6 answers
Madi
Student
San Leandro, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know what is the right college for me?
How do you know what to major in if you don't have any passions or you don't know what you want to pursue. I'm applying for some scholarships btu a lot of them ask where you want to go for college or what you want to major in but I don't have an answer yet
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6 answers
Celeste Rivera
Account Coordinator
5
Answers
Oxnard, California
Updated
Celeste’s Answer
Hi! This is a super common thing that happens to young adults - not knowing whats next! I'd start of by asking yourself - why do I want to go to school? Yes, a degree can lead to a higher-paying job than without, but it is NOT the only way to do that! Because of the older generations, a lot of people are stuck in the mindset that college is what makes you successful, and its not - its YOU! Trade schools, special occupation programs and experience can get you just as far as a degree would, so please don't put yourself through college if you aren't ready or if you don't really want to go! It's not worth going into debt if you don't already have a goal for what to do to pay it off afterwards.
Now for majors, what is something you're interested in? What is something you'd love to spend the rest of your life doing? These questions are helpful guides for your study plans. Some people are dedicated to researching diseases that have impacted their loved ones while others create art, and you need to choose what you're willing to dedicate years of studying for, and what field you'd like to get a career in! Going into college, all I knew was that I wanted my degree, I wanted to help people, and through my experiences on campus and in life from the start of my degree, I was guided to a career in Marketing, something I knew I was down for, and was similar to my degree! Knowing what you want is a crucial piece of this!
That leads to schools : if you decide you want a degree in, for example, Veterinary Medicine - you might want to go to a school like UC Davis as opposed to Stanford, or any other school that "sounds" good. The school you choose needs to be fit to your area of study! In this example, UC Davis is one of the TOP schools for Vet science, even though it might not be as well known or hyped up to others.
Your educational journey is about you and you only - so take some time to think about what exactly it is you want out of this experience! Good luck!
Now for majors, what is something you're interested in? What is something you'd love to spend the rest of your life doing? These questions are helpful guides for your study plans. Some people are dedicated to researching diseases that have impacted their loved ones while others create art, and you need to choose what you're willing to dedicate years of studying for, and what field you'd like to get a career in! Going into college, all I knew was that I wanted my degree, I wanted to help people, and through my experiences on campus and in life from the start of my degree, I was guided to a career in Marketing, something I knew I was down for, and was similar to my degree! Knowing what you want is a crucial piece of this!
That leads to schools : if you decide you want a degree in, for example, Veterinary Medicine - you might want to go to a school like UC Davis as opposed to Stanford, or any other school that "sounds" good. The school you choose needs to be fit to your area of study! In this example, UC Davis is one of the TOP schools for Vet science, even though it might not be as well known or hyped up to others.
Your educational journey is about you and you only - so take some time to think about what exactly it is you want out of this experience! Good luck!
Thanks for the advice.
Madi
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you may need to determine what careers / subjects that you would like to pursue before explore the college you should look for.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the careers you have interest and explore on these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school counsellor
3. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
4. Explore the college review and ranking on the relevant subjects in the college and the entry criteria.
5. Find out the scholarship offering in these colleges you would like to apply
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the careers you have interest and explore on these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school counsellor
3. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
4. Explore the college review and ranking on the relevant subjects in the college and the entry criteria.
5. Find out the scholarship offering in these colleges you would like to apply
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you!
Madi
Dr Sire Ajay Karanam
Super CEO
15
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Dr Sire Ajay’s Answer
Hi please
1) check your overall credentials, kindly discuss with your parents teachers classmates and others
2) kindly see what is your most liked and loved course, for example history, then apply accordingly
thanks oneness healthiest times
🍊🙏😊😊
1) check your overall credentials, kindly discuss with your parents teachers classmates and others
2) kindly see what is your most liked and loved course, for example history, then apply accordingly
thanks oneness healthiest times
🍊🙏😊😊
Paula Reible
Educator/Teacher
2
Answers
Potomac, Maryland
Updated
Paula’s Answer
These are indeed insightful questions, and I encourage you to ponder on your interests, as they often reveal your true passions. Ask yourself what skills come naturally to you? What tasks do you find challenging? Begin with these reflections, then consider a career that aligns with your passions. I suggest arranging your passions in order of importance to create a list. Concentrate on this list, refine it if necessary, as this will assist you in recognizing and embracing your passions.
Jackie da Costa
Major Gifts Officer
8
Answers
Tiburon, California
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Hi! I would say that it’s really common to not know. I didn’t choose my business major focus until I was a senior and most people just pick something randomly. I would say think about different things that seem interesting but also maybe job shadow people which means you would follow them during the work day. I don’t know if it’s possible to start with people in family but it’s a good way to get a sense what what you do/don’t want.
In terms of the scholarships, I wouldn’t worry about having to follow the path you state you are interested. For example, if you are remotely interested in medicine then just say you are thinking about it. The beauty of going to college is you can take a variety of classes and get exposed to different things.
In terms of colleges, most people do visits. If you can’t go in person, I know a lot of schools are doing virtual tours and offer conversations with alumni so you can learn from them what they like. I would take to admission offices and talk to your guidance counselor at your school
In terms of the scholarships, I wouldn’t worry about having to follow the path you state you are interested. For example, if you are remotely interested in medicine then just say you are thinking about it. The beauty of going to college is you can take a variety of classes and get exposed to different things.
In terms of colleges, most people do visits. If you can’t go in person, I know a lot of schools are doing virtual tours and offer conversations with alumni so you can learn from them what they like. I would take to admission offices and talk to your guidance counselor at your school
Thanks for the advice.
Madi
Jerry Li
MS
7
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Choosing the right college for my Bachelor's degree was a breeze because I had a clear idea of what I wanted to study. I used my qualifications to apply to colleges where I had an 80% chance of getting accepted. I was successful, and I'm still enjoying my chosen field.
Now, it's your turn to identify what you're interested in. If you have a single passion like I did, you can follow my example. But if you have several interests, try to narrow them down to two or three. Look for colleges that allow students to switch their majors. A great place to find this information is through your high school alumni association, where you can get lots of first-hand advice. If you're willing to invest a bit, consider hiring a College Admissions Consultant for guidance.
Remember, college isn't the only place for learning. We all pick up various skills and knowledge in our workplaces. So, never stop learning, whether you're in college or at work!
Now, it's your turn to identify what you're interested in. If you have a single passion like I did, you can follow my example. But if you have several interests, try to narrow them down to two or three. Look for colleges that allow students to switch their majors. A great place to find this information is through your high school alumni association, where you can get lots of first-hand advice. If you're willing to invest a bit, consider hiring a College Admissions Consultant for guidance.
Remember, college isn't the only place for learning. We all pick up various skills and knowledge in our workplaces. So, never stop learning, whether you're in college or at work!