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How should I consider my college selections?
On what basis should I be choosing colleges for my college list? Should I consider my peer’s colleges? Will the major I choose affect which colleges I can apply to?
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5 answers
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Ellie’s Answer
Hi Amanda!
Many different things can go into your college selection. You can go where your peers go if you want to, but make sure you don't settle, don't let anyone hold you back. If there's a major you want, some colleges may not have that. A purely engineering school won't have music obviously, so it's something to be aware of. Whatever majors youre thinking of, just look up good schools for that major and you'll find plenty of options. Touring colleges also helps you get a feel of how you like it there!
Many different things can go into your college selection. You can go where your peers go if you want to, but make sure you don't settle, don't let anyone hold you back. If there's a major you want, some colleges may not have that. A purely engineering school won't have music obviously, so it's something to be aware of. Whatever majors youre thinking of, just look up good schools for that major and you'll find plenty of options. Touring colleges also helps you get a feel of how you like it there!
Thank you, Ellie for the advice.
Amanda
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
I think the first step is choosing colleges is based on where you think you will be most comfortable, location, size and academics / majors they offer. You should consider location, if you would feel comfortable closers to home or several hours away. Another important factor is the size of the college / university, you have decide if you prefer larger class size and less interaction with your professor or smaller class sizes with access to your professors / office hours, one on one time with them if there are parts of curriculum you may struggle with.
Once you have a list of a few colleges, it's important to do your research and try to visit your top three or four choices. It is important to walk the grounds, meet some of the student and faculty and see if you can image yourself there. In terms of selecting a major, I think you should at least one semester under your belt. You may have a better idea of which area you would like to pursue afterwards. Often kids go to college set on a particular major, but once they get more into it in college they realize it is not the best fit for them.
My advice, enjoy the process of learning, take a few classes in things that interest you, work over the summer in an industry you think you are interested in, then decide which area you would like to purse as a career.
I think the first step is choosing colleges is based on where you think you will be most comfortable, location, size and academics / majors they offer. You should consider location, if you would feel comfortable closers to home or several hours away. Another important factor is the size of the college / university, you have decide if you prefer larger class size and less interaction with your professor or smaller class sizes with access to your professors / office hours, one on one time with them if there are parts of curriculum you may struggle with.
Once you have a list of a few colleges, it's important to do your research and try to visit your top three or four choices. It is important to walk the grounds, meet some of the student and faculty and see if you can image yourself there. In terms of selecting a major, I think you should at least one semester under your belt. You may have a better idea of which area you would like to pursue afterwards. Often kids go to college set on a particular major, but once they get more into it in college they realize it is not the best fit for them.
My advice, enjoy the process of learning, take a few classes in things that interest you, work over the summer in an industry you think you are interested in, then decide which area you would like to purse as a career.
Thanks so much! I'll definitely put your advice to work as I consider my colleges.
Amanda
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very common question that many students have.
Firstly, you may need to identify your career and relevant majors. Different colleges have different specialization on different subjects. They have some stronger subjects.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest like your hobbies, favorite subject, etc. and the relevant careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you please like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a musician, singer, composer, music producer, music teacher, etc.
2. Explore more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Identify the colleges which are good at the relevant subject and explore the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Firstly, you may need to identify your career and relevant majors. Different colleges have different specialization on different subjects. They have some stronger subjects.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest like your hobbies, favorite subject, etc. and the relevant careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you please like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a musician, singer, composer, music producer, music teacher, etc.
2. Explore more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Identify the colleges which are good at the relevant subject and explore the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you for your advice! Your suggestions are very thoughtful and helpful :)
Amanda
Updated
James’s Answer
I was all set to attend Xavier University in Cincinnati. I was going to be on a partial academic scholarship. I went to the school to see the campus, interacted with some students, and was pretty sure I wanted to enroll. But I wasn't sold. I knew that I would call that school my home for four years. I would have to call that city home for four years; I wasn't ready to take that risk. I decided on a gap year just so I could reassess.
Thank you for sharing your own experience!
Amanda
Updated
Janice’s Answer
Your college selection should be focused on what you're interested in studying for the next few years, rather than focusing on where your friends go. College is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people with similar interests and dive into concepts you want. So focus on that! Pick a school that has interesting college classes to you and are in a city/area that you want to live in!
Thank you!
Amanda