College?

[Lord Raven]

So I guess my first real post here will be about college, since this more or less affects me in the very near future, and it's interesting to hear where other people are planning on going for college. I'll start;

I'm applying to UMBC/Delaware/College Park/Drexel, the last one because of a fee waiver. I really hope to go to CP eventually, with Delaware a good second -- just to be far away from home -- but if worse comes to worse I'll end up at UMBC. Hopefully with an engineering (Mechanical or Electrical? Physics C: E&M is definitely more interesting than Mechanics was) or math major.

[Naegleria_fowleri]

Hmm I'm not applying for a college. Because I already went in one?? Haha.

I'm in the public college in my country. 4th year, a medical major.

I remember when I was still in high school, I didn't really want to enter the medical faculty. But my parents were all up to it, so... Yeah.

But it's been 4th year and I'm already in 7th semester. So I guess there's no turning back

[GypsyElder]

I go to community college and then I plan to transfer, I'm not sure where I want to go yet, I don't even know specifically what I want to do in my field. I don't get Financial aid either, which kind of sucks but I'm pretty sure I'm fine, the class fees aren't that much of a problem until I buy art supplies. That is expensive, since we have to buy all our supplies, it's not cheap at all. the only thing I don't like is that I have a lot of unnecessary pre requisites that I have to spend more money on if I want to transfer. I would much rather go to a trade school so I can just get in and do what I want, but my family isn't cool with that because they want me to play it safe, just in case I change my mind.... I don't think I will. I might do a few business classes if anything else.

I'm not in any rush either, I feel like what ever I end up doing, is what I should be. I know lots of people who are freaking out because they're either trying to hurry up and finnish or worried because they don't know what they want to major in, I say go with the flow. Sometimes I think I'm a little too chill and the things I probably should worry about, I don't. Not sure if that's a bad or good thing....

[Dodie16]

I want to go back someday. I had to leave because of some family issues, and I just haven't been back since. I went for a few things, but I never decided what I really wanted. I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up....

If I do eventually go back, I'll probably enroll back into the University of Arkansas, and finish a degree in...something. Probably Graphic Design. I have a lot of hours earned already, so it would be nice to finish it off. I really wanted to try to get a degree to be a dental hygienist, but the program is very selective, and I had my doubts that I would ever get in.

[Pete]

I always figured Drexel would be the best of those schools.

UMBC isn't a bad school, but I just can't like them because they're Binghamton's rivals in America East.

I went to Binghamton, graduated with a bachelor's in English. I'm working at UPS right now, so go figure. The thing to know with college, is to realize that YOU make yourself, and that if you're taking out student loans and all that, YOU'RE paying for college. If you **** around, you'll only be costing yourself more in the end. Work hard, play hard.

[Lord Raven]

The problem with Drexel is out of state tuition stuff. I'd rather hang around College Park which isn't too far or close to home, and I'd pay less for good schooling and social life. I also don't really like Pennsylvania overall.

My qualm with UMBC is lack of social stuff and proximity to home, overall. I also think CP's better for engineering, and it lets me play Trombone -- I really want to do my hobby through college.

[Pete]

Yeah, I couldn't tell you too much about UMBC aside from when they come to play Bing. I do know that they have a pretty sick pep band, but I'm not particularly sure if it has any trombones. I worked security for all the sports, so I heard that they were a fair share better than us.

And yeah, Drexel is pretty expensive. Have you looked at FAFSA and grants and all that?

EDIT: And I totally know what you mean about PA. It seems all corrupt and just not a great place to live. Plus nobody can drive worth a damn!

[Lord Raven]

CP has marching and concert. As much as I loved Pep Band (for football) during high school, it's just not enough; concert season is interesting and marching is tiring (in a fun way).

[Pete]

Yeah, I totally get that. It's all about what school can do the most for you, both socially, academically and financially. It's kind of tough to balance out all three, but it's kind of like training for the real world. I visited all the colleges I wanted to apply to, fully knowing that I didn't want to be TOO far away, but far enough where I wasn't coming home every weekend. As soon as I got to Bing I knew it was the right school for me. A year and a half after graduating, I'm still so incredibly happy I went with it. So, make sure you visit the campuses before you officially decide.

