College. Jagerbombs, parties, all that.

[Lenticular_J]

Well, I reckon I'm starting to look at colleges now. I figure it's a good experience at least, and I'll probably just go for general studies or something. Right now I'm looking towards two schools, both in Houston (which I love):

 

 

 

Rice University (private, 40 grand a year tuition). Rice, if I'm lucky and work very hard, I'll be able to cut tuition down to 10 grand a year, which is basically my room and board there. I'm almost positive I'd bet accepted, as I'm in the top 5% in my class and I could probably stay in at least the top 8% my three remaining years of high school. A degree from Rice period would probably be able to snag me quite the snazzy job. However, they don't have any general areas of study, which is all I'm really interested in. I've thought about maybe English or History major, with one of the cooler languages (Italian) being my minor, but, alas, I'm not sure if I could do that. Another thing is that I'd likely have to be a teacher with that, which I don't want. I would like to go to this school, though. I just don't know what I want to do, since this is certainly not the kind of school someone goes to after high school just because they should. This is really higher education. Here's the website: http://www.rice.edu/

 

 

 

The University of Houston (state school, 12 grand tuition): I could get an almost free-ride all my four years, simply by graduating from my high school in the top 15%. I'm also completely guaranteed admission if I either: Am in the top 20% of my graduating class, or in the top 50% with at least a 1000 on my SAT (I think my practice SAT we took, I scored a ... 1470? Well, pretty good). This is very good. I could call this my "safety school". It's a great campus, and looks just like great fun. I'm trying to get my friends interested in going to college in Houston, and since there's absolutely no way most of them would get into Rice, going here would be great. I could also do one of three things that I'm relatively interested in: Major in English literature, and minor in photography with heavy leaning towards magazines and such (I'd love to be a photojournalist for Death+Taxes, or Rolling Stone, or National Geographic or something); major in something, maybe History or Photojournalism, with a minor in Italian studies; OR just do a general degree. I'd love these all, and I'm sure I'll choose when it gets closer.

 

 

 

So, I'm kind of in a dilemma. Perhaps by the time I'm mailing applications there in late 2011, early 2012 I'll have decided and worked hard to get into Rice, and find the perfect course for me, or maybe I'll just get something general at UH and eventually (or maybe never) go to Rice to take it to the next level.

 

 

 

So. How about you crazy kids. College. This thread can be practically everything college related, funny stories, sad ones, wonderings. Whatever. Just no jagerbombs.

 

 

 

I know there was a somewhat college-related thread late last summer, but I find it to be more one person's wondering where to go. This could just be everyone hanging out, playing hackey sack on the quad, and eating all your dorm-mate's food.

[tripsis]

If I were you, I'd go with the University of Houston. But I guess that's just because I really like the idea of being able to study something that I love, and it sounds like you would have that opportunity at that college. It sounds like you have plenty of time to decide though, which is good.

 

 

 

I find out where I got accepted this month :P

[Barihawk]

Rice is a lot of hard work and expectations. Very few of the "intelligent," "intellectual," "smart" kids from high school that I knew of survived there because they actually require you to be smart instead of just coasting by.

 

 

 

I'd also recommend Houston. You can get a quality education at a state school, and get craploads of street smarts from meeting people from a more diverse group instead of half-brain dead, sleep deprived nerds (in the good way).

 

 

 

Saving money is also a great thing. It's very nice to have money when you get OUT of college rather than having a lot of debt.

[stan18]

Generally, you'll want to look into colleges you'd want to go to, and find two safeties. Then, you apply to 8-10 total, then start considering the ones you want to go to once you get in. While I'm sure you are qualified for Rice (and any other schools you decide to apply to), other people are too, and it gets to a point where college admissions is, more or less, completely fickle in choosing applicants - don't get too caught up in looking up a dream school, because, even with all the hard work you put into it, admissions is 30% numbers and 70% chance.

