College Is Stressful...

college_help @ 2008-07-25T22:14:00

2008-07-26T03:07:26Z

Hey, all. New face here. I'm a (rising) senior in high school who is, predictably, looking at colleges. Also predictably, I am somewhat overwhelmed. I've been browsing collegeboard for a while, and while it's a wonderful site I would appreciate some... human input? Heh. So perhaps you all could help me out?

I'm just going to put everything behind a cut, as it's somewhat long.

First up, my SAT scores:
700 Critical Reading
660 Math
640 Writing

I am in the Magnet program and so all my classes are advanced.
I have also taken two AP classes and will be taking three or four next year, depending on if I can get my schedule changed. So, five or six total.
My GPA is 3.46. Yes, it depresses me, too.

I live in Georgia and would prefer to go out of state, but not too far, as I have distance issues. The East Coast and maybe the Midwest, but any farther is pushing it.

I have, thus far, only visited UGA (which I like very much and will be my in-state school of choice). I am planning on visiting the Savannah College of Art and Design, and Elon University in the next week, although I have qualms with both of them (SCAD is too restricted, Elon is apparently very religiously affiliated, and both are quite expensive). I have a cousin at Washington University, Missouri, and will be visiting her there - but I haven't looked into the school at all.

Now, as for what I'm interested in. I want to get a solid 'core class' education, and from my research I think a liberal arts college would be best for me. I am very interested in animation, art/digital art, game design, cartoons, and such. I really love it, but the job market worries me, and I'm not sure if I want to major it in. It is my favorite hobby, though, and I've taken art classes all through high school. I know that 'undecided' is a very popular major choice, so I'm not worried about choosing right away. What I am worried about is restricting myself.

A final note: when I was visiting UGA they talked about abroad programs quite a bit, and I have to say I really like the idea. I would love to study in, say, Europe. I think that would be just incredible. This is not a huge issue, but something to think about. (Although, an idea I've been floating is to study at UGA for a few years, and then transfer to another school I like more. If I did this I could potentially study abroad my second year. I don't know how viable this plan actually is.)

Phew. All that being said, any college recommendations/ suggestions would be incredibly appreciated. If I wasn't clear on anything, please say so. Thank you very much!

Opinions on schools

2008-07-25T20:45:08Z

I'm looking for a school which is specifically NOT a party school where it would be easy to get a driver's license/there would be resources for that. Those are my goals.

My shortlist is:
Northeastern
USF (U South Florida, to stay near my family)
U Utah
Syracuse
Cal State Northridge
Pace (NYC campus)
Villanova
USC
Pepperdine
U North Dakota

Thanks for any opinions you could give me :)

need to start the college search.

2008-07-25T14:20:52Z

can someone please suggest a few colleges/universities for me to begin my college search?

looking for a college:

in the New England/Mid-Atlantic region. (preferably DC or Rhode Island)

that has the major/minor/course/whatever : Business Admin., Computer Science, &/OR Anthropology

somewhere somewhat near a city!

thank you

( :

FAFSA advice

2008-07-25T00:55:49Z

I really, really need help. I was really late at applying to schools and somehow made it into University of Kansas. Class starts in 1 month and I JUST filled out my FAFSA but I have a question. I was 17 when my mother went to prison and I would have been ward but they decided not to because I was almost 18. I have been independent for 2 years now, how do I deal with this? I put ward of the court on my FAFSA, but I suspect this is wrong. How do you submit a FAFSA without my parents info?? I am so lost.

honor societies

2008-07-23T23:58:04Z

Joining an honor society in college - is it worth it?

