47 answers
Isabelle
Student
Sheffield, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Asked
3212 views
What do you wish you knew before going to college and deciding your major?
I have one more year left of high school and am currently looking into colleges and majors to decide where I will be applying to in the fall. As excited as I am for the future, I am very new to all of this and want to make the right decisions when it comes to paying for college, choosing the right one and deciding on a major. #college #college-major #college-advice #college-admissions
47 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1657
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Isabelle, No matter which college you attend or which major you choose, your first two years will mainly consist of the same set of classes. A community college gives you a chance to test the waters at a drastically lower cost than a four-year university. You can explore different classes or fields to determine if you really want to pursue your chosen major.
FOUR BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Attending a community college for the first two years can be especially beneficial because a lot of your personal growth and maturation occurs the first few years after high school. During this transition, you'll learn time management and motivational skills. You'll also learn how to juggle multiple responsibilities, persevere through tough challenges, and develop self-discipline. You can learn the same lessons at a four-year university, but there are many more distractions that can take your focus away from academic and personal growth. At a community college, it’s often easier to learn how to be a good student.
1.) OPTIONS – It gives you a chance to explore your options. Some students know what career they wish to pursue before they even graduate from high school. Then there are some students who still aren’t sure which career option is right for them after a full year of college. By enrolling in a community college program, there is more of an ability to explore different career options because the classes are far cheaper than they are at comparable institutions. If you’re not sure what your major should be yet, a community college is your best bet.
2.) COST – It is much cheaper to attend a community college. The most obvious reason that students attend community college is for the financial advantage. Many community colleges cost less than two thousand dollars each semester to attend full time. Attending community college gives students the chance to prepare for the financial demands of a 4-year university if they plan on transferring. Compared to the price of tuition at in-state public universities, students can save 50% or more on their educational costs for the first 2 years of their undergraduate degree. When compared to private colleges or universities, students at a community college might save up to 90% on their tuition costs.
3.) FLEXIBILITY – Community colleges usually have flexible schedules. If you attend a “standard” college or university, then your class schedule typically follows a 9-5 day, much like a job would. That can make it difficult for you if you're planning on working part time to help pay for your tuition costs. Many students don't realize that if they plan on working while attending school, community college is hands down the best option. They offer far more night classes than other universities and more schedule options, making it easier to earn the credits each semester within a schedule that works for you.
4.) TIME – You'll get extra time to choose the right college. Some students have their choice of college or university dictated to them by scholarship. Others may have multiple options and be unsure of which institution to attend. Instead of forcing the choice and potentially going somewhere that does not meet your needs, you can choose to go to a community college instead. Instead of spending thousands of dollars at a private university towards a major that you are less than sure of, consider attending a community school while you are making your decision. Classes cost less, so you will have the opportunity to explore interests that you might not have otherwise pursued. That gives you time to select a university that meets your expectations right curriculum for your major.
Isabelle, community college can be a perfect choice for you if wish to save money and reduce your dependence on student loans. It’s also a good way to help you ease into college life and build a successful learning strategy before they transfer to a bigger – and more expensive – university.
Hope this was Helpful Isabell
Create Your College Road Map. Do you ever get on the freeway to drive to an unknown destination?
Create Your College List. Now that you have your map, you can start the creative process! You can begin construction on your college list.
Research Deadlines, Applications, and Costs. Colleges all have different requirements, deadlines, costs, etc. Create a system to keep track of everything.
Apply! Submit your applications well in advance of their due dates.
FOUR BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Attending a community college for the first two years can be especially beneficial because a lot of your personal growth and maturation occurs the first few years after high school. During this transition, you'll learn time management and motivational skills. You'll also learn how to juggle multiple responsibilities, persevere through tough challenges, and develop self-discipline. You can learn the same lessons at a four-year university, but there are many more distractions that can take your focus away from academic and personal growth. At a community college, it’s often easier to learn how to be a good student.
1.) OPTIONS – It gives you a chance to explore your options. Some students know what career they wish to pursue before they even graduate from high school. Then there are some students who still aren’t sure which career option is right for them after a full year of college. By enrolling in a community college program, there is more of an ability to explore different career options because the classes are far cheaper than they are at comparable institutions. If you’re not sure what your major should be yet, a community college is your best bet.
