I'm talking about COLLEGE. Most people our age twenty or thirty years ago never even went to college because it was not in the cards for them. You have been allotted a very special opportunity and mustn't let it go to waste. As usual, I've come to your rescue to aid you in navigating the rough waters and terrain ahead as you prepare to start the next chapter of your life. Can you believe I'm this nice?
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Welcome to College Prep for the average procrastinator. Naturally, you have been bombarded from all sides by teachers, classmates, university representatives, sports recruiters, your parents, and even random strangers about where you are going to school and what you are planning on majoring in. I'll leave the segment about majors for Part Two, but for the aforementioned, I can most certainly be of service.
1. How far away would I like to be from home?
2. Do I like big cities or small towns?
3. Will I be comfortable around thousands upon thousands of strangers, many who will possibly be showing up to class in their pajamas?
4. Does the school offer majors that I am interested in?
5. Would I like to go to public or private school?
These are just basic questions, not even covering things like Greek life, ,sports, extracurricular, and the overall student body.
Here are some questions NOT to consider when making your college decision:
1. Are there cute boys/girls?
--- "Cute" is subjective, but unless you choose a single gender university, GIRLS and BOYS are everywhere, so silly question, move on.
--- "Cute" is subjective, but unless you choose a single gender university, GIRLS and BOYS are everywhere, so silly question, move on.
2. Will there be food?
--- Again, a silly question. I guarantee the school does not want a lawsuit on their hands from when you die of malnutrition and/or starvation. Plus, people follow food, so OF COURSE, there will be food. Now, whether or not it is GOOD food is a different story
--- Again, a silly question. I guarantee the school does not want a lawsuit on their hands from when you die of malnutrition and/or starvation. Plus, people follow food, so OF COURSE, there will be food. Now, whether or not it is GOOD food is a different story
3. Are my [insert boyfriend/girlfriend/best friend/dog] going there?
---PLEASE do not make a college decision based off of someone else! Last time I checked, when you receive a diploma, it only has ONE name on it, meaning, it's that one name's decision on where to go to school and to pick a place that is right for them. For example, just because your boyfriend loves football, it doesn't mean you'll personally enjoy being in the student section of a football game with millions of crazy, screaming, and occasionally drunk sports fans. Also, as a side note, you need to consider that people change when they get to college. Your relationship or friendship may be all sunshine and rainbows now, but six months away from home in a new environment is enough to destroy any relationship, especially one that was shaky to begin with.
---PLEASE do not make a college decision based off of someone else! Last time I checked, when you receive a diploma, it only has ONE name on it, meaning, it's that one name's decision on where to go to school and to pick a place that is right for them. For example, just because your boyfriend loves football, it doesn't mean you'll personally enjoy being in the student section of a football game with millions of crazy, screaming, and occasionally drunk sports fans. Also, as a side note, you need to consider that people change when they get to college. Your relationship or friendship may be all sunshine and rainbows now, but six months away from home in a new environment is enough to destroy any relationship, especially one that was shaky to begin with.
4. What about the parties/social life?
---I won't lie, this was one of my questions when I was looking into colleges. Yes, your social life is important. No one wants to go off to college and be bored. I can do that for free at home. However, I know I am going to sound like a parent when I say this, but school comes first. The parties will happen when they happen, you'll be in college, where someone, somewhere, parties. Just focus on working hard, so you can play harder.
---I won't lie, this was one of my questions when I was looking into colleges. Yes, your social life is important. No one wants to go off to college and be bored. I can do that for free at home. However, I know I am going to sound like a parent when I say this, but school comes first. The parties will happen when they happen, you'll be in college, where someone, somewhere, parties. Just focus on working hard, so you can play harder.
You're going to ask yourself a million questions and do hours upon hours of research, but ultimately its up to you and you alone. You also must be prepared to accept the harsh realities of either not being accepted to your first choice school or not being able to afford it, but regardless of the circumstances, make wherever it is you go, your home.
