7 answers
Sophia
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know which college path is for me?
I’m a 17 year old going into my senior year and I have done nothing for college. I feel lost and I don’t know what to do or where to look. I’m going to a tutor this week but I’m honestly scared to start a new chapter
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Sophia your college search is about exploring who you are and what you want and then finding colleges where you can meet your goals. Reflect on what's important, where you want to be, and who you want to become. With those answers, you can figure out what types of colleges will allow you to reach your goals. Talk to people who know you well. Tell parents, teachers, relatives, family friends, and your school counselor about your goals. Ask them if they can suggest schools that may be a great fit for you.
Does the college you're considering offer the classes and learning opportunities that interest you? You don't need to declare a college major until your junior year of college—but you're more likely to succeed if you're excited about and engaged by the options available to you. Consider your learning style: do you prefer informative lectures or lively discussions? Research and analysis or hands-on experience and practice? Writing papers or working in small groups? Look for the academic experience you'll need to feel challenged and engaged, and what support you'll need for success—peer tutoring, accessible professors, mentorship, and career services are just some of the options you might find on campus. Check out course and program descriptions, reviews of professors, and sit in on some classes if you're able to visit campus.
Assessing your chances of admission can also be a good way to identify a strong academic match. Most admissions counselors tell us that your GPA and the caliber of your high school classes are the most important elements of your college application, with standardized test scores not far behind. Check out the average numbers of the most recent incoming class and see how you measure up. Do you want a big school or a small one? A hip urban campus or a verdant quad in the country? A college where everyone cheers on the basketball team, or one where every theater production gets a standing ovation? Every college has its own special vibe. You can start narrowing down your list by making some decisions about the size of the student body and geographical location, and then move on to aspects you can identify by visiting campus, talking to current students and trusting your gut instincts: the personalities, politics, and interests of the student body. Take quality of life into account, too, and try to check out (or read about) the dorms, food, and recreational facilities on campus.
Sophia most of all, remember choosing a college because your friends are going there or because of where it ranks on a list does not take into account who you are and who you will become. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a best fit requires time and thoughtfulness.
Hope this was helpful Sophia
Does the college you're considering offer the classes and learning opportunities that interest you? You don't need to declare a college major until your junior year of college—but you're more likely to succeed if you're excited about and engaged by the options available to you. Consider your learning style: do you prefer informative lectures or lively discussions? Research and analysis or hands-on experience and practice? Writing papers or working in small groups? Look for the academic experience you'll need to feel challenged and engaged, and what support you'll need for success—peer tutoring, accessible professors, mentorship, and career services are just some of the options you might find on campus. Check out course and program descriptions, reviews of professors, and sit in on some classes if you're able to visit campus.
Assessing your chances of admission can also be a good way to identify a strong academic match. Most admissions counselors tell us that your GPA and the caliber of your high school classes are the most important elements of your college application, with standardized test scores not far behind. Check out the average numbers of the most recent incoming class and see how you measure up. Do you want a big school or a small one? A hip urban campus or a verdant quad in the country? A college where everyone cheers on the basketball team, or one where every theater production gets a standing ovation? Every college has its own special vibe. You can start narrowing down your list by making some decisions about the size of the student body and geographical location, and then move on to aspects you can identify by visiting campus, talking to current students and trusting your gut instincts: the personalities, politics, and interests of the student body. Take quality of life into account, too, and try to check out (or read about) the dorms, food, and recreational facilities on campus.
Sophia most of all, remember choosing a college because your friends are going there or because of where it ranks on a list does not take into account who you are and who you will become. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a best fit requires time and thoughtfulness.
Hope this was helpful Sophia
Thank You Karen. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Doc Frick
Thank You Erica. Volunteering is at the very core of us being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.
Doc Frick
Briana Pelle, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech language pathology
149
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Briana’s Answer
Hi, Sophia,
There are a lot of options you can look into. Firstly, remember that you don't have to go to college right after high school. Many people take a gap year between high school and college to earn money, do more research on what jobs or education they would like, give themselves more time for applications, or just to relax from academics for a while.
