<p>I am currently a sophomore in high school, and I'm not gonna lie- I've been college obsessed since age 10 and I'm basically going insane now that I actually NEED to start looking into colleges! My only problem is, I have a few very broad guidelines that make it difficult to decide where to guide my college search.</p>
<p>First and foremost,of course, is academics. I have about a 3.4 GPA but that is due to a lack of effort my freshman year and I'm already working towards bringing it up. I also take all honors classes and am currently taking double science (chemistry and bio). I don't have any very specific career goals yet, but I want to go college for mechanical or chemical engineering or possibly chemistry. My main priority for a college is that it has a good program for these things. </p>
<p>Secondly, I plan on swimming at a division 1 college. Yes, I know it's difficult, but it's always been a goal of mine. Also very important criteria. </p>
<p>Lastly, Im worried about location. I want to go somewhere NOT HOT. I'm a born and raised Pennsylvanian and I enjoy snowy winters. I would really not enjoy anywhere in the south. I enjoy nature and forests, mountains, lakes, etc. would be a plus but I also could thrive in a city. Out of state would also be nice but I am aware that Pennsylvania has great schools. </p>
<p>I know I've said a lot, but to put it bluntly, I'M FREAKING OUT ABOUT COLLEGE. any help at all about colleges that I should look into would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>hey thorny,
If you plan on swimming in college, your times are really going to dictate where you have a chance of getting in/recurited. Colleges, especially divison 1 programs look for swimmers who can have an immediate impact (typically top 5). What are some of your times?</p>
<p>I am aware of that, an since I’ve only swam HS for a year I don’t have much to show for yet but my times have improved very quickly since a year ago and my coach is optimistic about them continually improving.
Here are some times(I mainly swim middle distance free but can sprint also):
500 free: 5:27
200 free: 1:58.27
100 free: 54.9
50 free: 24.9</p>
<p>Coaches would definitley love the fact that you’re tall. You’re 50 is already pretty good and if you could get those other events a little faster, you could definitley be a great recruit. You still have a lot of time to make your decisions so I don’t know what to say now, but I would start looing at schools on collegeswimming.com and seeing where you would fit in with those programs. The best way to really know where you want to go though is by actually visiting a school. Also, try looking at different types of schools dpending on size, location, and focus on academics. By the time junior year rolls around, you will get bombared with e-mails and letters from coaches expressing their interest so don’t panic now on trying to get in contact with coaches. For the time being, just focus on having a breakout season and working on your GPA.</p>