....and so it begins!

[Nebe]

where you chose to go & what you decide to major in will dictate who you will become as a person for the rest of your life. Choose carefully, and most of all, remember that college isn't just about school work, its about the whole experience of living on your own in the bubble of academia. You'll form friendships that will last your entire lifetime and its an opportunity that some people your age embrace an flourish, or push away and fail.

Without knowing you personally, all i can suggest is that you do some soul searching into what carreer you think you can fit into and what college will offer you the best education in that field at the right price. this is usually the time when kids say "ohhh so it really was important to get good grades and take extracurricular activities" because as college dictates your future, your past will dictate your college.

[Raven]

remember: When your parents were growing up there was no internet.

the subjects of study made available by college curriculums are not
always exactly what fits your personal interests.

your senoir year in High School will go by fast...
and will generally be irrelevant later on in life .....
when compared to life experience.

if you plan to get married.... make sure he was wealthy at birth.

Albert Einstien once said... " education is what's left after you have forgotten everything you learned in school."
(think about that)

Your ability to get along with people in a professional manner is as important as anything else.
If you can demonstrate that you have
a capacity to learn most anything...that will get your foot in the door.

[Jimbo]

Going through it now with my 17 year old. Do internet searches for things like "how to choose a college" and you will find surveys out there that will help you narrow down the size and setting of the campus you'd like to attend. These surveys get you to answer questions like if you like a city or a rural setting better, what sports you might play, are race, religious affiliation, number of students, how close to home do you want to be. Depending on the survey, it might spit out a list or it might give you a summary of what type school you should be looking for based on your input. I suggested to my daughter she look at the schools in our own state first. NJ has a variety of types and sizes and gives you a good idea of what schools the same size are like on other areas. But by all means take the virtual tours most every school has now, and if that peaks you interest go see it. Ask friends in college what they think and friends in high school what they recommend. Remember also, it's not where you start college, it's where you get your diploma. I don't believe you need to or should feel forced into picking a major yet, if you have an idea, great, if you don't, that's part of what your first year or two at a good liberal arts college will help you decide. I'm strongly urging mine to pick a good state school and live on campus, make sure she can handle college and wants to be there and when she decides what she wants to pursue, if that college has it and she likes the place stay there, or transfer where they have what she's looking for. She's going to pay for most of her sophomore, junior and senior years, because we believe it is the best way for her to keep focused on her education. I'll comment on how she/we are going to finance it all when we've figured that out, but by all means apply for student aid from the government. It absolutely cannot hurt. When you decide on a school see what they offer in grants, scolarships, endowments, work/study and assistance. Make sure next year's English teacher is going to cover the college application. Many schools now will accept the generic application, which your English teacher can help hone to perfection. Then use that same application for every school you apply to that accepts it.
Here's a helpful website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/index.html

[fishpoopoo]

mid-April.
+
senior year.
+
waiting for the mail*
=
nerve wracking






* things have changed - i understand that online notification is now available.

[kevin d]

My daughter just finished her freshman year. LOTS of scholarships, search, search search.
As for where to go? Do your homework. My daughter originally wanted to go to USC in Columbia but after a trip to the school decided that she would go here in town. While I expected her to stay in the dorms she decided to live at home. Less partying, less cost and less aggravation. The results: 3.8 GPA. Her friends in the dorm didn't fare as well but all they wanted was to get out of the house.
Did I mention that you should start searching for scholarships now?

[JohnR]

Don't give your folks such a hard time - they mean well. And remember, they are probably as tired of you as you are of them

Go to college and have some fun, but more important, learn and absorb what you can as what you do in the next few years will have a TREMENDOUS effect on the rest of your life. Stack the deck in YOUR favor