 

 

 

I'm not trying to dash your hopes or anything, its just that two schools isn't a lot to choose from, and regardless of how much you want to get into a school, you have to be able to face the very feasible possibility you won't get in. Just remember anything you decide now likely will waver once you get past all the excitement. And SATs are out of 2400 now.

 

 

 

I'm currently a freshman at Tufts University

[tripsis]

And SATs are out of 2400 now.

 

 

 

I'm currently a freshman at Tufts University

 

Not all schools consider the 'new' writing section. In fact, most of the schools that I applied to didn't. I agree with everything you said though :P And my sister is currently at Tufts 8-)

[magekillr]

Undergraduate: ALWAYS go to a state school. I never understood why people think that Harvard undergraduate degrees are more worthy than say, the University of Florida. The only real difference that you'll see in education between a state school and somewhere like Harvard, is for graduate programs and research. This is because most of the best research teams go to these schools, these schools are given the best projects, and you have the most amount of tools at your disposal.

 

 

 

Go to a state school. It won't make a lick of difference except in cost.

[stevepole]

It does sound like you have a while before you actually have to start applying, but I would recommend just figuring out what you want to do. College is great I enjoy every moment of it, but knowing what you want to do is what makes going to college even better. Out of state is always a great opportunity. I'm currently attending college out of state and it is an amazing experience and it really opens you up to the world getting away from "home". Also when you look into schools check out what they are known for, like greek life, freshmen experience, nightlife, etc.

[FlameHawk18]

Well, I'm only in 7th Grade but I've already considered University of Florida. My aunt really got me into considering it. She worked there as a Professor or something, if I remember correctly.

 

 

 

I have to say, their library is great though. :thumbup: Went there, and it had to be my favorite part of the school. It has a great atmosphere around the whole campus in my opinion.

 

 

 

I've been thinking of going for something in Economics or Law.

[Lenticular_J]

(Random question here:)

 

 

 

I am very interested in creative writing and Marine Biology - what would I major/minor in? My gifted support teachers said I should think about my options, but I don't know where to start :oops:

 

Well, I know that you can major in both of those at UH, that's for sure. You'd have to choose which one though, they're vastly different, and you want a minor that's somewhat related to your major. But, like me, you still have a ways to go. You'll figure it out.

 

 

 

I'm pretty decided on UH. I'm about 99.9% sure I have guaranteed a guaranteed acceptance there. Once I take my SAT here at the end of '09, I'll know for sure. All I gotta get is a thousand, and I'm pretty sure that's a low score. I've also just about talked my friend into rooming there.

 

 

 

Boring Saturdays can be really productive, I guess. I've calculated a whole lotta stuff, because I'm actually interested. How much money I should save and set aside in the coming years before college, how much flights back here will cost, all sorts of stuff. I've also looked at the dorms I'd likely stay in, and figured out that I definitely gotta send in my application pretty early. 1,100 students can live there (they're the cheapest ones, at 1800 bucks a semester, but they're still pretty nice), out of an estimated 50,000 by the time I'll be a student. So I definitely need to apply for housing early. But, if worse comes to worse, I can stay with my sister. The Houston public transport system is a Godsend.

 

 

 

I feel like such a nerd doing this. Plus, it's agitating me, because I already hate high school. Not to mention I might change my mind between now and then. But, it doesn't matter. I've really gotten a whole lot done, which is nice. Likely got a roommate I'll get along with, too.

 

 

 

I'd love to get an apartment later on, but I'd absolutely have to get a part-time job. Rent's pretty rough down there.

 

 

 

But, anyways, thanks for all the advice guys. Now let's help other people with questions.

[Quoi_Tu]

Rice is a lot of hard work and expectations. Very few of the "intelligent," "intellectual," "smart" kids from high school that I knew of survived there because they actually require you to be smart instead of just coasting by.

 

 

 

I'd also recommend Houston. You can get a quality education at a state school, and get craploads of street smarts from meeting people from a more diverse group instead of half-brain dead, sleep deprived nerds (in the good way).

 

 

 

Saving money is also a great thing. It's very nice to have money when you get OUT of college rather than having a lot of debt.

