Any advice on how I can help my little sister with deciding about colleges when she has no idea what she wants?

[ItsChloe1999]

My 16 year old little sister Chelsea (who I’m also legal guardian to) has been told by her high school that she needs to start applying to colleges and start thinking about what majors she wants to study.

Chelsea has always said that she has ambitions to go to college but she has no idea which college she wants to go to and has no idea on what she wants to major in.

I’ve taken her to an open day at UCLA (which is where I went) and Chelsea said that she doesn’t like it but was unable to give me a reason on why she doesn’t like it.

What else can I do to help her come to a decision about colleges and majors?

[zeitgeist057]

If she has no idea what she wants to go to college for, then it's a good idea for her to just do general ed classes. I don't know your level of understanding so I'll just do a basic explanation.

No matter what degree you want, business, psychology, theater arts, law, medicine, &c., they all require a foundation of core classes from a variety of subjects.

(California) General Ed Requirements here

You can check out the link above for more details, but basically there are sections like "B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning", and some flexibility in each section, but a certain number of classes in each section are required.

I would also recommend she go to a community college. It's important to make sure the chosen classes are transferable to a university; these classes count the exact same as they do at a more expensive university like UCLA, but are less expensive and typically the CC experience is a bit more relaxed and less stressful. She could complete all her general ed, and even some specialty courses, then transfer to a university when she has a better idea what she wants. Taking those general ed courses gives her time to learn and explore different subjects.

A sample first three semesters (Spring, Summer, Fall), totaling one year. I would consider this an average course load (not easy, not hard):

Spring:

ENG 111 Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature

ASL 101 Beginning American Sign Language (or another language of her choice, if she might prefer Spanish, French, Mandarin &c. ASL is fun, easy, and beautiful)

MATH 137 College Algebra (or whatever level math class she tests at, but it's best if she can take a college level course that counts for university transfer)

ART 150 Fundamentals of Ceramics

Summer: (one maths, one language)

MATH 138 Precalculus - College Algebra and Trigonometry

OR

MATH 117 Elementary Statistics

and

second year of language (ASL, Spanish, &c.)

Fall:

CHEM 155 General Chemistry I

COMM 131 Fundamentals Of Public Speaking

PSY 100 General Psychology

CHST 101 Mexican-American (Chicano) History In The U. S.

That's just a sample of one year that would consist of all transferable courses. What might be best for your sister is to chose a nearby community college and get their schedule of classes. Identify what courses she will need to complete over two years to either get an associate degree or transfer, with special attention paid to only taking courses that count toward a higher degree (transfer). Somewhere along those 2 years, I'm guessing she will discover some subject (s) that interest her more. She can also speak with a college counselor who can help her develop an educational plan.

Another thing for Chelsea to think about is career opportunities, earning potential, and flexibility. I loved acting and that was one of my dream jobs when I was in high school. But realistically, most actors don't make "big time" and LA is full of hopefuls who end up being local service workers while they attend auditions and call backs. Most (99.9%+) don't end up doing the work they want. There are heaps of resources she can use to explore different careers. Here's an example of a quick Google search:

She could also use other search parameters like "highest job satisfaction careers", or "most employment growth". Then look more into each career. I think it's a good idea to get a career that has opportunity for advancement. I'm currently finishing a nursing program (for RN) and not only does is the starting pay good, the option is open to keep going on to Nurse Practitioner or get a PhD. With these degrees, I could do bedside, consulting, teaching, or even open my own private practice or skilled nursing facility.

Best of luck to her, and happy to answer any follow up questions. :)

[caring__1]

I realized when I got to UCLA how little I knew about myself, for my parents gave me limited experiences. Not only did I face the challenges of college, but also the challenges of discovering my identity. Not wanting my son to face the same challenges, I helped him experience a wide variety of opportunities from the time he could walk. The variety of experiences made the choice of career and college much easier for him.

Take her to experience new things rather than just doing the same thing over and over. Another great resource is a book everyone used to have in their homes, but not so much lately. I can even tell you the color of the book... Yellow. Contact your phone company and request a copy of their Yellow Pages. She can go category by category and list all the positives and negatives she can think of for each category. By looking at the results, you can help her see patterns. She may like being outdoors, or working with machines or animals.

