8 answers
Maren
Student
Powell, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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When should I start really thinking about college and my future? I feel very underwhelmed with the fact that I dont know what I am going to do in the future. I don't know what to do.
When should I start really thinking about college and my future? I feel very underwhelmed with the fact that I dont know what I am going to do in the future. I don't know what to do.
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8 answers
Christopher Doherty
Financial Advisor
24
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi There. I agree that it is very ok to feel the way you do. The good part is that you don't need to know what you want in the future right now.
Thinking about college can be overwhelming. If you feel like everything is too much, start by making a list of what you want to do..not in life but just today! An example would be: 1) have a good breakfast; 2) contact the college counselor at school (If you have one); make your bed (I put that on every day). 3) Look up colleges in your area and see what and when they require certain information and add those deadlines to your list. The best part about a list is that you get to cross each item out once you've done it. It will make feel good. Good luck.
Thinking about college can be overwhelming. If you feel like everything is too much, start by making a list of what you want to do..not in life but just today! An example would be: 1) have a good breakfast; 2) contact the college counselor at school (If you have one); make your bed (I put that on every day). 3) Look up colleges in your area and see what and when they require certain information and add those deadlines to your list. The best part about a list is that you get to cross each item out once you've done it. It will make feel good. Good luck.
By your Jr year in HS
Maria Barone
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future, especially when it comes to college and career choices. Here's some guidance on when and how to start thinking about your future:
1. **Self-Exploration:** Start by understanding your interests, strengths, and passions. What subjects or activities genuinely excite you? Reflect on your hobbies, values, and personal goals. Self-awareness is the foundation for making meaningful choices about your future.
2. **Career Exploration:** Begin researching various career paths and industries. Talk to professionals in fields you find interesting, attend career fairs, and explore online resources like career websites and assessments. This will help you discover potential career options.
3. **Academic Planning:** While in high school, consider taking a variety of courses to explore different subjects. If you have a particular career or field in mind, focus on courses that align with those interests. Your high school guidance counselor can also provide academic guidance.
4. **Extracurricular Activities:** Join clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests. These activities not only enrich your high school experience but also help you develop important skills and network with like-minded individuals.
5. **Talk to Mentors:** Seek advice from teachers, mentors, family members, or older students who have gone through the college and career decision-making process. They can offer valuable insights and guidance.
6. **College Research:** If you're considering college, start researching different institutions, their programs, and admission requirements. Consider factors like location, size, reputation, and available scholarships.
7. **Gap Year:** Some students choose to take a gap year after high school to explore their interests, travel, or gain work experience before committing to college. This can be a valuable option if you're unsure about your path.
8. **Set Goals:** Once you have a better understanding of your interests and potential career paths, start setting short-term and long-term goals. What do you want to achieve academically and professionally? Having goals can provide direction.
9. **Seek Guidance:** Don't hesitate to seek guidance from a career counselor or academic advisor. They can help you create a plan for your future and assist with college applications, scholarships, and career development.
10. **Stay Open-Minded:** Keep in mind that your plans may change over time, and that's okay. Many people switch careers or majors multiple times in their lives. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable skills in today's ever-changing world.
Remember that there's no specific timeline for figuring out your future. It's a process that varies for each individual. What's most important is that you take steps to explore your interests, set goals, and make informed decisions based on your unique aspirations and circumstances. It's never too early or too late to start thinking about your future, so take your time, and don't be too hard on yourself during this journey of self-discovery.
1. **Self-Exploration:** Start by understanding your interests, strengths, and passions. What subjects or activities genuinely excite you? Reflect on your hobbies, values, and personal goals. Self-awareness is the foundation for making meaningful choices about your future.
2. **Career Exploration:** Begin researching various career paths and industries. Talk to professionals in fields you find interesting, attend career fairs, and explore online resources like career websites and assessments. This will help you discover potential career options.
