Difficulty choosing a school...need help.

[Loves Disney]

This is my senior year in high school and I need to find a college FAST. I decided I want to be an English and Education major as I wish to later become an English teacher for the secondary level. That much I know. I also know I want to go to a school in a rural setting.

ANY school ideas would be greatly appreciated.

These are a few I had in mind:

Florida Southern College
Westfield State College
Keene State College

I am not looking for the all famous Ivy League schools...I just want to go somewhere that will provide me with what I need.

I need a school that will provide a Master's degree.

Thanks in advance!!
~Loves Disney

 

[Jules76126]

Hi
I have just finished my Freshman year at the University of Tampa and have actually visited Florida Southern. It was a nice school but not really my taste. I found Florida to be great especially the weather so definitely look into some schools down there. However I just transfered to the UNiversity of Massachusetts Amherst.

When it comes to choosing a school just look at a few that have the criteria that you want. For example big or small? Urban or rural? and go from there. I wish you luck.

 

[monarchsfan16]

You really need to at the very least consider the region of the country you want. Do you want to be close enough to home so you can come home for family things, long weekends (or even just a random weekend)? Do you want to be close enough to home that your parents can come and get you when you're sick? Or so that they can come take you out for dinner when you need a break from dining hall food? Or do you want to be so far away that you only come home at Christmas and in the summer? Region is MAJOR. Once you've narrowed down how far from home you want to be you can start looking at your options.

First, have you been getting mail from colleges? Look through those. It's at least a stepping stone
Next, go to the college board website. Enter in the majors/concentrations you want, region of the country you're looking for, possible size school, etc. It'll give you some possibilities
Check out the school websites
Go for tours!!!!!!!!! I cannot stress this enough. I'm serious, you get a huge impression of the school just driving onto the campus. I knew from the minute that we pulled into the admissions office lot at Bowdoin that it was not for me. On the other hand I was far more comfortable at the state schools. Also tour at various size schools. It wasn't hard for me to decide that I wanted a bigger school after touring a school so small that even when people were between classes on a gorgeous spring day it felt like there was no one there. Size DOES matter.
Look into what the school offers for stuff to do on the weekends, or accessibility to things on the weekends (UNH has an awesome transportation system for example, so we can go pretty much anywhere in the area...not all colleges have that)

Good luck!

 

[Loves Disney]

Thanks for both of your inputs! I have been using the college board and that is how I came across a few schools I have been looking at.

Jules76126, how wasn't the school for you? Maybe I will think the same way.

monarchsfan16, thanks! I have been thinking about distance...I am flexible, so I could go far or stay near.

I really appreciate ALL you both have said, it helps!

Thanks!
~Loves Disney

 

[Jules76126]

Well Florida Southern was a little bit more in a rural area (not that it was like out in the middle of nowhere) but I knew that I definitely wanted to be closer to a city where I could see shows and bascially have a ton of places to go at my fingertips. However I knew that Florida was where I wanted to be. I hate New England weather (I am from Massachusetts) and the thought of no snow was to enticing to pass up. The reason I ended up choosing tampa and not Florida Southern was that I thought that Tampa campus was better looking. Some of the class rooms are in a old hotel and I thought that Campus was very pretty. Tampa also had a pre law program which I am and there government program was stronger. In the end you have to remember that if you go far away like Florida that you cant go home when ever you want. Also there is hurricane season to think about. I had to fly home this past fall for hurricane Wilma. Just remember to also visit the schools that you are thinking of attending and making sure that students stay on campus for the weekends and there is things to do especially if you do not have the option of going home. There is nothing worse than being stuck on campus with no one around to hang out with.

 

[Loves Disney]

Well Florida Southern was a little bit more in a rural area (not that it was like out in the middle of nowhere) but I knew that I definitely wanted to be closer to a city where I could see shows and bascially have a ton of places to go at my fingertips. However I knew that Florida was where I wanted to be. I hate New England weather (I am from Massachusetts) and the thought of no snow was to enticing to pass up. The reason I ended up choosing tampa and not Florida Southern was that I thought that Tampa campus was better looking. Some of the class rooms are in a old hotel and I thought that Campus was very pretty. Tampa also had a pre law program which I am and there government program was stronger. In the end you have to remember that if you go far away like Florida that you cant go home when ever you want. Also there is hurricane season to think about. I had to fly home this past fall for hurricane Wilma. Just remember to also visit the schools that you are thinking of attending and making sure that students stay on campus for the weekends and there is things to do especially if you do not have the option of going home. There is nothing worse than being stuck on campus with no one around to hang out with.

