Thinking about College (Vanity)

Me

[AVNevis]

OK, normally I would never post this thread. But things are slow tonight and I am bored so I will.

I would like to see if anyone has suggestions for college. I am a high school freshman with a 3.8 GPA (And that's before you factor in the advanced classes) and who consistantly ranks among the top 10% of California students on standardized tests. I live in Sacramento and would like to stay in California if possible. I would also like to go to a public school unless I could get a scholership. I am looking at a major in political science.

A few that I am thinking about right now are UC Berkely, UCLA, UC Davis, and Sacramento State, but am open to others.

Obviously I still have a few years to think about this, but as I said earlier, I found tonight an opportunity to start exploring.

Comments?

[Paleo Conservative]

But the PSAT is also the National Merit Scholars Qualifying Test (NMSQT). If you do well on it you will probably start getting lots of unsolicited mail from colleges and universities from all over the US. Some of the offers might include scholarships.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

What is your preference for major study? If engineering or law, Berkeley could be a good choice. Whatever California college or university you choose, they will do their best to inculcate you into the liberal agenda. As a FReeper, you will likely be aware of this already. Best o' luck!

[Larry Lucido]

scholership

If you apply for one, you might want to spell it differently. :-)

Seriously, though, I would consider a couple years in the military (as long as there is still a Republican president), then go to the university of your choice.

[AVNevis]

Yeah, I toured Berkeley's campus this fall before a football game (My grandparents have season tickets). It was pretty nice, however I have some unease about the city around it.

[stainlessbanner]

I could get a scholership.

< snicker >

[AVNevis]

Political Science, read my bio page for more on my goal to be elected by age 26.

[LibFreeOrDie]

You can search by major here:

http://www.petersons.com/ugchannel/

[AVNevis]

Yes, yes, I know. That's what you get when you type fast and don't proofread.

[hole_n_one]

whoop-see-daisy!

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Pepperdine is where Kenneth Starr (as in Clinton impeachment) is teaching, if I'm not mistaken. Either that or he is an alumnus.

[Roots]

...they will do their best to inculcate you into the liberal agenda

But that's half the fun... blasting liberal weiners with truths and facts.

[McChordwatcher]

Keep your grades up and prep for the SATs.

If you rank high enough, you'll find plenty of scholarship money from the state schools. Then you can focus on the fancy schools for your masters. I've heard great things from colleagues about Berkley and, oddly, Santa Cruz.

The elite private schools do not give merit based financial aid. If you're not poor and can't put a ball through a hoop you will have to find the money yourself.

My only real advice is do not limit yourself to CA schools.
check out others. There are good small privates and out-of-state schools that do offer merit based financial aid.

[stainlessbanner]

We all do it - no worries. Good luck with your studies and college plan. You are wise to lay the foundation now. If you go out of state, consider UT or FSU.

[endthematrix]

Thinking of college?

http://www.princetonreview.com/default.asp?adcode=10732

http://www.kaplan.com/

[Cobra64]

If I were you, I would enlist in the United States military. You will learn LEADERSHIP skills and mental discipline. The when you leave the military, you will be focused like a laser beam on what, and where you want to go.

In almost 40 years in business, education, and couciling, I have NEVER found an individual fail from being in the United States military.

[AVNevis]

Wouldn't he be a fun teacher? That would be a dream professor.

[AVNevis]

I would consider the military but I don't have the physical requirements. If I take off my glasses now I wouldn't be able to see the computer screen. I might be able to do something non combat, though.

[AVNevis]

I do that already to my high school teachers, and yes, it is fun.

[wildcatf4f3]

Don't go straight to college from High School. Work for a year or two, make your own way, pay utilities, rent, etc. Then when you enter college, you will do so with a clearer purpose and focus. Best students I ever met were those who came to campus with an understanding of how tough the world really is and what a privledge it is to be able to attend University. AS OPPOSED to those for whom t is their first experience away from their folks and fall prey to the "LETS PARTY DUDE" trap. No matter how smart or disciplined you are, a little hard nose work experience will make you a better student.

[blowfish]

Having grown up in Berkeley and gone to school there, a few points in it's defence:

• The city is extremely diverse, and the people there are nowhere near the political monoculture that is portrayed in the media.
• It's a *tough* school; you will probably be too busy to worry too much about local politics (other than as part your intended coursework). And the student body these days is a lot more detached from extremist politics than it used to be.
• The city, campus and surroundings are really nice, although more crowded than it used to be. Berkeley has one of the most pleasant climates you will ever experience. I lived there for years without even owing a heavy coat.
• The football team kicks ass, which it *never* did when I went there!

All that said, it is more liberal than most places - no denying it. But you might be pleasantly surprised by the surrounding communities.