I don't know where to look!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>My question's a bit of a two part one, and I have always been a little wordy, so I apologize in advance...thanks to all those who dare to read :)</p>

<p>I know there are a ton of these threads, but I really need some help. I am a rising junior and I have absolutely NO clue as to what I want to do or where I want to go for college. All of my friends seem to know exactly what they want to be (doctor, lawyer, interior designer, etc.) however I can't for the life of me figure this out for myself. My strength has always been writing, literary arts, and public speaking, however I find the sciences, particularly biology, to be extremely fascinating. I love the idea of being a doctor or a surgeon, but I don't know if I have the skills to become either of these. I am also really interested in books, music, movies, and the like. I don't know what job, if any, would be able to combine these interests. I've heard that when applying to colleges, it's great to have a field of study that you are particularly passionate about, so I'm trying to figure out what that might be for me. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should consider majoring in, or what jobs might make the best use of my skills, talents, and interests? Quite a tall order, I know...</p>

<p>Secondly, I am getting ready to go on college tours, but I don't have the slightest clue as to where to begin. Since I don't know what I want to major in, I don't know what strengths I should be looking for in a college/university. Of course I know about the prestigious institutions, but I don't know what would be a good fit for me. I know that I'm not interested in a huge school, but that's about all I've figured out. If anybody is still reading this (thanks for sticking to it!), here are my stats, both thus far and predicted: </p>

<p>Gender: Female
Race: Caucasian
State of Residence: WA
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA: Not sure, although I've taken quite a few AP/honors classes and maintained straight As
AP scores: Mostly 4s and 5s, one 3 </p>

<p>Junior Year Schedule: AP World History, Pre-Calculus, AP French, AP Lang, Psychology, and AP Chemistry</p>

<p>Expected Senior Year Schedule: American Government, AP Lit, AP Stats, AP Bio, AP Physics, and AP French (I'll probably assume more of a tutoring/teaching assistant role the second time around)</p>

<p>SATs: Expecting around 2100
ACT: 32 expected
SAT IIs: Should I consider taking these? I've heard mixed reviews as to their importance on a college application</p>

<p>Work Experience:
-Babysitting (7 years for the same family)
-Started a licensed T-shirt business to take myself to France for 3 weeks as a class trip (I have since closed the business)</p>

<p>ECs:
-Member of school's Honor Society (4 years expected)
-Member of school's Mock Trial team; placed 4th at state this year (3 years expected)
-Competitive figure skater since age 6 (national competitor)
-Volunteering with local beginning figure skaters (4 years expected)
-Volunteering once a week with an elderly woman through a county service program (2 years expected)
-Volunteering at city hospital (2 years expected)</p>

<p>...that's about all I can think of right now. With these stats and my fairly confused ideas about interests/careers, what kinds of schools should I be considering, realistically? Oh, and if it's of any use, I'm from a middle-class family with an older brother currently attending a private university. My family falls into that wonderful group of not being wealthy enough to pay the flat rate, but not poor enough to qualify for much financial aid. </p>

<p>Thanks in advance to anybody who can help me with any portion of my questions. I don't know much about the college application process, but I'm happy to chance back anyone who would like me to attempt! </p>

<p>All the best,
figureskater405</p>

2

<p>I’m sorry I can’t offer that much advice, but DEFINITELY take the SAT II. Almost all the decent schools require two, so you would really limit yourself if you didn’t take them.</p>

3

<p>I am a rising junior and I have absolutely NO clue as to what I want to do or where I want to go for college.</p>

<p>Since you’re a rising junior, make sure you take the PSAT in October! You may make National Merit!</p>

4

<p>For college trips - look for “types” of schools to get an idea of what you are looking for. Big state U in a small town, and a big city. Small LAC in a big city. Private in a big city, smaller town. By visiting a wide range of schools, in different settings you might get an idea of the kind of environment that you are looking for.</p>

<p>You have a solid resume and scores. Take both ACT and SAT - and whichever one you like the best or score the best on - take again, maybe even three times. Moving up those scores is a big deal. And many schools “superscore” for admission or merit scholarships - meaning they take the highest score from each section for an overall super score. University of Denver and Wash U superscore for merit as an example.</p>

<p>Look on this site and college websites to find out about merit scholarships. There is a really good thread from “momfromtexas” on how she found merit scholarships for her two sons - she was in the same boat financially.</p>

<p>Also, google, “common data set” “name of school” 2009, 2010 won’t be listed yet - these forms have great info and tell you where you will be a top candidate for admission, therefore for scholarship.</p>

5

<p>Also - wanted to echo - take the PSAT this fall - it’s in October. If your school doesn’t offer - get it done by working with, through them. There are a lot of schools that give full rides to NMF … you can search for those threads on here as well.</p>

6

<p>Don’t worry about your ultimate career yet as long as you have strong interests which it sounds like you do. Schools with small classes and a lot of individual attention may be helpful, but check out a few and see what you think. I agree about “types” of schools. If you see Bowdoin it’s not so crucial to see Middlebury right away. You’ll get the idea of what a small liberals school is like. So maybe choose somewhere nearby to check out at Columbus Day or President’s Day (when the college might be in session and your school might be out) and then plan a bigger trip for later. Boston, obviously, would allow you to see tufts, Brandeis, Wellesley (if applicable) but it would be helpful to work in small liberals college like Amherst (reach), Trinity (more of a match) or Connecticut college.</p>

7

<p>Thanks so much everyone! I’m planning on taking the PSAT in October, so we’ll see how that goes.</p>