December 9, 2013
Dear Youngster,
This
letter is my Christmas gift to you. It may be something worth keeping. Now I’m 65 so my experience ought to count for something; I never
had anyone give me this kind of guidance and I certainly could have used it.
BE A VALUE BUYER
Yes,
I'm thinking about your future and that means your education. Remember with a "University Education" you're buying something, an investment in yourself and your future. You want to buy value; you want to get the best bang
for your buck. If you can't fully commit
to finishing and getting a degree, THEN DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY. Four years of
college and no degree will be a reminder that you didn't succeed. It's important to set goals that you can attain and build a track record of successful goal achievements.
You should know what you want to study and WHAT FIELD (not what occupation) you want to make your life's work BEFORE you finish high school. How do you do that? As you read down the page I hope to give you some insight and ideas as to how to tackle this job. College is just too expensive, PERIOD. Too expensive to spend money "Finding Yourself" as once may have been the case. I know you think you're grown up now, if so, then here's a real opportunity to demonstrate it and start acting like an adult; think about saving money, your money. Start Planning! Start Researching! Start Thinking! Start Doing! Start now and know what field you want to explore before you finish high school. Here's a good website to help you get started thinking about your college options and choices; start here -> Your College Decision Headquarters.
If you have the GPA, SAT and extracurriculars to match, try for the very best schools you can. Ivy League, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Stanford, Notre Dame etc. Go for it; reach for the stars, dare to dream. But be smart, have a backup plan; if you don't get into the top schools look at the next tier, i.e., University of Florida - #24, Purdue #17, etc.
KNOW YOURSELF
I strongly recommend you seek out an organization called the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation and take their tests. This IS money well spent; there's no better investment than knowing and understanding yourself. It will be invaluable to you as you pursue your college education and in your working life career. The tests are not typical; they've been in the aptitude business since the 1920’s, and they know their business. Do this your Junior or Senior year of HS and certainly before you finish your first or second year of college.
Your school counselor can also help you find other career interest and personality profile sorts of tests that will better help you understand yourself and discover those areas for which you're best suited. Here are a few available online - Your Free Career Test, Map My Talent, Career Cruising, Career Key, How To Make a Career Choice.
This won't be easy. I know, I was young once, when you're fifteen your time horizon for the future is maybe one week at the utmost. You probably don't tend to think much beyond the day after tomorrow. But I want you to focus on your long range future and picture what you want your life to look like in three to five year increments for the next fifteen years. Try it just as a mental exercise. Envision your life ahead and dream your future.
"THE SYSTEM"
Of critical importance is figuring out how "The System" works. You need expert advice and someone with experience to help you navigate through these uncharted waters, otherwise you risk getting lost in a maze and chasing your tail. Think of this as a game but you don't know the rules or how to play, but there you are out on the field playing anyway. You have to learn "The System" and guess what; it's all subject to change.
Recognize that there is "A System" and that you need to use it to your advantage or you won't make it. Assume that "The System" is designed to work for the university's advantage. It's complex and difficult to grasp and much of it's workings may be hidden just like an iceberg. You don't want to be the Titanic. You won't know and you won't find out how it works unless you ask questions relentlessly. Guess what, people may not be forthcoming with the information you need. Why? Any number of reasons but don't forget that universities are in business, they want to take your money, even though they're nonprofit organizations, never doubt that money is their bottom line.
For example, many universities have feeder community colleges with whom they have an established relationships. Remember the movie, "Rudy". Rudy went to Holy Cross Junior College and the credits he earned there went unfettered 100% to Notre Dame when he transferred because there was a relationship between the two schools. But if Rudy didn't know about the school relationship and changed his mind and decided to go to Purdue maybe only 25% of his HCJC credits would transfer. You have to know the rules and you have to know them beforehand if you expect to have any chance of winning this game. You have to know how "The System" works.
One of the things you should get with a university education is the ability to think and communicate clearly; you learn how to learn and research and find out what it is you need to know; so use this opportunity to begin to understand "The System" as your first step in getting an education. But finding your way through "The System" requires constant questioning and challenging yourself and your teachers. You're spending a great deal of money - don't let them (your teachers & the school administration) or you, forget it. If you want to make sure you get what you're paying for you have to know the rules of the game before you play. Don’t waste your time, your life, your energy or your money.
