Life goes by so quick, I'm not ready for this.

[Disney Dork]

I mean, like, how hard is the ACT?

It's not that bad, honestly. I thought it was LOADS easier than the SAT when I took it (I took the PSAT the year before). It reminded me a lot of the TAKS test (the state test here in Texas) with the way it was set up. So, really, it's not that bad at all. Just don't freak yourself out too much and you'll be fine!

 

[imabrat]

UF is pretty high up on the party school list too(4 or 5?). The party scene over there is INSANE.

I am a freshmen in college now, and all I have to say is good luck. At least you are thinking ahead and not like some people I know who decided FEBRUARY of their SENIOR year to begin taking the SAT. Lets just say most of them ended up at a community college or working first time.

Sshhh, you! I'm trying to ignore that.

Okay, so this October I'm taking the PSAT. Then in February and March I'll be taking the ACT and SAT. I have the booklets the guidance office provides so that should help a bit.

 

[Babyjustrun]

I haven't really been looking.
I'm kind of a lazy *** compared to my friends. I decided to only take the one required science and they're taking all three at an intensive level and plan to take them all next year at a grade 12 advanced level.
I just feel bad because it closes anything science related for me. I mean I look at them and think, I would HATE to be doing that much science and math and not doing anything more specific.

I'm loving my poli sci class right now. Best part of my day.

Anyways, I'm not overly worried about universities until I do my course selection in April.
I'm thinking I might just go to Ottawa.
I don't need to worry about SAT's or ACT's or anything like that. Thank goodness.

 

[Disney Dork]

Lets just say most of them ended up at a community college or working first time.

There's nothing wrong with starting out at a community college, you know. Especially if you start out there to get your basics out of the way. You can take the EXACT SAME core classes (that EVERYONE has to take, university or not) at a community college for a quarter of the price it would be to take them at one of the big Universities. Also, the classes are smaller, so you are able to sit there and directly ask the professor to re-explain something he/she is lecturing about if you don't understand it. You can't do that in a classroom with 50+ students.

You know what the major difference between a University and a Community College is? Community Colleges are funded by the state, thus making their classes cheaper. Universities, however, are private. Therefore, they don't get funding from the state and you have to pay more. That's pretty much it! You still take the same classes, get the same education, and earn the same degrees. As long as you went to college and honestly earned that diploma, it doesn't matter where you got it.

</ end rant>

 

[STOPxmickeytime]

Are you taking any AP's, Sonya?
You need to check in with any colleges to see if they'll accept your AP credits for college credits.
I've been looking, and most won't accept a score less than a 4 or a 5 for credit.
And some of the top colleges won't accept them for credit at all, they can just put you into accelerated programs.

Kayla, to answer your question about what Ivy Leagues look for, they're looking for EVERYTHING. The complete package. I know kids from my school with a 4.5 GPA, every extracurricular in the book, tons of leadership skills shown, completely packed schedule with all AP's, volunteer work and through the roof SAT scores that STILL couldn't get into any Ivy's.
Especially now, where the super smart kids will apply to 8 or 10 of the Ivy's, they've become SUPER selective.
My mom's best friend works on admissions for Cornell, and she basically said that with such a big pool to choose from, they have the power to be EXTREMELY selective, and they only accept the absolute cream of the crop.

Plus, the Ivy's get hyped up a lot. You'll end up paying top price just for the name.
Tons of smaller school, or state schools, can offer you the same caliber of teachers and can place you in honors or accelerated courses, and they'll give you much more money to go there.

Personally, I'm still applying to Cornell because I've fallen in love with their writing programs, but it's very probable that I won't be accepted. It's fine, because there's tons of other schools that will offer me tons to attend, whereas Cornell is a stretch.

And if you need help narrowing your search, you should try collegeboard.com. It's pretty helpful.

 

[pigletgirl]

CC have a much cheaper credit hour. Its a great way to start if your not at the university right away.

And Sonya, when I took the PSAT it was one of the best things that I could of done. I swear that it helped me get the score that I wanted on my SAT.

And in my experience, I found the SAT to be harder than the ACT.

 

[GoofysOnlyGirl]

There's nothing wrong with starting out at a community college, you know. Especially if you start out there to get your basics out of the way. You can take the EXACT SAME core classes (that EVERYONE has to take, university or not) at a community college for a quarter of the price it would be to take them at one of the big Universities. Also, the classes are smaller, so you are able to sit there and directly ask the professor to re-explain something he/she is lecturing about if you don't understand it. You can't do that in a classroom with 50+ students.

You know what the major difference between a University and a Community College is? Community Colleges are funded by the state, thus making their classes cheaper. Universities, however, are private. Therefore, they don't get funding from the state and you have to pay more. That's pretty much it! You still take the same classes, get the same education, and earn the same degrees. As long as you went to college and honestly earned that diploma, it doesn't matter where you got it.

