Seniors:
By now, you’ve most likely exhausted the topic of college with your teachers, friends, and eager-to-know family members. And, now that the 1st of November has passed, many of you have already applied to your top school choices. Some of you, however, have yet to do so. As of now, most college applications are due by January 1st, 2014. Even though that isn’t the Early Action deadline, it’s still important to have all of your applications filled out and sent to the schools of your choice, along with your transcripts and test scores, if you haven’t done so already. It’s not too late, so don’t be discouraged!
If you’re still having trouble thinking of schools to apply to, talk to your counselor and they’ll help you find a school that you’d be interested in. Don’t be afraid to do your own research online, as well; there are hundreds of schools out there and one of them is perfect for you. If you’re struggling to pay any/all of your application fees, ask your counselor for a fee waiver, or request a fee waiver on your online application. A simple way to apply is through the Common App, but not all colleges utilize it, so be sure to go to the college’s website and use their online application if necessary.
It’s important to note that even if you have no idea what you want to major in when it comes to college, you should still apply! There are plenty of schools that allow general courses for the undecided students, and help from the school’s counselors will guide you towards the direction you should be headed. College will open up dozens of possibilities and may even introduce you to a career idea that you hadn’t even thought of before!
Don’t be embarrassed to apply/ attend a community college. Colleges like Macomb Community College offer tons of prerequisite classes (that will transfer lots of places!) for a much lower cost than universities. Taking a year or two at a community college will help to save you money while getting you the basic college education you need to get you through whatever college you transfer to later on. Any college is better than no college, and there is no shame in taking your time and beginning at a community college.
For those who want to take a year off: make sure it’s for a good reason. Taking a year off of school, between high school and college, could benefit you if you’re getting a full time job to help pay for college costs later. It’s also a time for students to take a breather, find out who they are as a person, and maybe even travel. If you and your parents/guardians feel that you could use a break, talk about taking what is called a “gap year”. However, the “gap year” can also be a disadvantage if you’re not very motivated. Many students that take a year off often decide not to go back, whether it’s from lack of routine or just pure laziness. Just make sure that when you take your “gap year”, you’re ready to go back to school afterward.
This may seem like a lot of repetitive information, but it’s absolutely important to know it. While applying for colleges might seem kind of scary, it should be looked at from a positive standpoint; this is your future we’re talking about! Whether you’re applying to the University of Southern California or Oakland Community College, you should present yourself in the best way possible and be excited that you’re planning your future. There are people and resources always at hand if you’re struggling with any part of the application process. So hurry up and get your applications filled out, your future awaits!
Also, don’t forget to sign up for FAFSA right after the 1st of the year (2014)!!
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