YOUR HS COUNSELING OFFICE
"Your school’s counseling office can be your first step in learning "The System" and planning for your future in several ways. They should know the rules of the game for the universities in their area and if you press them they should help you. They can help you but you need to help them. Show them your dedicated, interested and sincere.
The counseling office can also help you find career coaches; career fairs and job nights; tests that reveal students’ strengths and interests, maybe even internships, volunteer opportunities or job shadows (ask them) — and other information that may help with career decisions. Exploring career areas that interest you can help you choose universities, majors and job paths. Your school counselor can let you know what kind of education or training the fields you're interested in require.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
However, “Let’s face it,” says Katherine Cohen, Ph.D., top guidebook author and CEO of consultant firm IvyWise, “the student-counselor ratio in most public schools is about five hundred to one, and maybe thirty to one in some prestigious private schools."
Consider finding/hiring outside professional help. HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association) and the PCCOFA (Professional College Consulting of America) are two websites that can help you find professional help if you feel you need more help than you're getting through your high school. It could be some of the best money you spend.
Universities also have "school guidance counselors" although they probably don't call them that but your job is to find one special school guidance person you can relate to and make them your new best friend. They hold the key that can unlock the door of understanding to how "The System" works and how you can best navigate the waters of your particular degree. Drop by once a month, bring flowers, coffee, balloons whatever, but make them your friend and use what they know to help you.
You should know what you want to study and WHAT FIELD (not what occupation) you want to make your life's work BEFORE you finish high school. How do you do that? As you read down the page I hope to give you some insight and ideas as to how to tackle this job. College is just too expensive, PERIOD. Too expensive to spend money "Finding Yourself" as once may have been the case. I know you think you're grown up now, if so, then here's a real opportunity to demonstrate it and start acting like an adult; think about saving money, your money. Start Planning! Start Researching! Start Thinking! Start Doing! Start now and know what field you want to explore before you finish high school. Here's a good website to help you get started thinking about your college options and choices; start here -> Your College Decision Headquarters.
If you have the GPA, SAT and extracurriculars to match, try for the very best schools you can. Ivy League, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Stanford, Notre Dame etc. Go for it; reach for the stars, dare to dream. But be smart, have a backup plan; if you don't get into the top schools look at the next tier, i.e., University of Florida - #24, Purdue #17, etc.
KNOW YOURSELF
I strongly recommend you seek out an organization called the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation and take their tests. This IS money well spent; there's no better investment than knowing and understanding yourself. It will be invaluable to you as you pursue your college education and in your working life career. The tests are not typical; they've been in the aptitude business since the 1920’s, and they know their business. Do this your Junior or Senior year of HS and certainly before you finish your first or second year of college.
Your school counselor can also help you find other career interest and personality profile sorts of tests that will better help you understand yourself and discover those areas for which you're best suited. Here are a few available online - Your Free Career Test, Map My Talent, Career Cruising, Career Key, How To Make a Career Choice.
This won't be easy. I know, I was young once, when you're fifteen your time horizon for the future is maybe one week at the utmost. You probably don't tend to think much beyond the day after tomorrow. But I want you to focus on your long range future and picture what you want your life to look like in three to five year increments for the next fifteen years. Try it just as a mental exercise. Envision your life ahead and dream your future.
"THE SYSTEM"
Of critical importance is figuring out how "The System" works. You need expert advice and someone with experience to help you navigate through these uncharted waters, otherwise you risk getting lost in a maze and chasing your tail. Think of this as a game but you don't know the rules or how to play, but there you are out on the field playing anyway. You have to learn "The System" and guess what; it's all subject to change.
Recognize that there is "A System" and that you need to use it to your advantage or you won't make it. Assume that "The System" is designed to work for the university's advantage. It's complex and difficult to grasp and much of it's workings may be hidden just like an iceberg. You don't want to be the Titanic. You won't know and you won't find out how it works unless you ask questions relentlessly. Guess what, people may not be forthcoming with the information you need. Why? Any number of reasons but don't forget that universities are in business, they want to take your money, even though they're nonprofit organizations, never doubt that money is their bottom line.
