6 answers
Naomie
Student
Lehigh Acres, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know whether or not college is actually something I want to do?
The careers I want to do require me to go to college, but I'm at the point where no matter how long I sit down and research colleges, I can't seem to find one that perfect for me.
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Naomie !
After researching what sounds like many colleges and not finding one that is acceptable to you can seem defeating and leave you questioning whether or not you indeed want to go to college. Since your interests require a college degree as you have mentioned it sounds like you will have to enroll in some college. If your interests change, than maybe you can discover one of the schools that suit your plans. Revaluate both your short term and long term goals and draw upon your personal determination to break out of the confusion.
What I see is the issue is that through your exploration of colleges and their programs, you have toyed with the idea of not going to college at all. That wouldn't solve anything, however. many people do very well enrolling at a nearby college and taking the required courses at first. At least you will have those completed and by than maybe will have decided on a more acceptable major and a good course of study. I don't know your reasons for not liking any of the colleges or what field your interests are in, but depending on what they may be, there's always a way around it. But you must take the first step and that is to enroll in college and complete your freshman year. Within that year you will receive great academic counseling, advice and new discoveries. Actually being in college will open new doors and provide you with new information. Never give up.
You should base your choice on choosing a school on financial considerations, too. Just because a school has a famous name doesn't mean once you attend it that it is guaranteed to be "perfect". If you are looking at various schools programs in the same major, they'll most likely all have about the same courses that are required. Make a list of what you're looking for and a list of the factors that make a school unacceptable to you. Like so many other things in life, nothing is perfect but that is the excitement in life, excitement that challenges you to grow.
Figure out any interests you have that maybe have better programs that are acceptable or any interests that would not require a college degree and choose what to do. I advise highly to follow through with your original idea to attend college and get a degree. The formal education path and the degree will provide experiences and growth that can't be compared to other learning experiences and you will be very glad that you took that first step.
I hope that this has helped you - never give up and do continue to ask specific questions for advice as we are happy to help out. Best wishes to you in your very important decisions !
After researching what sounds like many colleges and not finding one that is acceptable to you can seem defeating and leave you questioning whether or not you indeed want to go to college. Since your interests require a college degree as you have mentioned it sounds like you will have to enroll in some college. If your interests change, than maybe you can discover one of the schools that suit your plans. Revaluate both your short term and long term goals and draw upon your personal determination to break out of the confusion.
What I see is the issue is that through your exploration of colleges and their programs, you have toyed with the idea of not going to college at all. That wouldn't solve anything, however. many people do very well enrolling at a nearby college and taking the required courses at first. At least you will have those completed and by than maybe will have decided on a more acceptable major and a good course of study. I don't know your reasons for not liking any of the colleges or what field your interests are in, but depending on what they may be, there's always a way around it. But you must take the first step and that is to enroll in college and complete your freshman year. Within that year you will receive great academic counseling, advice and new discoveries. Actually being in college will open new doors and provide you with new information. Never give up.
You should base your choice on choosing a school on financial considerations, too. Just because a school has a famous name doesn't mean once you attend it that it is guaranteed to be "perfect". If you are looking at various schools programs in the same major, they'll most likely all have about the same courses that are required. Make a list of what you're looking for and a list of the factors that make a school unacceptable to you. Like so many other things in life, nothing is perfect but that is the excitement in life, excitement that challenges you to grow.
Figure out any interests you have that maybe have better programs that are acceptable or any interests that would not require a college degree and choose what to do. I advise highly to follow through with your original idea to attend college and get a degree. The formal education path and the degree will provide experiences and growth that can't be compared to other learning experiences and you will be very glad that you took that first step.
I hope that this has helped you - never give up and do continue to ask specific questions for advice as we are happy to help out. Best wishes to you in your very important decisions !
William Frontiero
Software Security Architect
1
Answer
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
William’s Answer
I can relate to your question. I personally put myself through college after much deliberation. Having a technical career that required a BS degree, it limited my options. That being said, I would drive your decision completely from your passion. Your passion will be the main driver for success in any career you choose (your degree will only compliment and enable your success). Do not just imagine what you want to do, decide you are going to do it, and determine what is needed to make it a reality.
About ten years back, I was educated on Decision Analysis. It provides a logical flow to document and articulate your reasoning.
Link to Decision Analysis process (Easy to follow)
https://www.mindtools.com/atznth6/the-kepner-tregoe-matrix
About ten years back, I was educated on Decision Analysis. It provides a logical flow to document and articulate your reasoning.