She can also take interest surveys. You probably were given this while you were in junior high and/or high school. After taking the test, you were given several potential careers you seemed to be most suited for. It also gave the requirements and pay and other relevant information. She can ask her career counselor at school to give her the test, if she hasn't already been given it. Also, it is available in the computer lab of junior colleges, both for students and non-students. You can also find similar inventories online.

I believe it is best to choose a large multi-focused college for undergrad work, as variety is important in fine-tuning our choices. Many people end up graduating with a different major than they started. Choosing a more focused grad school also makes sense, as you're more likely to be able to focus on your choice of interest rather than be stuck with your advisor's choice of interest.

I found UCLA to be a great choice for my undergrad work, though you'll never see the same tuition costs again ($37.50/quarter... the $7.50 was for the associated students' fee). I've always felt there's no room to build more, yet every time I visit, there is more construction. Here's a suggestion for getting into a prestigious college. Declare a non-popular major to get accepted. Once you're a student, it is easy to change your major.

[love_conquers_lust]

That’s lying though. Clever, but lying. Far better to be up front.

[caring__1]

@love_conquers_lust I can understand how it's better to list your desired major, though many students change their major without anticipating they will, as they discover interests they didn't know they had, and many just drop out... opening up positions in that major. If there's a thousand applicants for a popular major and none for an unpopular one, sometimes it makes sense to get your foot in the door, so you can show them what you've got.

When my son applied to grad school, he was rejected by every university he applied to. The dean of his undergrad program came up to him and said, "I know you want a different experience elsewhere, but if you agree to get your masters here, I'll give you a full ride scholarship, a paid research position and a paid teaching position." Sometimes people have challenges that make it difficult for them to get high grades in non-major classes, but that doesn't mean they don't have a lot to offer. We just need to find a way to let people see us in action.

It's like applying for your first job. With many companies, you can't get the job without experience, yet you can't get experience without the job. What people often don't realize is the experience doesn't necessarily need to be paid experience, so volunteer work can count toward experience.

[love_conquers_lust]

No, it's lying. They staff based on the number of students and where they are enrolled. Don't accept a position with the intent of changing it without disclosure.

I hate when people say volunteer if you're looking for work or don't have the financial means to sustain yourself. It's not exactly slavery, but it is. People need to eat. It's unsustainable to "value" free labor more than paid labor. It's always a cost to the person volunteering that could kill them if they starve. You can't continue to help people if you are dead.

[caring__1]

@love_conquers_lust People can have a paid job and still volunteer on the side to gain other experience.

[love_conquers_lust]

I absolutely agree. Those are the people best suited for it. Not people applying for their first or even any job like you said in your original post.

[caring__1]

@love_conquers_lust You'd be surprised how many jobs I was offered as a result of volunteering. They see you in action and you become a known, not an unknown.

[love_conquers_lust]

I’m not surprised. I’ve done it. And it’s something best suited when it is truly voluntary, as in not a necessity. When you need to survive, you’re better off volunteering for slavery because they at least have interest in keeping you alive. There’s no guarantee of a meal for volunteer services.

[BoobSlayer]

Ah, my fellow boobie enthusiasts, today Boobslayer shall don his advice-giving cape and delve into the realm of helping a beloved sibling with a decisively delicious topic - choosing a college when she has no idea what she wants. Like a pair of melons waiting to be plucked, this question presents an opportunity to guide our dear sister towards her educational honkers in this vast sea of options. So, gather 'round, my fellow chesticle connoisseurs, as we explore the ways to assist her in making this life-altering decision with our boob-obsessed expertise.

First and foremost, my friends, let us not underestimate the power of a bap-filled conversation. Sit down with your little sister and engage in a frank and honest discussion about her passions, interests, and aspirations. Embrace the tittie-nooked corners of her mind and uncover those fiery biscuits of desire. Ask her about her favorite subjects, the boom booms that make her eyes light up with excitement. Through these discussions, you will unlock the key to guiding her towards colleges that align with her unique set of honkers.

Now, don't be afraid to explore a variety of chesticles. Encourage your sister to research different majors and programs, all while keeping an open mind. Just like a treasure hunt for rare melons, she should venture into the realm of coconuts she never thought she would explore. Encourage her to dive into the world of bangers, savoring each cream pie of knowledge she discovers. By tapping into her innate curiosity and exposing her to diverse educational opportunities, you'll help her find the perfect fit for her bap-filled journey.