For example, many universities have feeder community colleges with whom they have an established relationships. Remember the movie, "Rudy". Rudy went to Holy Cross Junior College and the credits he earned there went unfettered 100% to Notre Dame when he transferred because there was a relationship between the two schools. But if Rudy didn't know about the school relationship and changed his mind and decided to go to Purdue maybe only 25% of his HCJC credits would transfer. You have to know the rules and you have to know them beforehand if you expect to have any chance of winning this game. You have to know how "The System" works.
One of the things you should get with a university education is the ability to think and communicate clearly; you learn how to learn and research and find out what it is you need to know; so use this opportunity to begin to understand "The System" as your first step in getting an education. But finding your way through "The System" requires constant questioning and challenging yourself and your teachers. You're spending a great deal of money - don't let them (your teachers & the school administration) or you, forget it. If you want to make sure you get what you're paying for you have to know the rules of the game before you play. Don’t waste your time, your life, your energy or your money.
YOUR HS COUNSELING OFFICE
"Your school’s counseling office can be your first step in learning "The System" and planning for your future in several ways. They should know the rules of the game for the universities in their area and if you press them they should help you. They can help you but you need to help them. Show them your dedicated, interested and sincere.
The counseling office can also help you find career coaches; career fairs and job nights; tests that reveal students’ strengths and interests, maybe even internships, volunteer opportunities or job shadows (ask them) — and other information that may help with career decisions. Exploring career areas that interest you can help you choose universities, majors and job paths. Your school counselor can let you know what kind of education or training the fields you're interested in require.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
However, “Let’s face it,” says Katherine Cohen, Ph.D., top guidebook author and CEO of consultant firm IvyWise, “the student-counselor ratio in most public schools is about five hundred to one, and maybe thirty to one in some prestigious private schools."
Consider finding/hiring outside professional help. HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association) and the PCCOFA (Professional College Consulting of America) are two websites that can help you find professional help if you feel you need more help than you're getting through your high school. It could be some of the best money you spend.
Universities also have "school guidance counselors" although they probably don't call them that but your job is to find one special school guidance person you can relate to and make them your new best friend. They hold the key that can unlock the door of understanding to how "The System" works and how you can best navigate the waters of your particular degree. Drop by once a month, bring flowers, coffee, balloons whatever, but make them your friend and use what they know to help you.
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
When you're picking a school you're picking a brand; so find a brand name that people know and then find those that are reasonably priced and good value. Suppose you're living in Ohio and you're one of two finalists for a job you really want. You're equally well qualified candidates but both young, say 24. You graduated from Ball State and the other candidate from Brown University. Who would you hire?
When you're picking a school you're picking a brand; so find a brand name that people know and then find those that are reasonably priced and good value. Suppose you're living in Ohio and you're one of two finalists for a job you really want. You're equally well qualified candidates but both young, say 24. You graduated from Ball State and the other candidate from Brown University. Who would you hire?
There's lots of information you need to pour through to prepare yourself for this epic adventure. This is your life and your education; you need to take responsibility for it up front. “If it is to be, it’s up to me,” should be your motto. Here are a few links that you should check out to get started. Top World Universities, Top USA University Rankings, 20 Questions to Ask Your School Counselor, College Planning Books, What's a Mentor and Where Can I Get One?, Make Your Plans at BigFuture (the CollgeBoard.org website is an excellent resourse).
COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
Should you consider a community college? It depends on your circumstances. If you can't get accepted into a four year university or you're going back to college then yes, you don't have a lot of other options. My advice would be find a four year university and commit to getting your degree there. That's cost effective; but you'll need to be well prepared beforehand to accomplish it.
