<p>Thanks for the responses mom2collegekids and tk21769! </p>
<p>When will you take the ACT and SAT?
SAT this March. The past few days I’ve actually considered taking the ACT, will be looking into dates for that.</p>
<p>What state are you in?
Sunny California :)</p>
<p>What is your college budget? How much will your parents pay for your education each year?
Cost is basically not an issue; my parents have put aside a good amount for my education. </p>
<p>What is your likely career goal?
At this point I am thinking medical research of some sort. I’m very interested in neuroscience and stem cell research, but I also have times when I think I want to research black holes! Pretty certain I’ll end up in some sort of biological/medical field though.</p>
<p>What else do you want in a school?
It’s hard to really know, as I’ve never been to college and don’t know what there might be to want! I’d like to have teachers who care about teaching, students who are intelligent and interesting to talk to. I think I want a close-knit environment; though some people warn that it could be claustrophobic, I enjoy having a close relationship with my teachers and classmates. I want a place where I can discover more about myself (don’t we all?) and my beliefs. I’d like to be exposed to some of the different subjects that exist that I couldn’t find in my high school; who knows what passions I might develop! </p>
<p>Warm weather? Cold/snowy weather?
If I had to pick one, it would be warm weather all the way. California born and raised, I’m very used to warm sunshine and no snow. However, I won’t cross off a school just because of the weather. I enjoy visiting the snow, though if all else was equal I’d choose a winter without it. </p>
<p>Greeks as an option?
My first reaction is to say no, none at all, I’m not a Greek girl in any way, shape or form. But if I’m being honest with myself, my experience with Greek life starts and ends with books and movie, which probably isn’t a fair way to judge them. I’m not completely against them, but chances are I won’t be joining any.</p>
<p>Big sports rah rah spirit?
Pretty unimportant. I’m not into sports, though I’d like it if there were some noncompetitive intramurals to participate in. Spirit is great, but I’d rather it be because people love their school, not because people love their athletic teams. </p>
<p>lots of clubs?
I’d like to have lots of opportunities to participate in clubs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there have to be a ton of different clubs. One or two active and involved clubs could probably do it for me! If there weren’t any clubs I’m interested in, I could always start a new one. </p>
<p>All of the schools I listed vary so widely because I have a hard time deciding what kind of school I really do want! Sometimes I feel certain I want a small liberal arts college, while other times a university seems like the way to go. I don’t think that there’s really one ‘right’ college for me; happiness can be found in a wide variety of ways. It will probably come down to the type of people, professors and students, at the college more than anything else, which is hard to determine from college guides and viewbooks. I’m looking to create a list of colleges to go and visit so I can get a feel for the culture and atmosphere there.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>