High School Juniors: Start Preparing for College Today!
Calling all high school juniors! Do you have plans to attend college? If you do, then, it’s time to start thinking about college majors and schools that would meet your higher education goals.
First things first - do you have a major in mind? Or, are you still in the process of narrowing down your choices?
Whether you’re undecided or have a general idea of what you want to study, read on for useful tips!
Follow these steps to help you decide on a major:
Consider your interests. What do you enjoy learning and what are you passionate about?
Ask around. See if you know anyone who’s working in the fields that you’re thinking about – friends, family, neighbors, etc. and get connected.
Conduct interviews. Ask people about their career and what steps they took to get where they are today.
Get experience. Volunteer or take an internship course over the summer to immerse yourself in the career environment you’re considering.
Seek guidance. Meet your 4S Mentor or school guidance counselor to discuss your options for college majors and career choices.
Once you have a better idea of your college major, the next step is finding a school that would best fit you and what you plan to study.
Things to consider when deciding on a college:
Is it a small, medium, or large school?
Is it too far or too close to home?
Is it diverse?
Is it in a rural, suburban, or urban place?
Are there many things to do?
Is it affordable?
How well does the school fit your major?
How easy is it to switch majors?
Is the school a good fit for your alternate majors?
Is the school known for parties and a social life?
What amenities and extracurriculars are there that fit your needs?
Do they have programs that allow you to continue what you’ve done in high school (ie. a speech and debate team, an astronomy club, or a fencing team)?
Overall, the important thing to remember is to give yourself enough time to find a college that’s right for you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a renowned university or a small college. It’s all about what would best help you thrive and reach your goals.
For more tips on how to prepare for college applications, check out: A Complete College Prep Checklist: High School Junior Year.
Need more advice? Apply for the 4S Education Foundation Program to get FREE one-on-one help with college applications, college career planning, scholarships and much more!
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