Thanks. While I am looking for a small, rural school, I was thinking more and more about distance...I am taking the words of you both and considering them highly...a lot more than I have in the past. I am edging to stay in MA. As I want to be a teacher, having certification in the state you want to teach in sounds a bit more wise lol.

I think I was looking more for Florida for the same reasons you did. I hate the snow and would much rather spend my time lying on the beach surrounded by palm trees! How dreamy...though someday I might move to Florida, now isn't the time.

Thank you BOTH for your words and suggestions, it helps greatly.

 

[C.C.H.M.]

If you don't mind cold weather, you may want to look into colleges in the mid west. I'm from Colorado, and there are quite a few... almost rural colleges out here. The great thing about them is that they are away from most, but there is a 'college town' surrounding it, so there is plenty to do. I don't know if Wyoming or Kansas is the same, but they're pretty rural too. And I know at least the Colorado colleges do offer English majors.

I on the other hand go to L.A. for school, which is completely on the other end of your spectrum, but the school had everything I wanted. My major, abroad study, good job placement, and a good reputation in the field I want to go into. Those are also things you might want to think about as well.

Good luck! I hope you find a college that makes you happy!

 

[Loves Disney]

If you don't mind cold weather, you may want to look into colleges in the mid west. I'm from Colorado, and there are quite a few... almost rural colleges out here. The great thing about them is that they are away from most, but there is a 'college town' surrounding it, so there is plenty to do. I don't know if Wyoming or Kansas is the same, but they're pretty rural too. And I know at least the Colorado colleges do offer English majors.

I on the other hand go to L.A. for school, which is completely on the other end of your spectrum, but the school had everything I wanted. My major, abroad study, good job placement, and a good reputation in the field I want to go into. Those are also things you might want to think about as well.

Good luck! I hope you find a college that makes you happy!

I don't think I will go deep into the country...I'm more of a coast girl lol. I have been thinking about colleges with a good reputation in not only English, but also in Education. That kind of research is best learned by word of mouth, alumni, and visiting the campus, IMHO....(though I could be wrong in thinking that). Sometimes I believe that sometimes brochures, websites, and other official descriptions or promotional documentaions only show you the good, the great and the best the college has (naturally!) but it takes looking into the bad, negitive and the "needs work on" aspects to judge if the good out weighs the bad. I don't know. lol I digress.

Thanks for your input!
~Loves Disney

 

[Karenj2]

May I put my two cents in for James Madison University in Virginia? It's about two hours southwest of DC, and 2 hours northwest of Richmond... It's semi rural, but it has a strong teaching program (it started out as Madison Teaching College). You won't get as much snow, and the campus is small enough that you'll recognize people in passing, but you won't know EVERYONE'S business.

I absolutely LOVED going to school there. (I got a degree in Journalism.) (We occasionally got snow, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the Northeast's snow storms...)

 

[Jules76126]

Thanks. While I am looking for a small, rural school, I was thinking more and more about distance...I am taking the words of you both and considering them highly...a lot more than I have in the past. I am edging to stay in MA. As I want to be a teacher, having certification in the state you want to teach in sounds a bit more wise lol.

You will definitely want to look into teaching requriements for massachusetts if that is where you plan to teach after you graduate. My friend is an education major at the Fitchburg State College right now and she has to take a ton of tests to make sure she is qualiifed and she is just starting her sophmore year. Other states like Florida only make you take one test and thats all. So that is something else to think about.

 

[jazstar87]

uh front.... uh maybe you should read your grapes of wrath book, go you can get a good grade and get into college

as it sits and haunts you saying read me!

jk jk

LOL

good luck with your colleges!

 

[Loves Disney]

uh front.... uh maybe you should read your grapes of wrath book, go you can get a good grade and get into college

as it sits and haunts you saying read me!

jk jk

LOL

good luck with your colleges!

