TABITHA: I am a junior in high school at the moment and I am totally lost when it comes to figuring out what colleges I want to apply to. How do I start?

I think the next college article I write has to focus on the junior year, perhaps the most critical year in high school – at least in terms of implications for your future. It’s during the junior year that you’re often taking the tough course load, prepping for the SATs, thinking about careers, and deciding about college – while also developing an initial list of colleges.

The good news? You have a year to really contemplate some of the issues I’ll discuss here. The college admissions process begins in earnest for you about this time next year.

So, here you are, with hundreds and hundreds of college possibilities out there. How can you narrow the list?

One of the best resources is your high school’s guidance counselor.

But, don’t stop there. Talk with your family, friends, and neighbors. Find out where adults you respect went to college. Go to the library and start looking through the various college guidebooks, such as The Fiske Guide to Colleges. Next, go online to one (or more) of the many college-choice Web sites, such as AnyCollege.net and search for college by programs, type, size and location ... or just browse through the lists. Finally, watch for college fairs and visits from colleges at your high school.

At this stage in the game, don’t rule out any college based on cost. Many private colleges (such as my own Stetson University) have a high cost, but counter those costs with attractive scholarships and aid packages to attract the better students. The ideal scenario would be to have a list of 20 or so by the end of the year ... then narrow it down some more and visit that smaller list over the spring and summer.

ROMAN: To be an eye doctor – the type where you do surgeries and more enhanced operations – how long do you have to go to school and what type of salary would I be starting off with and ending with?

The career that interests you in is an ophthalmologist.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating eye disease and performing surgery on the eyes. Ophthalmologists examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the eyes and vision system with pharmaceutical agents or surgery. Requirements include four years of medical school and four to five years of additional specialized training. Ophthalmologists must be licensed in the state where they practice.

An optometrist is a practitioner who provides most primary vision care, like treating conditions of the eyes. They also are trained in the prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses. The employment outlook for both types of eye doctors is good. Income ranges depend on where (and how) these professionals decide to practice, from small offices to larger operations. Finally, you should have an interest in helping people, skills and abilities in science, and less of a focus on money.

DAWN: I am interested in a fast-paced career. I have started going to college this year for business management. I have little knowledge of what is out there for the future. I would like some ideas and steps that will help me achieve that.

Here is your homework.

First, start researching careers in management. Key sources for you are your management professors (even ones you have not had for a class yet) and adviser, the career services office at your college and online sources.

Second, develop a list of your skill sets (and document those skills through accomplishments in school projects and work experience). Skills you should have as you progress through your business degree include leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, written and verbal communications, teamwork, planning, organizing and decision-making.

Third, start thinking of an internship for the summer. You might think it’s a bit early to be thinking of the summer in December, but for the very best internships, believe me it is not. Some of the most coveted summer internships have very early deadlines and better to start researching now and be ready than to discover you just missed a deadline.

MARK: What qualifications do I need to become a chemist? Is it financially viable? Pros and cons of this career? Where in the world can I follow my career?

What you need to decide above all else is whether you have the interest and skills and abilities to be a chemist. Do you enjoy the analytical and laboratory aspects of chemistry? Would you want to work in industry, government or education? How many chemistry courses have you taken? Have you talked with any chemists about career paths?

While a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in some area of chemistry (organic, polymer, macromolecular, medicinal, etc.) is required for the most basic lab jobs, many of the better career tracks require an advanced degree, including a doctoral degree in chemistry. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects most of the growth in this field to come from pharmaceutical companies and in research and testing firms.

Is the career financially viable? The American Chemical Society reports that in 2000, the median annual salary of its members with a bachelor’s degree was $55,000; with a master’s degree it was $65,000, and with a Ph.D. it was $82,200.

ELLIE: I started attending college just last week. Everybody there is asking each other about their majors. I still haven’t decided what I should major in. I have always had an interest in dramatic arts. But I’m afraid I can’t do it. I have a hard time trying to speak in front of people. If I pick a wrong major now, I’m afraid I will regret it later.

My best words of advice for you – and the many, many other college students experiencing similar feelings – the three R’s: relax, reflect, research. College is a time to really discover what the adult within you wants to do with your life – or at least the next phase of your life. Use this first year of college to really explore who you are, what you like, and what you want to do. Experiment. Take a variety of classes. Talk with older students in different majors. Meet with professors and talk with them about careers. Go to the career services office of your college and take some career interest assessments. Research potential majors, careers, and jobs. Join a variety of student organizations. And don’t feel pressured to make any decisions right away.

Most first-year students take similar courses – regardless of their major – as most colleges have a foundation of core courses that all students must complete. Yes, some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to major in – perhaps even knowing their career goals, too – but that doesn’t mean you have to jump to any decision right away. What should you do? Consider trying out for a small role in a college play. If you’re not taking one of these courses this semester, consider taking a public speaking or theatre class next semester; even if you decide to go in a different career direction, learning how to be comfortable speaking in front a group will be invaluable skill to master.

RACHEL: I am 15 years old and in 10th grade. Since I only have two more years left to really do my career and college planning, I was wondering if you could help me in any way. I would really love to become a magazine editor and I’m just not sure where to start. For instance, what I should major in. If you can help me in any way, please e-mail me back! Thanks!

I first need to give you a hearty congratulations, Rachel, for thinking about your career at such an early age. I think high school is a great time to begin thinking about the things you really enjoy doing – and then researching careers that match those interests.

Magazine editors, as you probably already know, need to have a strong grasp of the English language, have good people skills and good organizational skills. Most editors were first writers, who then progressed up the ladder to assistant editors, associate editors and then editors.

So, your first step is really to learn more about the career. What really attracts you to being a magazine editor? There certainly is some glamour attached to the job, but you need to do the research to see all the hard work that goes with the job. It’s never too early to contact a few editors and ask if you could conduct an informational interview with them.

The two most important things you can do now is find a good college where you can take more writing classes and start getting writing experiences.

Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., is a career expert who has authored numerous publications on career development and job hunting. He is the owner of Quintessential Careers and an associate professor of marketing at Stetson University. Send career and job questions to careerdr@quintcareers.com.

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