How to pick a college that is right for you

Finding out where you want to go to school after graduation can be stressful. However, with some research and preparation, applying to and choosing a college can be a little less worrisome.

Have somewhat of an idea on what you want to study - Knowing what you find interesting and what you would most likely want to spend your life doing is key when deciding on a college or university. With that idea in mind, researching for a school will be ten times easier. For instance, I want to study journalism, that's why I want to go to the University of Florida, for its communications department. Focus on schools that are strong in your preferred field.

Pick an ideal location - If you grew up in the snowy mountains of North Carolina, chances are you might want to study somewhere warmer and less icy. If you can't stand to see yourself staying in state, or vice versa, look up schools that fit your ideal location. Want to study in state, but still have that I'm-away-from-home college experience? Look into schools that are a few hours away, that way you'll be somewhat close to your parents in the event of an emergency, and won't have to pay rising out of state tuition. Remember, you'll be spending four plus years here, so make sure you love your surroundings.

Stay in budget, but don't downgrade - If there's one lecture I get often, it's the tuition talk my parents give me. They don't want to break the bank when paying for my schooling, but they also want me to have the best experience possible. When looking for a university, make sure to keep in mind the costs, but don't downgrade. If you have your heart set on going to a private school, make sure you research all the possible scholarships they offer, so you'll pay as less as possible. Student loans are a scary thing too, my aunt still hasn't paid off hers yet, and she's 40. You won't want to be trapped in a web of payments most of your life, but you don't want to settle for a community college if you have your heart set on a big school. Take grants into account - it's free money that you don't need to pay back.

College: The Pros, the Cons, and What to Expect

By Karam Atli

The thought of college lingers in the back of the mind of most high school students (I can relate since I’m a sophomore getting ready to take the SAT’s next year) ; especially those of juniors and seniors. Many of you may be wondering what exactly college life is like, how it feels to be a college student, and what to expect when taking your first steps into college. So that’s why I’m here today to tell you about my experiences as a college student living the college life.

Many of you might be thinking right now, Wait a second… didn’t she just say she’s a sophomore? What does she know about college? Well, you see, I do not go to just any ordinary high school. I attend Florida Atlantic University High School. In this school, we complete all four years of high school curriculum in our freshman year on the high school campus, which is located within the A.D. Henderson school grounds. However, once we become sophomores, we officially become college students. So as a sophomore, I am studying on the Florida Atlantic University campus as an actual college student, taking actual university classes, and yes alongside actual university students which are approximately 4-5 years older than me.

So sit back, get comfortable, and take some notes as I share my experiences in college and describe to you the pros, the cons, and what to expect when you become a college freshman.

The Pros:

1.       Making your schedule: This is by far one of the best things about college. Since we started school as a child, our class schedules have been created by school administrators. However, once you become a college student, this all changes. You now wield the majestic, mystical, and unknown power to create your very own schedule.  This way you can plan your class times around your own personal schedule.

2.       Less homework: One great thing about college is that there is significantly less homework for the classes in comparison to high school. However this can be both a good thing and also a bad thing. Good thing is that you have more time on your hands. However, the bad thing is that this will provide you will less opportunity to practice and remember the skills and lessons you learned in class. Instead, you must become more responsible and manage your time well by making use of it efficiently by studying.

3.       Fewer Exams: Just like the less homework pro, this can be both a good and a bad thing. Although you will have more time between exams, these exams will mostly likely count as more, have a greater impact on your final grade in the course, and also cover more material. Therefore, make a smart use of this in-between and minimalize that partying to save time for studying.

4.       Each Course Only Lasts One Semester: This means if you have to take a course that you despise and dread, it will only last one semester, HALF the time it would usually take in high school. So hip-hip-hooray for that!

The Cons:

1. 1. Less Caring Teachers: The big difference between high school teachers and college ones is not just the name change to professor, but also the fact that college professors usually care less for individual students than high school teachers do. It’s not that they are cold-hearted; it is because of the sheer number of students they teach as a whole. Some teachers teach up to a couple thousand students per week. This makes it difficult for the professor to answer individual questions from each student that may be confused on the lesson. Instead, a better way to answer your questions may be to ask your TA (teacher’s assistant) for assistant and clarification or even on campus tutors or supplemental instruction leaders.
2. 2.       Being Absent Can Be a Big Deal: In high school, being absent for a few days when you are sick or just can’t make it, was not a big deal. You would have days to make up missed exams or homework. However, college is a whole different playing field. Missing a day or two can really create a big dent in your grade. Losing valuable in-class participation points can be like giving up an easy A. Also, there are no make-up days for exams in college. Once you miss an exam, you will indeed receive a 0. So get your flu shots and take your vitamins everyone!

My Experiences:

We FAU High students usually conceal our high school identities from both our professors and our college peers. We do this not because we want to, but because some professors and students are not comfortable with the fact that high school students are in their class. In fact, when people ask me how old I am, I do not say I am 15, instead I say I am 17.

Sometimes, when Boca High dual-enrolled students march over advertising they are high school students, the college students are bewildered and shocked. However, they do not realize that there are many other high school students (FAU High) in their class as well. We FAU High kids sometimes laugh at the thought of the college students realizing that they are surrounded by high school students.

Other than that, college life has been a wonderful experience for me, and I really do enjoy it. It provides me with more of a sense of freedom and responsibility. Transitioning into a college lifestyle was not too difficult. Once you get the hang of commuting from one side of the campus to the other, the professor’s style of teaching, and your new schedule, you will do fine.