Also know that you don't need to know what you want to study if you're planning on going to a community college (2 year associates degree) or a university (4 year bachelors degree). Both of these options have distribution requirements, which are classes across subjects you are required to take regardless of your major, and many people just get those out of the way in their first semester or first year. This usually includes a writing heavy course, a social science, one humanities course, a physical science, and statistics. This also allows you more time to explore different options and take classes that you may be interested in pursuing further. So you have a buffer period going into college to be unsure.
It's also important to know that you don't have to go to university at all, especially if you've done more thinking and you want to do a job that doesn't require it. This can be a trade like welding, electrican, or mechanic, or an apprenticeship like being a tattoo artist, or something that requires just a liscensure/certificate like cosmetology or many assistant jobs like nursing assistant, physical therapy assistant, etc.
My advice to you now is to assess what your immediate interests are. Know that, if you're planning on applying for 4-year college for next year, you need to complete applications soon. Typically, applications close around October. Look into the Common Application and start getting the required documents. This includes an essay, at least one recommendation letters, sending your transcript, and completing the FAFSA for financial aid. Community colleges tend to be more lenient in when you can apply, so you have more flexibility.
Try speaking with your tutor, guidance counselor, or parents about careers you may enjoy doing and assess what training or education is needed. You can also take a variety of free career aptitude tests online to give you more of an idea of what you may enjoy. Look into potential jobs ASAP so you have an idea if you'd like community college, 4 year college, a certification program, a trade school, or even a gap year.
There are a lot of options you can look into. Firstly, remember that you don't have to go to college right after high school. Many people take a gap year between high school and college to earn money, do more research on what jobs or education they would like, give themselves more time for applications, or just to relax from academics for a while.
Also know that you don't need to know what you want to study if you're planning on going to a community college (2 year associates degree) or a university (4 year bachelors degree). Both of these options have distribution requirements, which are classes across subjects you are required to take regardless of your major, and many people just get those out of the way in their first semester or first year. This usually includes a writing heavy course, a social science, one humanities course, a physical science, and statistics. This also allows you more time to explore different options and take classes that you may be interested in pursuing further. So you have a buffer period going into college to be unsure.
It's also important to know that you don't have to go to university at all, especially if you've done more thinking and you want to do a job that doesn't require it. This can be a trade like welding, electrican, or mechanic, or an apprenticeship like being a tattoo artist, or something that requires just a liscensure/certificate like cosmetology or many assistant jobs like nursing assistant, physical therapy assistant, etc.
My advice to you now is to assess what your immediate interests are. Know that, if you're planning on applying for 4-year college for next year, you need to complete applications soon. Typically, applications close around October. Look into the Common Application and start getting the required documents. This includes an essay, at least one recommendation letters, sending your transcript, and completing the FAFSA for financial aid. Community colleges tend to be more lenient in when you can apply, so you have more flexibility.
Try speaking with your tutor, guidance counselor, or parents about careers you may enjoy doing and assess what training or education is needed. You can also take a variety of free career aptitude tests online to give you more of an idea of what you may enjoy. Look into potential jobs ASAP so you have an idea if you'd like community college, 4 year college, a certification program, a trade school, or even a gap year.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Hey Sophia-
For some, college is a time to hyper focus on a chosen career path which is great.
For others -like me- it was a time to try and figure out what I wanted to do in life. I used my first two years to get a general studies AA. This degree basically let me take classes in many different fields and to get a sense of what interested me. Between that and joining clubs and exploring a couple different jobs, I was able to decide on a Psychology Major and finish my degree.
Definitely attend career fairs and ask adults in your life about their careers, maybe something jumps out, but it is more than ok to use college to figure out who you are and what you want to do.
For some, college is a time to hyper focus on a chosen career path which is great.
For others -like me- it was a time to try and figure out what I wanted to do in life. I used my first two years to get a general studies AA. This degree basically let me take classes in many different fields and to get a sense of what interested me. Between that and joining clubs and exploring a couple different jobs, I was able to decide on a Psychology Major and finish my degree.
