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What collage should I go to ?
I need help in selecting what collage I should to?How will it affect me?what are the right and wrong I should know.what and who do you recommend for me?
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13 answers
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hey! Most of the time the name of your college does not matter. A degree is a degree. I recommend that you take your first 2 years of courses in a community college. It is cheaper and easier. The classes are smaller.
However, if you want to live in the dorms, you should look at your state universities. Google your state and then state universities to see your options. You can also look up college rankings on the following website: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings.
However, if you want to live in the dorms, you should look at your state universities. Google your state and then state universities to see your options. You can also look up college rankings on the following website: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings.
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Hi!
Great question. Do some research on some colleges that you think you'd might like (as mentioned previously). If you don't have any on the top of your mind, do a simple search "best college for <career>" and that's a good way to start. The biggest thing you want to look for/double check is any college you look at actually have the program you're interested in.
Next is go on a tour to your top picks. Things to keep in mind
- What were the dorms like
- How comfortable were you walking around campus
- did you like the feel of the college? (it's a weird thing to think about, but a lot of people chose to go to smaller colleges because they didn't like the feeling of a larger school).
- If your high school had a college program (some allow you take college classes or AP classes), do they transfer?
I recommend (if possible), go once in the fall/winter and once in the spring/summer. Campuses can look different depending on the season, and if you go to a northern school, how cold is it and are you ok walking around. Try not to tour a campus during prep week (you can find when this is on the college's website). Campus at this time is a lot quieter than it might normally be since students are getting ready for finals.
Then financial aid/resources for students. They can't tell you exactly what scholarships they'll give you on a tour, but they can tell you what the process is like.
At the end of the day, you should go to a school that fits you best. You don't need to go to the biggest and best to get into your dream career. Companies will hire from just about any college/university program.
Great question. Do some research on some colleges that you think you'd might like (as mentioned previously). If you don't have any on the top of your mind, do a simple search "best college for <career>" and that's a good way to start. The biggest thing you want to look for/double check is any college you look at actually have the program you're interested in.
Next is go on a tour to your top picks. Things to keep in mind
- What were the dorms like
- How comfortable were you walking around campus
- did you like the feel of the college? (it's a weird thing to think about, but a lot of people chose to go to smaller colleges because they didn't like the feeling of a larger school).
- If your high school had a college program (some allow you take college classes or AP classes), do they transfer?
I recommend (if possible), go once in the fall/winter and once in the spring/summer. Campuses can look different depending on the season, and if you go to a northern school, how cold is it and are you ok walking around. Try not to tour a campus during prep week (you can find when this is on the college's website). Campus at this time is a lot quieter than it might normally be since students are getting ready for finals.
Then financial aid/resources for students. They can't tell you exactly what scholarships they'll give you on a tour, but they can tell you what the process is like.
At the end of the day, you should go to a school that fits you best. You don't need to go to the biggest and best to get into your dream career. Companies will hire from just about any college/university program.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Do you know what you want to do following college? That would impact your decision.
Also, how much can you afford to pay for college? Typically in the USA staying in-state to go to college is often much more affordable than venturing out of state. That's not always 100% true, however. I live in South Carolina and there are several schools in Georgia and North Carolina that provide in-state tuition rates to residents of South Carolina.
Another thing to consider regarding financing your education is this: If you plan on majoring on something like Liberal Arts (for example, English, education, a language, etc.) then there's no reason to go to a pricey 4-year university when a smaller liberal arts school would afford you the same qualifications and would be significantly cheaper in the long run.
Also, how much can you afford to pay for college? Typically in the USA staying in-state to go to college is often much more affordable than venturing out of state. That's not always 100% true, however. I live in South Carolina and there are several schools in Georgia and North Carolina that provide in-state tuition rates to residents of South Carolina.
Another thing to consider regarding financing your education is this: If you plan on majoring on something like Liberal Arts (for example, English, education, a language, etc.) then there's no reason to go to a pricey 4-year university when a smaller liberal arts school would afford you the same qualifications and would be significantly cheaper in the long run.
