8 answers
Raelyn
Student
Nunda, NY
1
Question
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How do I know what college is the right college for me?
I’m in 11th grade and I really want to do photography
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8 answers
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Choosing the right college can be a challenging decision, but here are some steps that can help you narrow down your options and find the best fit for you. Think about what you want to achieve through your college education and what your priorities are. For example, if your goal is to become a professional photographer, you might prioritize schools that offer strong photography programs and opportunities for hands-on experience. Look into colleges that match your goals and priorities. You can start by researching colleges online, talking to your guidance counselor, and attending college fairs. Once you've narrowed down your list of potential colleges, try to visit the campuses in person. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the campus culture, meet with professors and students, and see the facilities firsthand. Think about whether you want to stay close to home or venture further away. Also, consider whether you want to attend a college in a rural or urban area, or somewhere in between. College can be expensive, so it's important to consider the costs and whether you'll be able to afford it. Look into financial aid options, scholarships, and grants that might be available to you. Ultimately, the best way to know if a college is the right fit for you is to trust your instincts. Listen to your intuition and choose the college that feels right to you.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1593
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Raelyn with so many different colleges out there, it can be daunting to find the one that is right for you. Many factors comprise the college experience, and differentiating between what you want and need from a college experience can be fun and intimidating. Deciding these things can be overwhelming, but if you take the time to reflect on the factors most important to you, you’ll create a clearer pathway toward your best college experience.
LOCATION: The location of your school is one of the most important factors to consider, as it will affect such aspects of your college experience as your daily commute, how often you can visit home, and so much more. Importantly, location will influence your financial costs and standard of living; if you choose a college out-of-state, you opt into more expensive tuition costs, whereas attending an in-state school is likely to be cheaper.
COLLEGE SIZE: Another important factor to consider is size of the college. How big is the student body? In many cases, the amount of students who attend a school can directly affect your experience both in and outside of the classroom. For instance, a larger student body might mean that there are more large, lecture-style classes, while a smaller student body are likely to have more collaborative classroom environments.
CAREER PREPARATION: Your career after college is arguably one of the most important things to get out of your experience during college. If you know what you want your career path to look like, then you can be a step above the rest with a high-quality career services department. Career development services like résumé building and editing, mock interviews, and job and internship listings can be beneficial resources that help put your college career into action in the workforce.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Think about your hobbies, passions, and all the things you might want to be involved in on campus. Whether you’re passionate about student government, sports, community engagement, theatre, or anything in between, you can track down a school that allows you to live an active, involved life on campus. College isn’t only about coursework—find a school that lets you do what you love, try new things, and have fun.
AFFORDABILITY: However daunting the cost of college may be, it is a huge determining factor of where you can go. Determine what you can really afford. That alone will narrow your choices down to the schools with attainable costs. Also keep in mind that, because tuition prices are not fixed, colleges can increase their costs at their own free will. Understand how much wiggle room you have to navigate the finances.
Hope this was helpful Raelyn
LOCATION: The location of your school is one of the most important factors to consider, as it will affect such aspects of your college experience as your daily commute, how often you can visit home, and so much more. Importantly, location will influence your financial costs and standard of living; if you choose a college out-of-state, you opt into more expensive tuition costs, whereas attending an in-state school is likely to be cheaper.
COLLEGE SIZE: Another important factor to consider is size of the college. How big is the student body? In many cases, the amount of students who attend a school can directly affect your experience both in and outside of the classroom. For instance, a larger student body might mean that there are more large, lecture-style classes, while a smaller student body are likely to have more collaborative classroom environments.
CAREER PREPARATION: Your career after college is arguably one of the most important things to get out of your experience during college. If you know what you want your career path to look like, then you can be a step above the rest with a high-quality career services department. Career development services like résumé building and editing, mock interviews, and job and internship listings can be beneficial resources that help put your college career into action in the workforce.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Think about your hobbies, passions, and all the things you might want to be involved in on campus. Whether you’re passionate about student government, sports, community engagement, theatre, or anything in between, you can track down a school that allows you to live an active, involved life on campus. College isn’t only about coursework—find a school that lets you do what you love, try new things, and have fun.