2.) COST – It is much cheaper to attend a community college. The most obvious reason that students attend community college is for the financial advantage. Many community colleges cost less than two thousand dollars each semester to attend full time. Attending community college gives students the chance to prepare for the financial demands of a 4-year university if they plan on transferring. Compared to the price of tuition at in-state public universities, students can save 50% or more on their educational costs for the first 2 years of their undergraduate degree. When compared to private colleges or universities, students at a community college might save up to 90% on their tuition costs.
3.) FLEXIBILITY – Community colleges usually have flexible schedules. If you attend a “standard” college or university, then your class schedule typically follows a 9-5 day, much like a job would. That can make it difficult for you if you're planning on working part time to help pay for your tuition costs. Many students don't realize that if they plan on working while attending school, community college is hands down the best option. They offer far more night classes than other universities and more schedule options, making it easier to earn the credits each semester within a schedule that works for you.
4.) TIME – You'll get extra time to choose the right college. Some students have their choice of college or university dictated to them by scholarship. Others may have multiple options and be unsure of which institution to attend. Instead of forcing the choice and potentially going somewhere that does not meet your needs, you can choose to go to a community college instead. Instead of spending thousands of dollars at a private university towards a major that you are less than sure of, consider attending a community school while you are making your decision. Classes cost less, so you will have the opportunity to explore interests that you might not have otherwise pursued. That gives you time to select a university that meets your expectations right curriculum for your major.
Isabelle, community college can be a perfect choice for you if wish to save money and reduce your dependence on student loans. It’s also a good way to help you ease into college life and build a successful learning strategy before they transfer to a bigger – and more expensive – university.
Hope this was Helpful Isabell
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Thank You Matthew. “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
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Thank You Shawn. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
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Moe Hung
Art Director
2
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Moe’s Answer
Ask yourself what areas you're truly passionate about. It doesn't have to a specific career, but general areas like "helping people" or "working with data". This will help you narrow down your interests and as you talk to more people in college or professionals, you can keep in mind those passion areas that you started out with.
Ideally you find a career that you love. I loved art in high school and turned that into a career in design which I love. I've seen so many people in careers that were perhaps pushed on them by parents that they don't really enjoy.
The other part is not to put too much pressure on yourself at this stage. Even if you find that the career you chose is not right for you, you can change it later. Not ideal, and it can take more time and money, but I've seen people change careers later and not regretted it.
Ideally you find a career that you love. I loved art in high school and turned that into a career in design which I love. I've seen so many people in careers that were perhaps pushed on them by parents that they don't really enjoy.
The other part is not to put too much pressure on yourself at this stage. Even if you find that the career you chose is not right for you, you can change it later. Not ideal, and it can take more time and money, but I've seen people change careers later and not regretted it.
Sonya Judd
strategic analyst
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Sonya’s Answer
Honestly, I wish I knew myself better.
I would have asked others: what strengths do you see in me? You've seen how I handle things; what do you think I need to work on? (I wouldn't have asked about weaknesses because that is subjective). I really want to know what others' 'end user experience' is of me...what is it like to be on the receiving end of me.
If I would have known myself better, I would have been more confident in my career choice, my major/minor, my college choice. In essence, I would have made quality decisions from my core - not what others thought I should be/do/feel/say.
Until you do some serious self-introspection, you may float in and out of decisions without reason, without reasoning, without KNOWING YOU!
But the BEST part is...you can start right now:)
I would have asked others: what strengths do you see in me? You've seen how I handle things; what do you think I need to work on? (I wouldn't have asked about weaknesses because that is subjective). I really want to know what others' 'end user experience' is of me...what is it like to be on the receiving end of me.
If I would have known myself better, I would have been more confident in my career choice, my major/minor, my college choice. In essence, I would have made quality decisions from my core - not what others thought I should be/do/feel/say.
Until you do some serious self-introspection, you may float in and out of decisions without reason, without reasoning, without KNOWING YOU!
But the BEST part is...you can start right now:)
Riley Carr
Business Analyst
179
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Riley’s Answer
If you are really not sure what you want to do in your future, I think your biggest regret would be rushing into a major. I know a lot of people who rushed into picking one they didn't really love, and now they're stuck in a career that they don't feel passionate about. If you are unable to narrow it down to one career path, you could always go in with an undecided major. Once you get to college, the first conversation that you will have with most of the other freshmen you meet is what major they are. Throughout this process, you will learn so many majors and careers they could take you down that you didn't even think of before! I think taking the first semester to decide is always a safe choice because it will not put you behind academically but you can make a more educated decision.
Shawn Kilburn
Technical Writer
4
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Shawn’s Answer
I just wanted to second John's answer. I think community college is an extremely valuable and cheaper alternative if you want to take a little more time to think about your education (and not just because my mom taught at a community college :). It can be helpful to learn both what you enjoy and what you really don't enjoy.
