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So, you’re starting the college search journey…

Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing

Did you know? – Every year, college-ready students around the country opt to not attend college because they lack needed information and guidance.

Did you know? – The college application process is potentially one of the most stressful times of a student’s high school career.

Did you know? – The reality is, there are hundreds of millions of scholarship dollars available in the United States, and many — if not most — of these scholarships are attainable by regular students with regular accomplishments –

If you are a student or parent reading this, then I congratulate you and welcome you to one of the most exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) times in your life journey – the college search. While the process can seem daunting, Juniata colleagues and I are here to guide you through a journey that transforms lives for both college-bound students and their parents.  This blog has been created FOR YOU!

For me personally, my college search journey led me to receive a powerful degree, led me to graduate school, and led me to find my life mission of serving students.  Furthermore, my college search led me to develop a deeper relationship with my parents, my sister, and even the love of my life who I’m raising two beautiful children with.  What’s my point? – My college search was the springboard that jettisoned me to find the life I love and the life I’m living.Now is the time for you students take the step and become the author of your own powerful story.

So, students, where do you begin?

At this moment, you have more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. (and even more abroad) to consider.  Don’t be alarmed!  While it feels like a lot, it means your perfect-fit college is right there waiting for you.My advice? Take a few minutes to start laying out a game plan. From there, you’ll reflect on who you are as a student, do some research about some colleges that feel like the right fit, and start visiting campuses.

Write out the question – “What do I want to do and where do I want to go?

What comes to mind? As you write, you’ll find yourself making a checklist of “wants and must-haves” in your future college. This requires a combination of patience while bring brutally honest with yourself in figuring out what’s right for you, not somebody else. Have you written some stuff down? These links will have you navigate your next steps.

Finding Your College Fit

Colleges and Universities: Choosing the Right Fit

How to Start Your College Search

Grab pen and paper, your phone, your laptop, and take 10 minutes to reflect. 

Don’t wait. Start. Right. Now.

Most importantly, stay true to yourself and have some fun! To the parents reading this, you are now equipped with a kick-off plan to share with your college bound child. And remember…

Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson