My World! | Looking at Colleges

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Looking at Colleges

Posted by: petunia gold on June 11, 2007 at 9:21AM EST

This year I will be a junior and it is about that time to start and look for colleges. This past weekend I went to look at my first college. It was amazing to look at the campus, dorms, and get a feel for college life. The dorms were really small, which kind of freaked me out. The facilities were amazing and there were so many courses to choose from. Students have a lot more freedom. Also on college visits you get a feel for the town. You picture yourself there and see if you could be happy there. Looking for the right college can be stressful, but it is a lot of fun and a great experience. You will never find the right place for you if you don't look.

(4) Comments

Posted by: Violet on June 19, 2007 9:47AM EST

I think your exactly right. Another thing about many highschool students today is that their views on where they want to go or what they want to do might change. You can't just simply decide your junior year where you want to go and not visit ANY other college. Thats silly what if you change your mind....or don't get it! Your need to visit lots of colleges to get a feel for the different options you have and to have a comparison so you can pick the college thats right for you.

Posted by: Haylee Mitchell on June 13, 2007 11:43AM EST

I agree with Kate, it is sooo important to tour the college rather than just apply somewhere because of something you've heard. Also, if you have any older siblings or friends at college, I strongly suggest shadowing them for the day, going to some classes, and hanging out with them at their dorm. That way you really can get a feel of what life is like at that college. College searching is somewhat stressful, but it is also sooo amazing and EXCITING and something that shouldn't be too worried about. You will end up wherever you are supposed to be! :)

Posted by: Jax on June 12, 2007 2:51PM EST

I applied to 10 colleges, and it ended up that I got into my college of choice early decision, therefore I didn't need to spend the time on all of those other applications. My suggestion to you would be to apply to all of your schools early action if it is a possibly because it will not harm your chances of getting in regular if you get defered from EA. Also, if you choose to apply ED to a school, first hear the result from that school, and then send in all of your other applications. You can have them completed and ready to send in, but you will save a lot of money if you get in ED.

I remember how overwhelmed I was as a junior. I had NO IDEA what school I wanted to go to or what I even wanted in a school. I would recommend spending the night at a school or two. If you contact people you know at the schools you're looking at, they're very likely to agree to have you come spend a night and take you around to their classes. While you're on your college trip, go on the campus tours--this will give you an idea if you want a big or small school, and then sit in on the classes. Keep in mind that every school will have lecture hall classes for introductory classes, but I have found that in my lecture classes, the teacher wants you to ask questions and he/she wants to interact with the students--you WON'T get this at every school (Believe me. I visited 8/10 of the colleges that I applied to!). It wasn't until I talked to my friend's friends that I realized the personality of the people who go to my college and how much they love the school--this is important! Do you want to go to a college in the North or South? You might not think of it, but the students have different personalities. Also, go to a school where eveyone looks happy and loves to go there! Good luck and remember to ask questions to all of the people you know who go to the school, and on the tour ask what they don't like about the college.

Posted by: Kate on June 12, 2007 11:17AM EST

I just graduated this year and I know how stressful it can be to find a college that works for you. I think that touring colleges is one of the most important steps in the college search because you only get a real feel of the college or university from actually being there. Most colleges look the same on paper and it can be hard to choose based merely on the facts. I know that picturing myself at the college I was touring was helpful in making my final decision. Good luck, I know it can be difficult.