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Choosing the Right College/college
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I'm going to be a senior when we start school again and i don't know what i want to major in so it's hard to pick a college. I love dancing so i think I'm leaning towards that but then again i don't know what colleges i can get into. I have tried taking quizzes online but nothing seems to work. How do i find the college that is right for me?
Hi Jessica,
Finding the right college fit for you is an important endeavor so congratulations for starting now and looking for information.
Selecting the right college depends on lots of things. You don't have to worry too much about not knowing what you want to major in. Most kids change their majors a few times while in college.
First, think about yourself, what's important to you and how you learn. That will help you know what type of environment you want to be in. Also, consider how academically rigorous you want your college to be. Are you willing to study all the time or do you want lots of time for fun. Your high school courses, grades and ACT/SAT score will help you figure out which schools might be too easy for you and which might be too tough.
Then, start looking at colleges. Visit some colleges where you live - even if you think you don't want to go to them. Visits will help you learn about colleges and how they differ from one another and help you figure out what you like and don't like about various campuses. Visit a variety of schools - size, location, selectivity....
Finally, consider affordability. How will you finance your college. Do you have savings? Will your parents be able to help? Will you qualify for need based aid or for scholarships from colleges? Will you take out loans?
Putting all that information together will help you figure out the characteristics of colleges where you'll thrive and succeed. Then you'll need to get going on your applications!
Best,
Valerie
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you, I will try not to stress so much. you were a lot of help. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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