Definitely attend career fairs and ask adults in your life about their careers, maybe something jumps out, but it is more than ok to use college to figure out who you are and what you want to do.
Mulin He
Supply specialist
2
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Mulin’s Answer
Hi Sophia, I was in the same situation at your age, I didn't prepare enough to apply for a college, and I don't want to end it up in a lower ranking school, which will not help for my future career. At that time, I was not confident to myself, I really want to change myself, and I always have a military dream. Therefore I joined Marine Corps. I am not saying you have to go to a military route. It's an example of whatever the life can be, always know yourself first. I knew I wanted to change myself so bad, I don't have anyone to expect and to change with me, and military can dicipline me and push me to the limit. I want you to think what you really want to do. That can drive you to be better. Life is always hard. But we can always make things work out at the end of the day. I believe you can create a wonderful future!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Sophia, thank you for reaching out to us. Your question is indeed insightful. Picking a future career is a process that deeply involves your interests, preferences, skills, talents, aptitude, accomplishments, values, personality traits, and intellectual capacity. These elements are crucial as they help you recognize your strengths and areas for improvement. When it comes to career selection, it's all about finding a path that brings joy and allows for growth in your chosen field. The ultimate goal is to derive fulfillment and satisfaction from your work in the long run. This isn't a decision to be made lightly or without careful thought. It requires a heartfelt commitment to ensure you find the perfect fit. By considering these factors, you're setting yourself up to make a well-informed decision.
Visit your career counselor in your school and ask some help regarding your career exploration.
Attend college life talks in your school and learn from college students experiences.
Visit college and universities and find out their admission requirements to prepare you in your college application later on.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Dhimant Korant
IT Product Manager
50
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
I suggest you chase your career dreams in a field that truly fascinates you. Remember the wise words of the Nobel laureate, Professor Richard Thaler from my alma mater. He advised young people to explore various industries, and find one where they wouldn't mind investing 60 to 80 hours a week. That's the field where you'll truly bloom. Also, consider colleges that offer classes aligned with your interests. I hope this guidance lights your path!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
The old adage, "Where there is a will, there is a way" holds true for what you're feeling right now. I would like to support and encourage you to continue plans for college as it seems as though that is the way you want to go.
I would suggest looking into local community colleges to read about their requirements at their websites. Visit them in person, too, so you can ask questions at the admissions office and see if they take a more holistic approach to admissions, not just go by high scoring on tests or high school GPA. You can very well have a great education at a junior college and obtain an Associates degree. By than, you'll know if you'd want to take it further to enroll for a Bachelors Degree at a different college. You can consider taking a year off after high school or a year off after getting your Associates degree, It may be that you just need a rest. You even have the choice of trying college out by taking one or two classes at first.
You can also consider vocational training. Going to a training school or program that teaches you a trade may be an option.
I would recommend that you join a school club now so that you can have something to show. Join however many you're interested in. I think it's always a good idea to be proactive in asking for help as you have. Having a tutor is a big plus !
Most of all, try to not think it's not possible. If you want college, you will take your own personal journey there. It's different for everyone so never give up !
The old adage, "Where there is a will, there is a way" holds true for what you're feeling right now. I would like to support and encourage you to continue plans for college as it seems as though that is the way you want to go.
I would suggest looking into local community colleges to read about their requirements at their websites. Visit them in person, too, so you can ask questions at the admissions office and see if they take a more holistic approach to admissions, not just go by high scoring on tests or high school GPA. You can very well have a great education at a junior college and obtain an Associates degree. By than, you'll know if you'd want to take it further to enroll for a Bachelors Degree at a different college. You can consider taking a year off after high school or a year off after getting your Associates degree, It may be that you just need a rest. You even have the choice of trying college out by taking one or two classes at first.
You can also consider vocational training. Going to a training school or program that teaches you a trade may be an option.
I would recommend that you join a school club now so that you can have something to show. Join however many you're interested in. I think it's always a good idea to be proactive in asking for help as you have. Having a tutor is a big plus !
Most of all, try to not think it's not possible. If you want college, you will take your own personal journey there. It's different for everyone so never give up !