What do I do...

[foote_soldier]

Ok, I'm in my last year of high school and theyre already telling us to find a good collage. I haven't even given this any thought. I think they're being a bit preemptive, I mean theres no reason to worry about it yet, right? It is a rather big decision and it requires alot of thought.

[JudgeMental]

You should be at least thinking about it. Maybe not a college itself yet, but definately thinking about what you want to study, at least in a career sense. Another thing you shouldn't feel pressured about (especially if your parents offer, some just offer the boot) is leaving right after you graduate. It's not a bad idea to get a job, and save for a year or so. If nothing else, the extra time will help you mature and take college more seriously.

But yes, be thinking about a college. If nothing else, remember that it takes some time and doing to apply for the one you want, and even more if you need financial aid. If you're a high school senior, it is a good time to be looking. Just don't loose sleep over it

[afkaos]

I knew what colleges I wanted to go to when I Was in 5th grade.
No joke.

[gravity]

If you are still undecided, Grav suggests you attend the local Community College. It is cheaper than a 4 year school, and it helps you get a grip on what you want to do with your life.

Work towards a transfer degree, so you can enter a 4 year school as a Junior instead of a Freshman.

[Idiot'sPride]

Well, a really good school like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc. will only take the best students who have a real good application (They have you write essays, right?), so if possible, I'd suggest you try to submit an application early on so you don't get waitlisted/too far down on the waitlist. ranted, I know shit about this sort of thing, so my opinion isn't worth much here.

[Felan]

it is a good idea to think about it pretty soon. Many colleges tend to have due dates, especialy for new arrivals. Many colleges also have stuff like "plz send in 1000 word paper on why you want to go here" kind of stuff. Doing it early will prevent you from running into that kind of stuff last minute.
Also Finacial Aid is a big issue. Usualy the FAFSA needs to be done by like May or June. Who knows what college deals with their finacial aid, if its like my college, it can take up to a month to even get accepted or something.

[asp55]

foote_soldier, join the club. Considering when apps are due, I'd definitely suggest looking at what colleges you want to apply to.

I don't know where you are, which definitely colors what colleges you consider applying to, but keep in mind if you intend to go to school in Cali apps are due THIS Sunday. (asp55 is just finishing up his CSU apps.)

Schools outside of CA have a bit later due dates...but its still not that far off, so I'd definitely take Grav's suggestion into consideration. (And when she says it's cheaper she isn't kidding. One semester as a "full time student" costs about as much as a single college application fee. (Which for CSUs is 55 bucks a pop.)

I feel for you man, now off to my Portland U. app.

asp55 hopes that some college accepts him...he doesn?t exactly have great grades...but his SAT is pretty good...and hopefully his essays will help him.

[V'Lyandra]

You don't have to think about it if you don't want to. It's not preemptive at ALL if you're planning to go to a 4 year school next year, considering applications are generally due mid December to early January. I'm feeling rather stuck, myself, since I don't want to go to college but am still pressured to apply everywhere, including schools like Harvard. It all gets so ridiculous, after a while.

[chaos42]

I used to like making collages. I reccomend starting out with a nice sharp pair of scissors and a bunch of old magazines. It also pays to invest in either glue sticks or the more expensive scotch tape (its clearer).

Okay...you have to forgive my teasing you...I'm feeling a bit silly. Guess Its the holiday sparkling wine.

As for the actual college stuff:
Don't get too stressed if you aren't sure yet. Get your ACT/SAT stuff out of the way. Check out some state university websites and request info packs. Do you financial aid info as soon as you can next year....even if you don't know where you are going yet. If you still haven't decided enrol in your local community college and start working on your general education package. It needs to get done either way and community college is much cheaper. It will also give you a chance to take some different classes to see what you are interested in...