Link to Decision Analysis process (Easy to follow)
https://www.mindtools.com/atznth6/the-kepner-tregoe-matrix
Megan Christiano
Commercial Solutions Manager
5
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Megan’s Answer
If you do not know which college is right for you, that is totally okay, as it is a very hard (and important!!) decision. Community colleges are a great lower-risk option to consider. You can spend the first few years obtaining your gen-eds while you continue to research and explore colleges/universities that fit what you want, as well as a school that offers the degree you want to pursue. Also think about anyone in your life that is in college, or has gone through, to ask them about their experience to learn if its something you want to pursue. There are also tech schools, or professional certifications that you can look into, if college is not a fit. Best of luck! You will make the best decision for you.
Sadaf Rashid
Blogging
7
Answers
Renala Khurd, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Sadaf’s Answer
It is perfectly normal to feel unsure about whether or not college is right for you. After all, it is a major decision that can have a significant impact on your life.
Here are a few things you can do to decide if college is right for you:
Talk to people who have been to college. Ask them about their experiences, what they liked and disliked about college, and whether they think college was worth it.
Visit different colleges. This is a great way to get a feel for the different types of colleges that are available and to find one that is a good fit for you.
Consider your career goals. Do the careers you want to pursue require a college degree? If so, what type of college degree do you need?
Think about your financial situation. College can be expensive, so you need to make sure that you can afford to go.
Consider your personal preferences. What type of college environment do you want? Do you want a big school with a lot of activities and resources, or do you prefer a smaller school with a more intimate setting?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to go to college is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer. The important thing is to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make the decision that is best for you.
If you are still unsure about whether or not college is right for you, you may want to consider taking a gap year. This is a year that you take off between high school and college. During this time, you can explore your options, gain work experience, or volunteer. This can help you to clarify your career goals and decide if college is the right path for you.
I hope this information is helpful. Good luck with your decision!
Here are a few things you can do to decide if college is right for you:
Talk to people who have been to college. Ask them about their experiences, what they liked and disliked about college, and whether they think college was worth it.
Visit different colleges. This is a great way to get a feel for the different types of colleges that are available and to find one that is a good fit for you.
Consider your career goals. Do the careers you want to pursue require a college degree? If so, what type of college degree do you need?
Think about your financial situation. College can be expensive, so you need to make sure that you can afford to go.
Consider your personal preferences. What type of college environment do you want? Do you want a big school with a lot of activities and resources, or do you prefer a smaller school with a more intimate setting?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to go to college is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer. The important thing is to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make the decision that is best for you.
If you are still unsure about whether or not college is right for you, you may want to consider taking a gap year. This is a year that you take off between high school and college. During this time, you can explore your options, gain work experience, or volunteer. This can help you to clarify your career goals and decide if college is the right path for you.
I hope this information is helpful. Good luck with your decision!
María de Fátima Villarreal Ochoa
Nutritionist
2
Answers
San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Updated
María de Fátima’s Answer
Hello Naomi,
Remember, the perfect college choice that ticks all our boxes may not always exist. The best approach could be to jot down the career paths you're interested in. For each of these, consider creating a list of advantages and disadvantages. This will help you gain a clearer perspective on what you'd like to pursue academically. Once you've narrowed down your interests, delve into the study programs offered by various colleges. This could significantly assist you in making a more informed decision.
I trust this advice will guide you well.
Stay strong and positive,
María de Fátima Villarreal Ochoa
Remember, the perfect college choice that ticks all our boxes may not always exist. The best approach could be to jot down the career paths you're interested in. For each of these, consider creating a list of advantages and disadvantages. This will help you gain a clearer perspective on what you'd like to pursue academically. Once you've narrowed down your interests, delve into the study programs offered by various colleges. This could significantly assist you in making a more informed decision.
I trust this advice will guide you well.
Stay strong and positive,
María de Fátima Villarreal Ochoa
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you may need to think about what careers you have interest before deciding which college is suitable for you. Different colleges have strength on different subjects. Also, in addition to learning the knowledge, the college also trains up your critical thinking and analysis skills. Apart from academic, you can participate and organize many extra curriculum activities and you can establish great people network in the college. College days is one of my most memorable moments in my life.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects will be the major and minor you are look for.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects will be the major and minor you are look for.
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!