Looking for colleges? When's the right time?

@Lindagaf okay thanks I don’t need top schools but I want at least I good one so that is good. Do you know what schools think about running start and foreign exchange??

For merit scholarships, GPA, class rank and test scores are what’s considered in the decision process. Make sure that you take the PSAT as a junior so that if you score high enough you may be considered for National Merit Scholarships, some of which offer full tuition at a number of schools. I also encourage you to take the SAT and the ACT ( unless you absolutely blow one out of the water) because some students perform better on one vs the other. Also, some schools require SAT subject tests , so if you start narrowing down your choices it will help you know what you need.

pretygreat,
There are a LOT of schools that are VERY GENEROUS with merit aid. But really, its a little early to worry about it just yet. Relax, enjoy your break, and read a good book!

I would suggest you wait until there is more information out about the new SAT before looking at study materials. There will be more available after the first test in March. There should be more available for the PSAT now that the first one has come out of the gate (still waiting for the scores to be released).

The PSAT/NMSQT is a great gateway to scholarship $. Hopefully your school offered for you to take the PSAT 8/9 and you will hopefully have the PSAT 10 next year. The 11th grade one is the one that counts!

There are lots of merit scholarships out there for high stats and/or musical talent, and I’d imagine that there aren’t a glut of harpists out there (esp. male hispanic ones). Freshman year is a bit early to be worrying about stuff, though…

@carolinamom2boys @jym626 Thanks guys I definetly will you guys have helped me so much thank you for all the help I’m a lot less nervous now.

@LoveTheBard yea I know it’s quite early I’m not really looking into schools yet. There are hardly any male harpists especially Hispanic ones so yeah it’s quite rare.

When is a good time to really narrow down what major you are interested in? My counselors and teachers always want students to kick the can further down the road, saying “most people change their major multiple times in college,” but it seems that choosing your major early on gives you a huge advantage, so that you can choose your school based on what department you will be involved in and you can tailor EC’s to your focused major.

@Studious99 Awesome thanks!

Studious 99 makes a good point, but I think there is a small number of kids who know,what they want to major in a freshmen. Sometimes it’s best to cast your net wide and see what interests you. This is a more acceptable thing to do as a freshman than later in HS. If you want to explore different things, go for it now.

@Lindagaf Yeah I know I’m not thinking that seriously about my future just curious about most of it

@Lindagaf Also my school only offers honor classes(you have to test to get in to the school) is that good?

All these things you have mentioned sound great. You will do well, as long as you stay focussed.