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Once I pick a college, what should I do?
Senior in high school. Currently waiting for acceptance letters. #college-advice #college-selection
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6 answers
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Zahid’s Answer
Picking the college is just the first step. The amount of info and "feel" can't be understated, so if it's possible then visit each of the college after you receive the offer of admissions. In many cases, after visiting and being campus, you'll know whether you'll fit in or not and if that is the place you'd want to spend the next 4 years of your life. You can do this by scheduling an overnight at each school. While you are there, attend classes that interest you, speak with professors, get a sense of the student body, eat in the dining halls, and really try to envision yourself as a part of the community.
If you made a pro/con list in selecting colleges fore then it's time to make one again after your experience of visiting each colleges and other factors, such as financial aid package, distance, availability of intended major, social culture of the school, etc. When you have all this info, you will be in better position to make a more informed decision as to which is the best option for you.
If you made a pro/con list in selecting colleges fore then it's time to make one again after your experience of visiting each colleges and other factors, such as financial aid package, distance, availability of intended major, social culture of the school, etc. When you have all this info, you will be in better position to make a more informed decision as to which is the best option for you.
Updated
Neeraj’s Answer
Few things to consider and look out for while picking your final college once you get acceptance, as well as after you have picked one and start your college journey:
With respect to picking your college, be careful about blindly following college rankings and brand names. Once you are there, you would be living thru it day in and day out, and if for whatever reason is not the best environment for your personality and career goals, your experience and performance may not be at its best. Consider things like if you are someone who thrives in a highly competitive environment OR someone who is loves a collaborative, supportive team environment - your will find that different schools by virtue of the kind of students they take, have a recurring culture that may be highly competitive or a bit more balanced.
Second, think about if you are looking for your undergraduate college to prepare you for employment right after college, or prepare you for graduate school. This can be a huge factor when determining how to steer your school selection as well as your major/minor focus once you are in college. As an example, if you are not very sure about what your biggest strengths and eventual career field may be, picking a broad base / liberal arts education that helps you find your strengths and a strong grad school may be best.
Also, don't let your high school experience with different majors (unless absolutely sure) determine your future course. Make sure you explore areas you may have a tentative interest in, and take time to pick your eventual major/minor.
With respect to picking your college, be careful about blindly following college rankings and brand names. Once you are there, you would be living thru it day in and day out, and if for whatever reason is not the best environment for your personality and career goals, your experience and performance may not be at its best. Consider things like if you are someone who thrives in a highly competitive environment OR someone who is loves a collaborative, supportive team environment - your will find that different schools by virtue of the kind of students they take, have a recurring culture that may be highly competitive or a bit more balanced.
Second, think about if you are looking for your undergraduate college to prepare you for employment right after college, or prepare you for graduate school. This can be a huge factor when determining how to steer your school selection as well as your major/minor focus once you are in college. As an example, if you are not very sure about what your biggest strengths and eventual career field may be, picking a broad base / liberal arts education that helps you find your strengths and a strong grad school may be best.
Also, don't let your high school experience with different majors (unless absolutely sure) determine your future course. Make sure you explore areas you may have a tentative interest in, and take time to pick your eventual major/minor.
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Selena’s Answer
I think everyone that has answered this question have brought up good points: securing financial aid, learning about the professors, etc. I would like to add that you should start looking into what organizations and clubs are on your campus. Joining different groups can really enhance your college experience and if you pick the right groups, can be the beginning of your professional networks. Professional, academic, social and other groups can also help you to decide what it is you are really interested in. Now is the time to explore!
On a more practical note, if you are going to college away from home, you will want to do a little homework about things like the weather, transportation and what the area around the campus is like so that you can be prepared. For example: you live where it doesn't snow, but it snows where you will be going to college. You will need to get some waterproof footwear. For those that get homesick, you may want to take a few things with you that will be a comfort. If you are going overseas having some comfort foods or snacks that you can pull out when you are feeling homesick can really help.
Finally, enjoy your last summer at home before heading off to college. Congratulations and good luck!
On a more practical note, if you are going to college away from home, you will want to do a little homework about things like the weather, transportation and what the area around the campus is like so that you can be prepared. For example: you live where it doesn't snow, but it snows where you will be going to college. You will need to get some waterproof footwear. For those that get homesick, you may want to take a few things with you that will be a comfort. If you are going overseas having some comfort foods or snacks that you can pull out when you are feeling homesick can really help.
Finally, enjoy your last summer at home before heading off to college. Congratulations and good luck!
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Angela’s Answer
Hello! Once you are you accepted into a college, be excited! It's a huge accomplishment to get into college! You can start looking into different groups that are popular with people (especially if you're out of state), network with people on social media, go to any fairs they have locally and GO VISIT! Nothing will get you more excited to step onto the campus knowing that will be your new home!
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Edie’s Answer
Once you have picked a college, make sure you have taken advantage of all of the financial aid that may be available to you. Have you toured the college? If not, make plans to do so. It is easy to forget about your high school assignments but strive to stay engaged. Make sure you understand the classes you will need to take in the first year.
This is a great time in your life. Enjoy
This is a great time in your life. Enjoy
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Dana’s Answer
Something I wish I'd thought of was to read any publications from the professors in my area of interest or department of the school. Since most academics are expected to publish something, you should be able to find some articles, books, journal articles, podcasts, etc about them. This will help you better understand your areas of interest and which professors you actually want to take classes from!