Quote from chinolal

Quote from XxKumagoroXx

I'm also a Senior this year. My homeroom/cluster teacher is helping our class out a lot and she already has us looking in to scholarships and Universities we are considering and what our options are. It's hectic when you're taking AP courses and trying to process all the info. for college. We also have SATs to worry about. Hopefully this thread answers my questions too. 🙂
If you have already printed your applications, as my teacher suggested, start now.

How does one know what Major to choose? I mean there are many out there that could apply to your interests, it's hard to choose.

It is really hard to tell a person what major to choose from. Just say to yourself what career do I want to pursue. An entrepreneur, architecture, doctor, teacher, etc... Decide what are your interests and relate that to your career. Once you do that find a major that deals with that career.

Like for me, I am pursuing to become a pharmacist, therefore I need to get into pharmacy school. To do that I choose a science major (Biochemistry) because it greatly deals with medicine. Getting a B.S. or B.A. in biochemistry will prepare me well for pharmacy school.

I have so many things I want to do that it's hard to pick 🤣 That's cool pharmacy~ I'm already in a health related school so I'm thinking in majoring in a science major. 🙂 I've been researching lately so I can come to a solid decision so I'm not changing my mind at the last minute (like always). Thanks for the advice!

I have a question... how do minors work?? Cuz I know for a fact that I'm going to major in pre-veterinary medicine, but I really want to do other stuff too... like I really want to minor in something art-related like music or drawing... or maybe a language like Japanese... but I really don't know what minors are. 🤢 Basically majors but not as important.....?? 😕 Idk.......!!!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/cWeUK2w.png[/img]

Quote from LawX

You are like the dense main character in a shoujo manga.

Quote from Crenshinibon

And you will murder someone one day, pika. If you're my daughter.

Quote from PeachMangoTea

I have a question... how do minors work?? Cuz I know for a fact that I'm going to major in pre-veterinary medicine, but I really want to do other stuff too... like I really want to minor in something art-related like music or drawing... or maybe a language like Japanese... but I really don't know what minors are. 🤢 Basically majors but not as important.....?? 😕 Idk.......!!!

A minor is a second area of study that you chose. You usually have to go through the same process as getting in to a major such as, applying, writing an entrance exam, doing an interview with a board from the department, ect. Then once you are accepted a minor works basically the same as a major, in terms of school work, only the amount of class you have to take is reduced, but there are still required classes and also elective requirements that you must meet to earn that minor. Then once you graduate your transcripts will say that you majored and also minored in whatever subjects that you chose and it shows that you are a hard working student that pursued two different subjects but chose to focus more on one and less on the other, but like you said the major is still more important then a minor. Also, when you are going for a minor if you decide that you wish to change your major you have classes from other departments that you may be able to use for that new degree. Anyway hoped this helped a little and good luck with college and remember to have a lot of fun. 😁

" 9 years and 163 days later, 2% of my body cells are still in love with her"

Quote from Rabin

Quote from PeachMangoTea

I have a question... how do minors work?? Cuz I know for a fact that I'm going to major in pre-veterinary medicine, but I really want to do other stuff too... like I really want to minor in something art-related like music or drawing... or maybe a language like Japanese... but I really don't know what minors are. 🤢 Basically majors but not as important.....?? 😕 Idk.......!!!

A minor is a second area of study that you chose. You usually have to go through the same process as getting in to a major such as, applying, writing an entrance exam, doing an interview with a board from the department, ect. Then once you are accepted a minor works basically the same as a major, in terms of school work, only the amount of class you have to take is reduced, but there are still required classes and also elective requirements that you must meet to earn that minor. Then once you graduate your transcripts will say that you majored and also minored in whatever subjects that you chose and it shows that you are a hard working student that pursued two different subjects but chose to focus more on one and less on the other, but like you said the major is still more important then a minor. Also, when you are going for a minor if you decide that you wish to change your major you have classes from other departments that you may be able to use for that new degree. Anyway hoped this helped a little and good luck with college and remember to have a lot of fun. 😁

Ohhh. Okay thanks so much. This definitely helped!!! >_____<

[img]https://i.imgur.com/cWeUK2w.png[/img]

Quote from LawX

You are like the dense main character in a shoujo manga.

Quote from Crenshinibon

And you will murder someone one day, pika. If you're my daughter.

My best advice regarding the whole college experience is try to get an internship or work study AS QUICKLY as possibly and try to do one each year. So many people are getting undergraduate degrees these days that employers are really favoring those who have some relative experience in their field by the time they graduate.

Also, regarding the whole application process, as long as you know where you stand you shouldn't have too much of a problem getting into a decent college. Just don't be one of those people who slacked all through high school and then decided their senor year they want to go to Harvard. Keep a public university or two in the mix as well as there might be some politics going with regards to the application process at some of the smaller private universities.

