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how do you get into a college? do you take an S.A.T or do you just apply, and is it required that you stay in a dorm for your first year of college?

i’m in 11th grade trying to decide what college might be best for my interests, im interested in art, space science, and journalism.

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Jacob’s Answer

Getting into college involves several steps, and the requirements can vary depending on the college or university you're interested in. Here's a general overview of the process:

**1. Research Colleges:**
- Start by researching colleges that offer programs in art, space science, and journalism. Look into their academic offerings, location, reputation, and extracurricular activities. Create a list of colleges that align with your interests.

**2. Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT):**
- Many colleges require standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT as part of the application process. Check the specific requirements of the colleges you're interested in. Some schools have become test-optional, meaning they don't require these scores, so research the policies of each college.

**3. Academic Performance:**
- Maintain a strong academic record in high school. Your GPA and coursework choices are important factors in the admission process.

**4. Extracurricular Activities:**
- Participate in extracurricular activities related to your interests. For example, join an art club, write for the school newspaper, or engage in space science-related projects. These activities can enhance your application.

**5. Letters of Recommendation:**
- Request letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can speak to your academic abilities and character. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide meaningful insights.

**6. Personal Statement/Essay:**
- Many colleges require a personal statement or essay as part of the application. Use this opportunity to showcase your passions, interests, and why you're a good fit for the college.

**7. Application Deadlines:**
- Pay close attention to application deadlines for each college. These can vary, and missing a deadline could affect your chances of admission.

**8. Financial Aid:**
- If you need financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for grants, scholarships, and loans.

**9. Dormitory Residence:**
- Whether staying in a dormitory is required for your first year varies by college. Some colleges have mandatory on-campus housing for freshmen, while others offer more flexibility. Check the housing policies of each college you apply to.

**10. College Visits:**
- Whenever possible, visit the colleges you're considering to get a feel for the campus, meet with faculty or advisors, and learn more about the programs.

**11. Financial Planning:**
- Consider the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses, when making your decision. Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages offered by each college.

**12. Make Informed Choices:**
- Choose a college that aligns with your academic and career goals. Think about the campus culture, class sizes, faculty expertise, and available resources.

Remember that the college application process can be competitive, so it's essential to start early, stay organized, and put effort into crafting a strong application that showcases your interests and achievements. Tailor your applications to each college's specific requirements and emphasize your passion for art, space science, and journalism in your materials to stand out to admission committees.
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Rian’s Answer

Hi Ember!
Every college has their own rules on whether or not students are required to stay in dorms their first year. Some schools don't require it and some schools even require some students to stay in the dorms for two years. Regardless, all the informatuon about that should be present on a college's website.
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Allison (Allie)’s Answer

Hi Ember! Not every college requires entrance exams, like the ACT or SAT. If you have a list of schools you'd like to go to, you can check their websites to see what their admission requirements are. It may be a good idea to take one of the exams to give yourself more options (rather than only applying to schools that do not have an exam requirement). If you're not sure what colleges you're interested in, I'd meet with a college counselor, guidance counselor, or teacher at school to help you begin navigating the process.

Each college has different policies regarding housing. Some schools require you to live on-campus, while others do not. This is information you can find online on different college websites as well. Furthermore, some schools are commuter schools, meaning that there's no on-campus housing and students typically live at home or elsewhere while they're attending school.

Good luck!
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Christopher’s Answer

Hi Ember,

I love your range of interests. As a first step, I would check with the college placement office at your school (if they have one). Paul gave you some great places to look online to research schools. Remember, colleges can specialize in certain fields. If you decide you want to study science/space, that college may not have a journalism major. Better to have an idea for what passion you plan to pursue.

Good luck
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hi there, Ember!

So, you're thinking about college? That's fantastic! Let's break down the steps you'll need to take. First off, you'll want to do some research to find colleges that match your passions for art, space science, and journalism. Once you've got a list of potential colleges, it's time to apply.

The application process usually involves filling out a form, sending in your high school transcripts, getting letters of recommendation, and writing a personal statement or essay. Some colleges might also ask for SAT or ACT scores, but don't worry - many colleges have become test-optional lately. Just make sure to double-check the specific requirements of each college you're interested in.

