I've searched for the past two weeks and I've been disappointed, Please Help Me!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello. </p>

<p>I'm currently a prospective college student currently in my senior year. I'm having a really bad freak out right now because my plans are somewhat limited.</p>

<p>Just so I can give you a better picture, I'll tell you what happened (obviously).</p>

<p>Ok, so I just moved to a new school this year as a Senior. I've talked with my guidance counselor and he showed me "CareerCruising".com cause I was pretty unsure of what to even major in, though I wanted to do Respiratory Therapy or something medical (I have asthma so the Respiratory Therapy sounded good).</p>

<p>Anyway, I've searched and searched for schools near Greentown, Pennsylvania that are at the max 1 hour from here in the Radiographer, Physician Assistant, and Respiratory Therapy programs but have only found like 3 in Pennsyvania that would mostly help me with Respiratory Therapy or Pre-Med.</p>

<p>Ok, the two Respiratory Therapy schools I was looking at was Millersville which is 3 hours from here cause they have a 4 year Respiratory Bachelor's program.</p>

<p>Thing is, my mom has disabilities and is unable to drive for farther than like 2 hours from here, aka she can't use highways and stuff.</p>

<p>And you might ask, why don't I drive?</p>

<p>Thing is, the insurance on our car would cost twice as much as the current premium + my mom's premium.</p>

<p>Oh and yeah, I've been studying for the SAT for the past 3 months so I had no time whatsoever. Plus I moved and I'm from a low income family.</p>

<p>ANYWAY. What I'm trying to say is that I need help finding a Pre Med or Respiratory Therapy school that's near Greentown, Pennsylvania. If you guys can help me out somehow, let me know.</p>

<p>God Bless You All! Have a good one!</p>

2

<p>first of all, there is no 'pre-med' major; its a set of requirements. Second, are you planning on commuting to college? If not, you don't need a car, as most schools will have bus or train options to get you back and forth. Finally, respiratory therapy is a very specific area of study. Picking a school solely based on a major is not always the best idea, considering that the vast majority of students change their majors at least once. </p>

<p>As for the original post, York College seems to have a respiratory therapy program and Drexel offers a PA (physicians assistat).</p>

<p>If you are worried about cost, and are set on being a respiratory therapist, why not community college?</p>

3

<p>Well my top 3 schools are as of now:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>East Stroudsburg for their Pre Med program (its a B.S. degree in Biology for Pre-Med, its not program specific, its a broader spectrum)</p></li>
<li><p>Luzerne County Community College - This would be my safety school if I didn't get accepted to East Stroudsburg but I'd have to find an apartment somehow (I don't know if they have a housing plan). I'd go here for a 2 year associates in Respiratory Therapy and then I can go to East Stroudsburg with the transfer of credits (I called them about it, they would accept the degree and help me move on to B.S.).</p></li>
<li><p>University of Pittsburgh - Undeclared. This would be my final option (as of yet, I still have somewhat of a week but )</p></li>
</ol>

<p>These are the schools I want to apply for as of now because I really go to Millersville for Respiratory Therapy cause of the transportation issue and Mansfield only has a 2 year associate's program for Respiratory therapy for the same price as Luzerne. Plus Mansfield has the same transportation restrictions.</p>

<p>Therefore, if you could help me find a school like East Stroudsburg that is affordable, has a program for "Pre-Med" or "Respiratory Therapy", let me know.</p>

<p>And yes, cost is an issue because when I was researching careers such as Radiolographer, I found that Misericordia was way more than what a private college should be therefore my mother inclined me to go to a cheaper school.</p>

<p>I'm very excited though don't get me wrong. I'm emailing East Stroudsburg about their Pre Med program, just to see if I'm applying for the right one. I am eligible for the requirements for East Strouds. Luzerne is rolling admissions and a safety school that I could transfer with :). And Pittsburgh although far away, is via bus transportation like Greyhound so if anything should happen and I would get accepted to Pitt, I could at least go there undeclared (or hopefully if I find a major I like, I can just put it on the application before Friday).</p>

<p>Though let me tell you that I'm considering these options to be very valuable towards my life. I tried my best to find a school and I think these are good.</p>

<p>If you can help me with even more ideas, I'd be so happy. Distance and cost are somewhat of an issue so a private college isn't gonna help a low income student that tries his best in school even with financial aid offers.</p>

4

<p>One last thing, transportation on campus is nice too. Stroudsburg and Pitt do it free even though Luzerne would have to be a commute thing, I'll find an apartment near it :).</p>