For me, although I had a pretty good sense of what I wanted to study in college, I think it might've been helpful to take a year or so off between high school and college to get a better sense of what I wanted to get out of college.
For me, although I had a pretty good sense of what I wanted to study in college, I think it might've been helpful to take a year or so off between high school and college to get a better sense of what I wanted to get out of college.
Thank You Shawn. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Doc Frick
Hugo Wong
Sales
1
Answer
Macau
Updated
Hugo’s Answer
Dear Isabelle,
It is common to have this kinds of enquries,I think everyone does before going to university, so do I. As a person who has had this experiences, I can provide you some advises.
1.Passion
First of all, it is important to follow your heart to choose your major in college, one of the options is to study something which relate to your passion. For example if you love cooking, you might think about culinary as you major. It is because choose the things which you love to study, is benefit to you in 4 years college life and be more significant. Moreover, it is benefit to increase your motivation to gain knowledges if your major is related to your passion.
2.Career
Secondly, your future career path is one of the important component that you need to think about it before you make the decision. So many people choose their occupation might not be the same with their major. Therefore, they might think that the college life was useless or regret their choice. Therefore, it is important to think about your future career.
3.Personal character/skills/personality
It it very similar as our passion, before you pick your own major, please go back to your personalities and what kind of future to want to be. For example, if you are very sensitive about numbers, accounting or Finance might be the best choice for you.
4.Have fun
Last but not least, the most important component is to enjoy the university life, no matter what the major you choose, you will train up your self characteristic, personal skills, personality,
It is common to have this kinds of enquries,I think everyone does before going to university, so do I. As a person who has had this experiences, I can provide you some advises.
1.Passion
First of all, it is important to follow your heart to choose your major in college, one of the options is to study something which relate to your passion. For example if you love cooking, you might think about culinary as you major. It is because choose the things which you love to study, is benefit to you in 4 years college life and be more significant. Moreover, it is benefit to increase your motivation to gain knowledges if your major is related to your passion.
2.Career
Secondly, your future career path is one of the important component that you need to think about it before you make the decision. So many people choose their occupation might not be the same with their major. Therefore, they might think that the college life was useless or regret their choice. Therefore, it is important to think about your future career.
3.Personal character/skills/personality
It it very similar as our passion, before you pick your own major, please go back to your personalities and what kind of future to want to be. For example, if you are very sensitive about numbers, accounting or Finance might be the best choice for you.
4.Have fun
Last but not least, the most important component is to enjoy the university life, no matter what the major you choose, you will train up your self characteristic, personal skills, personality,
Monique Beck
Sales
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Your first 1-2 years will mostly be GE (General Education Courses) so you don't necessarily need to select your major right off the bat. Its a great opportunity to take an intro level course in something that you think you might be interested in, should you not be 100% certain.
I think it's important to explore what kind of work or opportunities your selected major will open up for you. While you might enjoy a certain subject, you might not enjoy the actual opportunities and work field. I would do some research and see where graduates of the selected major have ended up, what jobs they hold, and what work those jobs entail.
In regards to finance, apply for all of the grants available and fill out a FAFSA application. Grant money doesn't necessarily have to be paid back, like a loan. Look at interest rates, and consider if you will be working while going to school to see what you can put towards your loans should you take those out. Also, find out when you will have to start paying on those loans once you graduate.
I think it's important to explore what kind of work or opportunities your selected major will open up for you. While you might enjoy a certain subject, you might not enjoy the actual opportunities and work field. I would do some research and see where graduates of the selected major have ended up, what jobs they hold, and what work those jobs entail.
In regards to finance, apply for all of the grants available and fill out a FAFSA application. Grant money doesn't necessarily have to be paid back, like a loan. Look at interest rates, and consider if you will be working while going to school to see what you can put towards your loans should you take those out. Also, find out when you will have to start paying on those loans once you graduate.
Cristina Martinez, M.S.
Career Counseling
16
Answers
Glendora, California
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hi Isabelle!