</ end rant>

Woah, I didn't mean to imply anything was wrong with a community college. I was just stating that if you wanted to get into a university, applications are due early. I know a TON of people who chose to go to the community college, and are happy being there. There were just some people who WANTED to go to a university, and started doing the whole SAT/ACT, application process too late to be accepted.

Sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intent.

*Edit*
& there are state "public" schools: UF is a state school. If you live in Florida it is cheaper to attend there(I think 150 or so per credit hour, idk I don't attend there). There are also private schools in florida whos tuition can reach 30k+. It depends on the school. I do agree that there is not much of a difference between community college/state school/private school your first two years of college(general education), but depending on what you are planning to do with your major a certain school may be better.

 

[imabrat]

Are you taking any AP's, Sonya?
You need to check in with any colleges to see if they'll accept your AP credits for college credits.
I've been looking, and most won't accept a score less than a 4 or a 5 for credit.
And some of the top colleges won't accept them for credit at all, they can just put you into accelerated programs.

Kayla, to answer your question about what Ivy Leagues look for, they're looking for EVERYTHING. The complete package. I know kids from my school with a 4.5 GPA, every extracurricular in the book, tons of leadership skills shown, completely packed schedule with all AP's, volunteer work and through the roof SAT scores that STILL couldn't get into any Ivy's.
Especially now, where the super smart kids will apply to 8 or 10 of the Ivy's, they've become SUPER selective.
My mom's best friend works on admissions for Cornell, and she basically said that with such a big pool to choose from, they have the power to be EXTREMELY selective, and they only accept the absolute cream of the crop.

Plus, the Ivy's get hyped up a lot. You'll end up paying top price just for the name.
Tons of smaller school, or state schools, can offer you the same caliber of teachers and can place you in honors or accelerated courses, and they'll give you much more money to go there.

Personally, I'm still applying to Cornell because I've fallen in love with their writing programs, but it's very probable that I won't be accepted. It's fine, because there's tons of other schools that will offer me tons to attend, whereas Cornell is a stretch.

And if you need help narrowing your search, you should try collegeboard.com. It's pretty helpful.

No, I'm definitely not smart enough for AP. I'm getting it done with honors though, so hopefully that counts for something. VERY few kids take AP here.

On your bolded statement, same. I'm still going to apply to University of Pennsylvania just because. I have a personal connection (I was treated there) and it has one HECK of a medicine program whether it's nursing, doctorates, or whatever. I know I'm not going to make it, but I'd rather not spend the rest of my life wondering "what if".

CC have a much cheaper credit hour. Its a great way to start if your not at the university right away.

And Sonya, when I took the PSAT it was one of the best things that I could of done. I swear that it helped me get the score that I wanted on my SAT.

And in my experience, I found the SAT to be harder than the ACT.

My guidance counselor told me the PSAT helps me qualify for a merit scholarship. What's a merit scholarship? The ACT definitely looks easier than the SAT though.

 

[pigletgirl]

National Merit is just another academic undergraduate scholarship. It isnt as rigorous as the flynn or presidential is though.

Here is more about it.
www.nationalmerit.org

 

[Sparx]

There's nothing wrong with starting out at a community college, you know. Especially if you start out there to get your basics out of the way. You can take the EXACT SAME core classes (that EVERYONE has to take, university or not) at a community college for a quarter of the price it would be to take them at one of the big Universities. Also, the classes are smaller, so you are able to sit there and directly ask the professor to re-explain something he/she is lecturing about if you don't understand it. You can't do that in a classroom with 50+ students.

You know what the major difference between a University and a Community College is? Community Colleges are funded by the state, thus making their classes cheaper. Universities, however, are private. Therefore, they don't get funding from the state and you have to pay more. That's pretty much it! You still take the same classes, get the same education, and earn the same degrees. As long as you went to college and honestly earned that diploma, it doesn't matter where you got it.

</ end rant>

like 90% of what you just said was really, really wrong.

i went to a comm college in high school, and now i'm at a university. the comm college and my state university had the same cost per credit hour (if the comm college wasn't actually more expensive)

in my "big" university, 3/4 of my classes have less than 25 people in them. my one big lecture class has 100, but i can STILL raise my hand and get one on one attention from my professor. and if that doesn't work, i can go to her office during office hours.

my university is middle tennessee state university. its state funded, and runs on the board of regents, just like the non-private comm colleges do. (yes there are private comm colleges)

the main difference between UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES is just that. a UNIVERSITY houses many different COLLEGES, within which you get a specialized degree. community COLLEGES don't offer the different specialization like a school of basic and applied sciences, human sciences, and business, etc. it just does general education.

and you do not get the same education at a university and a community college. comm colleges offer a 2 year degree, universities offer a 4 year. thats apples and oranges.

you don't take the same classes either. universites typically have a much broader gen ed than a comm college. and it doesn't actually take two years to finish your general ed, because at a university you have specified gen-ed for your major. by the end of your sophomore year, you should already have a lot of major specific hours finished.

you said it yourself in the post i quoted, a comm college is a place to start. but a university is where you finish.

