Hey there, I am a high school senior currently on that stressful path to finding a college that the right fit for me. I say stressful because right now that’s really all it is. First and foremost I want to clearly say that I DO want to go to college straight out of high school, I have worked extremely hard to get where I am and thats partly because I want to go directly to college as soon as possible. I am a fairly good student (3.93 UW GPA and 4.15 W GPA and a 32 on my ACT) I have taken many AP/honors classes and have pushed myself very hard all throughout high school. Additionally, I have been heavily involved in Student Government all 4 years including this year as Student Body President, have been a member of the Varsity basketball team at my school for 2 years (JV the 2 years before that), had lead roles in 3 different theater productions and ensemble roles in several others, I am on staff with a local non-profit, and have spent my summers volunteering at a nearby hospital. Furthermore, I also work part-time and (somehow) manage to still have outside interests and hobbies like photography, kickboxing, etc. Before you ask, YES I am a busy person haha. And I absolutely love it, this is the way that I thrive. I always figured that for me, finding a college would be easy, I could get in to most schools I applied to and would just figure it out from there. But it hasn’t been easy. Long story short, my options are more limited than I thought. I have a very specific career goal in mind (Medicine) and I live in Arizona, therefore a very obvious choice in U of A. It makes so much sense. I have family in Tucson, I would get great financial aid, I know people who go there, etc. But for some reason it doesn’t feel “right”…I have toured baylor, ASU, and NAU. Out of state is a possibility but I would have to get A LOT of scholarship for my parents to even consider it. I feel trapped. I feel like i have this great resume and endless opportunities but I just can’t figure out where I fit. A lot of the people I talk to tell me that I’ll just “know” when I find the right school, that I will just be able to feel it. U of A is the only school that makes any sense to me so why is it that my heart isn’t there? Why does it not feel right? I feel bad because this causes so many arguments between my parents and I but I just don’t know what to do and why I can’t find any enthusiasm about it. And I don’t even know where to begin looking at any other options because there is something “wrong” with the schools I look at (location, cost, programs, etc).So I guess, how did you know you had found the right school? Any tips on how I can be sure of this choice?
Why not consider well-funded schools that would be likely to meet your financial need?
Consider state school honors colleges such as at the University of Alabama & at the University of South Carolina for substantial scholarship awards.
Also Williams College is a possibility if you qualify for need based financial aid.
Your post is difficult to read because it is written as one long rambling paragraph.
Apply to a variety of schools. Visit as many as you can when school is in session and you are among the student body and not jus the buildings. As your acceptances come in compare all your financial options. Go from there in terms of what feels right and what you can afford. One thing at a time. This will most likely be a springtime decision. Right now you are gathering information. Your decision will come as you journey through the process.
Start with your state schools and move outward. State schools usually are the most affordable. Make a spreadsheet (that will give you something to keep you busy) compare real costs, room /board., meal plans, avg books, health insurance, etc. Also check in VS out of state costs. Cost to travel there back and forth during breaks. Scholarships /financial aid etc etc. Have a realistic picture of costs to any school you will be applying to. Run the financial calculators on the schools websites…
Also since you like theater… Make sure they have something that you can participate in. College needs to be fun also and you will meet a lot of people through theater. There might even be a theater house like on some campuses. FYI. ;nn;
There are “College search tools” here on CC, on collegeboard and Naviance. You can put in your sat, area of country, major and it will give you ideas.
Factors to consider:
- Cost - how much can your parents afford per year? If it is $0, don’t fret.
- What are your SAT/ACT Scores?
- What do you want to major in?
- How far from home is okay with you/what part of the country?
- What type of school? Big football? Small liberal arts?
Many (most) people go to local state colleges/Universities…it is about practicalities, not “feel”.
Of the factors above, you have to know which is the most important.
If it is cost, then if you have good sat/act/gpa, then you can look at http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/ for colleges with automatic scholarships.
If it is your major then start with colleges that offer that major.
Not to pile on but in the future “make the reader your friend” by creating space, paragraphs to make your post easier to read.
I think I’m just rephrasing some of what others have posted, but:
IMO all colleges have pluses/minuses. There is no one “right” school for any college hopeful. As a premed hopeful, most any college will offer you the opportunities and resources you need to be a successful premed. Whether you become a successful premed or not is more dependent on your efforts while at college, less on the school attended.
Cost: As med school is very expensive and typically paid for by loans which will accrue interest during med school and residency, graduating from college with as little debt, if any, is a wise strategy. Your right, your state school is an obvious choice.
As most premed hopefuls change their minds for any number of reasons, and of those who actually apply, 60% will not get even one med school acceptance, consider schools that offer academics should you be a premed that changes their mind. Have a Plan B. Good luck.