I recent received an e-mail from my school informing me that I would be able to apply to be a member of the "Golden Key International Honour Society" from being in some sort of top percentage. I was just wondering if anyone else knew about/is involved with this organization. It seems legitimate, especially since the information is forwarded to me from my school, but I was just want to know if anyone has experiences with this or a similar group and if they found it worth the time/effort of application and membership fees and such. Also, I am only entering my second year, but I do intend to pursue graduate school - is it like high school where things like National Honor Society are strongly encouraged (or, it seems like by some schools these days, almost expected). In other words, there are all sorts of volunteer programs and scholarship opportunities at university. Does anyone know if there is anything particularly special or beneficial about ones like these, just because they have "honour society" in the name?

college_help @ 2008-07-23T12:51:00

2008-07-23T18:01:31Z

do freshman usually have a chance to get on campus employment for work study in the fall?

thanks in advance!

New England colleges

2008-07-22T17:57:10Z

I live in Florida, and i don't really like the climate here. I'm looking forward to going to college, but I really want to go to a college in the New England/North east area. I want to get into international relations or languages, and i was wondering if people could list colleges in New England that have good, solid international relations programs that aren't extremely hard to get into.

I did a little worse than mediocre my junior year of high school because i was sick for most of the year and fell behind, so my chances of getting into a really good college aren't that positive.

So could anyone tell me about New England colleges with good international relations programs that aren't as selective?

Georgetown University in D.C.

2008-07-22T16:48:02Z

I am approaching my senior year of high school, and I'm researching colleges right now. One college that has really caught my attention is Georgetown university, and I have a few basic questions about it for any current students/past students.

1) First and foremost, what is your impression of the school? Is it worth the 53,000 dollar tuition?
2) How difficult is it to be admitted to the school?
3) How gracious are they with financial aid? (I come from a very poor family with five kids all approaching the college years, and we're strapped financially anyway. What college I attend greatly depends on how much financial aid I receive.)
4) What is your impression of the international studies program?

Thank you so much!

Packing

2008-07-22T14:46:35Z

I know this is probably a stupid question, but.. when should I start packing?! I move in on August 30th but have to leave my house the day before that to drive up. Should I just pack everything but my clothes, and pack those later?

loans

2008-07-21T23:01:34Z

So since I want to attend a four year college [the first 2 years at a campus close to me and the last 2 at the main one 3 hours away] I'm pretty much going to assume I will NEVER fully pay off the debts I will be owing.

That said, what would be the minimum I could pay the loan people monthly? I really don't think I'd be able to afford anything more then $100 a month and even THAT'S sounding a tad too high since I want to move out on my own...and you all know how expensive that is, I'm sure. :/ So is it possible for me to work something out with the loan people [sorry I dunno what to really call them right now since I don't know who I'll be dealing with yet] or will it depend on how large my debts are? Like I said I'm pretty sure I'll never pay these off because we're talking possibly over $130,000....so yeah I don't really want to be putting all of my money on something that will take 50 years to pay off anyhow.

Rant/Vent

2008-07-20T21:13:28Z

I'm going to a really good local university and am really excited. There's a heavy creative flow around it and is pretty "artsy". Now that I've scheduled my classes for my Studio Art major, 5 of my friends, all have happened to have dropped out from that school, will not stop telling me how horrible it is with little nit-picky things. And it's not even like they're advising me or helping me, they're just complaining. I love them all to death but they are the stereotypical college drop-outs, living at home playing video games. 3 of them not even working and the other 2 at a fast food place, just so they can make money for their magic tournaments. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but they’re really getting on my nerves with their lack of ambition. Theyre all having a real hard time keeping their heads above water, but are still able to tell me how "retarded" it is to walk to class in the winter. Yeah. My other friends and I have to just tell them to just shutup sometimes. I know I'm making them sound like real losers but obviously if they were really, I wouldn't hang out with them, its just the college and lifestyle problems they have sometimes. Eventhough I've already started re-thinking my major, I'm still really excited to go. The point is though, I feel that just because they couldn't make it work for them, they shouldn't stomp my dreams.

college_help @ 2008-07-19T22:25:00

2008-07-20T05:26:01Z

I REALLY, REALLY need advice!!!

