Expert: Ralph Salier - 12/16/2009

Question
I'm in ninth grade and I've been wondering what college would be best for me to attend since i want to became a archeologist. I know I'm young but i want to have a head start because this is my dream for years! I would love it if you would give all the advice you can! Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Sarah,

In high school, if you can, get into the IB program (International Baccalaureate) or make sure that you take as many AP classes as you can.  Be sure to take Chemistry, Biology and upper level math.  If you can, take earth science too. Be sure to take writing classes to, and write as much as you can since there is a lot of writing to do in Archaeology.  

There are many "branches" of archaeology and archaeology as a science is also evolving.  A lot more is being done with computers, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS.  So you will need to be technologically savvy.  When I say branches, there is classical archaeology which looks at the Romans and Greeks, Egyptyology, Meso American, South American , Incan, North American, Arctic and many others. Each has its own quirks and things you need  to know about and of course the different cultures involved need to be studied while in college.  Of course if any of these are of interest, then you can always get an early start and read about these cultures now.  

Different universities and colleges will specialize in different cultural areas, so knowing the region you want to study will then lead you to those schools that specialize in those areas.  Some are hard to get into which is why you need to take the toughest high school classes you can and get real good grades in those classes.  That way your likelihood of being accepted at these schools is greatly improved.  Also as a freshman, don't be afraid to start looking for scholarship money and getting practiced at writing essays for these different organizations.  There are literally billions of dollars available that don't get given because no one applies for the funds.  Join www.fastweb.com and www.scholarship.com, these are the largest on line scholarship web sites and you will need to provide a profile.  Some info can come from your folks like if your dad or mom are veterans or if your dad is an engineer etc... Also, you should join www.shovelbums.org.  This website if for archaeologists to find work.  This is important for you too so that you can see what the qualifications are for working in the field.  These are the courses you will need to take in college and if you can, and can find a program, in a local college or community college as a Jr or Sr while still in high school.

As the time gets closer, let me know your areas of interest and I will help you to select schools to apply to.

Good Luck!

Have a very Happy Holiday season!