Funny Short Story:

My Biodiversity professor poked fun at the high school students by saying that the students who receive the high grades in his class are usually in high school. He explained that when you are 15, you still have to listen to and obey your parents; however, if a college student’s parents asked them if they finished their homework, the student would just roll their eyes and stare at them like they have problems.

So now that I have given all the advice I could give in this article, I just want to say to all the high school students out there, work hard and keep up those good grades everyone! It will all be worth it once you get accepted into your dream university! 

I Went to the University of Florida Today...

What better way to spend summer then investing in your future?

Today, at about 8:30 in the morning, my family and I embarked on a journey to UF, the college of my dreams. And let me tell you, I'm making my dream a reality if it kills me.

 Once we got there, we took a tour of the College of Journalism and Communications (It was so amazing, I was trying not to hyperventilate) and I couldn't stop imagining myself being a Gator. I felt like I belonged there. 

Once that tour was over, we took a lunch break at the food court in Reitz Union, which made me feel like I was in a mall. (Hey, they need to feed 50,000 students.) I munched on Subway, eagerly wanting to see the rest of the school. I kept seeing so many bright faces, I couldn't help feeling that everyone one in this school is incredibly nice and friendly.

After lunch, we stopped at the bookstore (which has much more than books) then headed down to the Welcome Center for a tour of the whole school.

During the tour of the whole school, we were lead by two chipper students who happily led us through the school, and we saw everything from The Swamp to dorm rooms.

By the end of the tour, everyone was sweating bullets (that Florida summer heat just doesn't stop!) so we headed back to the car and checked out some of the Fraternities.

As we drove back home to my grandparents house near Orlando, I couldn't help feeling a tinge of sadness. But, if I work hard in school, I'll get in, and I won't have to leave as soon!     

    

New Year, New Beginnings

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! I can't believe 2012 is here already; it's just so amazing how time flies by! I've spent the past couple of months finalizing and submitting college applications and it never really occurred to me until now that my high school career is coming to an end. This year, I will be experiencing a new life: College Life.

I'm both excited and nervous at the same time after all, I've never lived anywhere else besides home. With that in mind, I only applied to Florida schools: University of Florida (UF), Florida International University (FIU), University of Central Florida (UCF), and University of South Florida (USF). So far, I've been accepted to UCF, USF, and FIU. I'll be spending the next final months of high school applying for scholarships and enjoying the rest of my senior year.

As for New Year resolutions, I don't plan on making any for now. I figured that since there are going to be a lot of changes this year, I should just see how things go first and then make resolutions later. Although 2012 will be a year of new beginnings, I'm really looking forward to the new experiences life will have to offer. :)

The Woes of College Applications

It's finally that time. The past twelve years of schooling have prepared us for this moment. The summer before senior year has come and gone, and the time to face the rigorous torture that are college applications has finally come.

Do not fret, however. There are certain tips that will undeniably ease your stress when applying to college.

First, remember to take your time. College applications are long and tedious, and they require both your full attention and a sharp eye. This isn't just your English paper, guys. This is your future.

Something else to consider when applying to college that may make your life just a little easier is choosing to apply online. Most colleges offer an online application, and out of state schools often offer a supplement available on the Common Application website. (www.commonapp.org) Applying online can make things a lot simpler for you and your family, so taking advantage of this opportunity is most definitely in your best interest.

Talk to your friends and parents. Remember, you're not going through this alone. If your parents didn't go to college, then talk to someone who recently graduated and knows the process well. They may have tips for you to spruce up your application and really make it shine.

Finally, take a deep breath. Applying to college is probably one of the most stressful things you've gone through thus far, but it really isn't as horrible as you think it is. Remember, colleges are on your side. They want to admit new students who are excited about attending their school. If you stay positive and knock out those applications, everything will work out. It helps to think about the fact that you're on your way to some of the best experiences of your life.

Resources:

Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx

FSU Admissions: http://admissions.fsu.edu/

UCF Admissions: http://admissions.ucf.edu/

USF Admissions: https://secure.vzcollegeapp.com/usf/default.aspx?cid=87&ltid=1

UF Admissions: http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/

UNF Admissions: http://www.unf.edu/admissions/

FGCU Admissions: http://www.fgcu.edu/admissions.asp

It All Starts Now

The Common App is available. The Florida universities applications have been posted. Summer might as well be over.

Looming ahead are the countless college applications and supplements, essay after essay, last minute SAT and ACT cram sessions, a heavy first semester course load, soccer practices and football games, Key Club meetings, band practice, volunteer hours at the hospital and to top it all off, a part time job.

Why? What are we doing this for? The stress? The lack of sleep? The midnight breakdowns?

No.

It’s for the letter. The letter that you will receive in the mail, either in mid-December (if you apply early decision) or in March (if you apply regular decision). The letter that says “Congratulations! We are please to inform you that you have been accepted in to (insert your first choice here).”

But that is when the letter comes. Until then, and I assume the wait will be agonizing, there will be nothing left for any of us to do. We’ll have to believe that we did all we could to do, that we tried our best.

For now, though, we have to get through it. It’s the beginning of August. We have until January, for the lucky ones, November, but we will make it through. It will all be worth it. And when we receive that letter, that is when it starts. Really.