What's the Very First Thing you need to when you want to start applying for colleges?
Is it:
Any of these answers are great places to start, and if you have already been investigating your options, both online and in person, good for you.
But whenever someone asks me for my advice, my suggestion is this:
The Very First Step for applying to college should be you, the student, identifying your motivation(s) for attending.
What's going to get you out of bed for that 8 am Calc class?
What's going to keep you trying when you're struggling to get higher than a C for the first time?
What's going to make you look for a job so you can help pay for your education?
What's going to make you feel proud of all that you accomplish over the next 3-5 years, and when you finally receive your diploma?
In other words, what's your WHY?
Why do YOU want to go to college?
Your parents' why can't be yours. Nor can your teacher's, grandma's, best friend's, or significant other's.
Once you understand WHY you want to go to, stay in, and graduate from college, you have your motivation.
And that motivation is the best Very First Step you can take when beginning to apply to schools.
Good luck - and if you need a little extra help figuring out your why, how, when, and where, send me a note at jpeyroberts(at)aimhighwriting(dot)com and let's talk!
Is it:
- Talking with your high school's college counselor?
- Researching schools online and making a list of your favorites?
- Visiting campuses in person and talking with current students there?
- Asking your parents where they think you should go?
- Comparing notes with where your friends are going?
- Figuring out the most affordable schools for you and your family?
- Picking a major or intended career?
- Learning which colleges offer the best programs for your intended major or career path?
Any of these answers are great places to start, and if you have already been investigating your options, both online and in person, good for you.
But whenever someone asks me for my advice, my suggestion is this:
The Very First Step for applying to college should be you, the student, identifying your motivation(s) for attending.
What's going to get you out of bed for that 8 am Calc class?
What's going to keep you trying when you're struggling to get higher than a C for the first time?
What's going to make you look for a job so you can help pay for your education?
What's going to make you feel proud of all that you accomplish over the next 3-5 years, and when you finally receive your diploma?
In other words, what's your WHY?
Why do YOU want to go to college?
Your parents' why can't be yours. Nor can your teacher's, grandma's, best friend's, or significant other's.
Once you understand WHY you want to go to, stay in, and graduate from college, you have your motivation.
And that motivation is the best Very First Step you can take when beginning to apply to schools.
Good luck - and if you need a little extra help figuring out your why, how, when, and where, send me a note at jpeyroberts(at)aimhighwriting(dot)com and let's talk!
