Expert: Susie Watts - 11/6/2011

Question
Hi,
I have so many questions and was wondering if you could take a crack at them!
1) I am looking at some colleges and many of them mention AP classes, something my school doesn't offer. Is thee a spot on most college apps for you to say that your school does not offer AP courses?
2) I am looking at many colleges in the UK and they seem to be mentioning picking a degree before I join... do you know anything about this?
3) I can not afford to visit the colleges abroad... does this reflect poorly on me? Would it be dumb to pick a college I have not visited in person?
Thanks!
Andrea

Answer
If your school does not provide AP courses, you can usually find a place on the college application to explain that.  Colleges are interested in the grades you have made in the most challenging courses you have taken.  Some schools do require students to select a major before they enter, but most schools in the U.S. do not.  Some students choose a major and change their minds if it does not interest them once they start taking courses.  I don't think there is anything wrong with choosing some colleges abroad.  If you live a great distance away, many schools will not expect you to visit.  You can still do a virtual tour and visit their websites to see whether colleges look interesting and appropriate for you.

http://www.collegedirection.org