Choosing and Paying for College

Today, we're taking a little break from the usual Q&A to bring you a special announcement.

If you're starting to think about college then you'll want to check out Catholic Colleges Month. It's hosted by Homeschool Connections but is open to everyone, teens and parents, who want to know more about choosing and paying for college.

This is a series of free webinars on college topics from How to Pay for College Without Breaking the Bank to meet & greets with several great Catholic colleges and more.

How to Choose High School Courses

Q: I have to start choosing my high school courses soon. My counselor talked to me about deciding on the path to my career. Some of my friends already know what they want to do, but I don’t. If I ask my dad he’ll just pick all the courses he wants me to take. What should I do?

A: Look through all the courses and consider the pros and cons of each class. Decide which you want to take based on what you think. Now is the time to start making important decisions by yourself. Look into what credits colleges require or recommend. See what your high school requires you to take before graduating. Or perhaps, if you have met the requirements, take a class that you have sincere interest in, or a class that might relate to your current ideas of a college major or profession. If you are having great trouble, pray and ask for guidance. Perhaps ask a close friend to help too. Have faith in the decisions that you make.

Jenna

John Paul the Great Catholic University in California

A friend of mine visited this university looking for a school that would help her attain her dream of being a television producer someday. She was so impressed she'll be attending this fall.

John Paul the Great Catholic University is a visionary teaching institution focused on and dedicated to molding students into future innovators and creators, leaders and entrepreneurs. Students have the opportunity to acquire a deep and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. Catholic ethical, moral, and social values provide a guiding compass for everything we do.

JP Catholic University currently offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs and with its year round structure students finish their degree program in 3 years.

Is College for Everyone

Q: What I want to know is if it’s possible that college isn’t for everyone? I don’t think it’s for me.

A: College is not necessarily for everyone. There are a number of very successful jobs out there that do not require anything higher than a high school diploma, but there are also a large amount of jobs that require at least an associate’s (2-year) degree or a bachelor’s (4-year) degree. No one job is necessarily better than the next, just because you have to go to college for it. There are also a ton of different types of colleges – small or large, public or private, liberal arts or subject specific, trade schools – plenty of which are geared at training people for specific jobs, like culinary arts school for people who want to be chefs.

The important thing is to figure out some idea of what you want to do before deciding whether or not college is right for you. For example, if you want to be a rocket scientist or a teacher, both of which require a number of years in college, don’t give up just because you don’t think college is right for you! Look at your reasons behind shying away from college. Do you think you’re not smart enough? That college will be too expensive? That four more years of school seems overwhelming?

If college truly is not for you, there is nothing wrong with that. However, don’t talk yourself out of going to college because you might not feel adequate enough. Have faith in the intelligence and talents that God gave you, and give it a try! Doubting yourself is never a good reason to give up your goals and dreams.

Maureen D.