August 20, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR JO ELLEN HINCK IN MO
Lauren-
I think that it is great that you are already thinking about college. It
appears you also like quite the range of subjects! At this point, I would
focus on the courses offered at your high school to determine what is of
greatest interest. Take the next year or so to figure out which one or two
of these topics you would want to make a career. Once you have narrowed
this down, choosing a college will be easier. In the mean time, do some
internet searches and learn as much as you can about rural colleges on the
east coast. This will help you decide which college has the most to offer
you in your area of interest. Good luck!
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A: FROM MENTOR BETSY NORTON MIDDAUGH IN WA
There's a great book that my daughters found very helpful in their college searches. It's called 331 Best Colleges, from Princeton Review. In addition to the standard college descriptions, locations, size, and specialties, it includes ratings for dorm life, friendliness, competitiveness vs. cooperation, and other intangible aspects of the school. It gives you a good sense of how the schools differ from each other. Use that guide to narrow down your search to schools that fit your requirements. Other great books for smaller schools are Beyond the Ivy League and Colleges That Change Lives, both by Loren Pope.

More advice from my daughter who is now a junior in a school that fits her well:
Definitely keep in mind that guides are just a starting point, though. It's much more important to do some further research--compare with other guides, check out the school's website, and talk with students or alums if possible. Better students than alums, actually, cause schools can change a lot even within 5 years or so.

Liberal arts courses will give you a broad view of the world and the context to fit your more technical studies into.