Glad to know you are here and looking for answers to your questions. As a high school senior, I wish I paid more attention to the financial packages that schools were offering before deciding on what school to attend. I went to a four-year university after high school but ended up going to community college after the first school year for financial and personal reasons. Community college changed my life because it is there where I figured out I wanted to become a college counselor when I took a career exploration course. You have many options :) I suggest you take career assessments to learn about careers that match your interests and abilities. I will add some links for you to check out on the optional next steps. They include personality tests, strength finder assessments, and where to find career information. Good luck! :)
https://www.strengthsquest.com/
https://www.truity.com/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Glad to know you are here and looking for answers to your questions. As a high school senior, I wish I paid more attention to the financial packages that schools were offering before deciding on what school to attend. I went to a four-year university after high school but ended up going to community college after the first school year for financial and personal reasons. Community college changed my life because it is there where I figured out I wanted to become a college counselor when I took a career exploration course. You have many options :) I suggest you take career assessments to learn about careers that match your interests and abilities. I will add some links for you to check out on the optional next steps. They include personality tests, strength finder assessments, and where to find career information. Good luck! :)
Cristina recommends the following next steps:
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Isabelle! This is a very great question because I feel that many students do struggle in deciding their major and path when going into college. When I was a high school student around my second year I decided I definitely wanted to pursue medicine, so I kept at it with coursework taking an AP class for the first time and volunteering as often as possible. First of all see what interests you in terms of a major, do you like science, art, teaching, literature? It's really what makes you passionate. Even if you enter college without a clear path as to what you would like to do you can be undecided, you declare it going into college, and by your junior year you get to pick a major. For the first two years you really explore, you take general education classes-- all students have to take this regardless even if they have their major picked-- but in these classes if you are undecided you can definitely get to explore and see what you like.
Choosing the right college- I'll always remember my chemistry teacher's advice, when it comes to picking the right college you also have to look beyond academics and also feel comfortable on campus, because if you don't like the campus genuinely then you may have a hard time fitting in. When I was in high school there was college fairs that would come to the school and we would explore them and get to see which colleges would fit our interests- these can be sports related, science related, engineering, etc.- there are many different schools out there! Make sure to visit the campuses as well, many if not all colleges offer tours both with groups and individual as well. It's important to see the campus and learn the size as well, because some campuses can be very large and seem more difficult to navigate while others are smaller in comparison. Your guidance counselors are a great help in this, they have many information about different colleges so always seek their help and ask questions!
Paying for college- There are many options now to afford college, financial aid is the biggest one! You must first fill out a FAFSA and enter your parents'/guardians' income and see what kind of financial aid can be awarded. There are Pell grants/TAG Awards, which you don't have to pay back, then there are loans such as subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized is better because interest is paid and doesn't accrue while you are in school at least half-time (about 12 credits) unsubsidized loans begin to build up on interest right after you take the loan so be sure to be careful when choosing which one! Make sure to check out fafsa.ed.gov, because they offer important information about loans and paying for college. There are also scholarships, some could be offered through your school so once again check with your guidance counselor and some are online that you can fill out based on if you fill the criteria to be eligible. Scholarships.com is one of the main sites that offer many scholarships. In addition to getting a financial aid, you can also qualify for work study as well. I did work study during college and you get a small salary which definitely helps with purchasing books and other necessities.
In the end college is an important choice and spending some time evaluating options and seeking help from others can definitely help in making the right choice. Congratulations to all achieving this path!
Best of luck!
Check out fafsa.ed.gov
Check out scholarships.com
Keep in touch with your guidance counselor
Choosing the right college- I'll always remember my chemistry teacher's advice, when it comes to picking the right college you also have to look beyond academics and also feel comfortable on campus, because if you don't like the campus genuinely then you may have a hard time fitting in. When I was in high school there was college fairs that would come to the school and we would explore them and get to see which colleges would fit our interests- these can be sports related, science related, engineering, etc.- there are many different schools out there! Make sure to visit the campuses as well, many if not all colleges offer tours both with groups and individual as well. It's important to see the campus and learn the size as well, because some campuses can be very large and seem more difficult to navigate while others are smaller in comparison. Your guidance counselors are a great help in this, they have many information about different colleges so always seek their help and ask questions!
Paying for college- There are many options now to afford college, financial aid is the biggest one! You must first fill out a FAFSA and enter your parents'/guardians' income and see what kind of financial aid can be awarded. There are Pell grants/TAG Awards, which you don't have to pay back, then there are loans such as subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized is better because interest is paid and doesn't accrue while you are in school at least half-time (about 12 credits) unsubsidized loans begin to build up on interest right after you take the loan so be sure to be careful when choosing which one! Make sure to check out fafsa.ed.gov, because they offer important information about loans and paying for college. There are also scholarships, some could be offered through your school so once again check with your guidance counselor and some are online that you can fill out based on if you fill the criteria to be eligible. Scholarships.com is one of the main sites that offer many scholarships. In addition to getting a financial aid, you can also qualify for work study as well. I did work study during college and you get a small salary which definitely helps with purchasing books and other necessities.
