10 answers
Lucy
Student
Pace, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know which collage to choose from?
I’m a high school student right now and sense I’m in high school I have to start asking what collage I wanna go too. But I don’t even know where to start.
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10 answers
Christopher Doherty
Financial Advisor
24
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Lucy,
Good for you that you are starting to think about college and your future. It can seem overwhelming but with some help you will be able to figure it out.
I would start by checking with the college placement office in your high school. They are there to help with this exact question. The more information you can give them, the more they can help you.
Some questions to think about when you start to think about a college:
1) size (do i want big or small)
2) location (do i want an urban or rural school)
3) distance from home
4) costs
5) undergraduate degree (what might i want to study and which schools offer it)
6) standardized test requirements
Start making lists of what is important to you. Once you start it will seem manageable and not overwhelming.
Good luck!
Good for you that you are starting to think about college and your future. It can seem overwhelming but with some help you will be able to figure it out.
I would start by checking with the college placement office in your high school. They are there to help with this exact question. The more information you can give them, the more they can help you.
Some questions to think about when you start to think about a college:
1) size (do i want big or small)
2) location (do i want an urban or rural school)
3) distance from home
4) costs
5) undergraduate degree (what might i want to study and which schools offer it)
6) standardized test requirements
Start making lists of what is important to you. Once you start it will seem manageable and not overwhelming.
Good luck!
Pablo Oria
Senior Manager, Engineering
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Pablo’s Answer
Visit as many colleges as you can, even if you are not planning to go to it, to get a feeling if you prefer large colleges, or small campuses. You will spend at least 4 years in it and you must be in an environment where you will thrive. People underestimate the impact of the campus in your studies. The rest is up to you and what fields you are interested in going into.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kvedar, CPTD®
Learning Consultant
75
Answers
Shelburne, New York
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Christopher and Priyanka's responses were both excellent. One suggestion I'd like to add is to think about exploring a local community or junior college. If you get a chance, why not take an enjoyable course in a subject you love, just to get a feel for how college classes work? This could give you a taste of the college lifestyle and potentially influence the questions you ponder when considering future college options.
From my own journey, I appreciated that most college classes were scheduled just once or twice a week, giving me ample time to work on my assignments. This allowed me to tackle some tough courses in subjects I might have shied away from in high school, given the daily homework load. This experience played a significant role in shaping my college course selections.
Best of luck to you!
From my own journey, I appreciated that most college classes were scheduled just once or twice a week, giving me ample time to work on my assignments. This allowed me to tackle some tough courses in subjects I might have shied away from in high school, given the daily homework load. This experience played a significant role in shaping my college course selections.
Best of luck to you!
Sri Nikhil Racha
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Sri Nikhil’s Answer
I had the same question when I was about that age in my life and I asked my self a question "What do I want to do?".
I think Priyanka Nagpal's response is something I have actually implemented. I tried to find what I truly like and explored all the different types of areas of study, until I found that one thing that I am truly passionate about.
Then I started looking which colleges are good for that study and marched ahead in that path.
I think Priyanka Nagpal's response is something I have actually implemented. I tried to find what I truly like and explored all the different types of areas of study, until I found that one thing that I am truly passionate about.
Then I started looking which colleges are good for that study and marched ahead in that path.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lucy,
Choosing the Right College
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, but with careful consideration and research, you can find the best fit for your academic and personal needs. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process:
1. Self-Assessment: Start by assessing your academic strengths, interests, and career goals. Consider what you want to study and what kind of campus environment would suit you best.
2. Research: Begin researching colleges that offer programs in your areas of interest. Look into factors such as location, size, academic reputation, available majors, extracurricular activities, and campus culture.
3. Visit Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are interested in. This will give you a firsthand look at the facilities, student life, and overall atmosphere.
4. Financial Considerations: Consider the cost of attendance and financial aid options at each college. Look into scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities that may be available.
5. Talk to Current Students: Reach out to current students or alumni of the colleges you are considering. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences and help you understand what life at that college is really like.
6. Consult with Counselors and Advisors: Your high school counselors and teachers can offer guidance and support as you navigate the college selection process. They can help you explore your options and provide valuable advice.
7. Consider Special Programs: If you have specific interests or goals, such as participating in a particular research program or studying abroad, consider colleges that offer these special programs.
8. Review Admission Requirements: Make sure to review the admission requirements for each college on your list. Understand what is needed for a successful application and ensure that your qualifications align with their expectations.
9. Seek Support from Family and Friends: Discuss your college choices with family members and friends who know you well. Their perspectives can be helpful as you make this important decision.
10. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when making this decision. Consider all the information you have gathered and choose the college where you feel most comfortable and confident about your future.
Remember that choosing a college is a personal decision, and what works for one person may not work for another. Take your time to explore your options thoroughly before making a final decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. The College Board The College Board is a non-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity through various programs, resources, and services. It provides comprehensive information about colleges, including admission requirements, financial aid options, and tools for exploring different institutions.
2. U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is a widely respected source for college rankings and information on higher education institutions in the United States. It offers detailed insights into various colleges’ academic programs, faculty quality, campus life, and more.
3. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) NACAC is an organization dedicated to supporting high school counselors and admission professionals as they guide students through the college selection process. It offers valuable resources for students seeking guidance on choosing the right college.