AFFORDABILITY: However daunting the cost of college may be, it is a huge determining factor of where you can go. Determine what you can really afford. That alone will narrow your choices down to the schools with attainable costs. Also keep in mind that, because tuition prices are not fixed, colleges can increase their costs at their own free will. Understand how much wiggle room you have to navigate the finances.
Hope this was helpful Raelyn
Ryan Green
Entrepreneur
10
Answers
York, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
When choosing a college or university to attend there are a few things to consider...
First and foremost, do your research... find schools that can provide you with the degree you are looking for.
Then, look at costs. Consider approved scholarships, grants, and government assistance. Many people overlook the ability to get the same education they would get at a massive university without debt lasting beyond graduation.
Next, consider location. Are you willing to be far from home and pay for room and board? Would you like to commute? Would you like to be in a city or a rural area? Location is a great way to consider how and where you want to live after graduating from college, too. It provides an opportunity for you to find out if you do or don't want to live in a city. If you are unsure, it's a good way to experiment and find out!
An important thing to do is certainly attend the campus you are interested in. You get a good idea from visiting of what life would be like at the campus, but maybe consider talking to students on campus that seem available. Many people are willing to share their experiences.
Ryan recommends the following next steps:
Nyoki Victor
Teacher
2
Answers
Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Updated
Nyoki’s Answer
The first thing to consider is your objectives and if the college majors on your objectives then it's the right one.
Ani Mosinyan
Compensation Intern
2
Answers
Bethesda, Maryland
Updated
Ani’s Answer
Hi,
I would recommend looking up on YouTube some helpful tips on photography, take a photography class at your high school first. Then see if there is any internships in your local town, even simple as your local park taking pictures for google, or something. Try creating an album of your pictures, visit photography museums and ask questions about the artists. Just do lots of research and dive deep into this subject as much as possible. Also consider how much you will be making, this is important as well.
Research the subject by taking classes, visiting museums, looking on Youtube.
Ask other photographers of their journey, compensation/pay, and for personal tips.
I would recommend looking up on YouTube some helpful tips on photography, take a photography class at your high school first. Then see if there is any internships in your local town, even simple as your local park taking pictures for google, or something. Try creating an album of your pictures, visit photography museums and ask questions about the artists. Just do lots of research and dive deep into this subject as much as possible. Also consider how much you will be making, this is important as well.
Ani recommends the following next steps:
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
161
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Great question! You will most definitely want to try to do as many college visits as possible, if you are able to. This will not only give you a feel for the campus but enable you decide the best course of action going forward. Each college is unique in their own way and some may work for others, not necessarily you.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Raelyn,
My advice would be to talk to people in the photography field and volunteer in the field and definitely do your research.
You should definitely start the application process during your Junior year of high school, no later than the summer before your senior year. Before you start your college search, you should have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Basic things to consider include your grades, your test scores, location, major, and on-campus facilities and the specific requirements for admission.
However, that’s just the beginning of it. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting some of the campuses of the schools you’re planning on applying to for photography. This will help you visualize whether or not you could really see yourself at that school. A campus visit is also a great opportunity to ask questions directly to school advisors.
Good Luck!!!!
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-college/
My advice would be to talk to people in the photography field and volunteer in the field and definitely do your research.
You should definitely start the application process during your Junior year of high school, no later than the summer before your senior year. Before you start your college search, you should have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Basic things to consider include your grades, your test scores, location, major, and on-campus facilities and the specific requirements for admission.
However, that’s just the beginning of it. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting some of the campuses of the schools you’re planning on applying to for photography. This will help you visualize whether or not you could really see yourself at that school. A campus visit is also a great opportunity to ask questions directly to school advisors.
Good Luck!!!!
Aisha recommends the following next steps:
Hi Aisha: Your advice is on point. Thanks for sharing the link.
Sheila Jordan
Waymond Stewart
Senior Consultant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Waymond’s Answer
I would strongly encourage you to make an in-person visit your college options. Take a tour, view the dorm life and campus culture. Most importantly make sure the have the major of your choice. You don't want to be in a situation where you change majors multiple times because you're trying to "make it fit or make it work".