Expert: Susie Watts - 3/7/2010

Question
I am a 16 year old, High School Junior and come from a white, Christian, upper middle class family and I have been around other people like myself for a while. I really want to get into a college that is diverse not only in terms of race but also in terms of income, academic aptitude, politics and religion. I know you may suggest as others have to go to community college but I really want to live on campus all four years.

I could likely get into a competitive school like Harvard or Yale based on my grades, extracurricular activities and testing scores. However, prestigious schools don't interest me because I want to be around different types of people not just high achieving, rich kids.

I have been looking at several universities including;

The Evergreen University and Howard University (which is historically Black)


I'm kind of unsure about what I want to do as far as a major but over the Summer I will have the chance to visit some campuses. I am trying to narrow my choices down so that I visit the schools that really have what I am looking for. I am trying to go to college and get culture shocked and be around people that are different so my questions are;

Is there a downside to this?

When should I start applying?

Are there any colleges that you recommend?

Should I know my major before looking at colleges?

As far as majors I lean toward accounting, marketing and business and other business and marketing related fields but like I said I really don't know for sure.

Answer
I do not see any downside to what you are thinking.  You will not actually start applying to schools until the beginning of your senior year.  There is no need to worry about your major.  It is not necessary to decide on that until the end of your sophomore year.  You sound like a boy who should have a lot of choices.  Unfortunately, when I recommend schools for students I usually spend three or four hours putting together a list.  I do this with a lot of students but I need to charge a fee for my time.  I do have a website http://www.collegedirection.org that might offer some helpful information.  Let me know if I can help you.

http://www.collegedirection.org