I did read today! lol. The book was sitting there and (I swear this) it jumped at me and opened up on my lap.

~~~~

I decided I wanted to stay in MA. I don't plan on moving from the state for a while, so I may as well consider the teaching certification in MA.

Two colleges I have in mind are Westfield State College (GREAT for becoming a teacher and has a good rep. in the English department.

...and Fitchburg State College. (I have yet to learn more about this school, but am told it is similar to Westfield.)

 

[Crankyshank]

Also check out Providence College (only 15min from the MA border) and Bridgewater State. I have a lot of teacher friends (including English teachers) that came from both schools.

 

[BostonTink85]

Another vote for Bridgewater State, it's known to have a great reputation for teachers and since it's a state school, verrry cheap My brother is going to Westfield this year, not for teaching. Right now a lot of the state schools are having trouble with housing, so that may end up factoring in where you go if you choose the state college route. He (my brother) got housing at Westfield, but not at Bridgewater -- we're pretty close to it. Hope this helps! Shoot me a PM if you want.

 

[MuchLuv4WDW]

I agree with the Bridgewater State comment. A TON of teachers from the southcoast Massachusetts (where I live) graduated from Bridgewater State. I don't know much about PC's education program but it's a great school (I know a lot of people that go there).

I agree with what everyone said about taking a tour of the school. Also if it's possible I'd recommend an overnight stay (maybe even a weekend stay) at the schools that you ultimately narrow it down to. That helped me to decide on the school that I'm attending now.

 

[Loves Disney]

I had many people tell me about Bridgewater and I have done research on the place. My concern with that school is, how is the location? It the campus a nice place and is the town descent? I just want to make sure I spend the next 5 years in college somewhere nice.

 

[Crankyshank]

I personally think it's very similar to Westfield. I have friends that went to Westfield. Bridgewater was founded specifically as a teacher's college.

It's a nice town. I know people that live there and it's not cheap. It's a small town near Boston and Providence. It's a quintessential New England town. I know it has a large commuter population so there might be issues with cars on campus. But so many schools have that problem now. There are bad parts of town and there are good parts of town just like any other town. It's certainly worth taking a drive to visit it since your impressions of it could be completely different than mine.

If you are more concerned about the campus than the programs, also check out Stonehill College. Excellent school. Nice campus. Beautiful town. Very small.

 

[Loves Disney]

I personally think it's very similar to Westfield. I have friends that went to Westfield. Bridgewater was founded specifically as a teacher's college.

It's a nice town. I know people that live there and it's not cheap. It's a small town near Boston and Providence. It's a quintessential New England town. I know it has a large commuter population so there might be issues with cars on campus. But so many schools have that problem now. There are bad parts of town and there are good parts of town just like any other town. It's certainly worth taking a drive to visit it since your impressions of it could be completely different than mine.

If you are more concerned about the campus than the programs, also check out Stonehill College. Excellent school. Nice campus. Beautiful town. Very small.

Thanks! I will try to check it out. You make is sound lovely.

I am all for the programs and education, however the campus is something to think about as well. I need to make sure the education weighs out well with the campus. I try not to focus my attention more or less on either of the two. As of right now, I'm pretty sure I'm going to Westfield...with the assumption that I get in and everything goes well.

 

[Cape Pirate]

Hi loves disney! I dont usually post on this thread but i had to because i am currently sitting in my dorm room at Bridgewater State College. Like the others say, bridgewater has a HUGE teaching program- one of the most respected in the state. The town is cute- it has the feel of old new england, but is also quite modern (not a far drive to good malls, restaurants etc.) There is also a T station right on the campus so going into boston is wicked easy. The school DOES have a huge commuter program (62%) But that hasnt really effected me- i have GREAT friends that live on campus, and other friends that i see during the day for lunch and whatnot. As far as cars on campus- freshmen are not allowed cars, but many colleges have that rule. After that you just buy a parking pass for the year to park a car on campus. They are currently building a new dorm, so dont get scared away if you come and visit! Im not sure what else to say about it, but let me know if you have any other questions!!

 

[Loves Disney]

Hi loves disney! I dont usually post on this thread but i had to because i am currently sitting in my dorm room at Bridgewater State College. Like the others say, bridgewater has a HUGE teaching program- one of the most respected in the state. The town is cute- it has the feel of old new england, but is also quite modern (not a far drive to good malls, restaurants etc.) There is also a T station right on the campus so going into boston is wicked easy. The school DOES have a huge commuter program (62%) But that hasnt really effected me- i have GREAT friends that live on campus, and other friends that i see during the day for lunch and whatnot. As far as cars on campus- freshmen are not allowed cars, but many colleges have that rule. After that you just buy a parking pass for the year to park a car on campus. They are currently building a new dorm, so dont get scared away if you come and visit! Im not sure what else to say about it, but let me know if you have any other questions!!

Thanks!

Heh, I'm not going to have a car anyway, so that won't be an issue for me. I will look into Bridgewater. I've heard good things about it. (though, the people who know the most about it are the people who have chosen to go there...so there naturally won't be much negitive talk about ANY college...as I found, lol.) I really appreciate your input!!! Thanks again!

~Loves Disney