Finding the Perfect College is like Finding True Love

I visited another college far away from home. When I applied I didn't really think about it. My Mother said I should apply so I did but I didn't really care.

However when I walked onto the campus something happened. Before I even talked to someone I felt like I was home. I realized that at the college the teachers REALLY do care. They want you to do well. They said hi to our tour guide whenever they passed him. The classes are taught using a very hands on method. The people there, including the students were incredibly helpful. I got lost and asked for directions and they were very helpful. They didn't have an attitude about them. I just loved the school. I felt like I could be myself and I wasn't embarrassed by my Mother who was with me. Admit it, you are embarrassed when you go to a college tour and you are with your Mom. Don't ask why it's just embarrassing. But I could have cared less. I was not the least bit embarrassed and I felt totally comfortable asking the tour guide questions at any time.

You know its the right college when you feel you are home.

When a College Visit doesn't go as Planned...

I recently visited some colleges pretty far away from home. And now I am going to tell you about my experience. Up until now there have only been two colleges I have said absolutely no to. Well let me tell you the third one.
This college is pretty far away but I was accepted and I wanted so badly to like it. In fact before even visiting I LOVED it. I was so sure that was where I wanted to go. Where I belonged. However it was not focused on the right things. Everyday you get 'free' ice cream. The buildings were amazing, as if they belonged in D.C. There were many fountains situated everywhere which apparently represented wealth or something. Which, yes you need a LOT of money to go to college but I wouldn't do the fountain thing. During the tour, the guide talked about Facebook pictures that had been taken in various places and might have said one or two sentences that focused on education. Bottom Line: It was a school for kids of very rich parents who just wanted their kids taken care of. The whole place was like a country club. Just like where my grandparents live in Florida.

On your birthday they give you a gift card and balloons. When you are sick they bring you soup. The whole school is tailored to parents who just want their children taken care of 24/7. They even do your laundry. yes, your laundry. At some point in life you have to learn to do your own freaking laundry and college is the perfect time if you haven't already learned! Anywhoo, I left very disappointed. And I am still disappointed and sad that it didn't live up to my expectations. But the perfect college will find you.
*Read my Next Post! It talks about finding the perfect college and how you know.*

Got Accepted!!!/ Writing A College Essay

There is nothing like that feeling of getting accepted to your first college. I've gotten into two. Both, I applied to early action. You finally feel better. You can breath a sigh of relief. Someone wants you. Somewhere there is a college that wants you. It's such a good feeling. Because honestly, you are putting yourself out there. But the only part of you that makes you you in your application is the essay. You have to pop out a killer essay. You have to try to find something to write about that no one else will. It's tough. But make a list of everything you could write about (believe me, there will be a lot) and then write mini essays about each topic. Then, when you are done you'll realize which topic you like the most.

Visiting, Tours, and Open Houses

I think visiting colleges is the best way to get a real feel for whether or not it is the right school for you. Tours last an hour to an hour and a half. And Open Houses usually span out all day. For some reason I tend to find both tours and open houses exhausting. I always leave feeling I could use a good long nap. Sometimes I think it is because you are learning so much information your brain has a hard time containing it all. Especially when you visit colleges consecutively. Last weekend I visited Skidmore one day and Colby-Sawyer the next. I think; at least for me, that I need a day to think over all the information I received.

While you may want to see classrooms and dorm rooms, they all look alike, at least once you've seen two or three, they all look something like that. And classrooms look no different than high school classrooms.

October 25, 2011