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About Valerie Broughton
Expertise
I can advise high school students and their parents on every aspect of the college search, application, admissions and financial aid processes.

Experience
Currently, and for the past ten years, I've served the Midwest as a private college counselor guiding hundreds of families and students through the college admissions maze, matching them with the colleges where the students will thrive and succeed. Prior to starting my own practice, I was a faculty member and administrator at several colleges and universities. Prior to completing my PhD. I taught high school math and was a guidance counselor at a community college.

Organizations
I'm a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, a member of the Higher Educational Consultants Association, and the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of College Admissions Counselors. I'm proud of the fact that I've earned the designation of Certified Educational Planner.

Publications
Strictly High School was a publication for high school students and I had a monthly column in that paper. Copies of those articles are available on www.CollegeConnectors.com. I'm a regular contributor to the KARE 11 morning program where I discuss college admissions topics. Those clips are available on the College Connectors website also.

Education/Credentials
My bachelor's degree is in Math Education. My master's degree is in Counseling. My PhD is in Educational Research and Evaluation.

Awards and Honors
I was selected and participated in the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management and was supported by a Bush Fellowship for this program. The Duluth Chamber of Commerce selected me as a Leadership Duluth participant.

Past/Present Clients
You can see some testimonials from past clients at www.CollegeConnectors.com.

You are here: Experts > Education > College Life > Choosing the Right College > What major?

Choosing the Right College - What major?

Expert: Valerie Broughton - 10/14/2009

Question
Dear Mrs. Broghton,
I am a senior in High school. My mom has been harassing me into finding a school. I know I am going to go for a J.C., but I have no idea what my major should be. I'm not really good at anything important. Every web site I have gone to has been no help to me. Can you give me some advice?
Sincerely,
Joanna Barry

Answer
Joanna,

Here's the advice I give to students who aren't sure of a major. Pick a subject you like, major in it, and get your degree. Once you have a degree, you can get on with your life.

Why do I say that? The Department of Labor predicts that young people your age will change their careers, not just their jobs, 6 times during your life. That means whatever you go to college for, once you get a certain job, you're likely to have to get retraining or learn new job skills every so many years.

Going to a JC is great because you can get what's called your Associate's Degree and while doing so take a variety of courses to decide what you like.

Having said all this, if you know what JC you're going to - probably the one close to your home - I recommend that you go and visit the admissions office there. Tell them you're undecided about a major and find out what specific vocational programs they have to offer. Then visit with those departments, see what the kids in those classes are doing, and see if it's something you might like. Doing this in person, seeing other students and being able to talk to teachers is much more helpful than just taking little quizzes on the internet. Your JC will probably have an office called Career Planning and Placement or something like that. It's the job of those folks to help you sort out your interests, strengths and finding a job. It's important that you visit with the professionals in that office right away when you start college. Don't wait until it's time to get a job! Your tuition pays for that office, you'll be paying for it so USE IT. Most kids don't. Be smarter than most kids and use the resources that your JC has.

Good luck, Joanna.

Valerie

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