8 answers
Valerie
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know what college to go to ?
How do I know what school would best suit me and what I want to do with my life and how do I know what to go to college for how do I pick like the best thing
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8 answers
Jeffrey Chan
Engineer
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
I picked the lowest cost and best financial package a college gave me (i.e. scholarships). I went to engineering school and it was cheaper for me to go to Private school out of state than to stay in state and pay instate tuition without any scholarships.
Calculate your Return on Investment (ROI) for your investment cost in college vs the projected/expected salary coming out.
When I entered my career I worked alongside MIT, CalTech, Stanford, Harvard, USC etc. graduates. And there was me from this smaller private lesser known Engineering school. What this showed me was that it didn't matter which college I went to the work I put in is the work I got out.
I know some folks who went to these schools and came out graduating not really doing anything, a complete waste of a enrollment spot for someone who wants to be there and a complete waste of money for the person who went to that school.
Also do not rule out community college or trade school. The best engineers I know were in their trade first then became licensed engineers.
Best of luck and looking forward to seeing your choice and success in your post-secondary education.
Calculate your Return on Investment (ROI) for your investment cost in college vs the projected/expected salary coming out.
When I entered my career I worked alongside MIT, CalTech, Stanford, Harvard, USC etc. graduates. And there was me from this smaller private lesser known Engineering school. What this showed me was that it didn't matter which college I went to the work I put in is the work I got out.
I know some folks who went to these schools and came out graduating not really doing anything, a complete waste of a enrollment spot for someone who wants to be there and a complete waste of money for the person who went to that school.
Also do not rule out community college or trade school. The best engineers I know were in their trade first then became licensed engineers.
Best of luck and looking forward to seeing your choice and success in your post-secondary education.
Will Xue, CFA
Manager at PwC
102
Answers
Updated
Will’s Answer
Hi Valerie,
Welcome to CareerVillage and great job posting your first question here!
Choosing the right school and determining what you want to do with your life can indeed be a very challenging decision. Here are a few steps as a starting point.
1. Know yourself: Take time to reflect on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy the most and what skills you excel in. This will help you identify your passions and the direction you want to pursue.
2. Research what's available: Explore various subjects (in college) / career paths (outside college) that align with your interests and strengths. Look into the job responsibilities, required qualifications, and potential growth opportunities for each career. This will provide clarity on the skills and knowledge you may need to acquire through your college education.
3. Ask for guidance: Seek guidance from a career counselor, teachers, mentors in the areas you are interested in. They can offer valuable insights and advice based on their experiences and knowledge and acquaintance with you. Their guidance can help you make an informed decision regarding the best school and college major for you.
Best luck!
Welcome to CareerVillage and great job posting your first question here!
Choosing the right school and determining what you want to do with your life can indeed be a very challenging decision. Here are a few steps as a starting point.
1. Know yourself: Take time to reflect on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy the most and what skills you excel in. This will help you identify your passions and the direction you want to pursue.
2. Research what's available: Explore various subjects (in college) / career paths (outside college) that align with your interests and strengths. Look into the job responsibilities, required qualifications, and potential growth opportunities for each career. This will provide clarity on the skills and knowledge you may need to acquire through your college education.
3. Ask for guidance: Seek guidance from a career counselor, teachers, mentors in the areas you are interested in. They can offer valuable insights and advice based on their experiences and knowledge and acquaintance with you. Their guidance can help you make an informed decision regarding the best school and college major for you.
Best luck!
Dave Brookshire
Systems Engineer/Developer
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Dave’s Answer
When the moment arrived for me to pick a college, I was in the same boat as many folks, unsure of my future path. Initially, I had my sights set on becoming a professional photographer, so I sent out applications and was lucky enough to receive acceptance letters from some pretty impressive institutions. However, the cost was steep and I was still on the fence about whether photography was my true calling.
So, I also applied to a local state university that offered a more affordable photography program.
In my first year, I landed a part-time job at the campus computer lab, assisting others with word processing and spreadsheets. The job was merely a means to fund my pizza cravings! But then, something unexpected happened. These computers were part of a "network" and it sparked an irresistible curiosity within me. I discovered a newfound love for computers that ended up altering my life's trajectory.
So, my advice is, don't stress about having all the answers right away or about getting into the perfect school. Choosing not to attend my dream school turned out to be a pivotal decision that led me to a career I absolutely adore.
So, I also applied to a local state university that offered a more affordable photography program.
In my first year, I landed a part-time job at the campus computer lab, assisting others with word processing and spreadsheets. The job was merely a means to fund my pizza cravings! But then, something unexpected happened. These computers were part of a "network" and it sparked an irresistible curiosity within me. I discovered a newfound love for computers that ended up altering my life's trajectory.
So, my advice is, don't stress about having all the answers right away or about getting into the perfect school. Choosing not to attend my dream school turned out to be a pivotal decision that led me to a career I absolutely adore.
Tryce Allen
Sales Rep
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Tryce’s Answer
Diversity: Seek out a campus that mirrors a diverse range of backgrounds and viewpoints, ones that resonate with you and can enrich your overall experience.
Academic Support: If possible, visit the campus and explore the tutoring services, writing centers, and academic advising to ensure you'll have the necessary support when required.
Study Abroad Programs: If studying abroad piques your interest, investigate which colleges offer comprehensive programs in your preferred areas.
Internship Opportunities: Look into potential links with local businesses or industries that can offer practical experience.
Alumni Network: A robust alumni network can be advantageous for job placements and opportunities for mentorship.