[Che]

Yeah, I totally get that. It's all about what school can do the most for you, both socially, academically and financially. It's kind of tough to balance out all three, but it's kind of like training for the real world. I visited all the colleges I wanted to apply to, fully knowing that I didn't want to be TOO far away, but far enough where I wasn't coming home every weekend. As soon as I got to Bing I knew it was the right school for me. A year and a half after graduating, I'm still so incredibly happy I went with it. So, make sure you visit the campuses before you officially decide.

****in great post. This is exactly correct.

[OceanEyes28]

My advice: Don't blow your financial load on undergrad. By the time you get ready to graduate, you will realize you still really don't know anything. It's nice to have the option of grad school.

Find a place that could make you happy for four years (or more) that won't make you (or your parents) broke when you're done.

[Josh_R]

Right now i am going to ITT for Computer Engineering. Financially i am set thanks to the Montgomery GI Bill. I will be going to ITT for one year then I will start my active duty, don't know where yet. Wherever I am stationed I will be taking classes to help finish out my schooling. This will allow me to get my A+ Certifacation whenever my active duty is up..

[Shan'do Spike]

My advice: Don't blow your financial load on undergrad. By the time you get ready to graduate, you will realize you still really don't know anything. It's nice to have the option of grad school.

Find a place that could make you happy for four years (or more) that won't make you (or your parents) broke when you're done.

Quick note here: if you're in one of the technical fields, chances are pretty good that your graduate school ends up completely paid for by a variety of things like NSF grants or the university itself. I know this is true in Computer Science and Math at a lot of places, and I think it's true in fields like Chemistry, Biology, and Physics just about anywhere you go.

Another fun fact; while i indeed know that college is basically year 12/13 in the UK (which is equivalent to grade 11 and 12), in America university and college are basically interchangeable terms. Unless it's community college, american college is generally not much different, if at all, from UK university.

They are used somewhat interchangeably. Technically speaking in America, a college is a school that doesn't have graduate-level programs, while universities do.


As for me, I graduated this spring from Harvey Mudd College, which was a really cool, pretty weird liberal arts/engineering school in Claremont, CA, about 40 miles east of LA (Sheena would know where this is). It's in a consortium with four other colleges about its size (the most well known ones are probably Claremont McKenna, Scripps College, and Pomona College), and it fit me really well, which was an impression I strongly got the very first time I visited there. More than anything else, I really feel like feeling like you're a good fit at your school is super important. I love my school, a lot. I know people who went there who really don't, and both statements can be explained by a good fit. I'm a bit of a quirky person (if you've ever talked with me for an extended period of time, you're probably nodding your head right now), and my quirks fit. Some people just can't get with the quirks of a place, I did.

Anyway, now that long-winded diatribe is over, I ended up graduating with a degree in Computer Science and Math, and now I'm working up in the bay area. I already miss it, though, even though I really like my job. There's some indescribable closeness between people on a college campus.

[Aerif]

Fun fact: In Scotland, 'College' is a place you go to to make up for grades you may have missed in High School, it's where you can get qualifications to get into University. You get Degrees and Honourory Degrees at University.

In February I'll be entering my second semester of Computer Games Design at Glasgow Caledonian University. And although University is quite a bit different from American Colleges, it's fun nonetheless.

I'd recommended that you don't go too far away from home. I'm living at home and commuting to Uni for classes and I'm finding the financial situation quite difficult - and that's considering that in Scotland people under 25 get to go to Uni for free and I haven't any major costs other than transport!

Of course quality can overcome conveniance, it's just something that you have to ask yourself, is it really worth the financial troubles to distance yourself from home, especially during this financial crisis. Remember that in most cases you can transer. Obviously it's your own decision but it's not uncommon for American students to get into debts that would cover the cost of a small house!

[Lord Raven]

And although University is quite a bit different from American Colleges, it's fun nonetheless.

Another fun fact; while i indeed know that college is basically year 12/13 in the UK (which is equivalent to grade 11 and 12), in America university and college are basically interchangeable terms. Unless it's community college, american college is generally not much different, if at all, from UK university.