Updated
David’s Answer
That's a fantastic question and a crucial one too! Let's start by having a chat with your guidance counselor about colleges and scholarships. Explore different careers and see what really excites you, then start applying for scholarships in those areas. Another great option is to attend a community college where you can complete your prerequisites and electives without breaking the bank. Remember, it's perfectly fine to change your mind as you go along. The most important thing is to keep going and stay committed to your journey.
Hope this advice is helpful to you!
Hope this advice is helpful to you!
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hello Rac. I would recommend working backwards. Think about your end goal and where you would like to be in life. Then decide what is the best path to get there. For example, if you want to be an engineer, seek out engineers on platforms like Linkedin. Ask them about their career path and college experiences. People are willing to help. Also once deciding on a college, think about cost, social atmosphere, and reputation. Cost can't be overlooked because if you have to take out a student loan, that may impact you financially as you go into your career. If a social atmosphere is important, you may want to consider that. College allows you the opportunity to make lifelong friends. If you go to a college that doesn't have much in the way of a social atmosphere, that may be a negative. Networking is huge as you go into the work world. Reputation is a factor as well. While I take prestige with a grain of salt, there is a benefit early in your career of attending a college with a superb reputation. At the end of the day, you need to attend a school that is going to get you to your end goal. If you can do that in an environment that allows you to excel with minimal student debt, you'll be in good shape for stable life post college.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Different colleges have their strength in different subjects. Firstly, you may need to find out what careers you have interest to identify the college that suits you.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical, artist, singer, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who working int 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 target in college
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and 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
E.g If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical, artist, singer, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who working int 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 target in college
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Rac !
It is often times difficult to settle upon a major and a college when one has many interests and many colleges to choose from. Your tags under your question show that you are interested in technology, medicine, IT and business. In your home state of Indiana, there are 24 colleges for IT. I have left a link to them for you below. A link for the best colleges in IN for business is provided for you below also. There's also a link for medical schools below, too.
What I would suggest is that you contact any of the schools that show an interesting study program and register for an orientation at the schools. By doing this, you will know if you like it or not and be able to gather information at the orientation that you need to make your decision. No one can say how your choice "will affect you" as you've mentioned in your question. Only you will get an initial feel for the campuses and be able to know which one you'd like to enroll at. No one can say how the degree from which school will affect your speed of obtaining employment after graduation. There are too many variables involved to predict that, so it is a journey, but well worth the studying and work you put into your college experience. Choose a college for the program they offer, the environment that you like and what feels right to you personally. Take it one step at a time without trying to guess your outcomes. Having the worry about the future can create doubt and barriers that keep you from moving ahead.
It will take a lot of reading and leg work on your part to explore the different colleges, but you can do it ! Keep a notebook and gather the information and compare the colleges and their protocol, programs and academic statistics. The great thing is that you get to make the final decision, no matter what anyone says, suggests or tells you to do. It will be your experience and you are in charge.
So instead of recommending any particular college for you, I think it's right that you begin active steps in doing some exploring as soon as possible. You will see how this will start to throw worry out the door and start making sense to you and provide a sense of comfort as you gather the information. Hopefully you will be able to visit most of the colleges to get the real time, in person experience which will help you make your choices.
I hope that this helps you along the way and I wish you all the best on an exciting journey in finding a college you really love !
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-information-technology/s/indiana/ INDIANA COLLEGES FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-business/s/indiana/INDIANA COLLEGES FOR BUSINESS
https://medicalschoolhq.net/medical-schools-in-indiana/ MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN INDIANA
It is often times difficult to settle upon a major and a college when one has many interests and many colleges to choose from. Your tags under your question show that you are interested in technology, medicine, IT and business. In your home state of Indiana, there are 24 colleges for IT. I have left a link to them for you below. A link for the best colleges in IN for business is provided for you below also. There's also a link for medical schools below, too.
What I would suggest is that you contact any of the schools that show an interesting study program and register for an orientation at the schools. By doing this, you will know if you like it or not and be able to gather information at the orientation that you need to make your decision. No one can say how your choice "will affect you" as you've mentioned in your question. Only you will get an initial feel for the campuses and be able to know which one you'd like to enroll at. No one can say how the degree from which school will affect your speed of obtaining employment after graduation. There are too many variables involved to predict that, so it is a journey, but well worth the studying and work you put into your college experience. Choose a college for the program they offer, the environment that you like and what feels right to you personally. Take it one step at a time without trying to guess your outcomes. Having the worry about the future can create doubt and barriers that keep you from moving ahead.
