EVERYTHING
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Teen Years (13-18)
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It is difficult for many seniors, including myself, to believe that March has finally arrived. As I reminisce about the days I grumbled about high school, the SATs and college applications, it just recently occurred to me that it would be a matter of weeks before I would know exactly where I would attend college. No admission letters in the mailbox yet? There is no need to fret. Students still have a few weeks before admission offices finish mailing their decisions. But for those who have already received acceptance letters, the time has come to carefully choose which university to attend for the next four years. Unfortunately, enrollment deadlines do not give students much time to pick the perfect college. Therefore, to efficiently and wisely choose the right university, students must consider key aspects of each school. For someone who already knows their major or career choice, focusing on choosing a college with the most extracurricular activities or programs that revolve around his or her area of study is a good tactic in narrowing down one’s options. High school seniors must also keep in mind that a school’s location is just as important as its academic opportunities. They must remember that being able to finally escape the restrictive confines of their homes and parents also require students to abandon the luxuries of having home-cooked meals, clean laundry and their own rooms. Consider the choices: a college that may be close enough to home to visit on the weekends, far enough to visit only during breaks, or so distant that visiting parents require the purchase of a plane ticket. In addition to the school’s location in relation to home, a college’s surroundings may also impact a student’s choice. For example, having a busy city, museums or parks in close proximity to a campus may determine a student’s social life and study habit, thus influencing their decision as to whether they will be able to strive and have fun at the specific college. A college’s campus life also plays an important role in helping students pick a university. Based on one’s background or personality, he or she may also reduce their school options by studying a college’s size and diversity. Although numerous factors are involved in picking a college, the most effective method of choosing a school is visiting the campus. Spending time at a college offers students insight about the university that brochures or websites cannot provide. Students can become more acquainted with the college’s surroundings and atmosphere, in addition to its classes, students and teachers. Whichever factor contributes to helping seniors choose a college, students should concentrate on picking a school they feel will provide them with an inspiring and unforgettable experience while helping them prepare for their future endeavors.m Jaclyn Hong, 17, of Diamond Bar is a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton. She is co-editor of the school’s newspaper. For Letters: ocfamily.com |
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