So whether you are going through the process of picking out colleges, or someone you know is....this will be helpful information to know and share. I just recently have completely finished this college picking process and have committed to a University! Alas, it is possible! If I can do it....ANYONE can! Trust me. Below I list my game plan and some helpful things to keep in mind when deciding on colleges and majors.
Deciding on what major to pursue for your future...
So this is it...yes this is happening. You are a high school student and it has come time for you to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. The great thing about college majors is that they lead to an array of jobs...not just one default boring job. Instead, college gives you the freedom to pick a major and expand and grow from there.
So it is your Junior year and you decide it is probably time to decide what you want to do in college. The way you should break down this process is to think of your dream jobs. YES...these jobs are attainable and you can achieve them. If you put the work in, anything is possible. But also keep in mind what kind of person you are. Really get to know yourself and your personality. Are you sociable? Do you like working with people? Are you good with technology? Are you creative? Or is your mind more scientific/mathematically inclined? Ask your friends, family, and teachers where they can see you. Just don't let anyone TELL you what to do. This is your life and you only get one chance...so do what YOU want. Live to please yourself...and no one else.
So it is your Junior year and you decide it is probably time to decide what you want to do in college. The way you should break down this process is to think of your dream jobs. YES...these jobs are attainable and you can achieve them. If you put the work in, anything is possible. But also keep in mind what kind of person you are. Really get to know yourself and your personality. Are you sociable? Do you like working with people? Are you good with technology? Are you creative? Or is your mind more scientific/mathematically inclined? Ask your friends, family, and teachers where they can see you. Just don't let anyone TELL you what to do. This is your life and you only get one chance...so do what YOU want. Live to please yourself...and no one else.
Choosing a COLLEGE ahhh!!
-So if you are really set on one major for college, it is best to look at colleges that specialize in that major. You want to make sure you are getting the best education for what you want. But otherwise, really search for colleges. Really keep in mind what size you want your future college to have, what amount of Greek life, what amount of sports...and so on.
And of course, always keep in mind...college is expensive, so keep in mind the price of tuition.
-So how can you find out about colleges? Well, one really great way is through the amazing invention of social media. Keep tabs on those seniors that have graduated and look at those pictures they are posting on Instagram or Facebook. Those pictures will show the campus and student life. Also, there is this great website https://www.collegeboard.org/.
This will be your best friend. Go make an account and then go to college planning and college search. It questions you on what you want in a college. There are pictures and statistics into how selective they are and so on. All the info that you need on colleges will be on that website. Truly...College Board is a gift from the education angels.
-Also, really take advantage of Guidance and College Counselors. Even the college fairs that travel around to your city. They are all there to help. Don't pass up the opportunity.
And of course, always keep in mind...college is expensive, so keep in mind the price of tuition.
-So how can you find out about colleges? Well, one really great way is through the amazing invention of social media. Keep tabs on those seniors that have graduated and look at those pictures they are posting on Instagram or Facebook. Those pictures will show the campus and student life. Also, there is this great website https://www.collegeboard.org/.
This will be your best friend. Go make an account and then go to college planning and college search. It questions you on what you want in a college. There are pictures and statistics into how selective they are and so on. All the info that you need on colleges will be on that website. Truly...College Board is a gift from the education angels.
-Also, really take advantage of Guidance and College Counselors. Even the college fairs that travel around to your city. They are all there to help. Don't pass up the opportunity.
A GAME PLAN
Freshman year: enjoy high school...college really doesn't look at Freshman year anyway...yayyy
Sophomore year: really get to know yourself and what you want for your future. Still have fun and enjoy high school.
Junior year: this is considered crunch time. Just manage your time and nothing will be stressful. Decide on a major, or have an idea. Look at colleges and really narrow them down to about 5. The average high schooler will apply to about 5 colleges. At the end of your junior year ask 3 teachers for letters of recommendations. That way they will work on them over the summer and you can send them into your colleges by the beginning of Senior year.
Senior year: in between junior summer going into senior year, get ready to fill out applications. Once applications open in early August, fill them out and get the applications in so you don't have to worry about applications while enjoying your senior year. Plus, the earlier you get in applications, in some cases, the earlier you hear back and the earlier you can commit and move on to the next stage of your life.
Sophomore year: really get to know yourself and what you want for your future. Still have fun and enjoy high school.
Junior year: this is considered crunch time. Just manage your time and nothing will be stressful. Decide on a major, or have an idea. Look at colleges and really narrow them down to about 5. The average high schooler will apply to about 5 colleges. At the end of your junior year ask 3 teachers for letters of recommendations. That way they will work on them over the summer and you can send them into your colleges by the beginning of Senior year.
Senior year: in between junior summer going into senior year, get ready to fill out applications. Once applications open in early August, fill them out and get the applications in so you don't have to worry about applications while enjoying your senior year. Plus, the earlier you get in applications, in some cases, the earlier you hear back and the earlier you can commit and move on to the next stage of your life.
I want to say you don't have to be 100% certain in what you want to do in college. You can go in undecided. College is about discovering yourself...and nothing is wrong deciding once you are there.
Here is a video I made to vocalize my view on this experience...hope it sheds more light!
Here is a video I made to vocalize my view on this experience...hope it sheds more light!
to keep y'all happy and joyful I will give some recommendations for songs I am loving.
- High Hopes -- Pink Floyd
- Monks -- Frank Ocean
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/identity-ep/id829045080 here is a link to an album on iTunes. This artist's name is Chaine. This is her EP, Identity. It is amazing and every song makes me so happy. Show her some love!!
- High Hopes -- Pink Floyd
- Monks -- Frank Ocean
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/identity-ep/id829045080 here is a link to an album on iTunes. This artist's name is Chaine. This is her EP, Identity. It is amazing and every song makes me so happy. Show her some love!!
Have a great day....don't forget to smile!
-Krissi♡
-Krissi♡