As college looms large, we know you've got about a million questions floating around your cranium. So we picked 10 of the most pressing  

college questions

  and answered 'em. Enjoy!

1.       What's the biggest difference between high school and college?

Two words: personal responsibility. In high school, you've got teachers and guidance counselors (not to mention your parents) standing over your shoulder to make sure you're on track. In college, you won't get that kind of accountability unless you seek it out.

2.       Is college for everyone?

Not necessarily. If you tanked in high school and you've got no motivation toward anything remotely academic, a traditional college might not be the best fit for you. But you will need some kind of advanced training - like vocational technical education - to launch a stable career.

3.       What kinds of scholarships go unawarded?

Employer- and region-specific scholarships may go unawarded simply from lack of student and family awareness. These scholarships are often for smaller amounts, but free money is free money, right? It all adds up.

4.       Is financial aid for the middle class an oxymoron?

Not always. Stanford University, for example, provides free tuition to most undergrads whose families earn less than $100,000 per year. And for Harvard students whose families earn $120,000 to $180,000 a year, the maximum cost of education is 10 percent of their income.

5.       Should I major in something that interests me or in something that's marketable?

If your major is boring, you're in for a rough four years. Your best bet is to choose something you truly want to learn about. When you're passionate about your education, the rest often falls into place.

6.       Should I hold on to my high school sweetheart?

The short answer: No. The long answer: It depends on the relationship. Just make sure your pre-college attachment isn't holding you back from experiencing all that your new environment has to offer.

7.       What's dorm life really like?

It's loud, messy, and lots of fun. Incidentally, dorm living can provide great preparation for marriage or any other close partnership.

8.       Is college a lot more difficult than high school?

That depends on where you went to high school and how hard you worked there. Many high schools allow you to invest minimal effort and emerge with a decent grade. Colleges typically don't provide that kind of latitude.

9.       Does where I go to college really matter?

Your college choice is important, but there's probably more than one school where you could be happy and well-educated. Your college experience will be affected more by what you put into it than by which one you choose.

10.   Why should I go to college?

Not only do college grads make more money than their less educated peers, they're also healthier and therefore happier, reports the College Board. Sounds like a worthwhile investment to me.

Got more college questions? Comment away!

 

 

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