4 answers
ryan
Student
Athol, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
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what is college like and how much would it cost to get in to college how do you start to get into colleges and when should i start going to college after im done with high school
what is college like and how much would it cost to get in to college how do you start to get into colleges and when should i start going to college after im done with high school
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4 answers
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Ryan,
Its a well known fact that college is the best years of your life. I can vouch for that as I had learnt a great deal while studying, taking to professors, doing extracurricular activities and so on. College (also universities) is hard work and you have to be diligent in time keeping and getting all the assignments and test done on time.
The cost of college depends on the school and the amount of financial aid you receive from FAFSA. You could also work in the summer or even on campus. Your financial aid package should come in handy too. Parental contribution may also be an option for you. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are also available.
You should apply in November for the upcoming summer or fall attendance for college. Some schools have a different application deadline-you can check by going on their website or even talk to admissions at the college.
You should be admitted to college after high school. But while you are at high school you can apply to take college level classes too that directly transfer into college. You could also take deferred entry. But check in with the college first.
Its a well known fact that college is the best years of your life. I can vouch for that as I had learnt a great deal while studying, taking to professors, doing extracurricular activities and so on. College (also universities) is hard work and you have to be diligent in time keeping and getting all the assignments and test done on time.
The cost of college depends on the school and the amount of financial aid you receive from FAFSA. You could also work in the summer or even on campus. Your financial aid package should come in handy too. Parental contribution may also be an option for you. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are also available.
You should apply in November for the upcoming summer or fall attendance for college. Some schools have a different application deadline-you can check by going on their website or even talk to admissions at the college.
You should be admitted to college after high school. But while you are at high school you can apply to take college level classes too that directly transfer into college. You could also take deferred entry. But check in with the college first.
George Katsinis Jr. - AFC®
Personal Financial Counselor
37
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
George’s Answer
The first question to answer - before thinking about funding... is WHY?
Why do you "need" to go to college?
If it's a "want" to go, that's the wrong answer.
The answer should be... "for a career path that requires a Bachelor ( and Master) degree."
If you're going the college route...START earning college credits in high school....
THEN enter a community college - much less expensive (free tuition in Oregon) for the SAME lower level required courses that transfer to a university. Easier to live at home and save more. Work part-time and earn more.
THEN transfer all your credits to the IN-STATE university that offers the best program for your degree / career path. IF you're thinking about out-of-state universities, it should be because they are offering scholarships & grants to offset the extra cost, or it's required for a specific specialized degree program. Most employers don't care about the name of the school on your diploma. They care about your knowledge, skills, and abilities that allow you to perform the job well.
A lawyer friend of mine once told me.... "If you live like a college student while you're in school, later you'll live like a lawyer. If you live like a lawyer in college, later you'll live like a college student. KEEP YOUR DEBT DOWN!!! Student loans are LOANS, that get to be paid back with interest out of future income. The statistics about people now in the workforce who regret the path they took, and the debt accumulated are very sad.
There are many (maybe most all) great career paths that require education beyond high school, but not "college" to advance into $six-figure$ income range.
Why do you "need" to go to college?
If it's a "want" to go, that's the wrong answer.
The answer should be... "for a career path that requires a Bachelor ( and Master) degree."
If you're going the college route...START earning college credits in high school....
THEN enter a community college - much less expensive (free tuition in Oregon) for the SAME lower level required courses that transfer to a university. Easier to live at home and save more. Work part-time and earn more.
THEN transfer all your credits to the IN-STATE university that offers the best program for your degree / career path. IF you're thinking about out-of-state universities, it should be because they are offering scholarships & grants to offset the extra cost, or it's required for a specific specialized degree program. Most employers don't care about the name of the school on your diploma. They care about your knowledge, skills, and abilities that allow you to perform the job well.
A lawyer friend of mine once told me.... "If you live like a college student while you're in school, later you'll live like a lawyer. If you live like a lawyer in college, later you'll live like a college student. KEEP YOUR DEBT DOWN!!! Student loans are LOANS, that get to be paid back with interest out of future income. The statistics about people now in the workforce who regret the path they took, and the debt accumulated are very sad.
There are many (maybe most all) great career paths that require education beyond high school, but not "college" to advance into $six-figure$ income range.
Rhonda Gaines
Project Manager
4
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Rhonda’s Answer
Good for you! You're thinking ahead not only about college, but cost as well. College is what you make of it. While you are there to learn, it's also a time of transition to adulthood. Make friends, and use electives to take classes of interest that may be outside your major. Get involved with clubs and activities. If travel interests you look into Study Abroad opportunities. Depending on your current grade level that would give an idea of when and how you should begin your college preparation. If you are in middle school start considering colleges and majors of interest. Look at their websites to get information on tuition costs and financial aid options. Take dual enrollment and AP courses. These will allow you to get college credit for courses you take while in high school. Speak with your guidance counselor regarding questions and concerns. He/She can be a wonderful advocate and source of information as you go through this process. As far as when to start college after high school graduation, it varies from person to person. Some take a gap year to work, save money, etc. Others choose to attend community college. This can be a cheaper route before moving to a 4-year college/university. Your local library will also have information to help with the college search as well. Good luck!
David Quigley
Engineer
4
Answers
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
David’s Answer
First of all great question! College could/might be different to many people. To me it was just like high school except I lived on campus. So after school I wouldn't go home to my parents for dinner and to do my homework but instead go to my dorm room and work on my homework and then have dinner with my roommates. You could also get involved in intramural or athletics if you find that interesting like you might have done in high school.
Depends on where you decide to go to college depends on the costs. Some colleges are more expensive than others. Some colleges offer scholarships or financial aid. Some offer instate support.
The process to get into college is to find a good fit and then fill out any applications or paperwork required by the college and then get accepted.
Everyone is different but I recommend starting college right after you graduate. That is what I did and it worked well for me. I did have a few friends that took a year off before going to college so all depends on where you are in life and what you can afford and want to do that is definitely a personal decision.
Best of luck!!
Depends on where you decide to go to college depends on the costs. Some colleges are more expensive than others. Some colleges offer scholarships or financial aid. Some offer instate support.
The process to get into college is to find a good fit and then fill out any applications or paperwork required by the college and then get accepted.
Everyone is different but I recommend starting college right after you graduate. That is what I did and it worked well for me. I did have a few friends that took a year off before going to college so all depends on where you are in life and what you can afford and want to do that is definitely a personal decision.
Best of luck!!