DR. WALLACE: I'm a high school senior and I do want to attend college somewhere. I have not given it much specific thought yet. I just know that I'd like to achieve a college degree so that I can have a better chance at getting a good job somewhere.

It seems like most of my classmates have their whole future mapped out. But I have not yet decided where to go to college. Some of my friends tell me I need to really hurry now to catch up.

What do you think I should do at this point? — Have Not Decided Yet, via email

HAVE NOT DECIDED YET: I'd advise you to first think about what type of job or career you'd like to pursue. Start there and take your time to carefully think this over. You do not need to be in a rush to "catch up" to anyone. You only need to make your own plan for your life, one that you feel comfortable with and excited about pursuing.

Once you think about the type of job and career field you are interested in, begin your search for a college to apply to. Your letter did not mention your grades, but if you find that you qualify for a scholarship somewhere that fits your goals, by all means apply there first. Beyond that, seek out a school and location that can fit your budget. Your parents may or may not be able to help you fund your education, so make a budget so that you can see what may be possible in your particular situation,

You should also keep in mind that several great community colleges offer a cost-effective, excellent starting point for new college students. If you pursue this route, you'd spend a few years there and eventually plan to transfer to finish your degree at a four-year university for your final two years. Just be sure to speak with a counselor in advance to be sure you are taking classes that fit your life plan and will be transferable to the university you will plan to transfer to eventually.

I feel strongly that setting up your life plan and career path is more important for you now than just blindly sending out applications to random colleges, as some or most may not be the best fit for you. If you start now, you have plenty of time to be ready to go this fall. Good luck with the remainder of this school year and the beginning of your college years as well!

I DON'T WANT TO BE LEFT OUT

DR. WALLACE: I'm a high school student and I live in a semi-small area of the country, but not in a totally rural location. In our area, our high school still hosts dances at certain times of year, and with the holidays and new year approaching fast, we are headed into a few months that will offer several social opportunities.

My parents are pretty strict and they have grilled my friends several times about drugs and alcohol. They also have met the parents of all of my friends.

I want to attend some of the upcoming dances at my school, but my parents told me this week that they are leaning toward not letting me go because they fear alcohol, and especially dangerous pills, might be present there.

How can I get my parents to understand that these are supervised events and that no drugs or alcohol are allowed? My friends are all planning to go to the dances and I don't want to be left out. What can I do? — Really Want to Go, via email

REALLY WANT TO GO: Have your parents meet with your school's administration and ask all of their questions at once. As they learn how a high school dance is set up, monitored and kept secure, I trust their fears will ease.

And once they have met with your school's administrators, your parents may also want to speak again with the parents from your group of friends. That may also ease their minds and give you the best chance of being allowed to attend a dance or two.

Finally, I suggest that you volunteer to make contact with your parents at the event, after you'd been there a half hour or so. If you have a cellphone, you can step outside to call them. If not, perhaps you can arrange with one of the school officials to allow you to call your parents on one of their phones during the event. This may also assuage some of their anxiety about allowing you to participate.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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