I'm 21 years old, and right now I live with my parents. I'm a pre-nursing major at the local community college, and this is my second stab at college. The first time around I went to Kansas State University in Manhattan KS. Right now I'm back home in California but I'm getting ready to apply to colleges for nursing. I want to attend University of Kansas in Lawrence/Kansas City. KU is one of the best nursing schools in the country. Here's where I need the advice:

My parents don't want me to go to University of Kansas (KU)because my boyfriend lives in Manhhatan, KS which is about an hour away from KU. Right now he's not in school and my parents think that its his fault that I got kicked out of college the first time around. I believe it was my fault because I was just unfocused.

So do I just go to KU, or do I do what my parents say and pick another school?

UMass Amherst

2008-07-19T22:21:23Z

Does anyone go to University of Massachusetts (Amherst)?

If so, could you tell me anything & everything about it. The dorms, the food, the campus, etc. And also I'm not much of a partier at all, so I'd probably stay in Wellness Housing.

I heard that it was a good school (I'm from MA), but my parents are dead set against me going there. Backstory: In 2001, when my brother was college searching as a junior in HS, they took a campus tour (of UMass Amherst) with my brother. My mother said that the campus was really dirty/disgusting and basically stated that its sole purpose was to be a party school.

Now that was 7 years ago, so I'm assuming that it has improved since? I've never been to the campus myself nor do I know anyone who goes there.

I'd appreciate any help I could get. Thank you! :)

for students who want a unique dorm situation . . .

2008-07-19T00:26:41Z

When I was applying for college, I did a lot of research into the area around the school, as well as the school's facilities. I wanted a unique campus that didn't necessarily rely on the area around it as its sole means of attracting students. I finally decided to go to a college with a huge, open campus full of green grass, lakes, and trees, as well as colonial style buildings. During my search I found a few really interesting dorms that I thought some of you would get a kick out of checking out - who knows, they may even influence your college decision-making!

Enjoy!

~Jen

college_help @ 2008-07-18T13:59:00

2008-07-18T21:14:46Z

I'm a rising senior, and need to take a few SAT Subject Tests. I'd also like to retake the SAT, but I'm a bit concerned about having all of my colleges receive my scores by their deadlines. On collegeboard, it says when scores will be available online, and when they will begin mailing them, but it doesn't say anything about when colleges will receive them. If I designate the score recipients before taking the test, how long before/after the scores are available online will colleges receive them?

Thank you!

college_help @ 2008-07-18T10:17:00

2008-07-18T17:19:24Z

Does anyone here have experience with appealing for more financial aid?

I posted before about transferring to Vanderbilt or Northwestern, and I decided on the latter, but the financial aid is simply not enough. I need a few thousand dollars more, preferably through grants or work study. However, I sent them my deposit. Considering that and the fact that I would be a transfer, is it still likely or possible that they'll consider increasing my FA package?

college_help @ 2008-07-18T00:10:00

2008-07-18T07:16:27Z

How did you figure out what you wanted to major in/do in life? Please help? I'm so lost. I don't want to be in undergrad for 6 years.

I'm stuck between math and going pre-med and psychology.

Math: I never found it that interesting in HS b/c I wasn't into school at all. I started taking it in college b/c it was required. Then I kept continuing it b/c I figured it was a gateway to many other things & all of my math professors thus far have commented about my "talent" in math. Also, I'm seriously cringing b/c I don't want to say this b/c it's so damn show off-y, but I've always had the highest score in the class so math has been etched in my self-esteem. Today my math professor overheard me making an appt. with a pre-med adviser & he said "She's too good at math to be going for that." Also, my former math prof once told me that I should consider transferring to Brown for math. Also, it makes me feel really good when a lot of people in the class come up to me for help & I'm known as the girl who's really good at math. I've taken it every quarter of my college life (4 quarters) & feel like since I've invested the most time for math that I should just keep on going. I do find it interesting & absolutely love proofs, but I don't know if I want to keep on doing it. I feel like part of the reason why I'm going for it is b/c everyone thinks I'm good at it when it's only b/c I work hard (I'm not that smart naturally). I just dropped my math class in the fall to take an improv class (just to be more well-rounded) & I feel so anxious about not taking math for the 1st time & feel so behind for not taking it.

