I have no idea what college to apply to or what majors to take. Where can I find help?

Question

I don't know what I want to do with my life. I do know that I want to go to college. How do I pick which one? How do I pick what majors?

Answer 1

as for what colleges,
decide on a type of school first -- where you want to go to live for four years, how big the school is that you'd like to be in, what sorts of cool things do they offer on campus...

really, within each type of school, there isn't much difference.
for instance, whether it's Johns Hopkins or University of Chicago, they are basically the same thing, in different neighborhoods. Whether you go to UNC or UMichigan, they are basically the same sort of school. Whether you go to Washington & Jefferson College or Wesleyan College, they are basically the same school.

They all have nifty sayings and catches to make you think they are different, and the students will swear up and down that they go to a one of a kind school... and they are and the students do, but you will probably feel more comfortable at some than others. That's the important thing.

the biggest thing -- you have to go wherever you feel comfortable, so go and visit a few (they will be more htan happy to schedule you in for a campus visit).


don't worry about your major until you get there (say "i'm undecided" until you decide after your freshman year)... and don't go to a school that pigeon-holes you into a particular branch when you get there.

If you are really motivated to go to school and want to learn (for real), i suggest a liberal arts school --- that way, you can take courses from many different fields and get what you need instead of what you are given. Big schools (state schools usually) don't offer that kind of flexibility.

if you know "I want to study business" or something like that, then you will be better off at a school that focuses right away (my friends, for instance, entered the X University "School of Business" or "X University School of Education" if they knew what they wanted to do for certain)

Ask your guidance counselor at school what the differences are between liberal arts schools and universities.

Answer 2

Personally, I wish I hadn't gone directly to college when I finished high school, but if you are pretty sure that's what you want to do, but not sure what school(s) or majors to consider, here are a few pointers.

1. As others have said, talk to your school guidance counselor and family.
2. Look into your "local" state schools and community colleges.
3. If not sure about majors, ask the schools you're interested in about when you have to declare. Where I went (Haverford College), you didn't have to declare a major until your 3rd or 4th semester.

I was extremely impressed by the Princeton Review Book "The Best 361 Colleges". This may apply more if your grades and test scores are reasonably high.

Answer 3

Enroll in the closest State College, Jr. College, or University.

Take general education courses that will act as the foundation for most any major.

Take your time and try to pick a major in subject matter that you truly enjoy.

The best life's work is in whatever field you already like as a hobby.

Good Luck and don't worry ~~~ you'll find your way because you already care enough to worry about it all.

Answer 4

That's the fun of college. You get to explore and face new challenges. Most programs have your basic general requirements, but after that, just take 1 or 2 classes you have an interest in and go from there. I wish people would view college more as a social obligation to society. You meet so many wonderful people and you are also placed into situations you wouldn't find yourself in otherwise. It's challenging and diverse. Talk to other students as well and see what they're majoring in and what they like about it. You'll find other people just as interested in the subjects you'll eventually find to love.

Answer 5

First step: talk with your school guidance counselor. He/she can help you decide if college might be right for you. Also talk with your family. Try some websites like princetonreview.com or petersons.com to find schools (if you decide to check college out). As for a major--you have plenty of time to decide what you like. If you choose college, take some classes you might find interesting and be sure to talk to your advisor--they're there to help you with all of these decisions!

Good luck!

Answer 6

Like all the above, talk to a councellor/careers advisor. It helps to know what kind of career you would like to be in when you get out of college, that will determine what you should study. You don't necessarily have to know exactly what you want to be but a general idea of what area will help, eg; medicine, law, business, etc. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Your guidance counselor gets paid to do that. Just go talk to them and they will help you out.

Answer 8

www.collegeboard.com