HELP! Suggestions for universities?

Question

I am not sure which college to attend in the future.

Right now, I'm a sophmore taking six honors classes, and I play an instrument. Last year, I took five honors classes. I plan to take six honors classes and band during my last two years of high school. I am in a few clubs, but I'm also very shy, so I might a problem with teacher recommendations. One of my teachers said that I have a chance to become valedictorian. My SAT score is around 2200.

I am not very picky about the location or environment of universities, but I would like to go to a small - medium-sized one. Any suggestions on which universities that might be right for me?

Answer 1

Congratulations on a great start! With your scores, you have a good chance at a very good school (although you didn't report on what your grades have been in the honors courses). My big question would be what are you interested in studying? You don't have to make an exact choice yet, certainly, but a general idea would help. For example, if you want to study the sciences, you need to go somewhere with good lab facilities. If you are planning on studying history or philosophy, your needs would be rather different.

By the way, I fully understand your concern about being shy, but you are still very young, and hopefully as you develop some confidence, the shyness will subside somewhat. Even if you do remain shy, if your performance in class is good, your teachers still should recognize your capabilities. I'm a university professor, and I often don't notice good students - until they turn in their first paper. Besides, if one of your teachers said you had a chance to become valedictorian, someone already HAS noticed you!

Answer 2

First, think about what you want to do with your life. Don't listen to mom or dad or anyone about what you "should" do. Think about what you enjoy reading about, performing tests on, writing about, etc... For example: politics, computer programs, ways of dealing with life (psychology), biology... etc..) When you have this decided, pick a "back up". The two areas that you have chosen are your possible majors. Or your major and your minor.

Now, research colleges that are well rated for those programs. Not only well rated, but set-up well. For example... go to the school's website and look up the major. See what kinds of classes you will have to take. Do they sound interesting? Are there choices for electives where you can pick something like Real Estate Law versus Finance, for example? Having choices in what you study can make a big difference for you in the long run.

Now consider your location. Do you want to be near your family and friends? If so, try to find a school that is no more than 2 hours away from your home. This was important for me in choosing a college. Sometimes, if you go too far away, say across the country, college can get lonely.

I agree that a small-to medium sized university is the best way to go. It allows better concentration and adaptation to the school.

Another thing you could look into is taking all of your general classes (math, english, science, etc...) that are part of every degree, at a local State University. Then plan up front to transfer to a "great university" (harvard, stanford, etc....) after your freshman or sophomore year. This will save you a lot of money in the long run, and give you a chance to get your feet wet in college life before making a formal commitment. Most colleges will let you transfer your general credits in--- especially if you consult with them beforehand about your plans.

Also, know that if you become valedictorian at your high school... depending on how many people at your school you were competing with... chances are you will get a hefty financial aid package or scholarship from whatever university you choose.

Good luck!!!

Answer 3

I went to Boston College, and loved it. around 10,000 students, great location (actually right outside the city), and tons of stuff to do, lots of school spirit, football games, etc. Ranked anywhere from mid 20s to 3os in national university rankings.

Good luck!