<p>But just because I said I want to go to Luzerne, I don't really want to commute that much, I'd rather room and board but its a final resort so yeah, i'll do it if necessary.</p>

5

<p>Even more proof that Stroudsburg has a pre med program concentration:</p>

<p>Bachelor of Science with a Biology major-63 semester hours
Concentration: Pre-Medicine</p>

<p>.... Although, what exactly is a concentration?</p>

<p>The cool thing about it is that they have the Pocono Medical Center right on campus so I believe you wouldn't have to commute when under the clinical stage of their program :).</p>

6

<p>I have a question though, would Pre-Med be a bad major?</p>

<p>I do alright in Math. I get usually upper B's / A-'s throughout my High School career, but I just took academic math courses in high school, nothing advanced.</p>

<p>I did take Physics this year as well as other required sciences. I'm doing well in Physics because it is quite interesting though challenging at first with the several equations but after many problems, I got through with it so far.</p>

<p>In any case, should I just simply go towards a Research major instead because of my .</p>

<p>I was also thinking about going to a New York school, even though it would cost a bit more for tuition. Reason being is that if I don't get accepted to East Stroudsburg or Luzerne County Community College, then I need something to fall back on.</p>

<p>I was thinking University of Pittsburgh first because my sister went there but I realized she wasn't that thrilled even with the psychology degree (BA) she received. I remember her saying that it should have been much less.</p>

<p>So would it be bad if I went to Hunter College in New York for Pre-Med aka Major I on this link? :
DEPARTMENT</a> OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES - HUNTER COLLEGE. . . .</p>

<p>It would really be helpful if someone can guide me a bit. I've already asked to talk to my guidance counselor (whom I've talked with since I began the whole Physician Assistant, Radiographer, and Respiratory Therapy ideas) but didn't get to see him yesterday cause he was busy with other kids. I was sick today so I couldn't go to school today but I've been researching still.</p>

<p>I need some help on this in any case. Please help on what to do.</p>

7

<p>Post this question on the parent's board, you'll get real help. I don't know much about medical fields but I do know there's an enormous difference between the jobs you're looking at. A physician's assistant has near MD responsibilities.</p>

8

<p>Well, I can't really do Physician Assistant cause of the amount of private schools in Pennsylvania.</p>

<p>I don't know about New York though.</p>

<p>Can someone help me post this in the parent's forum?</p>

9

<p>There are accredited PA programs in your state listed on the AAPA webiste and they seem to be spread across Pennsylvania:
Programs</a> - PA Programs - PA Educational Programs</p>

<p>I believe Stony Brook is the only SUNY that offers PA which I think is for people with some college/experience, but I could be wrong. However, I do know people who have received very good scholarships for 5 year PA programs at both RIT and LeMoyne in NY with good grades but not exceptional test scores.</p>

<p>I found 17 CAAHEP accredited Respiratory Therapist programs in Pa:
CAAHEP</a> - Accredited Program Search</p>

<p>Hope this helps!</p>

10

<p>I'm really liking the aspect of East Stroudsburg's Pre-Medical program (aka Biological Sciences with the concentration of Pre-Med) but I've been fearing the math aspect.</p>

<p>Though, I remember talking to my allergist one time about Pre-Med programs cause he obviously knew a thing or two about them since he's a doctor and he said he wasn't too keen with math as well. He admitted he wasn't too good in Calculus but got through with it.</p>

<p>I'm willing to learn cause I'm so interested in Neurology and the medical field.</p>

<p>I'm a genius when it comes to math but step by step with practice, I do most things alright. I got a B to A minus average overall in my math curriculum in High School for Academic Math (not Advanced).</p>

<p>If I would go for the Neurology program at Pittsburgh, East Stroudsburg's Pre-Med program, or even Luzerne's Respiratory Therapy program, would I be ok with the math aspect to it or are all science courses for Math geniuses only?</p>

<p>That's the only thing I'm a little scared about. But my mom said I could definitely do it because I try my best in school. And plus she said at least she has a choice cause my sister only got to go to Pittsburgh because it was one of the few colleges we visited. The reason being that we couldn't afford to visit all of the Psychology universities in the state due to our low income.</p>

<p>Either way, should I slap myself in the face for being so naive or is this normal to be wondering about the future? </p>

<p>I believe I'm doing the right thing cause I really think the Medical field has potential for jobs and also would reflect my caring personality.</p>

