"Not at all! Your choice depends on what type of job or position or path you want to take after college. There are also people who first obtain their associate's degree and then go back to school in the future to finish with a Bachelor's or advanced degree."

Two students gave these answers:

"Grants from my university, student loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), and a college savings account from my parents."

"Loans and financial aid. I'm also a Resident Assistant (RA), so the university pays for my room and meal plan, which makes going to college about $7,000 cheaper."

Four students respond:

"I chose my major based on what subjects I enjoyed and excelled in during high school. Since writing for the school newspaper became my favorite class, I decided to major in journalism."

"Your choice of major depends on your interests and what you'd like to do after college. For example, I'm really interested in helping people, so I chose psychology."

"The best major is a completely personal decision. When you get to college you will have the chance to explore classes and subjects that will help you figure out the right major for you."

"There is not really a 'best' major. Remember to choose one that's interesting and enjoyable to YOU, not one that your friends and family think is best. After all, YOU will be taking the classes and doing the work!"

Perspectives from two students:

"I took Advanced Placement classes, articipated extracurricular activities (such as Debate Team, Model United Nations, newspaper staff, etc.), participated in National Honors Society and other community service opportunities, attended college informational sessions, and talked to my high school counselor about academic and professional options."

"I admit I didn't do too much in high school to prepare for college. I took an SAT Prep class, did average in classes, but mostly I was more obsessed with my social life than my future. I should have taken more Advanced Placement classes to better prepare myself for college. I came to college with only three college credits from high school, and I would definitely have been better off had I taken more."

Ideas from three students:

"Yes! You should choose classes in high school that challenge you, whether mentally or culturally. If your high school doesn't offer a large selection of classes, you can also look into classes at local community colleges."

"Be ready to step out of your comfort zone. Don't stay in your dorm room during your first week of school. Explore your college, meet as many new people as you can, and just go for it."

"Reminding myself that people do succeed in college helped to calm me and remind me that I would not fail. You should be ready to become more independent. Create a schedule for yourself, do your own laundry, make your own food, wake yourself up and don't rely on your teachers to tell you when things are due."

"My SAT/ACT score was pretty important. And yes, had I studied more, I do think I would have been accepted into a few more schools."

"There are many majors for people interested in sports, such as physical rehabilitation and therapy, advertising, sports reporting/journalism and much more. You can even pursue an education degree to become a gym teacher. If you want to play soccer, you can ask your school about any varsity, club or intramural sports they offer!"

"Absolutely! Most schools actually encourage contact with professors or administrators to help with the selection process. First, I would ask the Admissions Office of the college what types of questions you want to ask and have them recommend a professor you can contact."

Perspectives from two students:

"It is very important to pay detailed attention to application instructions, as well as possible supplements, resumes and additional forms required by many schools. Staying aware of application due dates is extremely important. Figure out as soon as possible if you would like to apply early decision or early action to any college."

"For me, the college application process was hectic, chaotic and stressful. But it was a learning experience, and I was proud when I finished."

"According to career statistics some majors (like business) will pay better and offer more job opportunities. However, both business and English majors offer opportunities to excel. It is up to you to decide if financial stability or personal career satisfaction is more important, and which job will provide you with whatever you deem most important. Often, just having a college degree will open up many new career opportunities that would not otherwise exist. It doesn't always depend on what your degree is in."

"For the most part, it is possible to complete any major within four years at a four-year university and within two years at a two-year university. But, yes, some majors do take longer."

"At a two-year college, you can typically earn an associate's degree,while at a four-year college, you can earn a bachelor's degree. Somejobs require an associate's degree, and others require a bachelor'sdegree, so it depends on what you want to do after college. But atwo-year college is a great way to get your education started, becauseits usually cheaper and more accessible."

"This depends on your motivation, the majors you select and the school where you enroll. Sometimes, two majors will be closely related which can make the process a lot easier. But it's likely you will have to work harder and take a few more classes."

Two students' answers:

"Financial aid played a huge part in what school I eventually chose. There are also hundreds of scholarships available to high school seniors across the country and it's definitely worth your time to do a little research on which ones might apply to you."

"I found the money to go to college by working part-time in high school. But I'm paying for college mostly through loans, financial aid, and grants."

Two students offered these answers:

Going to college from high school wasn't difficult, but it was different, especially with all the free time.�

No, it wasn't a difficult transition for me. It all depends on how well a person can adjust and catch on quickly.�

Four students' suggestions:

"Make short-term and long-term schedules, especially for important application deadlines for colleges and scholarships. Don't forget to have fun, too! You should still enjoy your last year of high school."

"It's called time management and prioritizing. Start your college search process well in advance. Create an organization system that works well for you. And above all, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!"

"Your schoolwork and job should come first, but when you can find some free time, that's when you can squeeze in time to look for the college that's right for you. Organize your college search so that each time you look, you can narrow down your choices a little."

"I did the same thing, and it is tough, but you have to learn when to say no and what to say no to."

Here's how three students answered:

Be prepared for different people, new experiences, and more responsibilities.�

You must be prepared for taking responsibility to go to classes and make good grades without being told to do so.�

You should be preparing for the environment to change. You are more independent in college and it takes a lot of personal responsibility and actions to adjust.�

Two students offer their perspectives:

"Yes and no. The most important part is outlining your own wants and needs and then finding a college to match. If there is a specific college you want to attend, make sure the admissions people are aware of you! Talk to your counselor to get in touch with the admissions office, attend informational sessions, e-mail or call to ask questions; make your name known!"

"Getting into college can sometimes be difficult, so you definitely need to work hard and succeed. I should have worked a lot harder in high school than I did. Taking college and Advanced Placement courses really helps and I highly suggest it."

"There is often no accurate or clear-cut answer for this question. You should consult with your parents, counselor, teachers and friends to get their input before formulating the final decision yourself. Make a list of expectations most important to you and use them to narrow down your search."

"That depends on the specific scholarship. Some will write you a personal check, whereas others only count toward tuition credit. Read the fine print for every scholarship, because dates and amounts vary across the spectrum, too."

"It really depends on your preference. I attend a smaller school, and I've found that it's easier to get to know your classmates and professors on a personal level. But it's really up to you and what you're looking for! The main question to ask is: Will I get the proper education I need from going here?"

"Typically universities who employ a waitlist will ask if you want to continue to be considered in their application pool. It never hurts to continue to keep your name in the application pool. However, if they decide to offer you a spot, you have very limited time to respond, so it is best to have a plan of action. Can you afford it? Sometimes acceptance off of the wait list means you must forgo financial aid. Have you visited the school already? In order to allow time to visit the school, it is best to visit before you receive an acceptance off the wait list. If your second choice requires an answer before the wait list mails final decisions, it is wise to pay the enrollment deposit rather than be left in the dust if the wait list falls through."

The responses of two current students:

I would say it is because some students already go into their first year with a good idea of what to expect, while others are not as prepared.�

I think the transition to college is easier for some students because they are more open to new experiences and changes so they can adapt well in school.�

"Speak with your academic advisor and switch majors. Many students switch majors at least once during their undergraduate careers. It's possible some of your credits will roll over into the new major, so you will not have to start from scratch."