<p>First of all, I'm a freshman, so I still have time to reflect on this subject. Sorry if I make a stupid question or something....
I have my ideas of going to college and what I want to major in. I really want to attend Cornell, University of Notre Dame, Rice University, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. What I think I'll major in is Architecture as my first choice, Liberal Arts, Biology Research, or maybe I'll teach a subject... But I have my mind set on Architecture.
I really want to get into Cornell, UND, and Rice because of the architecture program. But I love Stanford and UC Berkeley specifically because I live in Cal, and because of the name. "Although Cornell is an Ivy".</p>
<p>But, Stanford really doesn't have a good architecture program so I hear, and UC Berkeley, I'm not really sure. </p>
<p>Can anyone explain which major is each college known for? And what should I try to aim for?</p>
<p>You are only a freshman. You should aim to maximize your HS experience, take challenging classes, find extracurricular activities you enjoy and not worry about college until later on. Just my opinion…</p>
<p>For specific ideas about where to study architecture, and how to prepare for that major, try re-posting your questions in the Parents Forum. Change the title to something along the lines of “Where should I study Architecture, and what can I do in high school to get ready for it” so that you catch the attention of people who can advise you about that.</p>
<p>Now for my advice: </p>
<p>If you haven’t already spoken with your parents about how they expect you to pay for your education, do that now. Chances are that they will whine and fuss and say something like “You are a freshman and you shouldn’t be thinking about that yet.” But, you need to be brave, and strong, and keep them on task. Help them run some of the Net Price Calculators at the websites of the colleges and universities that are on your list now, and help them run some of the EFC calculators at [FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org%5DFinAid”>http://www.finaid.org) or the CollegeBoard website. Have snacks, adult beverages, and a big box of tissue handy in case they start to get cranky. The important piece of information you need to get from the websites is what the colleges/universities are likely to expect your family to pay. The important piece of information that you need from your family, is how much they really can pay. These will probably be two very different things - which means a visit to the Financial Aid Forum will most likely also be in order. When you conclude this activity, be sure to let them know how much you love and appreciate them, and that you will do your level best to make the whole college application process go as smoothly as possible.</p>