How To Pick A College (Formerly "College")

Shortstuff · 07-18-2002, 08:24 PM

Ok, I'll graduate in a few weeks from school. I was wondering how do I pick a college. I've been homeschooled since the 5th grade and don't know what to do about college. I really want to go, and even know what I want to major in, but I'm just kinda stuck! I don't know what to do next! Can anyone help me??

mtcatch · 07-18-2002, 08:48 PM

First, don't freak out!

Alright...... deciding which college to attend is a hard decision. I'm currently in the process of deciding where I'm going to go next year. Anyway, your going to want to consider a lot of things. Do you want to go to a Christian (Private) or Public College? Private colleges are usually more expensive but (if their Christian) provide a lot better atmosphere. Public colleges are a lot bigger and less personal but have more specific programs/degrees. Also, you should decide if the location makes a difference. I'm really want to go somewhere warm, so that leaves only southern states for me to consider.
The biggest thing is to start asking colleges for information. Most have web sites (if you have some colleges in mind) otherwise there are web sites that will give many colleges of a certain type your info and they'll contact you. It sounded like you already have a major in mind. That will help to cut down colleges.
When you do start getting college info packets, go through each one checking their majors, prices, and location separating out the ones that aren't appealing.
Finally, ask God for direction and to help you pick out the best college that will fit your needs.
The earlier you pursue colleges the better, I hope I helped (and made sense) and good luck.

Shortstuff · 07-19-2002, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the help!! Do you know any websites that may help me out?? I've already checked out collegeboard.com but it wasn't much help to me.

perhaps · 07-20-2002, 12:45 AM

the way i will pick my university will be by what program i want to go into

if i want to take major in some sort of bio thing for instance, then i will apply to Guelph

etc etc

i am also not applying out of province cuz i'd have to have a higher average to do that and i dont wanna risk it, plus, i know the majority of my friends will stay in province so then we could meet up on select weekends and stuff

well, thats just me

**redbaron** · 07-21-2002, 02:45 AM

i'm finished with my first year i guess, i started at a two year (while i was finishing my HS... now i'm caught up. anyway).

I need sixty more credits, and then i'll have an AA (two year degree).. I don't think i want to go to a four year school right now.

The place i'm at mentally, and in my life is so much different from most of the people who are living in dorms, and doing the school thing. I have steady employment, along with contracting work that i do... I pay my bills, (car, rent, food, utilities) and all that fun stuff. I live on my own (with roomies). I'm just not ready to go back to the fun irresponsible days of full time school...

i just don't think it'd work out to well.

robert4xst · 08-02-2002, 03:55 PM

US News and World Report every year aroudn this time, puts out a issue of their college listings. Top colleges and all that, depending on the major. Granted a Private university will be more accepting to christians (even though some actually aren't)... a Public university will give you more opportunity for Ministry. I mean all of those lost people.... think about it. If you don't know what you are going to do, I don't know if I suggest going to a 4 year university. I know I'm going into my 3rd year and I've changed my major so many times already, that I'm at least a year behind.

Jesus Fish <>< · 08-02-2002, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shortstuff
Thanks for the help!! Do you know any websites that may help me out?? I've already checked out collegeboard.com but it wasn't much help to me.

http://www.christiancolleges.com/

They have a pretty big list of Christian colleges, listed by state. That's assuming ur looking for a Christian college. If you feel you are still trying to grow more in your faith, and aren't ready for the pressures and temptations that will be present at a public college, goto a christian college. It will give you a tremendous opportunity to grow and make good Christian friends to fellowship w/. Alot of Christian colleges have Christian service ministries also, like working in the nearby churches, or inner-city ministries. Some also have drama and singing teams that travel between semesters. I dont' think there is a lack of opportunity at a Christian school, it will just be different than at a public school.

robert4xst · 08-02-2002, 04:07 PM

I have to disagree... I think students sometimes grow more at a State university than at a private. Yes you are faced with more stuff at a public university, thats why you grow. You grow from temptation, and from problems. Most public universitys have chrsitian orginiatizations ranging from Campus Crusade for Christ, and Baptist Student Ministres to other campus groups. I've seen some people come into our BSM as new christians and just grow and grow. ...

There isnt lack of opportunity in private schools, but there are usually more lack of opportunity in leadership.

Jesus Fish <>< · 08-02-2002, 04:12 PM

I it's up to the specific person to gauge where they are in their spiritual life. Personally, I know I need to have good Christian friends, and that type of atmosphere. Plus, I'm going into Youth Ministries, so that wouldn't really work well at a public school. I agree that a person can grow tremendously at a public school, especially with the help of those student groups.

Your best bet is to find out what God wants you to do (easier said than done, I know) and pray pray pray

danalyn · 08-08-2002, 04:52 PM

Note: This post not much related to thread topic...

Quote:

Originally posted by perhaps
the way i will pick my university will be by what program i want to go into

if i want to take major in some sort of bio thing for instance, then i will apply to Guelph

etc etc

Hehe... I just ruled out Guelph...

*lack of course I wanted...

Mark · 08-08-2002, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by robert4xst
Granted a Private university will be more accepting to christians (even though some actually aren't)... a Public university will give you more opportunity for Ministry

this is such a common misconception....its really almost saddening to me. I've been around college life a lot since my dad works at one, and a lot of kids think that they'd be better off going to a public uni to minister to others. Its great that you think that, but let me tell you, its not that easy. Going to a Private School, you get mostly Christian instructors, you get the Christian atmosphere, which helps you grow TREMENDOUSLY, and really unless you have a clear-cut plan on how excatly to minister to students, i don't think its wise to go to a public school.

I've seen more people at Christian colleges change their lives than going to a public school. Remember, you first need to make sure that you are in line with God before you try and full-out minister to others....

perhaps · 08-08-2002, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by danalyn
Note: This post not much related to thread topic...

Hehe... I just ruled out Guelph...

*lack of course I wanted...

LOL!

So, are you applying this fall, dana?
And for what?

danalyn · 08-08-2002, 07:48 PM

This fall I'm hitting a community college ((not MY community, but A community... It will eventually be my community...

)) doing Health Sciences... Oh joy...

And I'm looking at Universities around the province... but I've got at least till February to decide that. Possibly longer.

perhaps · 08-08-2002, 07:56 PM

Ah cool! Health sciences...So what do you want to get into? Nursing....? (i cannot think of anything else at the moment so please excuse my only one guess hehe)

danalyn · 08-08-2002, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by perhaps
Ah cool! Health sciences...So what do you want to get into? Nursing....? (i cannot think of anything else at the moment so please excuse my only one guess hehe)

Yup.

And my take on it is, I'm going to get in as much education in as little time possible... Could be interesting...