11

<p>So if I got a B to A Minus average approx throughout my high school career in Academic math courses, would I be ok for Pre-Med or is it only for people who are extremely talented in math?</p>

<p>I've been stressed about this for a while. I mean, I'd love to go into the medical field but I'm so scared about failing college. I really don't want to let my mom down about this.</p>

<p>I really don't like other fields like Business or Law or others cause they're either not my interest or barely have jobs in the field.</p>

<p>Like for instance, I wanted to be a recording engineer cause I love playing with sound as a hobby but I've been doubting the whole career aspect of it due to lack of jobs in the field. And what's the sense in getting a degree in a field where anything can happen to your job? (aka music)</p>

<p>I woulda loved to do that but I have to be real with myself and I can't really depend on a job field like that. If I'm going to college, I deserve to get a better education than that.</p>

<p>That's why I'm leaning towards Medical so much. I'm really a nice person though shy sometimes. I study (even though I kinda despise that word but I do it anyway cause I want to do my best) alot but cope with my symptoms of asthma and anxiety.</p>

<p>Anyway, I know Pre-Med is gonna be challenging but can I handle it if I put my mind to it? Or will I simply fail because I'm not an expert on math but have a basic grasp on it?</p>

<p>*Please someone reply to this cause I'd like some more advice on this :).</p>

12

<p>Btw, I'd love to hear what a Pre-Med student has to say about this for it's very important that I'm getting the right opinion about this matter.</p>

<p>*PLEASE answer my question: Should I go into Pre Med?</p>

13

<p>OK, I am a physician and will do my best to provide some advice. It would be helpful to me to know your overall GPA and SATs. You are looking at a broad range of careers, so more info about you is needed.</p>

14

<p>My highest SAT scores which I just took :), were as follows:</p>

<p>Critical Reading 510<br>
Math 520<br>
Writing 540 (Essay 6)</p>

<p>So basically, a 1030 for the SAT. I know I didn't do so hot on the essay part but for East Stroudsburg, I believe they use the overall writing score, not just your essay for english placement. Plus I got a 10 the first time I took the SAT, and an 8 on the essay the second time.</p>

<p>Anyway, I think I got a 3.9 GPA. I was pretty shocked but that's what my guidance counselor told me. Apparently I'm like number 20 out of a class of 300 some (312 to 350 maybe, I forget)</p>

<p>Does that clear things up?</p>

<p>I usually got like a B to A minus in both math and science but the Medical field interests me alot. I just hope I can handle the courses somehow. I'm taking Trigonometry next semester in my senior year (my school goes by semesters like colleges do).</p>

<p>So am I completely screwed for college or do I have hope? My mom said I could do it cause I'm not the party type at all, I'm really shy and I like to get my work done as long as I can understand what's going on.</p>

15

<p>Your high grades indicate you'll do fine in college. Grades predict college success better than SAT does.</p>

<p>Also get advice from your GC.</p>

<p>Since you're shy, I strongly suggest that you live on campus, which would make it easier for you to meet people. Typically college students make friends in their dorm and extracurriculars.</p>

16

<p>Thanks so much! </p>

<p>I've made a couple friends at the new school I've been going to this senior year cause I moved over the summer. It was a challenge but the Lord really blessed me through this time. I feel as though I have everything I could want really, I can play drums in peace, play a little piano, study quietly, have my own bathroom, etc.</p>

<p>So yeah, I've made the initiative to somewhat make friends. I got a few AIM addresses so I kinda chat with a few people from time to time but I've been focused on this college topic for the past month.</p>

<p>Anyway, just an update, I tried looking into Keystone College for PreMed cause I remember talking to two girls in the Guidance Office about what they're doing in college and they said to check Keystone out.</p>

<p>I did, and I found out that its about 28k per year including everything! That's insane. I coulda went to Misericordia if I had the money of a rich man lol.</p>

<p>Anyway, I really like my choices don't get me wrong. And I've searched for every college that's only max about 2 hours from Greentown PA via a bus at Mount Pocono, PA. Reason being is that my mom's disabled and she can't drive much.</p>

<p>And you're probably wondering why I don't drive. Apparently if I do, our insurance rates with practically triple due to the fact that I'm a man with asthma. Bummer lol.</p>

<p>Anyway, thank god I don't have to work 3 jobs to keep steady. I want to use my opportunity for college to do the best I can so yeah, I think I'll do good.</p>

<p>*I've been trying to tell myself that this whole month but I think I really will do good even if I want to change my major in college cause East Stroudsburg does offer Psychology as well. </p>