GOD BLESS,
James.
Choosing the Right College
Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, but with careful consideration and research, you can find the best fit for your academic and personal needs. Here are some steps to help you navigate the process:
1. Self-Assessment: Start by assessing your academic strengths, interests, and career goals. Consider what you want to study and what kind of campus environment would suit you best.
2. Research: Begin researching colleges that offer programs in your areas of interest. Look into factors such as location, size, academic reputation, available majors, extracurricular activities, and campus culture.
3. Visit Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of the colleges you are interested in. This will give you a firsthand look at the facilities, student life, and overall atmosphere.
4. Financial Considerations: Consider the cost of attendance and financial aid options at each college. Look into scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities that may be available.
5. Talk to Current Students: Reach out to current students or alumni of the colleges you are considering. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences and help you understand what life at that college is really like.
6. Consult with Counselors and Advisors: Your high school counselors and teachers can offer guidance and support as you navigate the college selection process. They can help you explore your options and provide valuable advice.
7. Consider Special Programs: If you have specific interests or goals, such as participating in a particular research program or studying abroad, consider colleges that offer these special programs.
8. Review Admission Requirements: Make sure to review the admission requirements for each college on your list. Understand what is needed for a successful application and ensure that your qualifications align with their expectations.
9. Seek Support from Family and Friends: Discuss your college choices with family members and friends who know you well. Their perspectives can be helpful as you make this important decision.
10. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when making this decision. Consider all the information you have gathered and choose the college where you feel most comfortable and confident about your future.
Remember that choosing a college is a personal decision, and what works for one person may not work for another. Take your time to explore your options thoroughly before making a final decision.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. The College Board The College Board is a non-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity through various programs, resources, and services. It provides comprehensive information about colleges, including admission requirements, financial aid options, and tools for exploring different institutions.
2. U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is a widely respected source for college rankings and information on higher education institutions in the United States. It offers detailed insights into various colleges’ academic programs, faculty quality, campus life, and more.
3. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) NACAC is an organization dedicated to supporting high school counselors and admission professionals as they guide students through the college selection process. It offers valuable resources for students seeking guidance on choosing the right college.
GOD BLESS,
James.
Matt Buchman
Software Architect
22
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Building on the advice of others, discovering your passion is a crucial step. Some might find their calling later during their college years, but you have the opportunity to start early. Your high school offers a variety of career-focused courses like computer science, finance, accounting, and biotech. These can provide a taste of potential career paths. Engage in a conversation with your guidance counselor about the options your school provides. This could be the key to unlocking your future path. You're on a journey of self-discovery, and it's exciting to see where it will lead you!
Marissa McClain
Recruiter
11
Answers
Hercules, California
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
You've gotten some great answers already. Christopher's answer is a great starting point. I agree with Betsy as far as exploring a community college. It can be a great starting point if you are unsure about what you want to study as you can get your GE classes out of the way and explore some classes that are interesting to you and can help you narrow down on what you want to focus on for your degree. The best college is going to be the one that fits you and what you're looking to study
Priyanka Nagpal
Senior Software Engineer
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Great job, you've begun considering your career path!
The key step here is to first identify your goal - find out what you truly love doing. Once you have that figured out, you can then use this as a guide to select or narrow down your college options. Keep going, you're on the right track!
The key step here is to first identify your goal - find out what you truly love doing. Once you have that figured out, you can then use this as a guide to select or narrow down your college options. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Elizabeth Brackett
Sales
2
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Congratulations on the first leg of your pre-college journey.
It is important time to learn about yourself and be curious about what colleges can offer to you.
First engage your high school counselor. They have a lot of background and knowledge on schools, as well as strong experience with helping students match their interests, career desires and type of community.
Other responses gave you some great questions to consider. I would augment those with:
1) What type of community - both school and surrounding campus do I want
2) What type of people do I want to surround myself with
3) What type of clubs and programs am I interested in and does the school offer those
4) Do any of classes qualify for credit at the school
Good luck! While it can be a stressful time, it all works out and you will end up where you are meant to be.
It is important time to learn about yourself and be curious about what colleges can offer to you.
First engage your high school counselor. They have a lot of background and knowledge on schools, as well as strong experience with helping students match their interests, career desires and type of community.
Other responses gave you some great questions to consider. I would augment those with:
1) What type of community - both school and surrounding campus do I want
2) What type of people do I want to surround myself with
3) What type of clubs and programs am I interested in and does the school offer those
4) Do any of classes qualify for credit at the school
Good luck! While it can be a stressful time, it all works out and you will end up where you are meant to be.
Peyton Thompson
Recruiting
11
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Peyton’s Answer
Hey Lucy! I remember being in your shoes, pondering the same questions when I was choosing my college. The first thing I took into account was the distance from home and the regions I was interested in. This strategy helped me to streamline my options. Once I had a shorter list, I started to think about my desired field of study and researched which institutions offered the best programs in that area. I also kept a keen eye on the cost, making sure to consider colleges within my budget in the regions I was looking at. Lastly, I found college tours to be incredibly beneficial. It was during these tours that I was able to truly visualize my potential life for the upcoming four years. Standing on the campus grounds, imagining my future, was a pivotal moment in my decision-making process. Here's wishing you all the best in your college journey, Lucy! You've got this!