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How To Choose A College….Selecting a school can be a challenge. Listed below are the basics of post-secondary schools to help you navigate the process of finding the school that is right for you.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY: usually has a liberal arts college as well as several other specialized colleges such as business, engineering, education, agriculture, law and medicine. Each of these individual colleges may have its own set of entrance requirements.
4-YEAR COLLEGE: an institution of higher learning that offers a curriculum leading to a 4-year bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree.
2-YEAR COLLEGE: (community college, technical college or university regional campus) offers associate degree programs that serve as the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and/or provide skills needed for entry into technical career fields.
VOCATIONAL/TRADE SCHOOL: offers career-oriented programs that may last from a few months to a couple of years. These schools, which are often proprietary (for-profit) institutions, generally do not offer transfer programs or programs parallel to those of 4-year colleges.
AFFILIATION
Public
Private-independent
Private-church affiliated
Proprietary
SIZE
Very small (under 1,000 students)
Small (1,000 — 3,999 students)
Medium (4,000 — 8,999 students)
Large (9,000 — 19,999 students)
Very large (more than 20,000 students)
COMMUNITY
Rural
Small town
Suburban
Urban
LOCATION
In your hometown
Less than three hours from home
More than three hours from home
HOUSING
Dormitory
Off-campus housing
Home
Facilities and services for students with disabilities
STUDENT BODY
All male
All female
Co-ed
Minority representation
Primarily one religious denomination
Primarily full-time students
Primarily part-time students
Primarily commuter students
Primarily residential students
ADMISSIONS
Highly Selective — students rank in top 10% of class and have a very strong academic record
Selective — students rank in top 25% of class and have a strong academic record
Traditional - students rank in top 50% of class and have a good academic record
Liberal — many students are accepted from lower half of class
Open — all students are accepted to limit of capacity
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
When applying to 4-year colleges, they will want to know which admissions option you want. Usually the following are offered:
Deferred Admission — An accepted student is allowed to postpone enrollment for a year
Early admission — a student of superior ability is admitted into college courses and programs before completing high school
Early decision — a student declares a first-choice college, requests that the college decide on acceptance early (Nov. — Jan.), and agrees to enroll if accepted
Early action — Similar to early decision, but if a student is accepted, he/she has until the regular admissions deadline to decide whether to attend
Early evaluation — a student can apply under early evaluation to find out if the chance of acceptance is good, fair or poor. Applications are due before the regular admissions deadline and the student is given an opinion between January and March
Open admission — virtually all high school graduates are admitted, regardless of academic qualifications
Regular admission — This is the most common option offered to students. A deadline is set up when all applications must be received and all notifications are sent out at the same time.
ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT
Is your major offered?
What is the student/faculty ratio?
What is the faculty teaching reputation?
What is the percentage of instruction by professors vs. teaching assistants?
What are the facilities like? (Classrooms, library, computer labs)
Is independent study available?
Is international study available?
Are internships available?
COST
Colleges vary greatly in cost. Do not automatically pass over an institution that appears to be too expensive. You may be able to receive financial aid that will make your education affordable. When estimating cost, remember tuition and fees, room and board,miscellaneous personal expenses and transportation costs.
FINANCIAL AID
Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Work-study programs
Part-time or full-time jobs
SUPPORT SERVICES
Academic counseling
Career/Placement counseling
Personal counseling
Student health facilities
ACTIVITIES/SOCIAL CLUBS
Clubs, organizations
Greek life
Athletics, intramurals
ATHLETICS
Division I, II, or
Sports offered
Scholarships available
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Gifted student services
Services for students with disabilities or special needs
