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How do I figure out what area I want to go for college?
- Sophomore in high school
- Currently in Western Mass
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Elam B.’s Answer
Take a moment and meditate on this: Imagine for a second being an adult and all of your bills were paid. So you don't have to work to pay any bills. Keeping that in mind, if you had to do something all day from 9am - 5pm for free, what would that be? Write down the things that would make you happy. Write down the things that would make you fulfilled to do. Write down the things that you can do to help other people outside of your family. Whatever those answers are, is the direction you should go and choose a major that would allow you to become what would make you fulfilled, happy, and help others.
For example, maybe you want to clean someone's teeth = dentist = choose a major that leads in that direction. Maybe you want to build things = engineering major. Maybe you want to be an entrepreneur = major in the area that you want to build a business in. Maybe you want to be an officer in the military = skip college and go to the military.
The goal in this exercise is for you to not think about money, but only think about having a career in the area that makes you happy. If you don't know what makes you happy, take some time and think about it. You have time so don't feel pressured. It's better that you take some time and develop your purpose versus go after a career because of money like I've seen people do.
For example, maybe you want to clean someone's teeth = dentist = choose a major that leads in that direction. Maybe you want to build things = engineering major. Maybe you want to be an entrepreneur = major in the area that you want to build a business in. Maybe you want to be an officer in the military = skip college and go to the military.
The goal in this exercise is for you to not think about money, but only think about having a career in the area that makes you happy. If you don't know what makes you happy, take some time and think about it. You have time so don't feel pressured. It's better that you take some time and develop your purpose versus go after a career because of money like I've seen people do.
Wayne Archibald
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Wayne’s Answer
Hi Helen. Deciding on where to go to college is a big decision. I decided to go to colleges that were close to family and not too far from my home town.
If you decide to stay in your home state and attend a public school, you can qualify for in-state tuition, potentially saving you a lot of money on college.
You can also cut costs on travel since car rides are usually less expensive than airfare. Consider whether you want to live in a rural area, a sprawling metropolis, or someplace in between.
Small college towns often offer a more intimate sense of community that lets you build strong relationships with peers and professors. In contrast, schools in large cities can grant you access to more social and cultural activities, not to mention internships with major companies and nonprofits.
Here are some steps that may help you:
Step 1: Make a College List.
Step 2: Rank Your Wants and Needs.
Step 3: Visit College Campuses.
Step 4: Compare Financial Aid Offers.
Step 5: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Each College.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
If you decide to stay in your home state and attend a public school, you can qualify for in-state tuition, potentially saving you a lot of money on college.
You can also cut costs on travel since car rides are usually less expensive than airfare. Consider whether you want to live in a rural area, a sprawling metropolis, or someplace in between.
Small college towns often offer a more intimate sense of community that lets you build strong relationships with peers and professors. In contrast, schools in large cities can grant you access to more social and cultural activities, not to mention internships with major companies and nonprofits.
Here are some steps that may help you:
Step 1: Make a College List.
Step 2: Rank Your Wants and Needs.
Step 3: Visit College Campuses.
Step 4: Compare Financial Aid Offers.
Step 5: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Each College.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Hi there! There’s a lot of aspects that can influence your decision. Do you want to be around a lot of people with a lot of stuff to do - Then some sort of city. Do you love the warmth and beach - head south. I think you know where I’m going with this. Also think about if you want to go far away from home or not, I wanted to go somewhere driving distance. It’s a great idea to visit schools and see what the atmosphere is like.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This s very common question to many students.
I think you may think about what you have interest and what you want to do in the future.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you would like to maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you are interested in music, would you like to be a musician, composer, singer, music producer, etc.
2. Explore more on these subjects and find out 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
5. Find out the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
I think you may think about what you have interest and what you want to do in the future.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you would like to maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you are interested in music, would you like to be a musician, composer, singer, music producer, etc.
2. Explore more on these subjects and find out 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
5. Find out the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!