Pre-med: I really want a "saving the world" career & it seems like this would be most useful. But 8+ years?! Not sure if I'm entirely passionate about it & feel like I'm only doing it for my parents. They've been pushing me to go pre-med & said that they've always dreamed of one of their offsprings going pre-med & I'm it since my bros aren't doing it.

Psychology: It's more of a hobby & I don't want to do anything psych-related in life. This would be a just-for-fun major for me, if I were to go for it.

I'm so lost. When will I figure out what I want to do? I'm scared of being in college for like 6 years b/c I won't figure it out until much later.

I'm not even sure this is the right place to ask

2008-07-17T21:58:21Z

Okay. Here's the story, I have a Bachelor's Degree in English, but my hope is to one day own my own concert venue and then maybe expand to a label and a zine and maybe one day a music festival. The problem is I just don't know how to get from wanting to do all those things, to actually getting started on making it happen. I'd like to know and be a part of every aspect of the music industry - recording, touring, scouting artists. And I've read about Full Sail and things like that. Also the local community college offers an Associate's Degree in the Business of Music. Should I just go to the community college? Will that give me a lack of credibility? Will I be stuck in this little town if I do that? Should I just play it safe and get a real job and just forget all this? Ack!

Obviously, I'm just all kinds of confused. Any advice would be awesome.

Financial Situations

2008-07-17T08:50:32Z

Just wondering, how many people here still find that the financial aid offered by their college/university is STILL not enough. I am in such a HUGE guilt trip right now since I'm going to a really expensive school in a really expensive city (I think added up, it's about $52,000/yr). My parents are taking out their retirement funds just so they can pay for my education!

Really Confused About Applying

2008-07-17T04:40:55Z

Hey, I am going to be a high school senior come fall, and I'm starting on my applications early. I have the idea that I would like to major in finance or something else business related, so I'm looking at undergrad business programs. There is, however, (at least to my knowledge) not that many good undergrad business programs, so I'm willing to branch out in terms of majors.

I've been fed incredibly confusing and contradictory things about colleges to the point where I don't know what type of schools I should shoot for with my stats. I know I'm EDing U Penn (Wharton) and also applying to Carnegie Mellon, USC, Emory, and UTexas (Honors Business), and MIT, none of those are safety schools.

My questions are essentially...(1) with these stats, what are some "safety" schools that I can expect to get into (with or without a business program)? (2) And what chance do I have of getting into the colleges I listed above? (3) Also, I have a lack of business experience or participation in business related clubs and organizations; will that hurt my chances?

SAT I- 2330, V-730, M-800, W-800
SAT II: Math 2- 800, US History- 720
(I plan to take Physics in October and possibly Lit)
Unweighted GPA- 3.98
Class Rank: I currently don't know my most updated class rank, but with my school's weighted GPA system, I have been between 4th and 10th out of a total class size of roughly 1200 over the last few years.
AP scores thus far:
Human Geo- 5, World History- 4, English Language- 4, Spanish Language- 4, US History- 4, BC Calculus- 5, Art History- 3
(I plan on taking AP: Stats, Euro History, MacroEcon, Gov, English Lit, Spanish Lit, Physics B my senior year.)
Awards:
National Spanish Exam Bronze Award, I'm assuming some kind of PSAT recognition (my score was 232), various school-level awards for cross-country and track, regional awards for cross-country, trac
ExtraCurrics:
Things I Have Done Through HS (4 years):
National Forensic League (Debate)- nothing outside of regional success (Debate Council Officer), Varsity Cross-Country (Captain), Varsity Track and Field, Varsity Cheer (Co-Captain), National Honor Society
Other Things:
Student Voices panelist for a local newspaper, Juror for Teen Court, Model UN, political forum club that a friend and I co-founded, Darfur fundraising (selling and designing T-shirts)

I'm sorry for listing out everything; it's probably annoying, but I felt that doing so would give me the most accurate answers of what schools I do have a chance at. Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions. =D

college_help @ 2008-07-17T12:38:00

2008-07-17T04:40:26Z

Hai(: I have a question (duh)

I'm from Singapore and I really want to study in the States, preferably Chicago. I'm thinking Chicago State University (UChicago is far too distinguished for the likes of me lol), but I don't know what is the procedure for international students! Will someone please guide me through?