It will take a lot of reading and leg work on your part to explore the different colleges, but you can do it ! Keep a notebook and gather the information and compare the colleges and their protocol, programs and academic statistics. The great thing is that you get to make the final decision, no matter what anyone says, suggests or tells you to do. It will be your experience and you are in charge.
So instead of recommending any particular college for you, I think it's right that you begin active steps in doing some exploring as soon as possible. You will see how this will start to throw worry out the door and start making sense to you and provide a sense of comfort as you gather the information. Hopefully you will be able to visit most of the colleges to get the real time, in person experience which will help you make your choices.
I hope that this helps you along the way and I wish you all the best on an exciting journey in finding a college you really love !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Michael Leibrandt, CCNA, CNS-D, VSE, CDCA
IT Project Manager, Supervisor of Audio/Visual Services, Information Technology Engineer II
13
Answers
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Rac! Congratulations on going to college. Just the fact that you are considering these questions means that you will do fine. The first question that I would try to answer is what you want to study. Don't worry about locking into something for the rest of your life, just concentrate on what interests you to pick a field of study. Then I would try to decide between a large university and a smaller school. I would have been lost in a large university with Auditoriums and Lecture Halls full of hundreds of people. You'll be able to answer this for yourself. Best of luck in your decision and enjoy college!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Rac,
Guiding You to Make the Right College Decision
Choosing the right college is a pivotal decision that can shape your future significantly. It's crucial to weigh various factors to ensure you're making the best choice for your academic, career, and personal development. Here are some essential tips to guide you:
1. Set clear goals: Define your academic and career ambitions. Assess your interests, strengths, and weaknesses to select the right major and program.
2. Research colleges: Collect information about various colleges, their programs, rankings, tuition fees, campus life, and alumni network. Use online resources, college fairs, and visits for a comprehensive understanding.
3. Review the curriculum: Ensure the college offers the necessary courses for your goals. Look for any specializations or concentrations beneficial for your future career.
4. Think about the location: Consider how the college's location might influence your living costs, transportation, and job opportunities.
5. Verify the accreditation: Confirm the college is accredited by a reputable agency, guaranteeing the quality of your education.
6. Check the faculty: Investigate the faculty's qualifications and experience, which can greatly affect your learning experience.
7. Review available resources: Consider resources like libraries, research facilities, internship opportunities, and career services.
8. Understand the campus culture: Research the social and extracurricular life on campus to see if it matches your preferences and values.
9. Consider the cost: Compare the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board with your financial aid options, scholarships, and future earning potential.
10. Seek advice: Speak with current students, alumni, and professionals in your field for insights into the college and its reputation.
To further assist you, here are some authoritative books:
1. "The College Choice: The Essential Guide to Finding the Right College" by Jay Mathews (2018)
2. "College Confidential: A Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process" by Joseph E. Kerschner and the College Confidential Team (2019)
3. "The Best 382 Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide to America's Top Schools" by the Princeton Review (2020)
Remember, the right college choice is a personal one, requiring careful thought about your goals, preferences, and priorities. By thoroughly researching and evaluating your options, you can make a well-informed decision that paves the way for your academic and professional success.
Best Wishes and God Bless,
James.
Guiding You to Make the Right College Decision
Choosing the right college is a pivotal decision that can shape your future significantly. It's crucial to weigh various factors to ensure you're making the best choice for your academic, career, and personal development. Here are some essential tips to guide you:
1. Set clear goals: Define your academic and career ambitions. Assess your interests, strengths, and weaknesses to select the right major and program.
2. Research colleges: Collect information about various colleges, their programs, rankings, tuition fees, campus life, and alumni network. Use online resources, college fairs, and visits for a comprehensive understanding.
3. Review the curriculum: Ensure the college offers the necessary courses for your goals. Look for any specializations or concentrations beneficial for your future career.
4. Think about the location: Consider how the college's location might influence your living costs, transportation, and job opportunities.
5. Verify the accreditation: Confirm the college is accredited by a reputable agency, guaranteeing the quality of your education.
6. Check the faculty: Investigate the faculty's qualifications and experience, which can greatly affect your learning experience.