[DragonHeart]

I've been out of high school for several years now and I'm really regretting my decision (or more accurately, my non-decision) to not attend a college. Now that I have decided I should go regardless of personal concerns, I'm very limited in where I can go. Not because of my grades but because I can't travel freely like I could have before I'd gotten myself established. I have my own place, a full-time job and all the lovely expenses that come with living in the 'real world'.

My job is actually a liability to me right now but because of this damn economy I don't have much choice other than to stay where I am, at least for the time being. So that means I have to go to a college relatively close to my workplace. I was also stupid enough to not take my SATs. Realistically, the local community college is my only option right now.

All in all, I actually think I waiting may actually help me in the long run, though. Because I've been working and saving up, I won't really need a loan and I can pay for my own schooling. More importantly, being stuck in a crap job makes me that much more motivated to be serious about my studies. I was a good enough student in high school but I was one of those who never applied themselves fully. I was very lucky that most of my teachers were quick to figure out I was a lot smarter than my lack of completed homework indicated.

So if all goes well, in the fall I'll be attending my first semester, though probably not as a full time student. But hey, better late than never, as the saying goes.

~DragonHeart~

[Aerif]

Actually by that I meant that whilst you have sport and pep rallies and fraternitites/sororoties and scholarships for non-academic reasons. Scottish Universities are basically 100% academic, also you focus on a sole subject over 4 years (no minors).

Oh, and the Year 12/13 thing being associated with college is actually only true in England. In Scotland we have 7 years of primary school and 6 years of High School, college is completely optional.

[Lord Raven]

you learn something new everyday!

[Lord Raven]

Just as an update, i got accepted into UMBC. I will most likely not go there, but now I know the feeling of an acceptance letter. The best part is, I wrote a REALLY crappy essay and I got in.

[Block]

I go to school at UMKC. pretty bitchin' place to go to school. most importantly, the film school here rocks face.

[RENA VINSON]

any tips.i,m 19. ive always been attracted to those wall street looking guys with their suits and ties. the ones in their early or late twenties. kinda like the wall st guys. i feel like they like to stare but won,t say anything. any advice on how a college student can get them. how to dress and approach them.










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Dating Advice

[Locke4God]

I loved college. I went to University of Florida in Gainesville, which is an amazing school and I can't honestly say that any would top it. Great academics, great social life, and the city really takes pride in itself. Go there if you can.

@ Rena - Getting a guy,,,, any guy isn't hard. Just go up and act flirty, but not stupid if you're looking for an actual relationship. If you're not, then act stupid because that's a sure in. Just do anything. Go ask him for directions, or sit down with him at lunch. Unless you know he's with somebody he'll talk to you, and if you are attractive, he'll definately talk to you. Just remember that guys are beggining to get girls, so you can just walk right up and throw yourself at him and it's a done deal.

[Nemesis93]

I'm just a junoir in high school and I've got to start thinkin about college so I'm thinkin about going to NC State or UNC Wilmington but I've got to keep my options open so whatever I get I get.

[Azuteor]

I'm on my last semester in high school. I'm happy, yet I'm really sad as well. I'm happy because I am graduating (with honors), moving on with life, and I don't have to deal with idiots. I'm sad because I know that my friends, who I have known for seven years, and I will be taking different paths.

I applied to University of Memphis and University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I got into UoM easily and I can get some scholarships to help me along the way. Plus, it is only about 20 - 30 minutes away from where I live. UTK, I'm still waiting for their reply for about a month now. The campus is 6 hours away and if I want to go there, I have to consider living there. I'm not sure if I'll be accepted because I didn't meet the minimum required ACT score, which is a 25. I'm two points away. I'm above the required GPA so that wasn't a problem there. I had to write a short essay since I didn't meet some of the requirements. Wish me luck!

I can go to either college. I love both of them and I feel that I can fit in; it's just a matter of picking which one I would like to go to.

I'm leaning towards UoM because I can get a lot more out of it.

I'm gonna get a M.S.N degree in Nurse Anesthesia and minor in graphic arts because I enjoy drawing! When I finally graduate from college, I might further my education and become a doctor.