I personally didn't really bother with applying for scholarships because my family was well off, but I wouldn't worry too much. If you go to a public university student aid and minimal student loans should be able to get you through. Do apply to all the scholarships you can find though -- I remember many of my professors mentioned many go unclaimed because no one applies for them.

As for minors I would try to make it something relative to your major field of study. Japanese, though fun, wouldn't be that impressive on a resume unless maybe you were applying to a Japanese firm. Maybe bio-chemistry, or even possibly management (or another business degree) would be a nice pairing with your pre-veterinary medicine degree.

Quote from vanpaia

As for minors I would try to make it something relative to your major field of study. Japanese, though fun, wouldn't be that impressive on a resume unless maybe you were applying to a Japanese firm. Maybe bio-chemistry, or even possibly management (or another business degree) would be a nice pairing with your pre-veterinary medicine degree.

Ooohhh that sounds like a very smart thing to do. I shall definitely keep that in mind. Thankyuuu!!!! Sadly chemistry isn't my strong point........ ;____;

[img]https://i.imgur.com/cWeUK2w.png[/img]

Quote from LawX

You are like the dense main character in a shoujo manga.

Quote from Crenshinibon

And you will murder someone one day, pika. If you're my daughter.

Couple notes:

1. Make sure you've taken ALL of the required tests for any university you want to apply to. The ivy leagues and the better state schools often require BOTH ACT and SAT, as well as SAT IIs in several subjects. I ended up missing out on my #1 choice (Berkley) because one of the SAT IIs I had taken was in a subject that my choice major didn't allow.

2. ACT is generally a more common requirement for schools in the west/mid-west. SAT tends to be more prominent back east. In fact, I have friends and family back there who hadn't even heard of the ACT until I asked them if they had taken it.

3. Figure out ahead of time how high you want to go with your education. Do you want a Master's? A Doctorate? This is important because it should affect what you major in in undergrad. If say, you wanted to get a MBA... I'd advise against going undergrad business. There's a lot of overlap, and it just doesn't look as hot on resumes (you're also limiting yourself.) If you wanted to go into medicine, an undergrad in biology is a sure-fire way to -not- differentiate yourself from the competition.

Good luck.

My best advice regarding the whole college experience is try to get an internship or work study AS QUICKLY as possibly and try to do one each year. So many people are getting undergraduate degrees these days that employers are really favoring those who have some relative experience in their field by the time they graduate.

Yes, internships are definitely a must! That's an area where I went wrong and realized it too late. Get to know your professors, do lots of internships early, and build that social network! It will definitely help. Especially if you want to go to grad school or a post-grad program. Even of you have a really good college GPA, with no experience people are still turned away. Internships also help you decide if you actually like working in the field of your major. Rec letters will also be better when your professor or supervisor knows you well.

Also in college, join clubs and organizations. A great way to meet people with shared interests and can also build your social network. Clubs as well as membership in professional organizations (related to your major) look good on a resume.

As for minors I would try to make it something relative to your major field of study. Japanese, though fun, wouldn't be that impressive on a resume unless maybe you were applying to a Japanese firm. Maybe bio-chemistry, or even possibly management (or another business degree) would be a nice pairing with your pre-veterinary medicine degree.

For minors, I would make it something that can complement your major. It gives an extra well-roundedness (not a real word o.O) to your area of study. There's also the option of a double major as well.

Decide whether you want a college near your parents home or if you want to move away. If it is to move away, start looking for available dorms with cheap cost.

As for choosing a college, there are definitely a lot of factors. Financial ability, distance from home, if the school is well known in your major of interest, even the type of experience you want from your college life. There is definitely a big difference between say living at home going to a community college and living out in the dorms at a university. From my experience, all on-campus dorms are the same rate and later on you go out and find a house or apartment.

Pray that your roommate or roommates aren't slobs like mine. God one of my roommates would fart constantly while he was sleeping hard to study with that noise.

Haha! If you do live in the dorms, some schools may have the option to pick your roommate. So lots of times friends from the same high school can live together. There may also be a choice to choose interest specific dorms. But that's just from what I've seen where I went to school.

It is really hard to tell a person what major to choose from. Just say to yourself what career do I want to pursue. An entrepreneur, architecture, doctor, teacher, etc... Decide what are your interests and relate that to your career. Once you do that find a major that deals with that career.

Don't stress too much on choosing "the right" major. The choice you make isn't permanent. Lots of people enter college as undeclared and decide later or people come in declared and end up changing their major several times. Choose something that interests you.

If I were you I would start applying to universities right now it would be good for your advantage. Also, you should have taken the SAT/ACT on your junior year.

You should start your applications and writing those essays now! Where I went to high school, my english teacher had us work on those. Be sure to have them peer-reviewed too. I can't remember too much about the tests, but I took the SATs early as well.

Overall, enjoy your teenage years. College is a whole new world (Isn't that a song?) Look forward to it.

