University of Southern Maine Top Questions

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing that I would emphasise is to not be scared. Coming to college was quite a transition for me, and being in a new environment was a change coming from a high school in which I had known everyone since I was younger. The most important thing that I would say would be to be vocal, make new friends, and try to start your first year of college on a positive mindset. Never be afraid to ask questions, and never sweat the small stuff. College is hard, and there are many other people just like you that are dealing with the same problems. Finally, all I can say is become an active participant in your college community. Not only will you make friends, but you will also gain a level of authority that will help shape the person you may become after college. If not for having a positive social experience, then college can be hard to get through without positive support.

I would encourage myself to look more deeply into what school I chose, as my last year's school was a horrible fit for me, and I ended up being miserable. Generally when I'm unhappy, I don't do too well in the school work department, and this had a bad effect on my grades last year, which was a huge waste of money that I don't have. Also, I would tell myself that closer to home is better, that way if I need a break I can have easy access to my friends from back home.

none

It is a very difficult decision and your first choice might not be the right place for him/her and that IS ok. A lot of parents and students have a hard time admitting that where they thought they wanted to be may end up not being the right place. At first its hard because you think everyone you know knows and cares but in reality they just want you to be happy and comfortable where you are. Its a tough time but looking back I can say to others that its okay to take your time and figure it out, and not knowing right away is totally fine, you're in the same boat as most other kids, they just dont talk about it.

When looking for the right college, my advice would be to follow your gut feeling. When you step on the a college campus, you'll know if it is the right one. Also, don't settle for the first one you look at, keep going and do a double check on if it really is the right one. As for making the most of your college experience, be out going and don't stay cooped up in your room. Wonder the halls of your dorms and say hi to everyone. Another big thing is don't feel like you need to drink just because a fair amount of do. You can go to parties, not drink, and still have fun, I did it my first year of school. College is a unique experience in which you only get to do once, so make the best of it and take advantage of all the great activites your school has to offer. Join a club, and bring a friend along with you id you want. College is all about keeping your head up, being positive about your choices and experiences, and finally figuring our who you are!

I would reccomend that you talk to students that have been going there. They will have the best idea of what goes on and how the school really is. Websites and advisors and catalogs can give you all sorts of information about the school that your interested in, but only students can tell you what life is really like.

enjoy the experence because your first year goes fast

I have always told parents/students that it is really important for the student to know his/her learning, living, and socializing needs. Comparing a school with those needs of the student will definitely help. I have seen plenty of smart students leave or drop out because their needs in those areas were not met through this school. It also helps to have a good idea about what major he/she would like to get into. When I searched, I looked into the extra-curricular activities, location of the campus, and the quality of the School of Business. Going to orientations are extremely helpful. To get the most out of the college experience, I would get involved. Living on campus helps out a lot. I would join a club, a sport, go to shows, volunteer, or something. If you're not interested in that, then at least make on-campus friends and hang out with them. There are people who decided they didn't like the school because they went home every weekend, which doesn't help a student feel a part of a community. I would strive for a college and an experience that makes you feel at home.

The advice I would give would to be let go of your children when they go to college. They will make mistakes, but they will grow from them. I have found college to be the greatest experience of my life. Never before have I ever known who I am better. This experience of interaction on my own with all new people, in a new environment has lead to me blossoming as an artist, a writer and a scholar. When you chose a college, chose one in a town you have never been too, in a place far away, where the promise of new experience and adventure waits for you. It will be hard, but the education you receive from the university with the social evolution from your interpersonal life will help mold you into fully becoming who you are on the inside. When you get to college, make friends with the people sitting alone at tables, staring out the window while they eat. I found people who thought as I did at college, and for the first time, I felt welcomed to be myself. Choose a college for your degree, but choose a college for your person as well.

Really consider state schools. The experience and qaulity is just as good as out of state schools and you save a lot of money! Finish college the first time. Just do it.