In her article for The Atlantic, How to Escape the Community College Trap, Ann Hulbert says, "The country’s low-cost sub-baccalaureate system—created a century ago to provide an open and affordable entry into higher education to an ever more diverse group of Americans—now enrolls 45 percent of all U.S. undergraduates, many of them part-time students. But only a fraction ever earn a degree, and hardly anyone does it quickly...In urban community colleges like the Borough of Manhattan Community College, the national three-year graduation rate is 16 percent. Nationwide, barely more than a third of community-college enrollees emerge with a certificate or degree within six years." I suggest you read the entire article referenced above.
As the progressive educator Mike Rose puts it in his recent book Back to School, "They haven’t been taught how to use their mind in certain systematic and strategic ways, how to monitor what they’re learning and assess it.” Many don’t enter community college with clear intentions or high confidence: they’ve arrived at the bottom tier, and still it’s daunting.
“It’s a monocracy, as in ‘monster bureaucracy’ ”—in other words, don’t expect helpful intermediaries. Staying on top of shifting general-education requirements, opaque transfer guidelines, and financial-aid complexities is not simple, even for the most-assured students.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
Should you consider a community college? It depends on your circumstances. If you can't get accepted into a four year university or you're going back to college then yes, you don't have a lot of other options. My advice would be find a four year university and commit to getting your degree there. That's cost effective; but you'll need to be well prepared beforehand to accomplish it.
In her article for The Atlantic, How to Escape the Community College Trap, Ann Hulbert says, "The country’s low-cost sub-baccalaureate system—created a century ago to provide an open and affordable entry into higher education to an ever more diverse group of Americans—now enrolls 45 percent of all U.S. undergraduates, many of them part-time students. But only a fraction ever earn a degree, and hardly anyone does it quickly...In urban community colleges like the Borough of Manhattan Community College, the national three-year graduation rate is 16 percent. Nationwide, barely more than a third of community-college enrollees emerge with a certificate or degree within six years." I suggest you read the entire article referenced above.
As the progressive educator Mike Rose puts it in his recent book Back to School, "They haven’t been taught how to use their mind in certain systematic and strategic ways, how to monitor what they’re learning and assess it.” Many don’t enter community college with clear intentions or high confidence: they’ve arrived at the bottom tier, and still it’s daunting.
“It’s a monocracy, as in ‘monster bureaucracy’ ”—in other words, don’t expect helpful intermediaries. Staying on top of shifting general-education requirements, opaque transfer guidelines, and financial-aid complexities is not simple, even for the most-assured students.
FINANCES
Let’s
talk finances. If you haven’t already started saving, start today. Preparation
is the key. Know your budget, what you can spend, what you can borrow and what you can beg.
If you don't have it when you turn 18; get a job and start saving. You should
have at least $20,000 before you start. Again, this is your responsibility, your parents don't "OWE" you, if anything it's more likely you "owe" them; having children is a big job and responsibility. I've run across too many people who don't shoulder responsibility for their own actions and their own lives. It's your life, your actions, your decisions, so win or lose, you can't point the finger at anyone but yourself.
I looked at state schools in Florida, Indiana, and Oregon because I've lived in all those states. Tuition for most state schools is in the range of $4,000 to $12,000 a year and you have room, board, transportation and expenses on top of that, so you can pretty well double your tuition figure and come close to a budget.
If you aren't independently wealthy then you need money to go to school; you need to check out these websites and become familiar with them. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA), The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (often written as CSS PROFILE), Financial Aid Tips & Info, CSS Profile App, Kaplan-ApplyWise, The National Scholarship Service.
There are a multitude of financial resources available to you, scholarships and grants. You must explore these options. This is another good place to seek professional assistance and if you already found a consultant for your college search through HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association) and the PCCOFA (Professional College Consulting of America), they can more than likely help you find money as well.
I looked at state schools in Florida, Indiana, and Oregon because I've lived in all those states. Tuition for most state schools is in the range of $4,000 to $12,000 a year and you have room, board, transportation and expenses on top of that, so you can pretty well double your tuition figure and come close to a budget.
If you aren't independently wealthy then you need money to go to school; you need to check out these websites and become familiar with them. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA), The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (often written as CSS PROFILE), Financial Aid Tips & Info, CSS Profile App, Kaplan-ApplyWise, The National Scholarship Service.
