Counselors push towards dream colleges
Choosing the right college is always a challenge for students, no matter if it is in state or out of state. There are many positive and negative factors that steer someone towards picking the right school for them to further their educational career. Some of these factors may include location, size, course availability, sports programs, and cost.
“My dream college is the University of San Diego in California,” junior Lauren Hylton said. “I want to go there because it is in San Diego, which is where I might like to live and also it’s a very nice school that offers the major I am interested in, which is Marine Biology.”
Coastal schools are often a heavy pick for Central Kentucky students, especially California schools with the beautiful weather.
“I think one of the main things that kids look at is if they would be happy socially,” counselor Josh Edwards said. “I wish they would look more at if a school has their major. It is important for kids to pick a school based on social aspects, and you want a school that fits you, but financially consideration should be your main factor.”
Counselors have a feeling that most kids look at the fun parts of college, when really they should be focused on the futuristic aspect.
“I think finance and happiness can go hand in hand,” Edwards said,” I’m 43 and I just paid off my last student loan, but if I hadn’t gotten that loan and gotten two masters degrees then I wouldn’t have gotten my job that I like as well as I do.”
Edwards expresses that if you do decide to get student loans for a good cause, then it is paid of through the happiness of working a job you enjoy, as he does as a counselor. Many students have different looks at what major they want to study someday.
“My dream college is Stanford University,” junior CJ Tackett said. “I want to go there because it is very prestigious academically and there is nice weather there. I would like to study some form of engineering but I am unsure of what type.”
Within the process of choosing a school, students do focus on academics and what will best suit them for their job field. Counselors help students to choose the school of their dream.
“If you wanted to be a politician, go to Georgetown University in Washington DC, then your chances of moving up in the government are probably going to increase more than going to a local school,” exclaimed Edwards. “I just think it is up to the individual student, and there’s a fit for everyone, and I think you should chase whatever dream you think is best fit for you and the best college out there for you.
Transitioning to pursuing this dream does take some strength in moving from home life to student life and getting used to living on campus and being independent.
“I think the experience of campus living would be very exciting and fun,” junior Julia Wilson said, who is planning on attending Vanderbilt University. “It’s a great way to connect with other students going to the university, and a way to be independent and not worry about your parents making choices for you.”
As juniors try to narrow down their applications, and seniors anticipate their graduation, counselors push students to go to wherever they feel is best for them, and to make their choice based on best financial opportunities, but also about if their dream college would make them happy.