10 Tips for Starting Your College Search

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pandora bead of AL 10:06PM December 10, 2010

As a senior in college, I was not really sure what major or concentration I wanted to pursue. So, I enrolled in Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences as an undeclared major. After one year, I transferred into the business school. I ended up starting a business my senior year with some friends and got a ton of support for my business from the SU School of Information Studies. The resources the iSchool provided my team and me with were invaluable so I decided to pursue my M.S. there. Sometimes, you may not know where your college path will take you, but if you work hard every day and stay focused it will lead you in the right direction.

Kyle of NY 8:39PM November 07, 2010

Dear PG Team,
I have a few questions regarding my future career.
I'm a 26-year-old girl and I come from Serbia, Eastern Europe.
I have graduated from The Faculty of Economics, a public faculty ( more appreciated than the private ones in this part of the world ),and my narrow specialty is Marketing.
After graduating from lycee ( the department of natural and mathematical sciencies ), I have been accepted to The Medical Faculty ( also public ), ranked as one of the top 20 applicants.
Due to unpredicted misfortunate circumstances, I had to quit Medical Faculty, as a freshman. Next year I started my economics studies.
All my life, I knew I was going to be a doctor, as my mother is. And all of the time spent studing economics, I've felt quite nostalgic for medical science.
My intention is to apply to several US Medical Schools, aiming for the best ones.
My prior education has always been a great success, regardless of the field of science. Anything can be learnt, but I am sure that I would learn Medical Sciences with outmost joy and involvement.
Please be kind and help me choose and prepare myself adequately.
These are my questions :
1) Which tests do I need to pass and which scores to achieve?
2) Where is the nearest place that I can take these tests?
3) Which scholarships would you recommend?
4) Can you please suggest other forms of preparation for a successful future studing?
5) Please, be free to point out any other important aspect that I might have left out.
My greatest concearn is regarding my age, although I honestly believe that this shouldn't be an obstacle.
Thank you very much.

Dragana 8:41PM February 20, 2010

I think you would probably have a shot at getting in, though I don't know much about The New School in New York, it appears that your grades are strong. They will probably require the GREs, which if you study for should be doable. As for financial aid, it will depend upon the institution, some institutions pride themselves in funding international students from under-represented nations. Your best bet would be to email someone in your department of interest at your university of interest. One word of caution though, some schools don't provide funding for master's programs, instead they put their financial support into phd programs. Good luck!

Crystal of ID 5:30AM January 08, 2010

Often families and students choose the college, then try to retrofit a college major decision based on what is offered there.
We have it all backwards -- it is far better to choose the career direction, then understand what majors best prepare you for that career, and then use that insight as criteria when looking at colleges. It's always unfortunate to have a student start at a liberal arts college only to decide they want to major in engineering -- and then have to transfer and hope that all their credits transfer as well. They may also have go extra semesters or years to complete the required coursework.
A better strategy is to have high school students participate in a comprehensive career assessment (last half of soph yr is not too early). This would include an aptitude battery (like the Ball Aptitude Battery), an interest survey, values survey and personality assessment. When a credentialed career consultant interprets the results, creates a personalized list of 6-10 career recommendations (with related college majors), the student can learn about the profile of their natural talents, etc. and how they bridge to tasks, jobs, careers and work environments.
Next, parents can assist in learning more about the careers on their list, setting up informational intervies (see book What Color Is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles) and job shadow opportunities for the student to get a reality check on the career. By doing this for several careers on their list, students, with the help of parents, can use criteria to narrow the list. Even if there are 2 or 3 left in the race, families can look for colleges that have the majors related to those careers and a final decision can be made a little later.
For an article "7 Ways to Make College Visits More Cost-Effective" go to http://www.careervision.org/About/Cost_Effective_College_Visits.htm

Paula Kosin of IL 10:48PM January 04, 2010

Hello... I' just wondering am I capable of doing such thing like going on master studies in USA, having in mind that I'm coming from Serbia, Europe. I need scholarship, and I would like to in role The New School NY. If anyone have some advice I will appreciate that. I'm the best student at my faculty at the moment, and my average mark is 9.97 (from 10.00).
:)

Andjela 5:31PM January 03, 2010

I am actually a high school junior myself, and I must say, this is really helpful advice when it comes to choosing even where to go visit! It's halfway through junior year, and I have only a vague idea of where i want to visit, but I will surely keep this advice in mind. Thanks!

Kaitlyn of OH 3:33PM January 03, 2010

Wow! I've never read a list like this before. It's so uplifting. I'm searching for a college to do my Ph.D and I never put so much thought and consideration into the places I did my B.A. and M.A., but luckily, I wound up at places that really molded me to be a better person. But I love the last thing on this list. To not forget my uniquness. I know it'll be daunting to get into IVY league and it makes the process disheartening. But realizing that not all colleges are made for me and I for them, that despite rejection, I know I will be able to fulfill my dreams and be given the chance to grow and make my contribution to society, I am glad for it! Thank you.

Monica of NY 5:16PM December 31, 2009