There are a multitude of financial resources available to you, scholarships and grants. You must explore these options. This is another good place to seek professional assistance and if you already found a consultant for your college search through HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association) and the PCCOFA (Professional College Consulting of America), they can more than likely help you find money as well.
I think
the fact that kids these days graduate with huge school loans, I'm talking in
excess of $30,000 is a travesty, a real
sin and a stain they will spend too much of their life trying to
remove. A college degree is no guarantee of a job, remember that. Also the kind of degree makes a tremendous
difference. An Engineering degree will make you a lot more money than an Art
History degree. Also to make yourself more marketable post graduation, give some thought to getting a double major in complementary fields. For example, Geology and Environmental Protection.
Another point worth mentioning; if you have completed 50% of the course work for your degree DON'T change your major, you're throwing money away. Complete the degree and then get your Master's in whatever it is that you think you want to change your major to. You get one major change and it ought to be after your first year, that's it. If you don't know by then what area you want to study and you're not sure, then take some time off; explore working internationally in whatever it is you're thinking of and come back in a year.
Another point worth mentioning; if you have completed 50% of the course work for your degree DON'T change your major, you're throwing money away. Complete the degree and then get your Master's in whatever it is that you think you want to change your major to. You get one major change and it ought to be after your first year, that's it. If you don't know by then what area you want to study and you're not sure, then take some time off; explore working internationally in whatever it is you're thinking of and come back in a year.
ACADEMIA VS THE REAL WORLD
That
being said give some real thought to the kind of work you want to do. There is
an incredible difference between the academic and the real-work world sides of
the coin. Before you invest a lot of time and money becoming a doctor (or
whatever) try to fathom what the real world and real work looks like as a
doctor (or whatever). Do an internship, beg a doctor, better yet, several
doctors, to let you follow him/them around for a few days or weeks. Whatever you do, don’t believe for a minute
that real work or the real world is like what you watch on TV; that’s
entertainment (so mostly BS).
In 1969 I was a 20 year old apprentice marine engineer; it sounded like a good field. I loved the first six months in Engineering School, learned a lot, got straight A's and was very motivated. Then they put
me on a ship to work as a real marine engineer. I was supposed to spend a year
at sea; I barely survived four months. I loathed it so much that I almost made
the mistake of my life and tried to jump ship in Djibouti, French Somiland;
thank God I didn't. I learned so much on that ship and that's a real
understatement. But I hated it and when the ship docked back in the U.S.A. I
was the first one off and never looked back.
So the point is, there is a real difference between the academic world and the real
working world. Try to know and understand the real working world first before
you make a big investment in education and qualification.
DON'T WORRY - BE HAPPY
The
other thing to think about is, “What are you happy doing?” If you're not happy in your work, your life will suffer. I was very lucky in that most of my
working life I was happy doing the work with which I was involved. That wasn't
the case with the last 9 years of my career. I chose teaching because I needed a job, so I did it and tried to do it well. But teachers in general in the U.S. are so disrespected that it's an extremely poor career choice. I was also over 50 and it's difficult to find any work once you cross that line.
Strive to be happy. It isn’t always easy; there will be times when you feel lost and miserable. Avoid the path of depression; it’s a dead end road. When you feel yourself heading there, do something, preferable something that gets you active and takes your mind off the pity party you’re throwing for yourself. Every day have fun; find friends that make you laugh. Don’t take yourself or the world too seriously, remember that next week, next month, next year and certainly five years from now, whatever it is won’t matter to anyone.
MAKE CONSCIOUS DECISIONS
Strive to be happy. It isn’t always easy; there will be times when you feel lost and miserable. Avoid the path of depression; it’s a dead end road. When you feel yourself heading there, do something, preferable something that gets you active and takes your mind off the pity party you’re throwing for yourself. Every day have fun; find friends that make you laugh. Don’t take yourself or the world too seriously, remember that next week, next month, next year and certainly five years from now, whatever it is won’t matter to anyone.
MAKE CONSCIOUS DECISIONS
Life is difficult. Always try to make conscious decisions about
what it is you're going to do; avoid drifting, procrastination and going with
the flow (following the herd mentality).
