|
1. Determine whether you want a 2-year or 4-year college.
2. You are the one in the driver’s seat. Though you will get input from parents, counselors, friends, relatives and admission officers, remember that the person going to the college in the end is you. You are not going through all this to please other people, so make decisions that feel good and make sense to you.
3. Keep an open mind and be an informed consumer. Don’t dismiss a college just because you’ve never heard of it. Do not jump to conclusions based on any single source of information. Do not be unduly influenced by a person who loves or hates a school, the number of stars next to a name in a guidebook, or a particularly enthusiastic, good-looking or funny tour guide.
4. Do your research. Use all the resources available to gather information and impressions and process the information wisely before making definitive choices.
5. Do not let the college process affect your self-esteem. The admission process is not an assessment of your self-worth. For a 4 year college, admission officers admit and deny applications (pieces of paper), not applicants.
6. Focus on your needs. Remember that this is an individualized process. This is not a competition between you and your friends. What may be appropriate for your friends may not be right for you and vice versa. Keep a focus on what this process is all about: finding the right match for you.
7. Visit colleges and pay attention to your gut instincts and feelings. There is no formula to finding the right school. Often it comes down to the right feeling or chemistry about a school. Even if you do not want to go on an extensive trip, there are several colleges in the L.A. area that can give you a “flavor” of a small liberal arts college, a large public school, a large private school, etc.
8. Initiate conversations about the process with your parents. The more you share with them on your own terms (when you want and where you want), the more they will feel included in the process and the less they will nag you about the process.
9. Do not get sucked into the rumor mill. It is most often inaccurate. When in doubt, check with us!
10. When in doubt, ask your counselor. You are not alone in this process. Keep in touch with your counselor. They are here to help guide you through the process.
Tips for Parents
We're very happy to help you -- BUT here's what you need as a pre-requisite to receive our services:
(1) a California Drivers License or official California ID Card; and (2) a Social Security Card.
If you do not have these, we can assist with your obtaining them. Just contact us by phone or e-mail.
|
|