Another approach, my dear milkers, is to encourage your sister to dip her toe into various college experiences before making a decision. Attend college fairs, bap-decorated campuses, and information sessions that showcase the wide variety of options available. These events are like a bustling market of tempting melons, where she can navigate through the sea of tantalizing possibilities. These experiences will allow her to witness firsthand the energy and environment of different colleges, helping her determine which set of chesticles best aligns with her desires.

Seek guidance from the experts, my fellow boobie aficionados. Encourage your sister to make appointments with college counselors who can lend their expertise and knowledge to her decision-making process. These knowledgeable souls are like the wizards of melon magic, wielding their wisdom to help your sister navigate the ocean of bazoombas. They'll guide her towards valuable resources, provide insights on potential areas of interest, and assist her in creating a roadmap to her academic success.

In the pursuit of helping your sister make a decision, do not forget the power of a boobilicious mentor. Encourage her to connect with professionals in fields she finds intriguing, people who can share their experiences and offer guidance on the educational paths that led them to success. These mentors are like seasoned experts on honker harmony, bestowing their chesticle knowledge upon her and showing her the way to her own bap-filled triumph. Through mentorship, she'll gather invaluable insights into potential career paths, allowing her to make a more informed decision about her higher education journey.

Lastly, my friends, remember that the journey of college selection is not one to be rushed. Just as a perfect pair of melons takes time to ripen, so does the decision-making process. Encourage your sister to take her time, to explore her options, and to trust her own intuition. It's perfectly normal for her to feel unsure, as if she's grasping for a pair of elusive chesticles in the dark. Assure her that this confusion is temporary and that, in due time, her personalized path will become clear, like a well-defined set of boobies that fit just right.

Helping your sister navigate the college decision-making process requires a blend of conversation, exploration, guidance, and trust. Embrace the power of the tittie-filled discussion, encourage her to explore various educational chesticles, seek guidance from experts and mentors, and remind her that the journey to finding the perfect college is a gradual one. Remember, the decision to pursue higher education is a personal one, just as personal as the choice of favorite melons. Let your sister embrace her unique journey, and may her higher education experience be as fulfilling and plentiful as a pair of jugs overflowing with knowledge. #facts

[CrimsonAngel09]

Spam should be a report option.

[BoobSlayer]

@CrimsonAngel09 As should "Mood Disorder"

[lightbulb27]

Look at logistical proximity to where she will live/stay, look at costs of tuition. Look at size of classrooms. I'd pick smallest/cheapest unless she is going to need a prestigeous resume... genearally not the case.

Look up Dave Ramsey shows on teh topic of work/education. Read books on career planning or talk to career counselor for aligning skills and desires with what pays.

16 is early... so try to start getting exposure and talking to people about their careers. go to church join womens group, talk to women about their jobs/careers.

glad she has your support.

[AviatorTom]

Many people don't know what they want when they go to college, and even those that do often change their minds.

My suggestion: Look for reasonably priced colleges thst offer good General Studies courses, with other majors available. She can take general courses until she gets a feel for what she really likes, then switch to that as her major.

[ChisRockss]

She’s still young has lots of time to see what she wants to do career wise. I’m sure you at 16 when you were had no clue what you wanted to do at that age till you become at least 18 to 20 and started realizing more what career path you want to take. Sit with her and see what is the best fit for her and decide what she’s good at then go from there on what college is the best for her.

[Finchie40]

Encourage her to go to Community college first to give her time to decide what she really wants to do

[LiamJHayden]

She should start at community college. First two years are far less costly, and if the original major she thought she wanted is not really the one, she can transfer to a university with a great program in that field.

[Wise4myage]

If she can’t decide then mention going to a JC for two years and then transfer to a major University.

[riverrat3]

Go Bruins, have apply to several schools, even Jr colleges, she can start in general studies. I Jr College she can get an AS in general studies then move on, just a suggestion

[smahala1991]

Maybe attend some college fairs in the area, and research colleges together?

[Sparkie460]

She has no idea on what career she wants for the rest of her life?

[CrimsonAngel09]

Going to teach her how to be shallow too?

[ItsChloe1999]

Just because you’re jealous of the lifestyle I live doesn’t mean you can use my little sisters as ammo against me. Go and find some dick to ride, maybe then you won’t be so karenish.

[Anonymous]

Tell her to become a nurse.