Think for yourself; don't let others do your thinking for you. Don’t be
afraid to make mistakes, the trial and error method can work but research and planning give you much better odds. Finding your way in life takes real work.
In the next few years you will make decisions
that affect the course of your entire life (See Luck is No Accident). You'll come to a crossroads, make a choice and start down a path and
before you know it, there’s no going back. Try to recognize those crossroads
when you get there. Maintain an awareness of where you are, who you are and
where you are going. If you haven't thought about it beforehand you’re likely
to be totally unprepared to make the best decision you can. So start thinking
about it now. You need to know yourself intimately and honestly and then envision your preferred future life.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
Keep your grades up, stay focused in your classes. Take as many practice SAT tests as you can; practice really pays off. You should see your score improve with every practice test you take. Spend an hour or two each week researching, thinking and working on your future plans. Keep a record of your thoughts and ideas; a journal on this topic and the work you do will be invaluable to you and help you clarify your thinking and opinions. Visit your HS counselor regularly, make sure they're involved and stay involved. Start learning "The System". Think about what AP course are available and make sense for you, make sure your registering for them. They may be available in your Junior year.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
Keep your grades up, stay focused in your classes. Take as many practice SAT tests as you can; practice really pays off. You should see your score improve with every practice test you take. Spend an hour or two each week researching, thinking and working on your future plans. Keep a record of your thoughts and ideas; a journal on this topic and the work you do will be invaluable to you and help you clarify your thinking and opinions. Visit your HS counselor regularly, make sure they're involved and stay involved. Start learning "The System". Think about what AP course are available and make sense for you, make sure your registering for them. They may be available in your Junior year.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Get in the habit of saving money, whatever you can; but a good goal is 10 to 20%. My grandmother taught me the importance of always setting something aside; it was incredibly good advice. The alternative to not saving and not having funds when you really need it, isn't all that attractive. There's always lots of things that you think you have to have. Think again. Carefully weigh your choices with money and all things of importance.
Figure out what you believe in and what really matters to you. Everyone needs a philosophy, find yours and then live it, breathe it and practice it. There are too many people who say one thing and do the complete opposite; don’t become one of them. The world is overflowing with hypocrites. When it comes to life and philosophy, it matters more what you do than what you say.
Get in the habit of saving money, whatever you can; but a good goal is 10 to 20%. My grandmother taught me the importance of always setting something aside; it was incredibly good advice. The alternative to not saving and not having funds when you really need it, isn't all that attractive. There's always lots of things that you think you have to have. Think again. Carefully weigh your choices with money and all things of importance.
Figure out what you believe in and what really matters to you. Everyone needs a philosophy, find yours and then live it, breathe it and practice it. There are too many people who say one thing and do the complete opposite; don’t become one of them. The world is overflowing with hypocrites. When it comes to life and philosophy, it matters more what you do than what you say.
READING LIST
Countdown to College: 21 To Do Lists for High School
Worthless: The Young Person's Indispensable Guide to Choosing the Right Major
Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You'll Love to Do
What Color is your Parachute? for Teens
Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes
College Apps
The 2013 Student and Parent's Guide to UCAS: Selecting the Best University Courses
Choosing the Right College 2012-13: The Whole Truth about America's Top Schools
Selecting the right college: Over 50 little-known tips from a college president
Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College
The Best 378 Colleges, 2014 Edition (College Admissions Guides)
Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges
Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That's Right for You
Making It into a Top College, 2nd Edition: 10 Steps to Gaining Admission to Selective Colleges and Universities
The Ultimate Guide to America's Best Colleges 2013
The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College
Crazy U: One Dad's Crash Course in Getting His Kid Into College
Acceptance: A Legendary Guidance Counselor Helps Seven Kids Find the Right Colleges--and Find Themselves
Acing the College Application: How to Maximize Your Chances for Admission to the College of Your Choice
The Best Value Colleges, 2013 Edition: The 150 Best-Buy Schools and What It Takes to Get In (College Admissions Guides)
The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success
My thanks to Jeff & Lindsay Beck who provided invaluable assistance for this article.
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