 

I second this (especially the money part!), but I'd also say to give a nice look at some out of state schools just in case you may feel like living somewhere completely different.

 

 

 

Undergraduate: ALWAYS go to a state school. I never understood why people think that Harvard undergraduate degrees are more worthy than say, the University of Florida. The only real difference that you'll see in education between a state school and somewhere like Harvard, is for graduate programs and research. This is because most of the best research teams go to these schools, these schools are given the best projects, and you have the most amount of tools at your disposal.

 

 

 

Go to a state school. It won't make a lick of difference except in cost.

 

It also helps to go to places like Harvard if you plan to get into a top graduate school. Just going to upper level universities like that greatly increase your options and ability to get into excellent grad programs.

 

 

 

You may also like a liberal arts university if you like learning about a broad range of topics in addition to a concentrated major.

[deathdrow]

Well, college isn't for 6 more years for me. Prices will definetly increase, and my family might have trouble paying :cry:

 

I have to pay for university completely by myself. My dad can probably help pay a bit.

 

and high school is in 5 years if I go into university straight after cegep.

 

That is assuming I manage to get into university. I really should start trying in school.

[runescapeloser22]

My sister is a senior in High School now, and she's been accepted to Ithaca and Quinnipiac so far. She applied early decision to Richmond but they're waiting to decide on her there (I can't think of the word at the moment... lol). I think she finds out about the rest in a couple weeks.

[tripsis]

they're waiting to decide on her there (I can't think of the word at the moment... lol).

 

I believe you're thinking of "deferred?" ;) Where she applied early and they decide to not give an early response but to wait to evaluate her with the main pool of applicants.

[Pinkbullet3]

I'm in my junior year of hs and I just took my (first) ACT a few weeks ago. I got a 32. :( I got my first SAT coming up March 14th and then my second ACT is April 4th. My GPA is 3.8, and I'm on the Cross Country/HS Swim team with about 20 total volunteer hours. What else would I need to add to this if I want to go to some place like the University of Illinois? :? (MOAR CLUBS! MOAR CLUBS!) I'm thinking of volunteering at my local hospital when the sign-ups become available sometime in mid-March.

 

 

 

Thanks, lol.

[llcoolguy972]

(Random question here:)

 

 

 

I am very interested in creative writing and Marine Biology - what would I major/minor in? My gifted support teachers said I should think about my options, but I don't know where to start :oops:

 

Well, I know that you can major in both of those at UH, that's for sure. You'd have to choose which one though, they're vastly different, and you want a minor that's somewhat related to your major. But, like me, you still have a ways to go. You'll figure it out.

 

 

 

I'm pretty decided on UH. I'm about 99.9% sure I have guaranteed a guaranteed acceptance there. Once I take my SAT here at the end of '09, I'll know for sure. All I gotta get is a thousand, and I'm pretty sure that's a low score. I've also just about talked my friend into rooming there.

 

If the school wants 1000 on the SAT, they probably aren't counting the writing section, so it'll be 1000 out of 1400, not 2100. When I applied to schools last year, my advisers told me that most schools basically disregard the writing section. Just a heads up. :thumbup:

[I_am_Geed]

I just want to get to College

 

 

 

College dating is said to be the best time of your life. It must be true, as my high school relationship that i cared very deeply for got shot to hell.

 

 

 

As of an actual college, im looking to go to Wentworth Institute of Technology, located in Boston Massachusetts.

[TheBatman]

UH is full of commuters and fake gangsters. It's right next to the hood and people get shot. UT Austin should be your second choice

[Quoi_Tu]

I'm in my junior year of hs and I just took my (first) ACT a few weeks ago. I got a 32. :( I got my first SAT coming up March 14th and then my second ACT is April 4th. My GPA is 3.8, and I'm on the Cross Country/HS Swim team with about 20 total volunteer hours. What else would I need to add to this if I want to go to some place like the University of Illinois? :? (MOAR CLUBS! MOAR CLUBS!) I'm thinking of volunteering at my local hospital when the sign-ups become available sometime in mid-March.