7. Review available resources: Consider resources like libraries, research facilities, internship opportunities, and career services.
8. Understand the campus culture: Research the social and extracurricular life on campus to see if it matches your preferences and values.
9. Consider the cost: Compare the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board with your financial aid options, scholarships, and future earning potential.
10. Seek advice: Speak with current students, alumni, and professionals in your field for insights into the college and its reputation.
To further assist you, here are some authoritative books:
1. "The College Choice: The Essential Guide to Finding the Right College" by Jay Mathews (2018)
2. "College Confidential: A Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process" by Joseph E. Kerschner and the College Confidential Team (2019)
3. "The Best 382 Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide to America's Top Schools" by the Princeton Review (2020)
Remember, the right college choice is a personal one, requiring careful thought about your goals, preferences, and priorities. By thoroughly researching and evaluating your options, you can make a well-informed decision that paves the way for your academic and professional success.
Best Wishes and God Bless,
James.
Updated
Barry’s Answer
The college that you go to is less important than choosing a college that has a good program for which you are interested. Look for a college program that provides the ability to intern in your chosen field. This can help you get "real-life" experience and help you make some connections for work after college.
Updated
Britt’s Answer
Hi!
Some of the most successful people I know took the path of a 2 year degree first before moving on to higher education. Higher education can be a completely new experience socially, emotionally, and physically for many people. Giving yourself time to adjust is smart and healthy!
Look for an option that provides you with an education that is affordable and can be achieved within the timeframe you are looking for. Depending on your personality choosing a place where you have a pre-existing social circle can be a positive. If you currently don't have a positive social circle, that's ok! College and Universities are where many people find their flock! Look for activities and existing groups available. Part of the higher education experience is building your network of people in various areas. One of the best things you can do is have people supporting you and looking out for you who are in different fields. The saying it's not always what you know, it's who you know is very true in the corporate world.
Finally, I'd say don't be afraid to change. If you spend a year at a College or University and you find it's not for you, move on. Your educational experience is your own!
Some of the most successful people I know took the path of a 2 year degree first before moving on to higher education. Higher education can be a completely new experience socially, emotionally, and physically for many people. Giving yourself time to adjust is smart and healthy!
Look for an option that provides you with an education that is affordable and can be achieved within the timeframe you are looking for. Depending on your personality choosing a place where you have a pre-existing social circle can be a positive. If you currently don't have a positive social circle, that's ok! College and Universities are where many people find their flock! Look for activities and existing groups available. Part of the higher education experience is building your network of people in various areas. One of the best things you can do is have people supporting you and looking out for you who are in different fields. The saying it's not always what you know, it's who you know is very true in the corporate world.
Finally, I'd say don't be afraid to change. If you spend a year at a College or University and you find it's not for you, move on. Your educational experience is your own!
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
I'm a big fan of local community colleges, particularly if you're still figuring out where you want to complete your college journey or what degree you're aiming for. This was the path I chose, and it allowed me to save some cash while I figured out which college was the perfect match for my ambitions.
Here are some friendly prompts to guide you on your journey:
1. What sparks my interest?
2. Am I leaning towards staying local, sticking within my state, or venturing out of state for school?
3. Which institutions offer the best programs to align with my career aspirations?
Here are some friendly prompts to guide you on your journey:
1. What sparks my interest?
2. Am I leaning towards staying local, sticking within my state, or venturing out of state for school?
3. Which institutions offer the best programs to align with my career aspirations?
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
1. Do your research - figure out what colleges have a reputation for the program(s) you are interested in.
2. What can you afford - you first choice might not be fiscally possible, have several options available
3. What about social clubs, sports, etc. (there is more to collage than just the major) :-)
4. Visit the colleges you are interested in once list is narrowed down
5. Most colleges have tours, student led groups that will give you a good idea of how life is at a particular college, utilize these resources.
Make sure it feels right! This is your experience!
2. What can you afford - you first choice might not be fiscally possible, have several options available
3. What about social clubs, sports, etc. (there is more to collage than just the major) :-)
4. Visit the colleges you are interested in once list is narrowed down
5. Most colleges have tours, student led groups that will give you a good idea of how life is at a particular college, utilize these resources.
Make sure it feels right! This is your experience!