College Applications
So it’s college application time. As much as I plan to be on my way investing within the year, I still need a backup plan and according to my mom, it should be college. So I have my University of Florida online application opened up on my computer and I am working on this one field that asks “Do family obligations limit your participation in extracurricular activities? If so, please describe.”
You see, my dilemma is this - family obligations versus extracurricular activities. What if it so happened that my family obligations was an extra curricular activity. In essence, isn’t anything beyond the normal scope of duties extracurricular? I believe that starting up a business from scratch and running it while in high school is an extra curricular activity. My school counselors think otherwise. They believe that if I am not part of any club in some fancy officer position, a school like UF won’t even recognize me. Do they not see how many hours and time must go into a personal business? Do they not see leadership and dedication it takes? Do the colleges not see this either? As pertaining to UF’s application question, they ask you as if you can only do one or the other – obligate yourself to your family or perform extracurricular activities. Why can’t I do both? I began my online business and grew it because I had to help supplement my family’s income. That being said, I have to say I take pride in my business and if a college cannot recognize my abilities because starting a business isn’t a typical “extracurricular activity”, well I guess I shouldn’t waste my time there anyways.
Comments (7)
bro, i'm in college right now i go to UCF(university of central florida). Its hard to juggle school and trying to start or manage a business, but i love it, and plus UF IS AWEEESSOMMEEE!!!! If you talk to professors, and tell them what your trying to do, they will respect you more, and in some cases its a good opportunity to network because alot of teachers i knew at VCC(valencia community college, i'm a transfer to ucf)had a few duplex or invested in the past. College is a great experience, my only regret is that I would've been as motivated as I am when i was a freshmen to start my own business, but in a way I kinda dont regret it because freshmen yr was my best yr of college. Good luck man
Brandin Johnson, almost 15 years ago
I hear you Tiger! If you do go to college your going to have to get used to that. Especially if you decide to major in business like me. I gotta tell you the majority of professors and "advisors" are going to make you sick. But there are a few from the crowd that are really motivational. College, like everyone else says is a great experience. You might want to consider going part time just to keep it balanced. At least in the beginning. I just started my 4th year at Rutgers and while most of my friends will be graduating I still have another year or two to go. No regrets though, college is fun and as far as real estate goes, I will be doing that with or without my degree. Good Luck
Lafi S., almost 15 years ago
I agree with all the above. I'm glad I went to college, but even grad school doesn't really prepare you for running your own business. I mean it teaches the very basics and lots of theory about how things are SUPPOSED to work, but only a little about real world experience. It's like what one of the gurus say, "College is there to help you get a good paying job." I think college is great for the basics, but that's about it. Oh, and cheerleaders! So keep going and good luck!
Christopher W., almost 15 years ago
Thanks for the words of encouragement guys. I think the best option I have is to make it in the Real Estate business by next year. After all, I can go to college anytime I want in my life.
Tiger Sun, almost 15 years ago
I agree. The counselor seems like they have no idea what they are talking about. For instance, what you are doing would look perfect if you were applying to grad school right now. Why not undergrad? College is fun and I have no regrets, but what I learned there and what I've learned in the "real" world are two completely different things. Best of luck.
Brian Levredge, almost 15 years ago
I took a look at your website, and very nice. As Josh pointed out to you already, what you are doing now and have been doing, is most than most your age are doing. When I was in High School me and about 3 of my friends owned our own businesses. It was not easy juggling it all, but we managed to do it. Your high school counselors and college counselors need to realize as Josh mentioned that most high school graduates and college grads do NOT have a job at time of graduation, and some don't even get one to match what they went to school for. Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far, and if people cannot see your potential and recognize you for what you have done, they arent worth it.
Account Closed, almost 15 years ago
I think your college counselor is dead wrong. If you're running a legitimate business while in high school and they don't see that as an activity worthy of sharing on your applications, they need to get out and visit the real world, where most grads can't even find a JOB. I'm not going to tell you what to do on your applications, but I do think that you are likely going above and beyond what most kids are doing in terms of their extra curricular activities. Let me see . . . cheerleading or running your own business . . . I'll take the cheerleader, Alex! Good luck whatever you do!
Joshua Dorkin, almost 15 years ago