 

 

 

Thanks, lol.

 

Keep up the GPA and sports and you'll probably get in fine. Don't forget to try and get some teachers' letters of recommendation and write a good essay.

[runescapeloser22]

they're waiting to decide on her there (I can't think of the word at the moment... lol).

 

I believe you're thinking of "deferred?" ;) Where she applied early and they decide to not give an early response but to wait to evaluate her with the main pool of applicants.

 

Exactly :

[Lenticular_J]

I'm in my junior year of hs and I just took my (first) ACT a few weeks ago. I got a 32. :( I got my first SAT coming up March 14th and then my second ACT is April 4th. My GPA is 3.8, and I'm on the Cross Country/HS Swim team with about 20 total volunteer hours. What else would I need to add to this if I want to go to some place like the University of Illinois? :? (MOAR CLUBS! MOAR CLUBS!) I'm thinking of volunteering at my local hospital when the sign-ups become available sometime in mid-March.

 

 

 

Thanks, lol.

 

I reckon that'll be plenty for a state school. Did you take the SAT, too? Oh, wait, nevermind. Illinois pretty much just does ACT.

 

 

 

But if you're in the top 50% of your class, you should definitely be covered for a state school.

 

 

 

UH is full of commuters and fake gangsters. It's right next to the hood and people get shot. UT Austin should be your second choice

 

Heh, I'm already used to that. Houston is peaceful compared to here. I've never been to Austin though. Good thing Houston is about an hour away from there, Galveston, Dallas, hell, it's an hour or two away from [bleep]ing everything.

[the49ronin]

I've just been accepted to UW-Madison (first choice) and hope to major in biochemistry and minor in music. As a state school, it's relatively decent at $19,030 / year total (tuition, board, etc). I shall follow this thread to see what tips those who are already in college may ad or tips from those who also are doing either biochemistry/music for their undergraduate.

[TheBatman]

 

Heh, I'm already used to that. Houston is peaceful compared to here. I've never been to Austin though. Good thing Houston is about an hour away from there, Galveston, Dallas, hell, it's an hour or two away from [bleep] everything.

 

Austin is a great college town in itself. Theres nothing cool about the UH campus or the entire city for that matter.

[Lenticular_J]

Well, my brother gave me a tip that if you're ever going to be late for a class, even two minutes, just go home and think up an excuse. Professors hate being disturbed, even if you're in a lecture hall of five hundred students.

 

 

 

Man, I'm fantasizing about going to college now. I need to get back to my school, see how badly it sucks and realize how much longer I'll still be there, and keep my head on the ground.

 

 

 

Austin is a great college town in itself. Theres nothing cool about the UH campus or the entire city for that matter.

 

Yeah, I know. My sister and brother both love it there. But, it'd be easier for me to adjust to Houston, because my sister and her husband live there, so if I ever feel overwhelmed, I can just head over there for the weekend or something. I have to disagree about Houston or UH not being cool. But, then again, I've seen like three college campuses. The majority being Texas Tech.

[TheBatman]

texas tech is barren

[Quoi_Tu]

I've just been accepted to UW-Madison (first choice) and hope to major in biochemistry and minor in music. As a state school, it's relatively decent at $19,030 / year total (tuition, board, etc). I shall follow this thread to see what tips those who are already in college may ad or tips from those who also are doing either biochemistry/music for their undergraduate.

 

Madison's a great school! My uncle teaches there (math). When I thought I might do chemistry (or something closely related) I thought I might go there, but I went with economics and a college over a thousand miles away.

 

 

 

Well, my brother gave me a tip that if you're ever going to be late for a class, even two minutes, just go home and think up an excuse. Professors hate being disturbed, even if you're in a lecture hall of five hundred students.

 

It depends on class size and bravery. If you're in a small class (<30), just be late. Anything bigger becomes personal choice mixed with prof leniency. Of course, I go to a small college, so I don't have classes over 35 and those are the intro classes. Once you get to the higher level classes it approaches an average of 14 students, which are horrible to be late for.