About Holly Expertise I can help you determine what kind of college would be best for you if you are having trouble deciding. I have knowledge of many of the schools in this country, as well as a good sense of what type of school fits what personality. If you tell me about yourself, what you do for fun, how you like to study, how important you rank academics, and other information like that, I can help you decide what kind of school would be best for you.
Experience I am a current college student. I am absolutely enthralled with my school, and I had many choices to pick from, and feel that I made the best choice for me. I have some friends who have transferred to different schools after their freshman year, and I know and understand some of the pitfalls of being happy at different types of schools.
Organizations Undergraduate Recruitment Committee for my school
Publications The materials distributed to prospective students at my school
Question Hi Holly,
OK, I am from a small town and I am will be a senior in highschool this coming year. I am currently choosing between two options right now. Just hear me out and just throw me any advice ya got. Ok.
First, My goal in college after I am done is to be
1) Certified to teach history and middle school math
2) have a degree in communications/journalism/film
3)have started degrees in a health field and a computer field. (I will not finish these if I get a long term job for one of the first two majors)
So, right now I am choosing between 2 colleges...
Grove City College and PLU (Pacific Luthern Universtiy)
Advantages
Grove City College is really local to me and it would allow me to keep my current jobs (I currently work at a department store and coach martial arts) I would allow me to stay close to my parents and I could help them if needed (we live on a farm). GCC is a good college and is not a party school which of course my parents like. I have met many people from there and many of whom have changed dramatically in a positive way. The cost of GCC is about $10,000 a year but becasue of the fact that I am HOH (Hard of Hearing) I might not have to pay for my education in the state of PA (that is where I live) which is definitely a plus. I could save money during those years to attend college in PLU.
However, I am looking at PLU because I feel like I need to get out of the state to attend college. I have always wanted to be on my own even if it is just temporary. It offers degrees in chinese which I am interested in becasue I have been to China and other places. Both college have religious afflictoins (sp?) which I am happy about. I am not afraid of the city once I know it. I would have more advantages in getting internships in PLU because of the city whereas GCC is in a small town. I live 10 miles away from it. The cost of PLU is significantly greater (about $25,000 a year). However, I might be able to get schlarships (maybe).
Backround info:
I got a 1210 on my SATs. I have a transcript of all A's and about 5 B's over the last 3 years of highschool. I have taken 2 AP course (I don't know how I did on the actual exam yet). I am HOH but I wear hearing aids and do well with them. I do not talk perfectly but most people understand me. I actually talk with a slight english accent not a western pa accent.
"what you do for fun"
I like to do martial arts (neither school has it) I like to dance. I like to type computer codes. I like to play guitar. I like to think and read.
"how you like to study"
I study best by outlining what we have to read and making flashcards. It is the only way I get the information. I have a really good memory but reading books does nothing for me unless I do something with it (like outlining it).
"how important you rank academics"
Honestly, I want to get a degree that will allow me to successfully enter the world and actually have a job. I mean the population is increasing and jobs are going down. I want a job, I want to be qualified. I am looking for a college that will help me learn completely what a I need to know, but I am hoping for a life outside of academics.
I want to do both so bad. Here is a question...do you think it would be possible to start college at GCC for 2 years and then transfer to PLU for 2 years and then back to GCC for my last 2 years since I will have several majors.
Either way, I will apply to both colleges and scholarships and evaluate.
Thanks,
Christine
Answer First I must apologize for having taken SO long to get back to you. It's been a crazy summer...
Based on your learning style, it seems as though small classes with one-on-one teaching might be very beneficial to you, so either a small school or a school that has many small classes and good teacher interaction. Although it does sound like you are sufficiently self-motivated that you could do well enough in a school with larger classes; it seems as though you might be one to take advantageof the office hours and meet your professors and stuff.
In any case, it definitely sounds like you will be happier if you get a chance to get out of the area you live in. What makes you think you might want to stay, or that you'd want to spend 4 years at GCC? Think about if it's guilt or obligation or actually the place you will be happiest. If it is a bit of obligation, know that the people who are close to you, who might miss you if you go out of the state, will also be glad that you are growing into the person that you want to be.
I am not entirely sure if you could transfer and then transfer back; I don't quite see why not but I am unclear as to why you think you will spend 6 years in college. Also, if you are worried about the money, doing two years more than most people is not going to help, when you could just do 4 years at the more expensive school. I am sure your family will get financial aid at either school if you need it; even at PLU, which costs more, the aid will be need-based and they will do their best to give you what you need. If you don't get enough, write them a letter of appeal; it really does work.
