6 answers
Samuel
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
6
Questions
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I'm getting letters from colleges, but what exactly do I do?
I'm getting letters left and right from different colleges, but I have no idea what I want to go to college for yet. #college-advice #college-admissions #college-major #career
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6 answers
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
483
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Samuel L. It may not seem like it right now, but you actually have a pretty solvable "problem" :)
To echo a bit of the previous response, it can feel overwhelming when many colleges/universities begin to send you information, especially when you aren't yet clear on what you want to study.
What worked for me? I am not sure how far away you are from beginning your college journey...but, if I assume you are maybe in your 3rd year of high school, then what I remember that worked for me was I would set aside a specific amount of time, maybe a 3 to 4 hours of consecutive "study time", to research different fields that I might be interested in. Angela has given what I think are some great starts on where to go research. If you can, do this "study time" maybe once every 2 months or so. Every time you learn something new (and you will learn something new), make a note of the new thing you have learned. Keep a running list of those things that you find important in college programs and a list of what you know you don't what to do. Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do want.
Seems to me that once you have given yourself some time to clarify what interests you and why, then you can decide what information from what colleges/universities you can look deeper into or what you can look past. For instance, if you are into creative arts and you decide that is a path you want to study, then you like won't need a bunch of college/university material where that school's focus is in chemistry or law.
Hope you find this answer helpful and good luck as you find your path!
To echo a bit of the previous response, it can feel overwhelming when many colleges/universities begin to send you information, especially when you aren't yet clear on what you want to study.
What worked for me? I am not sure how far away you are from beginning your college journey...but, if I assume you are maybe in your 3rd year of high school, then what I remember that worked for me was I would set aside a specific amount of time, maybe a 3 to 4 hours of consecutive "study time", to research different fields that I might be interested in. Angela has given what I think are some great starts on where to go research. If you can, do this "study time" maybe once every 2 months or so. Every time you learn something new (and you will learn something new), make a note of the new thing you have learned. Keep a running list of those things that you find important in college programs and a list of what you know you don't what to do. Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do want.
Seems to me that once you have given yourself some time to clarify what interests you and why, then you can decide what information from what colleges/universities you can look deeper into or what you can look past. For instance, if you are into creative arts and you decide that is a path you want to study, then you like won't need a bunch of college/university material where that school's focus is in chemistry or law.
Hope you find this answer helpful and good luck as you find your path!
Hi Nicole: Your advice is insightful. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Sheila Jordan
Angela Alfaro
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi Samuel!
First off, I want to let you know that it is really common for students to change their major at least once during their time at college. So try to not box yourself in to one major, it's okay to change your mind. After all, you're still young and always changing and growing. Start off by listing your strengths. Physically write them down. Then organize them by which ones you enjoy the most. Also, think about the lifestyle you want: where would you like to live, what kind of income are you comfortable with, do you enjoy working with people or do you work better with minimum interaction with others? Some careers are more localized in different areas of the country. Next, you could google something like "what jobs are good for people that are good at statistics/detail oriented (whichever skills are your strengths)?" Check indeed, linkedin or other site where job openings are posted of potential jobs/careers you're interested in. This way you can read the description and get an idea of what qualities are needed from you to do said job. Which daily tasks/responsibilities seem more appealing to you? Look at youtube videos of professionals and a day in their life. You can even contact professionals on linked in order to ask them about their roles and get clearer insight on what career is best suited for you.
I hope this helps. Good luck, Samuel!
First off, I want to let you know that it is really common for students to change their major at least once during their time at college. So try to not box yourself in to one major, it's okay to change your mind. After all, you're still young and always changing and growing. Start off by listing your strengths. Physically write them down. Then organize them by which ones you enjoy the most. Also, think about the lifestyle you want: where would you like to live, what kind of income are you comfortable with, do you enjoy working with people or do you work better with minimum interaction with others? Some careers are more localized in different areas of the country. Next, you could google something like "what jobs are good for people that are good at statistics/detail oriented (whichever skills are your strengths)?" Check indeed, linkedin or other site where job openings are posted of potential jobs/careers you're interested in. This way you can read the description and get an idea of what qualities are needed from you to do said job. Which daily tasks/responsibilities seem more appealing to you? Look at youtube videos of professionals and a day in their life. You can even contact professionals on linked in order to ask them about their roles and get clearer insight on what career is best suited for you.
I hope this helps. Good luck, Samuel!
Hi Angela: Thank you for sharing links like Indeed and LinkedIn and, researching other sites that has potential job postings for careers of interest.