3. **Academic Planning:** While in high school, consider taking a variety of courses to explore different subjects. If you have a particular career or field in mind, focus on courses that align with those interests. Your high school guidance counselor can also provide academic guidance.
4. **Extracurricular Activities:** Join clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations that align with your interests. These activities not only enrich your high school experience but also help you develop important skills and network with like-minded individuals.
5. **Talk to Mentors:** Seek advice from teachers, mentors, family members, or older students who have gone through the college and career decision-making process. They can offer valuable insights and guidance.
6. **College Research:** If you're considering college, start researching different institutions, their programs, and admission requirements. Consider factors like location, size, reputation, and available scholarships.
7. **Gap Year:** Some students choose to take a gap year after high school to explore their interests, travel, or gain work experience before committing to college. This can be a valuable option if you're unsure about your path.
8. **Set Goals:** Once you have a better understanding of your interests and potential career paths, start setting short-term and long-term goals. What do you want to achieve academically and professionally? Having goals can provide direction.
9. **Seek Guidance:** Don't hesitate to seek guidance from a career counselor or academic advisor. They can help you create a plan for your future and assist with college applications, scholarships, and career development.
10. **Stay Open-Minded:** Keep in mind that your plans may change over time, and that's okay. Many people switch careers or majors multiple times in their lives. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable skills in today's ever-changing world.
Remember that there's no specific timeline for figuring out your future. It's a process that varies for each individual. What's most important is that you take steps to explore your interests, set goals, and make informed decisions based on your unique aspirations and circumstances. It's never too early or too late to start thinking about your future, so take your time, and don't be too hard on yourself during this journey of self-discovery.
Sarah Webb
Interior designer
15
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Planning for your future can start at any time, even if you're not sure about your career path yet. Always strive to do your best in school, as it's a key factor in deciding where you'll go to college. The sooner you start planning, the more ready you'll be when it's time to take the next step. Remember, it's never too early to start preparing for your future!
Yanna Ma
Internal Audit
39
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Yanna’s Answer
Hi there, it's absolutely okay to feel the way you do. If you're looking to shape your future, start by identifying what you're truly passionate about, what activities make you happy, and what goals you want to reach. Engage in conversations with individuals who've been in your shoes before, such as former students, your classmates, or even your school's guidance counselors. Additionally, think about getting a part-time job. It's a great way to meet different people and it might even help you uncover what you're passionate about.
Terry Parnell
Law Enforcement Officer
3
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Terry’s Answer
Your feelings are normal. Even people who think they know what they want to do from an early age get involved in the career and find it's not for them. I didn't hit on my final career path until I was in my 30's. I would make a list of things you enjoy and see if can find some volunteer activities that let you experience them. One thing to be aware of is that our passions and life's practicalities don't always match up. It's possible to passionate about something and not to be able to make a living at it. I see you have art listed in your tags. Art is a wide subject and if it's one of your passions there are ways to pay for your college and make a living but it may not be painting canvas or sculpturing. Maybe your day job would be graphic design and you fulfill the passion by painting on the side. I loved medicine but I could never afford to go to medical school so I became a paramedic. At that time being a paramedic and making a living weren't exactly the same track. So I found I job I tolerated well that made me and my frailly comfortable and I volunteered to fulfill my passion. If you don't know what your "Major" should be get your basic college courses out of the way and explore your options while you are doing that.. Money doesn't buy happiness but it can give you the opportunity to chase those passions later.
List passions
Look at practical applications of passions in order to make a living
If you can chase a passion, if not find something you can do and be happy while you find ways to fulfill that passion.
Terry recommends the following next steps:
Jen Goetz
Recruiting Leader
12
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Jen’s Answer
It's okay to not know what you want to do! Try exposing yourself to different career journeys by always being inquisitive about different careers and asking questions of people in those careers about what is great and what is challenging about different roles. People often enjoy sharing their career journeys with students who are trying to pick a path. And remember you can always change your mind and pivot. Sometimes ruling out careers that don't align to your interests is as critical and choosing a career path that does. Picking a career is not a race. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to have it all figured out. A large percentage of people choose careers that are totally different than what they end up getting a degree in. Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3778
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Maren!
