Expert: Todd Johnson - 11/5/2007

Question

Dear Mr.Johnson,
      I am a sophomore at a local community college in Missouri. I went away to Hawaii my first semester and didn't like the school. I did,however,like being away from home and the different culture i experienced. I feel at a loss right now because i can't decided on what school is right for me. I am looking into being a occupational therapist and possibly get a job in tourism. I would love to go to a medium sized school, in a medium sized city location. I have only applied to instate schools but i really am not convinced that is what i want to do. I don't know if i am dreading the thought because i am scared to go or that i really don't like the schools. What schools do you recommend? What advice do you have?
Thanks!  

Answer
Caitlin,

What you are experiencing is fairly common among students who have recently left home. Only you can answer the question of what a good college is for you. You need to start by looking at what you want from a college experience. I would suggest you look at a page on my website talking about what to look for in a college. That page is at http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/find_the_right_college.htm
Also consider what is was about the college in Hawaii that you did not like so that you can avoid that problem in any other college you are looking at.

The advantage to being in state is the lower cost if you are looking at public schools. However, some private colleges can cost the same as public schools because of the increased financial aid available at the private colleges. Also, I would strongly recommend that you visit any college that you are considering before making the decision to attend that college. That way you can hopefully avoid the problem you had with the college in Hawaii.

You need to sit yourself down to decide what it is you want and want you don't want from this experience. Only then can you start looking for colleges that fit your needs.

Good luck.