Hi,
I’ll be a senior in high school next year, but I have no idea where to go to college or what I’m going to do. I’ve decided that college is the right decision for me, but I just don’t have enough information to even begin thinking about where I want to spend crazy amounts of money on my future and education.
I’ve been thinking about UPenn or Berkeley; my Dad lives in the bay area and I have family friends in Pennsylvania… I spent part of my last summer at a program at Brown University, and it was close to what I think I’m looking for, but not quite. I just don’t know how to decide or where to look for other options? What do I do if I don’t even know what I want to study? Is an expensive education at either of these schools worth it if I’m undecided about my major? Should I apply Early Decision or not? Public or Private?
I’m quite interested in a liberal arts education, or maybe business school; I like cities, and wouldn’t mind a larger school, but I also like the idea of being on a campus…
Any help or advice for the upcoming admissions process and college search would be much appreciated.
Thanks
/O
Try using the SuperMatch function on this site. It’ll at least make you think about what you want in a college and will give you some good suggestions. Generally speaking, your college list should have a few reaches, a few matches, and some solid safeties (schools you know that you can get into and can afford). You also need to know how much your family can afford along with how much each of the colleges will expect you to pay (you can run the net price calculators for them).
You can’t spend a crazy amount if you don’t have it so check with your parents about how much they can spend a year so you will know what you have to work with. Students can only borrow limited amounts alone (5.5k freshman year) .Berkeley is public, so state residency matters for cost.Privates give need aid but public’s don’t always. Liberal Arts colleges don’t usually have business depts so that is one choice that is at odds with each other. Catholic colleges seem to have a liberal arts core and decent business depts, though. Keep reading and thinking.
What are your grades and scores? The schools you mention are extraordinarily selective.
I am ranked first in my class (GPA 4.02) and I’m using my ACT score of 33
My SAT score was 2100… I also took two SAT Subject Tests, Biology (730) and Literature (780)
If these schools are too selective would you recommend applying Early Decision? I’ve heard that it increases the chance of admission, but also involves the risk of competing with more, highly-qualified applicants… @marvin100
Congrats on a very strong high school record. You are probably a viable candidate for those schools, although you’re not a “slam dunk” by any means. AD does increase your chances, although not as much at the super-selectives as at the next tiers down.
As some have suggested, finances are a very top factor, and one you’ll need to discuss frankly with your parents. After that, well, there are “strategies” and there are “fits” and there are “dream schools,” etc.
The UCs don’t have ED, btw.