Decisions for College

This page is brought to you by...

Brittany Kerr

Danielle Bright

Joy Zhang

Hailey Hoffman

and edited by:

Philip Ellefson

Matt Gadbois

Whatever your reasons are for going to college, deciding where to go is one of the most important decisions you will have to make in your life.  There are many factors that need to be taken into account when making that important decision. While there are many sites that can assist in The College Quest, this page has been created by students for students to intiate themselves on this quest. We know that looking for colleges can be stressful, but hopefully this page can help students without the apprehension that often accompanies The College Quest!

Things to consider

Large or Small?

When getting ready to apply for colleges, it is important to consider all aspects. Although large colleges may have a better reputation and prestige than smaller colleges, they tend to have larger class classes and a costly tuition. Often times a student may never speak directly with his or her professor. Larger colleges can be aloof and impersonal, and require more student independence and self motivation. Smaller colleges, while having a cosy personal environment, do not necessarily have the same amount of opportunities and extra-curricular activities. Small colleges do not offer a huge variety of classes, nor as many social activities. While this may not seem like a deciding factor in the beginning of the process, it in fact can be quite important. Remember always look at every aspect of a decision. Whether you choose a large university or a small college depends on your personality, desired major and/or courses of study, and style of living.  

Close to home or far away?

Most parents want their high school graduate to stay close. However, often the graduate wants to get out of  this town A.S.A.P.  As much as he understands the want for freedom, the want to book it as fast as we can to California or New York, or some other glamorous, fascinating place that's anywhere but here, he stops for a minute and consider...yes, freedom is lovely, but he most likely will want to spend Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other holidays with his family. Plane tickets are expensive, and cross country road trips aren't cheap either. Cultural differences are also very important to consider. For those of us who grew up in the Tri-Cities, we may forget that the big city East Coast has different rules, and perhaps may need its own survival guide. So if the parents insist that the dream college of choice is too far away, stop and consider their advice for a moment.  Again the choice should fit your personality.

Public or Private?

The major difference between public and private schools is their prices. Prices for every college will vary, but there is a notable difference when it comes to public colleges and private colleges. A private college will more likely be  expensive  compared to a public college. Another difference is their social atmosphere.  Most private schools are closer compared to the huge quantity of people attending a public college.  Public school are more likely to have a vast athletic program.  Again the choice should depend on your personality.

CollegeBoard: a useful site

There are many sites online pertaining to The College Quest. Some of these are hard to use and difficult to understand. Some, however, are user friendly for normal kids like us! CollegeBoard is a site that can be quite useful. Simply, fill out a profile and become a member. CollegeBoard will show students scholarships that fit their qualifications, how to make comparisons with colleges side by side, how well you match with the qualifications of a certain college,  as well as getting them in touch with colleges. The site has tips and FAQs pages, all written in a low key, simple and easy manner.

Get some tips at CollegeBoard.

Interviews: real kids go to college

You know how it goes... "Dear Mr./Ms.--our college is the best. No one can beat us. We did this. You can do this. Blah blah blah..."  Instead of relying on college form letters that are sent out, we interviewed a few of our seniors with regards to the college process. Some of them are going far away while others are staying close. Let's see what they have to say...

Interview Number One: Yang Hu and Brittany Kerr 

Interview Number Two: Neil Verada and Joy Zhang

Powerpoint (Special Thanks to Marcie Belgard, AP teacher extraordinaire!)

And, to put the figurative cherry on the metaphorical ice cream sundae, we give to our viewers--drum roll please--THE POWERPOINT! This powerpoint, created specially by Ms. Marcie Belgard, gives many helpful hints, as well as helping to narrow down the process step-by-step. It's especially helpful for those of us who don't like reading through internet sites, but rather prefer our information condensed into bullet notes and pictures. So, for those visual learners, we have provided the powerpoint.

So many choices, so little time...

                                                                                                   Works Cited

                                                                                               Collegeboard. "Plan for College." Web. 5 June 2009.

                                                                                               "Interview with Yang Hu." Interview. 4 June 2009.

                                                                                               "Interview with Neil Verada." Interview. 4 June 2009.

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