Wondering When to Start Planning for College and Your Future?
Feeling a bit overwhelmed or uncertain about your future is completely normal. However, it's crucial to start contemplating your future and college as early as possible. Although it might seem intimidating, beginning early can help lessen the stress and uncertainty. Here are some suggestions on when to start considering your college and future plans:
1. Middle School: This is a great time to start exploring your interests and strengths, which could guide you towards potential career paths. You can also start researching colleges and universities, their programs, and requirements. This will give you a head start in planning your academic and career objectives.
2. High School: Now, you should start taking more challenging courses that align with your interests and career aspirations. These could include Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, as well as vocational or technical courses. Start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, which are often required for college admissions.
3. Junior Year: This is the time to start applying to colleges and universities. It can be a lengthy process, so it's crucial to start early and stay organized. You should also start considering financial aid and scholarships, along with other college admission requirements.
4. Senior Year: This is when you should finalize your college applications and prepare for college entrance exams. Also, start thinking about your plans after graduation, such as whether you'll go straight to college or take a gap year.
Remember, the timeline for planning your future can vary based on your personal circumstances. Some students may already know exactly what they want to do and when, while others may need more time to figure out their plans. The key is to start thinking about your future early and take small steps towards your goals each year.
Stay blessed!
Wondering When to Start Planning for College and Your Future?
Feeling a bit overwhelmed or uncertain about your future is completely normal. However, it's crucial to start contemplating your future and college as early as possible. Although it might seem intimidating, beginning early can help lessen the stress and uncertainty. Here are some suggestions on when to start considering your college and future plans:
1. Middle School: This is a great time to start exploring your interests and strengths, which could guide you towards potential career paths. You can also start researching colleges and universities, their programs, and requirements. This will give you a head start in planning your academic and career objectives.
2. High School: Now, you should start taking more challenging courses that align with your interests and career aspirations. These could include Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, as well as vocational or technical courses. Start preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, which are often required for college admissions.
3. Junior Year: This is the time to start applying to colleges and universities. It can be a lengthy process, so it's crucial to start early and stay organized. You should also start considering financial aid and scholarships, along with other college admission requirements.
4. Senior Year: This is when you should finalize your college applications and prepare for college entrance exams. Also, start thinking about your plans after graduation, such as whether you'll go straight to college or take a gap year.
Remember, the timeline for planning your future can vary based on your personal circumstances. Some students may already know exactly what they want to do and when, while others may need more time to figure out their plans. The key is to start thinking about your future early and take small steps towards your goals each year.
Stay blessed!
I removed the broken/irrelevant links. I did like the suggestion of the Big Future checklist and I found the correct URL: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/checklist/9th-grade
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3778
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Start your journey by assisting others, even if there's no immediate financial reward. Then, choose a career path that aligns with this passion. It could be teaching, where you have the opportunity to shape the minds of young individuals who are yet to qualify. Or perhaps you might find your calling in the medical field, such as physiotherapy, allied health, or nursing. The ultimate goal is to improve people's quality of life.
As a dietician, it deeply affects me to know that there are approximately 858 million people suffering from hunger globally. This staggering figure is nearly 10% of the population in LA. In LA alone, a quarter of a million people are homeless.
Currently, I am collaborating with my friend, a natural healer who owns a business in the US. We are working on creating a nutritional formula specifically designed for the homeless, in partnership with NASA. Thank you.
As a dietician, it deeply affects me to know that there are approximately 858 million people suffering from hunger globally. This staggering figure is nearly 10% of the population in LA. In LA alone, a quarter of a million people are homeless.
Currently, I am collaborating with my friend, a natural healer who owns a business in the US. We are working on creating a nutritional formula specifically designed for the homeless, in partnership with NASA. Thank you.