Thank you!

[Edit]

I forgot to add, I'm 17 and I only have my O-levels cause I dropped out of junior college before I got my A-levels. And I'm getting a bank loan if I get accepted):

[/Edit]

Colleges outside the U.S.

2008-07-17T03:29:32Z

Hello everyone. I'm going to be a high school junior this fall and for reasons beyond my control I have been forced to move from a reasonably large school of almost 2,000 kids to one where there is somewhere between 500-700 kids. Consequently my ability to have extracurricular activities and take more advanced classes has been seriously diminished. My question is that providing that I do at least as well as I have been doing (see under the cut) should I still look into colleges in Canada or the U.K. or should I just forget about it and confine myself to U.S colleges? Also, if I do continue to look at colleges in Canada and the U.K. how should I go about making myself more desirable to them?

GPA: 4.0, this is unweighted because the school I happened to go to for my freshman and sophomore years did not weigh students GPAs, but I did take Honors courses with a few exceptions, such as Chemistry and Physiology. I also took two years of French which might sadly go to waste seeing as my new school only teaches Spanish.
I took the PSATs this past Oct. or Nov. and I'm pretty sure I got a 180 out 200 or something along those lines, with each score being in the 58 to 63 range. I plan on taking the actual SATs and the ACTs later on, but I thought that this score might be useful information considering it may show how well I might do.

I still am (or was considering the fact the school I'm going into doesn't have it) in The International Thespian Society and I was planning on being in National Honors Society, but at my old school you had to wait till the fall of your junior year to apply, therefore I'm not able to be in it. I was also in Scholar's Bowl, or Quiz Bowl, or whatever you call it and earned an academic letter for it.

Also, if it helps with the Canadian colleges, I am technically a Canadian citizen because I have dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Canada and I actually have the proof.

So sorry about the super long ramble and the possible waste of time and thank you in advance for any help or advice.

loans

2008-07-17T01:18:25Z

So I'll be attending a four year college and like everyone else I won't be able to pay out of pocket so I'll need loans. Since I'll be going for four years will I need to get a new loan every semester? Or do I just get one huge loan for all 4 years? Will they let me keep getting loans for four years? I really know nothing about this so any information would be helpful! I'm just concerned because a friend of mine said she got a loan for her first year of college but is having a hard time getting a second loan for her second year. What happens if you can't get approved for another loan? I don't want to finish a semester of school and then be sort of stopped by this...

College Moving

2008-07-16T22:00:52Z

Does anyone know of movers who can drive storage specifically for college students?

Last semester, I put things from my dorm room into Public Storage. Now, I've been googling movers, but I've only found movers for large homes or studios - which, of course, means that they cost hundreds of dollars. I can't afford that! I've also looked at college services, like collegeboxes.com and dorm2dorm.com, but they seem to only offer truck rentals - not drivers. I can't drive in the states, so I need a driver!

I would really appreciate any help.

college_help @ 2008-07-15T14:39:00

2008-07-15T18:46:17Z

So let's say a student had an SAT score of 1280, and it broke down to V: 740 and M: 540. Is the cumulative more important when applying to colleges, or is the super-low Math score (for where I am applying, at any rate, where the average for each section is like 650-ish) not going to be canceled out by the significantly higher Verbal score? Should I just retake the SAT to try to bring up my Math score somewhat (I got this with no studying, so I don't know what studying would do for my score tbh), or would that just be a waste of forty-someodd bucks?