Speaking of SATs, some colleges still require them, while others don't. So, it's really important to do your homework and find out what each college expects.

Now, let's talk about where you'll live. Many colleges require first-year students to live on campus in a dormitory. But don't worry, there are exceptions. Some colleges allow students who live nearby, or have certain circumstances, to live off-campus. Again, it's all about checking the rules of each college.

When picking the perfect college for your interests in art, space science, and journalism, think about things like the quality of the programs, opportunities for internships or research, the expertise of the faculty, and the resources available - like art studios, observatories, or journalism labs.

For more information, you might want to check out The College Board, U.S. News & World Report, and The Princeton Review.

Remember, asking questions is a great way to learn! And don't forget, you're always free to pray - there's no law against it!

Best of luck, Ember!
James.
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Fernando’s Answer

The college application process is very straightforward. Yes, you will have to take the S.A.T given that this is asked by most college and university applications. Be sure to properly research your college of interest with regards to what they offer in terms of curriculum, cost, student aid and post graduate support. Lastly it isn't required for you to be in a dorm for your first year, or any year for that matter, in college. Dorms are an option for those that want it. If you already live close to the college then you don't have to go for dorms.
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Samaiyah’s Answer

Embarking on your college journey is a sequential process that becomes quite manageable once you've decided on your preferred field of study. Typically, it's around the start of your junior year when you should start pondering about this. Once you've chosen a field of interest (remember, it's okay to change your mind!), your guidance counselor is there to provide valuable advice. They will guide you through the application process, once you've shared your career or job aspirations with them. Although SAT assessments aren't mandatory, they are strongly suggested as they can significantly influence your college application when you begin applying midway through your junior high school year. Living in a dorm during your first year isn't a must, but it's an option for those who wish to experience college life away from their hometown. A great starting point is to investigate which careers align with your interests, and then explore the educational requirements for that career. Some may require a Bachelor's degree (four years of college study) or an Associate degree (two years of study) in a specific subject such as Biology, Arts and Science, or Media for those keen on journalism. If you ever find yourself at a crossroads, don't hesitate to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor. They are there to assist you throughout the entire process until you've successfully secured a spot in a college that brings you joy. Here's hoping my advice proves beneficial. Best of luck on your journey!
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Paul’s Answer

Hi Ember,

College-search tools are helpful for finding colleges that might be a good fit for you. Some well-known ones include:
-https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search/filters
-https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
-https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
-https://www.princetonreview.com/college-search
-https://www.niche.com/colleges/college-quiz/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=go_cmp-17621558280_adg-136187363737_ad-644453848289_kwd-377980772367_dev-c_ext-_prd-_mca-_sig-CjwKCAjw6p-oBhAYEiwAgg2Pgpd_jZKetvIjScrbPzzZjMf65U1wJPzY5YXJgR0KuSjN8jZnKdF_jBoCS-AQAvD_BwE&k_cca=collegecrosschannelaudiencesearch&gclid=CjwKCAjw6p-oBhAYEiwAgg2Pgpd_jZKetvIjScrbPzzZjMf65U1wJPzY5YXJgR0KuSjN8jZnKdF_jBoCS-AQAvD_BwE
-https://www.petersons.com/college-search.aspx
-https://www.cappex.com/colleges
-https://www.collegeconfidential.com/
-https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/27/opinion/build-your-own-college-rankings.html (you may need to create an account or sign up for a free trial period to use this tool)
-https://www.usnews.com/usnews/store/college_compass

Naviance has a college-search tool as well, if your school uses that.

I'd use college-search tools to build a college list of at least 10–12 colleges. Once you've done that, visit the colleges on your list, in-person if possible but online if you're unable to visit in person, to further refine your list. View each college's admissions webpage for the process for visiting and to find out about upcoming events, such as Q&A webinars. Visiting and engaging with a college can be really valuable in helping you decide whether it would suit you, as you'll find out more about its programs, student life, culture and climate.

As for your question about testing, check the test policy of each college you're interested in, which will also be in the admissions section of its website. If you have still have questions about a school's test policy, email their admissions (usually, the rep for your region).

Good luck!

Mr. Jones
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