In the end college is an important choice and spending some time evaluating options and seeking help from others can definitely help in making the right choice. Congratulations to all achieving this path!
Best of luck!
Yasemin recommends the following next steps:
Tammy Juve
Project Coordinator
6
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Consider doing general courses at a community college. You can then transfer to a unviersity or 4 year college once you have decided on a major to pursue. Hopefully by working part time while at a community college you maybe able to be debt free for your first 2 years. Sometimes college is not always the best path, consider learning a trade. Often times learning a specific skill can be done in less than 4 years and then you can be on your way to earning a full time income quicker than going to school for 4 years.
Vlad Efman
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Vlad’s Answer
Companies don’t care what college you went to, what is your GPA, what your degree is in. They care about two things. Making money and saving money. Major in something that is hot and going to stay hot like IT. You want to clearly define what you want to do, and do not generalize yourself. Probably start exploring the industry you want to work in as whole, and patiently trying each individual sector in that industry to see what works best. Work hard and know your profession in and out. Get a good internship and use that to build your career from. Most importantly have a good network of people that help you and you help them.
Jennifer (Babcock) Swan
HR
11
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Isabelle,
Deciding what college to go to can be a very exciting time! For deciding what college to go to, I'd suggest doing some research online of places you'd like to consider. Once you've made a list, try visiting those colleges. You can take tours, ask current students what their experience is like and see if you feel it'd be a good fit for you. As for a major, a lot of colleges do make you declare a major prior to attending but it's important to remember you can always change your major if you decide one that you've chosen is not exactly what you'd like to anymore. Even with a change, you'll still gain valuable knowledge as well as it'll still be counted as part of your general education credits.
Research Colleges Online
Talk with current students and take a campus tour
Deciding what college to go to can be a very exciting time! For deciding what college to go to, I'd suggest doing some research online of places you'd like to consider. Once you've made a list, try visiting those colleges. You can take tours, ask current students what their experience is like and see if you feel it'd be a good fit for you. As for a major, a lot of colleges do make you declare a major prior to attending but it's important to remember you can always change your major if you decide one that you've chosen is not exactly what you'd like to anymore. Even with a change, you'll still gain valuable knowledge as well as it'll still be counted as part of your general education credits.
Jennifer recommends the following next steps:
Katherine Kelly
Real Estate Investment Banking
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
I think the same procedures can be applied whenever you have to make a big decision in your life, especially in relation to choosing your major in college, or figuring out what career path is the best fit for you. I think it's important to build bottom up instead of top down. What i mean by that is instead of trying to follow the expected path and mold yourself to fit that, it helps to write down a list of the things you like and don't like when in relation to the decision you're trying to make (ie your major), and then looking at your options. I feel this helps remove outside bias from family or friends, or just preconceived notions about what you are supposed to do.
I definitely didn't put much thought into my major, I just kind of followed what my family and friends expected i would do. While it did work out well, I definitely wish i had put some more thought into my coursework because now I really wish I could go back into a class room setting and take some of the courses i always thought i would have taken if I wasn't a business major. For example, I am really interested in fitness and nutrition, but I thought i had to just treat that as a side interest, instead of incorporating it into my formal education. I definitely have foregone amazing resources that were available to me while I was at school. I can still learn the things I want to learn, it is a bit more difficult now because I work full time.
In the decisions I make now, I try to be more thoughtful and introspective. I physically take out a pen and paper and write a list of things I like and things I don't like as it relates to the decision I'm trying to make, and then go out and look at my choices only after i've spent time alone with myself (aka working from the bottom up, not the top down).
Hope this helps!
I definitely didn't put much thought into my major, I just kind of followed what my family and friends expected i would do. While it did work out well, I definitely wish i had put some more thought into my coursework because now I really wish I could go back into a class room setting and take some of the courses i always thought i would have taken if I wasn't a business major. For example, I am really interested in fitness and nutrition, but I thought i had to just treat that as a side interest, instead of incorporating it into my formal education. I definitely have foregone amazing resources that were available to me while I was at school. I can still learn the things I want to learn, it is a bit more difficult now because I work full time.
In the decisions I make now, I try to be more thoughtful and introspective. I physically take out a pen and paper and write a list of things I like and things I don't like as it relates to the decision I'm trying to make, and then go out and look at my choices only after i've spent time alone with myself (aka working from the bottom up, not the top down).