Class Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Opt for smaller classes which can offer more personalized teaching and interaction with professors.
Campus Safety: Review campus safety records and resources available to ensure a safe environment.
Housing Options: Delve into the quality and accessibility of both on-campus and off-campus housing, as well as different living arrangements.
Technology and Resources: Evaluate the provision of labs, libraries, and technology that cater to your academic requirements.
Visiting During Events: Participate in college fairs, workshops, or special events to gain deeper understanding of the institution.
Alternative to College: After conducting your research, if you feel college isn't for you, think about Trade school! Also, learn about building your credit correctly and understanding taxes! Regardless, this knowledge will be beneficial.
In the end, focus on what's important to you and consider compiling a shortlist based on your research! Sending positive thoughts and prayers to everyone reading this!
Academic Support: If possible, visit the campus and explore the tutoring services, writing centers, and academic advising to ensure you'll have the necessary support when required.
Study Abroad Programs: If studying abroad piques your interest, investigate which colleges offer comprehensive programs in your preferred areas.
Internship Opportunities: Look into potential links with local businesses or industries that can offer practical experience.
Alumni Network: A robust alumni network can be advantageous for job placements and opportunities for mentorship.
Class Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Opt for smaller classes which can offer more personalized teaching and interaction with professors.
Campus Safety: Review campus safety records and resources available to ensure a safe environment.
Housing Options: Delve into the quality and accessibility of both on-campus and off-campus housing, as well as different living arrangements.
Technology and Resources: Evaluate the provision of labs, libraries, and technology that cater to your academic requirements.
Visiting During Events: Participate in college fairs, workshops, or special events to gain deeper understanding of the institution.
Alternative to College: After conducting your research, if you feel college isn't for you, think about Trade school! Also, learn about building your credit correctly and understanding taxes! Regardless, this knowledge will be beneficial.
In the end, focus on what's important to you and consider compiling a shortlist based on your research! Sending positive thoughts and prayers to everyone reading this!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Different college have strength in different subjects. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider. Hence, you can look for colleges good at these subjects.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and determine what you have interest,
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artiest, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine 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. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and determine what you have interest,
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artiest, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine 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. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can consider.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Matt Zabita
Lead Experience Designer
4
Answers
Warren, New Jersey
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hello!
Consider starting your journey at a local community college. This approach allows you to kickstart your learning while giving you the flexibility to shift gears once you've discovered your passion.
This was the route I took when I was in your shoes, not quite sure of my direction. Before my first semester in college even started, I stumbled upon my love for graphic design. I began taking relevant courses at my community college, and eventually, I transferred to a state college to complete my degree.
Another significant advantage of this path is the potential for financial savings. It's a practical way to earn your degree without accumulating a mountain of student debt.
I hope you find this advice useful,
Matt Z
Consider starting your journey at a local community college. This approach allows you to kickstart your learning while giving you the flexibility to shift gears once you've discovered your passion.
This was the route I took when I was in your shoes, not quite sure of my direction. Before my first semester in college even started, I stumbled upon my love for graphic design. I began taking relevant courses at my community college, and eventually, I transferred to a state college to complete my degree.
Another significant advantage of this path is the potential for financial savings. It's a practical way to earn your degree without accumulating a mountain of student debt.
I hope you find this advice useful,
Matt Z
Isabelle Fisk
Account Executive
1
Answer
Durango, Colorado
Updated
Isabelle’s Answer
A few things to think about:
- How much do I have in savings/scholarships to put towards education?
- Do I want to stay close to home or go out of state?
- What do I want out of my college experience? (greek life/networking, a specific program or field of study, a big name on my resume, the "college experience", etc)
You don't have to have everything decided, but having some idea of why you're looking at colleges can help you decide where to go.
One thing to note: Student debt is rarely worth it, especially if you don't have a clear career path with projected income that you're chasing. If you're not sure what you want to study, a community college to get basic credits is a great option. This also gives you time to feel out what interests you, and gives you time to learn more about yourself outside of high school in a more 'real world' setting.
If you have scholarships or you have the means to pay for tuition and housing, consider how important it is for you to be close to home versus away. Visiting college campuses and doing tours if you can is a great way to get a feel for what life would be like at that university. These tours are surprisingly helpful because they give you a sense of how you feel, and they give you a chance to ask questions from current students. The students that are hired as tour guides are usually very involved in on- and off-campus life so they are great resources.
- How much do I have in savings/scholarships to put towards education?
- Do I want to stay close to home or go out of state?
- What do I want out of my college experience? (greek life/networking, a specific program or field of study, a big name on my resume, the "college experience", etc)
You don't have to have everything decided, but having some idea of why you're looking at colleges can help you decide where to go.
One thing to note: Student debt is rarely worth it, especially if you don't have a clear career path with projected income that you're chasing. If you're not sure what you want to study, a community college to get basic credits is a great option. This also gives you time to feel out what interests you, and gives you time to learn more about yourself outside of high school in a more 'real world' setting.
If you have scholarships or you have the means to pay for tuition and housing, consider how important it is for you to be close to home versus away. Visiting college campuses and doing tours if you can is a great way to get a feel for what life would be like at that university. These tours are surprisingly helpful because they give you a sense of how you feel, and they give you a chance to ask questions from current students. The students that are hired as tour guides are usually very involved in on- and off-campus life so they are great resources.
Lin Weng
Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lin’s Answer
During my sophomore / junior year of high school, I used College Board website's college search functionality to come up with my initial list of college. From there, I did a more comprehensive research on individual colleges to narrow my list further.