School advice?

[Mouse]

I've decided I'm definitely going to be looking at colleges with some sort of english major in mind. I've tried other things in life. Art interested me for a while, science interested me for a while.

I even gave math a chance but my math skills are so bad I don't think a word even exists to describe them.

If you plan on majoring in english do they really care how suckish your math scores are? Because I'm terrified. I took a placement test to get into that PA Cyber thing and did freakishly well on the english section and the math section was pretty much a joke. Polar opposites.

I really want to concentrate on english and history (my only two real loves in life?)  but while I'm still in highschool I feel like I have to at least try with math or else I won't get into a good college. But I also feel like there's no hope for me in math. Haha.

Agh, what should I do? =/

[bear60]

Mouse....its never too early to start looking at schools: colleges, whatever.  The more you know about them and what they require in terms of entrance qualifications the better.  Used to be, that a lot of students who did not have good entrance qualifications went to a community college for two years and then transferred to a 4 year college at that point.  Its whatever works for you!

[Razorbill]

Have you taken the SAT's?

[Christine]

Start talking to your English & History teachers, and see what schools they recommend. Go online and look at different schools, check out the classes they offer. It is never to early to  start looking, and never to early to start planning for financial aid, and setting up appointments to look at colleges. Make sure you know all the deadlines for submission for financial aid, and the colleges, so you won't miss one.

Also, there are usually books in the library that list all the scholarships available in the US. Check those out, and start applying to ones that are applicable to you.

Just do the best that you can with math. You do have to take the classes, and it is part of the SAT's, so you can't avoid it.

I was horrible in math. On my SAT's, my verbal was really high, and my math was horrible. I used to get really upset and  frustrated that I did not do well in math, but then I realized it isn't my strong skill, and I just do the best I can to my abilities.

It is excellent that you are starting to plan for college! I wish I was as focused and driven as you are, when I was your age.

Christine

[Mouse]

There are a lot of scholarships I plan on applying to (even one from this queer youth group I go to that is only applicable to gay/bi/trans kiddies).

And I don't have a history or english teacher. I have an advisor over all of my studies, and I am self-taught. =/.

I'm starting to look at specific colleges now but I'm totally baffled as to what are good colleges to look at for what I'm interested in. I'm horrible at these things.

[Christine]

I forgot you were home schooled..sorry.

When you look at the colleges, see how many students are in each of the majors. Also, see how many professors there are in that major. A school that is strong in English/ History is going to have many students and teachers in those departments.

There are also books that rate colleges, and I think US News and World Reports rates colleges every year.

That all being said, most of college is what you make of it. If you work hard, and apply yourself, participate in groups that can help your future career, develop good relationships with your professors, you will do well anywhere.

Make a list of the qualifications of a college that are important to you. Take that list and compare it to the info from the college. Do you want small classes? Do you want huge classes? etc...

Also, as Bear said, a two year community college can be a great starting place. It costs less, you can experience college without a huge financial investment, plus they will have professors and resourses to guide you into the last two years.

Christine

[fondeveau]

Definitely study something that you like - whether its bookbinding, violinmaking, English, engineering, language, music, etc.  Don't treat college as preparation for a career especially at the undergraduate level, unless you are determined to enter medical school.    Having said that I can see that a practical course may be to major in English and History - and enter the Education program so that you will have a career upon graduation.

Junior colleges are good, but you can't beat the fun of living on campus at a 4 year university!  Don't let the massive debt load deter you!

[bear60]

Lots of good advice here!
quote Mouse:"I'm starting to look at specific colleges now but I'm totally baffled as to what are good colleges to look at for what I'm interested in. I'm horrible at these things."
Mouse, this is why high school students turn to guidance counselors or whatever they may be called now- a-days, to direct them to the appropriate schools.  I know this is not easy, but if you have someone to "advise" you, it helps.  ( I guess it could be anyone who is knowledgeable in your area of interest: English, Journalism and Writing)

[Mouse]

Lots of good advice here!
quote Mouse:"I'm starting to look at specific colleges now but I'm totally baffled as to what are good colleges to look at for what I'm interested in. I'm horrible at these things."
Mouse, this is why high school students turn to guidance counselors or whatever they may be called now- a-days, to direct them to the appropriate schools.  I know this is not easy, but if you have someone to "advise" you, it helps.  ( I guess it could be anyone who is knowledgeable in your area of interest: English, Journalism and Writing)

Well, it so happens that the main person I discuss english, history and literature with happens to live outside of the US and has no idea.

And I lack a guidance counselor now that I am homeschooled. Plus, it seems like more people can add these days rather than read. So it's hard to locate someone that's been through it all.

[Razorbill]

I think you're strong point, you're verbal ability, will translate well into a great college essay. You've lived through a lot and have a lot of diverse experiences and young wisdom to offer a college.  I think when they read about you, your scores will fade out.

[Miss Philicia]

I have a friend who is HIV+ and got a good scholarship (not sure who funds it) at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan -- it's one of the best art schools in the US.  If you're interested in art check that out.