Try not to stress too much and make the most of your senior year! College is definitely a whole new experience compared to high school. Enjoy it while you can. 😃

P.S. Sorry for being super long! Ganbatte!

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/kryskrys/dengekidaisy05.jpg[/img]
"ありがとう...だいすき...DAISY" ♥

Quote from xxkuroxx

wow...as for me choosing my major course was the most difficult part.Since I got high mark,I can get any course I want, so I was torn between choosing medical or engineering.My mother wants me to choose medical and my father wants me to choose Biotechnology.I don't even know what Biotechnology is at that time.
Since, biology isn't my strong point, so I choose Electrical Engineering.Pretty much based on my teacher advices. I guess, I'm glad I didn't choose medical.

As for scholarship, I applied for government scholarship when my friends told me about.Its almost the deadline but thank god, I managed to submit it.And, I got the scholarship,so I don't have any financial worry during my university life.I am really thankful for it.Hahahaha.....

Oh...yeah,I came from different country from yours so our system is a bit different.So, I only share about choosing course.

What country are you from?? :3

[img]https://i.imgur.com/cWeUK2w.png[/img]

Quote from LawX

You are like the dense main character in a shoujo manga.

Quote from Crenshinibon

And you will murder someone one day, pika. If you're my daughter.

Quote from PeachMangoTea

Quote from xxkuroxx

wow...as for me choosing my major course was the most difficult part.Since I got high mark,I can get any course I want, so I was torn between choosing medical or engineering.My mother wants me to choose medical and my father wants me to choose Biotechnology.I don't even know what Biotechnology is at that time.
Since, biology isn't my strong point, so I choose Electrical Engineering.Pretty much based on my teacher advices. I guess, I'm glad I didn't choose medical.

As for scholarship, I applied for government scholarship when my friends told me about.Its almost the deadline but thank god, I managed to submit it.And, I got the scholarship,so I don't have any financial worry during my university life.I am really thankful for it.Hahahaha.....

Oh...yeah,I came from different country from yours so our system is a bit different.So, I only share about choosing course.

What country are you from?? :3

Asia, Malaysia....not sure if you know about it... 😀

Quote from xxkuroxx

Asia, Malaysia....not sure if you know about it... 😀

That's soooo cooolll!!!! Lol, oh I've heard of Malaysia many times. I love almost every Asian country~ :3 By the way, your English is fantastic!!!!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/cWeUK2w.png[/img]

Quote from LawX

You are like the dense main character in a shoujo manga.

Quote from Crenshinibon

And you will murder someone one day, pika. If you're my daughter.

Quote from PeachMangoTea

Quote from xxkuroxx

Asia, Malaysia....not sure if you know about it... 😀

That's soooo cooolll!!!! Lol, oh I've heard of Malaysia many times. I love almost every Asian country~ :3 By the way, your English is fantastic!!!!

Yeah, mayb you can come visit here.
thanx, its the 1st time someone complimented my english.... 😀

From what I've experienced, SAT and ACT are now interchangeable for most universities. Most, but not all. SAT II scores are also necessary, although I heard that this coming year, some universities are making it optional. In my opinion, I think the ACT test is kind of bothersome:/ I nearly fell asleep at the essay writing part. Why do they have it at the end?:[

& financial aid is easy. FAFSA grants you all these grants if you have low income and there are lots of scholarships out there. Plus, there are loans. Subsidized is the one where it's low interest. I wouldn't suggest the parent loan or the unsubsidized loan. Both have high interest. The school will probably also offer work-study if you can get the grants. But you'll have to find this job on your own.

You can always choose "undecided" if you haven't decided a major yet when you file for applications. Don't worry, you'll do fine.

The university I'm going to right now was pretty much decided for me by my parents (I didn't really have a choice). Don't forget to file FAFSA as early as possible (January 1st at the earliest). It will help you a lot and I'm pretty sure it's required to be filled out for any college. Study well for your SATs/ACTs (if you haven't taken them yet). They're very important.

Kinda sucks for me, I've been in college for three years but I've never gotten any financial aid except for one scholarship lol. Talk about expensive.

Definately apply for scholorships. I only got one and I'm just stuck paying a ton of money for university. You don't have to worry about knowing what major you want until junior year but if you do know now I suggest you look into what courses are required for the major as well as what the basic requirements are for the school because taking a few core classes with other easier ones makes life easier. If you haven't picked a school yet, definately visit all of them first because the atmosphere could make you change your mind and that's something you wont realize until you get there. I didn't visit my school until after I was accepted (SUNY Stony Brook if anyone cares lol) and I luckily loved it but I have had friends who switched their top choice after visiting.

As for SAT, they are definately NOT interchangable with ACT scores. ACT is only interchangable with the writing portion of SATs. Some schools require scores from bio or history or similar specific seperate SAT tests, so just double check that yours does not. Also, dont forget to have your final high school transcript sent to the university you will definately be attending! It's very important to get that done before the semester begins or they can revoke your acceptance.