<p>Schools I want to apply to are: East Stroudsburg for Pre-Med, Pittsburgh for Neuroscience (but i'm unsure if I should apply for Pre-Med... idk but Neuroscience is more of what I want), and finally Luzerne County Community College for Respiratory Therapy cause I can transfer my credits after the program is done and get into the 3rd year of Pre-Med at East Stroudsburg.</p>

<p>Although its somewhat of a waste to get a certification for Respiratory Therapy only to go into Pre-Med, I feel its a backup and I already complete two years of "pre-med" so I think its a good plan either way :).</p>

<p>Anyway, I was thinking about a fourth but have been trouble finding one. Plus the budget for my family is maxing out a bit so I think these choices might be it unless I find a good one soon. I gotta phone them tomorrow about a few things but other than that, I think I"ll apply soon.</p>

<p>I got the personal statements practically done and its all set. Wish me luck hehe and God Bless You for responding to my message! If there's anything I should know, please, feel free to reply again :) hehe.</p>

17

<p>Your grades are excellent, and you should do well in college. In the medical field, it is highly competitive to get accepted to medical school, requiring a high GPA in college and good performance on the MCATs (similar to SATs but with a lot of science on them). Demonstrated interest in medicine also matters. Becoming a physician requires 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, generally 3-6 years of specialty training. It is a long haul. Nursing is another option, and is becoming more popular with men (especially ICU nursing). The training for an RN is usually 4 years, and you become employable immediately thereafter. There is a nursing shortage in the US, making the job outlook very good for nurses. There are allied health professional such as physician's assistant and nurse practitioner, the latter being advanced training after obtaining a RN. There are myriad other positions such as genetic counselor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, ultrasonographer, respiratory tech. I don't think you need to decide right now exactly where in the medical field you want to end up. You are thinking about cost, location, transportation, all of which are important from a practical standpoint. You may want to look online at Princetonreview.com for each of the schools you are considering to get a sense of the student body, graduation rates, etc. At the schools with the "premed" major, you may want to contact the premed advisor to find out about medical school acceptance rates. I don't know anything about the specific schools you mentioned, but suggest that you look at them side by side and compare the data you gather. Good luck!</p>

18

<p>Though the last thing that I've been coping with was either going into NeuroScience or Pre-Med at Pitt for my University of Pittsburgh choice. </p>

<p>I believe they have the same requirements as regular Undergraduate students.</p>

<p>... Though if the Pre-Med or Neuroscience differs, lemme know cause I need to apply either tomorrow or Wednesday.</p>

19

<p>I like Neuroscience anyway, and it would be different from the norm to go into that instead of just Pre-Med.</p>

20

<p>I was wondering one thing though. What should I minor in?</p>

<p>I know at East Stroudsburg, they have Psychology (East</a> Stroudsburg University - Academics - Psychology)</p>

<p>, Health Services Administration, (East</a> Stroudsburg University - Academics - Health Studies)</p>

<p>and Business Administration (East</a> Stroudsburg University - Business Management)</p>

<p>I could minor in any of these programs but the thing is, what would help me in my career if I would go to East Stroudsburg?</p>

<p>For North Hampton Community College, they have Radio/Tv but I have no idea if I could minor in that. I've always loved working with audio and dreamed to be an audio engineer but could find no good schools for it nearby + in New York (not really keen with going out of state anyway), oh and plus, lack of jobs.</p>

<p>BUT, its not like there's a complete absence of jobs, so I wanted to know if I could minor in it anyway because there are always radio stations / record studios in cities.</p>

<p>Anyway, other programs at North Hampton are Business Administration ( <a href="http://www.northampton.edu/academics/credprgs/busadmin.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.northampton.edu/academics/credprgs/busadmin.pdf&lt;/a&gt;) and Business Management (<a href="http://www.northampton.edu/academics/credprgs/busmngmt.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.northampton.edu/academics/credprgs/busmngmt.pdf&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/p>

<p>Thing is, I don't know which one to choose / what would be more practical?</p>

<p>I don't even know if I could minor in things at North Hampton either. I know I should call them but thing is, I kinda don't have that much money to make phone calls via phone cards cause my family's low on money nowadays.</p>

<p>Anyway, if someone could somehow help me out with this major/minor predicament for North Hampton College and maybe guide me on what to choose at East Stroud, I'd be very thankful.</p>

<p>*Thanks for reading my post and please feel free to answer my question ;).</p>