College - Page 2

June 1, 2007, 4:25 AM

Let me just say that, no matter what, you'll be better prepared than I was at your age.

That having been said, I think you're worrying yourself silly and for no good reason. You haven't even begun your senior year of school yet, right? At this moment in time, you needn't worry about financial aid or your college applications. What I'd do is go to College Board's website and run a matchmaker search ( <-- Kerclick). That way, you'll know more about which colleges you want to visit.

Once you actually start your senior year, talk to your high school counselor. He or she will know what to do and will walk you through it as each school's deadline will be different. For example -- Juniata College's deadline was March 1st. Penn State doesn't have one...but it closed admissions in February last year after they filled up.

Now, onto the SAT's. Don't let them stress you out. The worst part about them, in my opinion, is how long they take. I started fidgeting towards the end and I never usually do that. Drives me nuts. My scores weren't that high so, yeah, I won't be attending Harvard come fall but who cares? Do your best and work with what you get. Retake it if you want to but don't expect so much of yourself that you're severely disappointed in what you do score. It's pointless. Not everyone is a genius and that's just the way things are.

As for attending a community college...watch your step. It can be tricky. If you take the wrong classes, you could lose credits upon transferring. Only go to a community college if you're sure you know what you want to major in because, whatever you choose, that's it. Unless, of course, you're willing to start all over in another field...which would be costly and time consuming. If you're undecided, go to a four year school and enter undecided. Sit in on some classes, look around, see what you like. You'll pay more, yes, but you just may find what it is you want to do. The experience will be well worth it.