What do you guys look for in a college/What kind of things did you look into while searching for colleges?

[Locke4God]

@Azuteor - Honestly, both of them are good schools, so it doesn't sound like a hard choice, at least academically. You may want to consider how much each costs, or how many students are there depending on whether you like larger or smaller schools. If you're fine with the academic reputation of each though, it really becomes about whether you like the town and living there for 4 years. You want a place that will give you a good college experience but won't distract you.

[Azuteor]

@Azuteor - Honestly, both of them are good schools, so it doesn't sound like a hard choice, at least academically. You may want to consider how much each costs, or how many students are there depending on whether you like larger or smaller schools. If you're fine with the academic reputation of each though, it really becomes about whether you like the town and living there for 4 years. You want a place that will give you a good college experience but won't distract you.

Thanks for the advice Locke!

I took a look at some of the reviews for UoM and they're not exactly positive, but then again, it's been about 3 years since the last review. Most of the reviews complained about the social life and the teachers. I'm a little discouraged.

I might end up studying there, but I won't be living there. I guess it's what I make out of my education that counts.

[Rocky]

I might end up studying there, but I won't be living there. I guess it's what I make out of my education that counts.

I don't want to discourage your decision on not living on campus Azu, but I do believe that living on campus will give you a positive impact on going to college there, especially during your early years. Living on campus will give you a much bigger window of opportunity to take advantage of the social activities (read: parties, wet t-shirt contests, meeting people, hanging out and doing spontaneous things, parties, and girls) that are offered on campus. It would be a wiser move to live on campus then to stay isolated off campus. I would strongly reccomend living on campus at least your first semester and give it a fair shot, if not then you can live at home 2nd semester. Besides, if youre already taking out money for loans/grants/etc for school, the extra money for living on campus for 1 semester probably isn't all that much in the spectrum of things. Just some advice from a guy who knows a thing or two.

[Rydia Lover]

I don't want to discourage your decision on not living on campus Azu, but I do believe that living on campus will give you a positive impact on going to college there, especially during your early years. Living on campus will give you a much bigger window of opportunity to take advantage of the social activities (read: parties, wet t-shirt contests, meeting people, hanging out and doing spontaneous things, parties, and girls) that are offered on campus. It would be a wiser move to live on campus then to stay isolated off campus. I would strongly reccomend living on campus at least your first semester and give it a fair shot, if not then you can live at home 2nd semester. Besides, if youre already taking out money for loans/grants/etc for school, the extra money for living on campus for 1 semester probably isn't all that much in the spectrum of things. Just some advice from a guy who knows a thing or two.

lol yes it is amazing when you live on campus, there were tiomes when i didnt go back to my dorm for weeks at a time lol.

[Azuteor]

I don't want to discourage your decision on not living on campus Azu, but I do believe that living on campus will give you a positive impact on going to college there, especially during your early years. Living on campus will give you a much bigger window of opportunity to take advantage of the social activities (read: parties, wet t-shirt contests, meeting people, hanging out and doing spontaneous things, parties, and girls) that are offered on campus. It would be a wiser move to live on campus then to stay isolated off campus. I would strongly reccomend living on campus at least your first semester and give it a fair shot, if not then you can live at home 2nd semester. Besides, if youre already taking out money for loans/grants/etc for school, the extra money for living on campus for 1 semester probably isn't all that much in the spectrum of things. Just some advice from a guy who knows a thing or two.

Thanks man. I'll consider it. I have friends and family I know that go there. They can show me the ropes. The only reason I'm not staying on campus is so that I can save money. I'll still be able to take advantage of the social activities.

The only problem I can think of in living there is whether I can trust my roommate to not do sh*t and how safe the campus is. I heard from my mom's co-worker that her son who goes there got his car jacked.

I'm planning to get a dorm somewhere during my 2nd and 3rd year in college.

Depends on the type of wet t-shirt contests, Rocky, haha.

[Rydia Lover]

I'm going to george mason university in virginia. Majoring in music and poetry. right im about to start my 4th semester, its really fun. you get into parties esier if your a girl here lol.