 

[My Wild Love]

*faints* I'm so behind and I'm a senior. I can't narrow down my list of majors or colleges.

Oh Shelby, When should I apply for my fafsa pin? Could I do it asap?

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

I can't decide whether or not to take the SAT.. I'm def. taking the ACT, but most of my colleges don't have a preference, and I'm not applying to any schools northeast, so... yeah.

I'm taking the PSAT for the second time this year, and the ACT in spring.

 

[GoofysOnlyGirl]

I can't decide whether or not to take the SAT.. I'm def. taking the ACT, but most of my colleges don't have a preference, and I'm not applying to any schools northeast, so... yeah.

I'm taking the PSAT for the second time this year, and the ACT in spring.

Its a good idea to take both, to see which one you do better on. Some people actually do worse on the ACT than SAT. I think the statistic is that girls in general do better on the ACT (which I believe most people that replied to this saying so were a girl...don't kill me if I am wrong), and guys do better on the SAT. Its just how our minds think and work. If you do well on the PSAT, it wouldn't hurt to try the SAT since they have similer formatting. The ACT is a completely different format.

 

[Sparx]

*faints* I'm so behind and I'm a senior. I can't narrow down my list of majors or colleges.

Oh Shelby, When should I apply for my fafsa pin? Could I do it asap?

yes, you can do it asap, but make sure not to lose it! otherwise you'll have to get another one. you have to keep using it throughout the year. (i used mine yesterday for one of my loans)

 

[My Wild Love]

yes, you can do it asap, but make sure not to lose it! otherwise you'll have to get another one. you have to keep using it throughout the year. (i used mine yesterday for one of my loans)

Okay, thank you! :]

 

[minniesBFF]

Shelby, if you don't mind me asking, where are you going to school? Just curious.

yes, the time really does fly. When I started high school, I felt like college couldn't come soon enough. Then all of the sudden I was a senior and I was completely freaked by the whole aspect of college.

I go to a community college, and so far I'm loving it. I haven't decided a major yet, so I think going to community college first was a really smart move for me. I plan on transferring after 2 years.

I really don't have much more advice to add, everything that everyone else has been saying sounds about right to me. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, as others have said. Don't be like me. I only applied for the scholarships being offered through my high school, just like EVERY other senior. I didn't get any of them, needless to say. haha

 

[chexie]

I go to community college called Lone Star College i went there not because i didnt know my major but because you can take the same basic classes that all college freshman are gonna be taking at any university campus but at a community college you get to attend smaller classes with more one on one with your professor then a big university. and you get please your parents because its tons cheaper to start out at a community college.

I originally planned on going to Lonestar for two years but decided to cut my time there down to one year cause after this May ill have 30 hours of classtime that i need to transfer into University of Texas San Antonio.
yay go roadrunners :]

 

[Sparx]

Shelby, if you don't mind me asking, where are you going to school? Just curious.

yes, the time really does fly. When I started high school, I felt like college couldn't come soon enough. Then all of the sudden I was a senior and I was completely freaked by the whole aspect of college.

I go to a community college, and so far I'm loving it. I haven't decided a major yet, so I think going to community college first was a really smart move for me. I plan on transferring after 2 years.

I really don't have much more advice to add, everything that everyone else has been saying sounds about right to me. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, as others have said. Don't be like me. I only applied for the scholarships being offered through my high school, just like EVERY other senior. I didn't get any of them, needless to say. haha

i went to motlow state community college, and now i'm at middle tennessee state university

i never meant that comm colleges are bad, but the information she was saying wasn't exactly correct. and to everyone who thinks you get smaller classes at comm college, well if my classes were any smaller i'd be sitting there by myself.

 

[GoofysOnlyGirl]

i went to motlow state community college, and now i'm at middle tennessee state university

i never meant that comm colleges are bad, but the information she was saying wasn't exactly correct. and to everyone who thinks you get smaller classes at comm college, well if my classes were any smaller i'd be sitting there by myself.

I do have big classes at my school. I believe every state school in Florida has the huge 400 person lecture classes for you gen. ed. I am lucky to only have one of those *HUGE* classes. But if you sit near the front, the professor really focusses on the students there, so it seems smaller. Plus nobody goes to every single class, there is probably 100 people total most days, then everyone shows up for the exams.

My other 4 classes only have 50-70, but like I said if you sit up front, the professor focuses on you more. All of my professors know my name, just for sitting up front and participating. It doesn't seem so big, you know?

 

[BabyPiglet]

Most of my classes are smallish. My english class last semester had 13 people in it. I have had two of those big lecture classes with 150+ people, but I didn't feel disconnected at all with the professor. Most of my classes now have about 50 people in them.

I can't imagine a community college having smaller classes, but I think it depends on the size of the university you go to.