4 answers
JANESSA
Student
Midwest City, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
752 views
Planning College.
I'm 13 and I want to start planning college. I stay In Oklahoma and I'm trying to find a good college without being too far away from home. I also want to stay in a dorm, but I don't want it to be too expensive but nice
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4 answers
Nicholas Carter
Business Development
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
All great options! Southeastern Oklahoma State University is another great option; known for its mix of affordable online and on-campus options!
Check out programs and majors here: https://www.se.edu/
Nicholas recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for simple answer. I appreciate it!
JANESSA
Kelly Christensen
Recruiter
10
Answers
Copperopolis, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Great news — you're already ahead! Starting to think about college at 13 gives you plenty of time to make smart decisions.
Steps to Take Now (at 13)
Focus on grades — GPA matters a lot for scholarships and admissions.
Explore interests — Join clubs, try different activities, and start thinking about what subjects excite you.
Visit campuses — Many Oklahoma schools offer free tours. Seeing a campus in person helps a lot.
Research financial aid early — Learn about FAFSA, which opens in the fall of senior year of high school.
Talk to a school counselor — They can help map out a 4-year high school plan with college in mind.
One Important Reminder
There is no rush to have everything figured out right now. The fact that this student is thinking ahead already puts them in a great position. Encourage curiosity, exploration, and asking lots of questions along the way!
Here's also what to consider:
Colleges in Oklahoma Worth Exploring
Since staying close to home is important, here are some well-regarded options within the state:
University of Oklahoma (OU) — Norman, OK. One of the most well-known schools in the state, with a wide range of programs and strong campus life, including dorms.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) — Stillwater, OK. Great for a variety of majors, known for its welcoming campus community and on-campus housing options.
University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) — Edmond, OK. A more affordable option with solid academics and campus housing.
Northeastern State University (NSU) — Tahlequah, OK. Smaller, affordable, and community-oriented.
Oral Roberts University (ORU) — Tulsa, OK. Known for modern, well-kept dorms and a tight-knit campus.
On Dorms and Affordability
Public universities like OU, OSU, and UCO tend to offer a range of dorm options at different price points — many have newer residence halls that are modern and comfortable without being the most expensive option.
Encourage the student to look for roommate options, which can cut costs significantly.
Many schools offer financial aid, grants, and scholarships — especially for Oklahoma residents. The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) and Oklahoma's Promise (Ohlap) scholarship are two programs worth researching early.
Steps to Take Now (at 13)
Focus on grades — GPA matters a lot for scholarships and admissions.
Explore interests — Join clubs, try different activities, and start thinking about what subjects excite you.
Visit campuses — Many Oklahoma schools offer free tours. Seeing a campus in person helps a lot.
Research financial aid early — Learn about FAFSA, which opens in the fall of senior year of high school.
Talk to a school counselor — They can help map out a 4-year high school plan with college in mind.
One Important Reminder
There is no rush to have everything figured out right now. The fact that this student is thinking ahead already puts them in a great position. Encourage curiosity, exploration, and asking lots of questions along the way!
Here's also what to consider:
Colleges in Oklahoma Worth Exploring
Since staying close to home is important, here are some well-regarded options within the state:
University of Oklahoma (OU) — Norman, OK. One of the most well-known schools in the state, with a wide range of programs and strong campus life, including dorms.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) — Stillwater, OK. Great for a variety of majors, known for its welcoming campus community and on-campus housing options.
University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) — Edmond, OK. A more affordable option with solid academics and campus housing.
Northeastern State University (NSU) — Tahlequah, OK. Smaller, affordable, and community-oriented.
Oral Roberts University (ORU) — Tulsa, OK. Known for modern, well-kept dorms and a tight-knit campus.
On Dorms and Affordability
Public universities like OU, OSU, and UCO tend to offer a range of dorm options at different price points — many have newer residence halls that are modern and comfortable without being the most expensive option.
Encourage the student to look for roommate options, which can cut costs significantly.
Many schools offer financial aid, grants, and scholarships — especially for Oklahoma residents. The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) and Oklahoma's Promise (Ohlap) scholarship are two programs worth researching early.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
JANESSA
I'm doing well in school at the moment. I've got straight A's and I've been invited and accepted into the Njhs (National Junior Honor Society. Since I was younger I've always wanted to be an engineer but since I've gotten older I've been thinking about other things like cosmetology, Anatomy, etc. I also know from a young age up till now I'm very interested in doing nails, and hair. I'm also very passionate about helping the elderly. Grown-ups now and days have no respect, dedication, commitment, or hearts for the elder. especially in nursing homes. I don't understand how people can treat others so badly without having any kind of sympathy. I also don't go to public school sadly, nor do I have a school counselor. Thank you for the advice!
JANESSA
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2781
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad you start collage planning already. Different colleges have strength in different subjects. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. And then, identify the colleges good at those subjects.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be a banker, engineer, accountant, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1 - 2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Research on the colleges good at these subjects and find out the entry criteria.
6. Select the required subject in high school and work hard to meet the academic requirement.
Hope this help! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be a banker, engineer, accountant, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1 - 2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Research on the colleges good at these subjects and find out the entry criteria.
6. Select the required subject in high school and work hard to meet the academic requirement.
Hope this help! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thanks for your encouragement!
JANESSA
I'm doing well in school at the moment. I've got straight A's and I've been invited and accepted into the Njhs (National Junior Honor Society. Since I was younger I've always wanted to be an engineer but since I've gotten older I've been thinking about other things like cosmetology, Anatomy, etc. I also know from a young age up till now I'm very interested in doing nails, and hair. I'm also very passionate about helping the elderly. Grown-ups now and days have no respect, dedication, commitment, or hearts for the elder. especially in nursing homes. I don't understand how people can treat others so badly without having any kind of sympathy. I also don't go to public school sadly, nor do I have a school counselor. Thank you for the advice!
JANESSA
Amanda Marshall
Product Management
4
Answers
Carol Stream, Illinois
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
You sound like you are already on a great path.
First, don't rule out a community college if there is one near you. It is a GREAT option and it is how I started my college education. College is expensive and I always fear for those that go into great debt for college.
Second, I do think you should go away at some point, and live on your own. I never had this opportunity and it remains one of my biggest regrets. There is so much to learn about yourself during this formative years, you don't want to look back and say 'I wish I had of'.
Third, I have found from my daughter's most recent college adventure, that grades are really important to getting merit scholarships. It comes down to grades and ACT or SAT scores. If determining how to pay for school is a big concern, I would focus on these areas.
Based on you only being 13 and already looking that far in the future, I don't think you are going to have any problems.
I will be cheering for you.
First, don't rule out a community college if there is one near you. It is a GREAT option and it is how I started my college education. College is expensive and I always fear for those that go into great debt for college.
Second, I do think you should go away at some point, and live on your own. I never had this opportunity and it remains one of my biggest regrets. There is so much to learn about yourself during this formative years, you don't want to look back and say 'I wish I had of'.
Third, I have found from my daughter's most recent college adventure, that grades are really important to getting merit scholarships. It comes down to grades and ACT or SAT scores. If determining how to pay for school is a big concern, I would focus on these areas.
Based on you only being 13 and already looking that far in the future, I don't think you are going to have any problems.
I will be cheering for you.
Thank you so much love!
JANESSA