Sheila Jordan
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Samuel! That's awesome! I remember when my mail box would get filled up with college brochures, it is definitely an exciting time! It's completely okay to not know what you would like to go to college for, many students begin undecided, and then join groups and take classes and find their passion! That being said I would try to narrow down some things first; do you want to stay in state or out of state, is cost significantly important for you, are there scholarships you are being considered for or can be at one college or a couple that may outweigh others, is there a specific class, sport, group or activity that you may search for in those colleges? Aside from this I think it's beneficial if permitted to tour the colleges you are interested in, campus life and meeting the faculty and other students can help with your decision. Some of these colleges may also do open houses/college fairs at your high school specifically so that could be a great opportunity for you to get more solidified in your choices and ask questions-keep an eye out for those potential dates! Lastly, keep in touch with your guidance counselor as they are going to play a major part in this time!
I hope this helps! I wish you the best future undergrad!
I hope this helps! I wish you the best future undergrad!
Brandon Dang
214
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
In my personal experience talking to friends about the same thing, they started out going to college as an "undeclared" major, and take some general classes that would advance their degree (for credits like elective). While doing that, they usually try to branch out and try to partake in classes within the potential majors they have interest in.
Talking to people in possible majors you want to get into is also something you should do. Ask them about things they like and dislike. Careervillage.org is a great place to ask about these types of questions, so feel free to ask away!
If there is any other questions, feel free to comment and I'll respond!
Hope this helps!
Talking to people in possible majors you want to get into is also something you should do. Ask them about things they like and dislike. Careervillage.org is a great place to ask about these types of questions, so feel free to ask away!
If there is any other questions, feel free to comment and I'll respond!
Hope this helps!
Lisa Thomas EdD, MSEd
Education Administrator/ Leader
39
Answers
Richmond, California
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Samuel,
Everyone’s advice is spot on and I hope you will find the right strategy to explore this process.
TIP#1: I know all these letters are overwhelming but I want you to think of it like going to a huge mall, in a foreign country with over 2000 stores and each store owner is outside asking you to come into their stores. That’s what each college is doing; they want you to know they are there and hope you think of them when you start applying to schools.
So follow my colleagues’ answers with tips for exploring, filtering out and doing your research about these schools via their websites, virtual or in-person tours or info sessions to begin narrowing down your choices.
TIP #2: Your research is like browsing the mall, it’s no pressure to commit but you’re gaining knowledge that will also help you with essay prompts when you’re ready to apply. YouI’ll start noticing GPA and testing requirements, major and program emphases, and so much more.
TIP#3: You should keep your final list of schools to a maximum of 8-12 schools. . Your perfect school will be the one you fit into the best not necessarily one with the best brand (longest lines in the mall). So pay attention to your personal likes and dislikes (I.e., big vs small schools, city vs rural settings, social and demographic make up, level of academic preparation, etc.).
Enjoy the journey, don’t only focus on getting to the right “store” too soon, explore a little.
I hope this helps
Everyone’s advice is spot on and I hope you will find the right strategy to explore this process.
TIP#1: I know all these letters are overwhelming but I want you to think of it like going to a huge mall, in a foreign country with over 2000 stores and each store owner is outside asking you to come into their stores. That’s what each college is doing; they want you to know they are there and hope you think of them when you start applying to schools.
So follow my colleagues’ answers with tips for exploring, filtering out and doing your research about these schools via their websites, virtual or in-person tours or info sessions to begin narrowing down your choices.
TIP #2: Your research is like browsing the mall, it’s no pressure to commit but you’re gaining knowledge that will also help you with essay prompts when you’re ready to apply. YouI’ll start noticing GPA and testing requirements, major and program emphases, and so much more.
TIP#3: You should keep your final list of schools to a maximum of 8-12 schools. . Your perfect school will be the one you fit into the best not necessarily one with the best brand (longest lines in the mall). So pay attention to your personal likes and dislikes (I.e., big vs small schools, city vs rural settings, social and demographic make up, level of academic preparation, etc.).
Enjoy the journey, don’t only focus on getting to the right “store” too soon, explore a little.
I hope this helps
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Getting college letters and brochures is an exciting time. Essentially, your future may be with one of those colleges that are sending you letters. Your future may be with another college that hasn't sent you a letter yet.
What you should do is figure out what factors matter to you when choosing a college. This can include things such as:
- The price and financial aid offered
- The neighborhood
- The distance from home
- The demographics
- The majors offered
Once you figure out which factors matter to you, you can begin to research colleges that fit into what you're looking for and even schedule some college visits.
What you should do is figure out what factors matter to you when choosing a college. This can include things such as:
- The price and financial aid offered
- The neighborhood
- The distance from home
- The demographics
- The majors offered
Once you figure out which factors matter to you, you can begin to research colleges that fit into what you're looking for and even schedule some college visits.