Hope this helps!
Daniel Sauble
Product Designer
16
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
One of the best things you can do when choosing a major is to try and get some experience working in that field. In many cases, a high school internship can provide you with a taste of what your life would be like if you pursued that field before spending four or more years in college. As others have mentioned, the first two years of college are more or less the same regardless of your major, so it's important to spend this time trying as many things as possible to get a good sense of what you find interesting and might want to pursue as a major.
In my own journey, one thing I wish I knew is that a lot of top schools have excellent financial aid programs that provide full rides in many cases. For example, Harvard provides free attendance for 20% of its students (https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/why-harvard/affordability). This means that you should be focused more on finding the best school to learn what you want to learn, and less on affordability or what you think you can get into.
If internships aren't possible and you're still not sure what major you'll pick or what school you want to attend, there are also many free online educational resources, like Coursera and Udacity, that can give you a glimpse into different fields with very little upfront time required. You might even decide to attend a reputable online school, which can open up many opportunities to pursue work in different cities or even countries. For my graduate program, I attended the Harvard Extension School from my home in Portland, Oregon, and had classmates from around the world.
In my own journey, one thing I wish I knew is that a lot of top schools have excellent financial aid programs that provide full rides in many cases. For example, Harvard provides free attendance for 20% of its students (https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/why-harvard/affordability). This means that you should be focused more on finding the best school to learn what you want to learn, and less on affordability or what you think you can get into.
If internships aren't possible and you're still not sure what major you'll pick or what school you want to attend, there are also many free online educational resources, like Coursera and Udacity, that can give you a glimpse into different fields with very little upfront time required. You might even decide to attend a reputable online school, which can open up many opportunities to pursue work in different cities or even countries. For my graduate program, I attended the Harvard Extension School from my home in Portland, Oregon, and had classmates from around the world.
YongHui Cho
Solutions Engineer
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
YongHui’s Answer
First of all, I don't have a full grasp of your situation, but if you are undecided, use your time wisely looking for opportunities to explore what you want to be in the future. During the last year of my high school I was in the same boat, asking these questions -
What if I pursue a career in this industry?
Why am I interested - for fun? for the money? for the humanity?
How am I going to achieve my goals?
How am I going to pay for college?
I ended up going to an engineering school because I was interested in rocket science. However, I also took into factor engineering college ranking & cost, so that I'll get the most out of what I'm investing in.
Once I was in college, I was shocked how easy it is to change majors and pursue a different career. I was also glad I came to a school with good ranking overall in engineering. For the first two years you'll be taking mostly the same classes with people with different majors. The important point here is that you have to go out to interact, learn, and engage in different activities and find what you really want to do. Keep asking the above questions.
I was able to finalize my thoughts after my Sophomore year and changed my major to Computer Science, for many reasons, I am very satisfied with where I am right now.
So the key take away from my advice is
1. Find what you want to do, apply for colleges with good efficiency. If really undecided, applying for a college with high ranking overall is not a bad idea. It doesn't have to be top tier, if cost is a matter, look into going to community college and transfer.
2. Engage in a lot of different activities during college. You'll be able to define your goals and even gain experiences that you can put on your resume.
3. Enjoy college
What if I pursue a career in this industry?
Why am I interested - for fun? for the money? for the humanity?
How am I going to achieve my goals?
How am I going to pay for college?
I ended up going to an engineering school because I was interested in rocket science. However, I also took into factor engineering college ranking & cost, so that I'll get the most out of what I'm investing in.
Once I was in college, I was shocked how easy it is to change majors and pursue a different career. I was also glad I came to a school with good ranking overall in engineering. For the first two years you'll be taking mostly the same classes with people with different majors. The important point here is that you have to go out to interact, learn, and engage in different activities and find what you really want to do. Keep asking the above questions.
I was able to finalize my thoughts after my Sophomore year and changed my major to Computer Science, for many reasons, I am very satisfied with where I am right now.
So the key take away from my advice is
1. Find what you want to do, apply for colleges with good efficiency. If really undecided, applying for a college with high ranking overall is not a bad idea. It doesn't have to be top tier, if cost is a matter, look into going to community college and transfer.
2. Engage in a lot of different activities during college. You'll be able to define your goals and even gain experiences that you can put on your resume.
3. Enjoy college
Nicole Birch
Regulatory Affairs
1
Answer
Santa Clarita, California
Updated
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