there is no better environment to make those mistakes than an educational one. Leaving college I feel much better prepared to adjust to living on my own outside of the university environment.

visit the college before accepting!!!!

i think the most important thing to do is research the schools that have strong programs in the field you are interested in. Don't choose a school based on their football team or greek life. Once you find matches academically, then look at the extras that the schools have to offer. Once you get in, make sure to get out there and get involved. Making friends to help you through the experience will make it that much better. You're there for 4 years, so make the best out of it and learn everything you can. It can only help you later on in life.

Honestly listen to what your kids want for themselves, not what you would have for them. Make separate lists, one from you with what you want your child to experience from your college days, and one for them of things they consider really important. Talk about the two and then decide from there. Also, it helps to go to a school with a lot of different strong programs, so that if your child wants to change majors, he doesn't have to transfer schools as well.

When choosing the right school, I truly believe that you need to visit the campus. I was lucky enough to visit USC's campus twice before I enrolled. One time I was even able to stay with a student. It was great because I shadowed her around campus and saw what it would really be like if I attended the school. As silly as it sounds, you will know when you're on campus if the school is right for you or not. I visited other schools and they just didn't give me the right vibe. Also, its great if you can talk to an alumni or current student. Before I applied, I interviewed with the school, and was able to ask the interviewer all about is favorite and least favorite things about the school. As far as making the most out of your college experience, my advice is to get involved. I was in a lot of organizations in high school, but I really found my passions in college. There are so many events going on, on campus, its a shame to waste them. Also explore the city your school is in, its great to expand your culture.