Not sure what college I want to go to.

[CastletonSnob 3,074]

I'm 20 years old, and I STILL don't know what college I want to go to when I transfer from my online courses at community college. To make things worse, I'm limited in where I can go, because my mom won't let me go to college in a big city, even when I finally learn to drive. I feel like my future's being decided for me. What do I do?

 

I'm also worried no college will accept me because I made a D on two quizzes.

[Zygen 6,066]

Well I guess maybe your just indecisive like me, then again I'm 15 (Almost 16) and not 20, but I still have no idea where I really want to go to college or even what I want to get a degree in really.

 

I don't think at 20 your mother should really have the power to decide what college you go to, unless shes paying for it.

 

I wish I could help more, but I'm only 15 so I don't know much about college, but I wish you good luck in finding one .

[Equity 61]

All I can say is, wherever your decisions take you - really push for what you know you want, and don't settle for anything less. I'm at a place in my life right now that I'm not particularly happy with, and it's because I gave my post-secondary options very little thought, because the future always kinda scares me.

 

So, put some serious thought into whatever your options are - remember that whatever you choose will influence you heavily for the next year, possibly four if you're dedicating to a program. But at the same time, don't let that scare you - accept that this is a crucial decision in your life, and smile at the thought of all the exciting possibilities

[lincolnshirepony 527]

What kind of environment would you see yourself being the happiest in? If big cities are out of the question, there are still plenty of universities in medium cities/smaller towns. If you can, try to visit some college campuses you're interested in and see if you can get a feel for what they're like. 

One important thing to consider is the programs that you want. Which university has a good program for what you want to major in? 

Basically just try to find places you can see yourself being happy at. It's okay not to have a top choice dream school either. I applied to a bunch a different places I could see myself thriving at and started narrowing down as the decisions came in. 

I would say do some research on some schools that look interesting. See what their requirements are and what the median scores look like for students, check out their programs, and find out more about campus life. Look for what you think will be the best fit for you.

[CastletonSnob 3,074]

It was my mom's idea, because I had a brain injury at birth.

 

Also, I have NO idea what college I want to go to, or even what I want to major in. What do I do?

[Hawk Moth 390]

Just weigh your options in terms of cost, courses, and whatnot. Look up the departments in the colleges you want to go to and find out which colleges have good programs for whatever you wish to major in. It doesn't hurt to visit the places as well. Just be wary of the propaganda that every college throws at you. See the places for yourself and don't go with an orientation group.

[9x18 24]

If you don't know exactly what you want to do, don't worry too much - a lot of people coming into college (or even nearly complete with it) have no idea what they want to do. Most universities will have resources or some sort of guidance to help you select the appropriate program. In that case, be careful not to go to a school which is too small and may limit your options.

 

There are also good online assessments that can help you narrow down an appropriate degree/career path. I took the one at http://www.self-directed-search.com/ and it was quite accurate. There is a fee associated with taking it (~$25), but it could be very helpful if one were to need some direction. Here is what a sample report looks like: http://www.self-directed-search.com/sdsreprt.html.

[CastletonSnob 3,074]

Though, I've heard colleges care about GPAs, not individual grades on assignments.

 

So, I should tour some universities to see what I want?

[9x18 24]

Though, I've heard colleges care about GPAs, not individual grades on assignments.

 

So, I should tour some universities to see what I want?

 

Certainly.

 

Depending on the school, there may be more flexibility with certain grades, e.g. lower grades in social sciences may not be a concern to an Engineering department, and lower math scores may not mean a rejection for Humanities. Best way to find out would be to talk to admissions officers or undergrad advisors for the respective areas in which you might be interested.

[Silverhoof 2,844]

Community college is great. But if you want to go to a big city college, move out and work for a year or two.

AVOID TAKING A LOAN OUT FOR TUITION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. You will be screwed with payments for 30+ years.

 

A lot of colleges are hype. if a school in the country is cheaper, your education will be just as good.

 

Being undecided now is just an opportunity to work for a few years and get a car/place of your own. If you are still with your folks, let me tell you: you'll never enjoy freedom until you move out.  Being on your own is the greatest thing. Responsibilities increase, but so do the freedoms!

[ToridAkbolto 170]

I'm 19 years old. And what the hell? A D on 2 quizzes and you think no college will accept you for the rest of your life? No, that is just completely wrong. Do you know how many quizzes you are going to take in your life? Do you know how many college students fail MIDTERMS and are still allowed to continue? 2 D's on quizzes are nothing. 

 

I go to UC Davis, you could try coming here. It's a pretty nice place full of friendly people, and we have a brony group here too (not very large but we're close). It's not in a big city and you can get a very good education on biology/plant science here. 

 

The admissions are generally very gentle and easy to pass. I think... 57 students from my graduating high school year (2011) came here. I got in with a pretty average score: 3.8ish GPA, 2100 SAT, minimal community service. 

Edited March 30, 2013 by jwutheheadcase