Choosing a College – Continued
Distance Learning
Speaking of online degrees, more and more students are choosing to fulfill part or all of their degree requirements through a distance learning format. The advantages include eliminating the issue of relocation, since you can earn your degree from any place you have high-speed Internet access. If you are a non-traditional learner who has commitments to work and family, this may be a feasible option to consider. However, if you’re entering higher ed from high school, you’re more likely to find the on-campus experience far more enriching.
At minimum, when looking at online degree programs, you should investigate whether the institution is accredited and determine if you are eligible for financial aid should you choose this route. For more help on researching this option, check out some of the resources from the U.S. Department of Education.
Making It Fit – Community or Two-YearColleges vs. Four-Year Institutions
There are a lot of excellent two-year schools out there with strong programs – don’t discount the advantages of choosing this route. For many a student, a two-year college is the stepping stone for career goals and more advanced study.
So what are the benefits? This is a definite option if you’d like to stick close to home base for a couple of years, want to get acclimated to academic life first, or need to limit your tuition costs. If you’re a commuter student, saving on housing expenses is an additional incentive.
For some students, getting their degrees by degrees is the most viable option. If you feel more comfortable earning an associates degree first, then, if you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can transfer to a four-year institution that offers a program with just the right fit for you. Some two-year schools actually offer bachelor’s degrees for returning students. And earning college credits or an associate’s degree at a two-year school – especially if you’ve maintained a healthy GPA – can boost your chance of being accepted to the four-year school of your choice.
Make it Manageable
Your Wish List isn’t too long, is it? If so, you can cross off schools that don’t meet your criteria. Here are some additional questions for your list.
- What is the school’s minimum acceptable GPA from high school or college transcripts?
- How much is the tuition? If it’s a public or state school, what’s the fee for residents – as opposed to out-of-state students?
- How big – how many students?
- What is the academic reputation of the school? What is its accreditation?
- What is the social reputation – is it an infamous party-school?
- What is the faculty-to-student ratio?
- What are the class sizes, on average?
- What housing options does it offer?
- Does it offer financial aid packages, and what kinds, such as scholarships? Can you negotiate if they offer a low-aid package?
- Which student activities are available, such as athletics, entertainment, clubs and Greek life?
- What is the school’s graduation rate?
- Is it a public or private institution?
- Does it have a religious emphasis or affiliation?
Visiting Privileges -- See the Campus
Got your Wish List to a manageable size? Now it’s necessary to visit the campuses you’ve chosen to get a real, holistic feel for the school. You’d be surprised how many students who have their heart set on a school end up changing their minds once they’ve checked it out.
Most schools schedule visitation days, but you can make an appointment with your family for a tour of the campus and its resources. Just remember that if your only option is to visit in the summer, you won’t get to meet students or sit in on classes. Preferably, you should visit when the school’s in session. Check out student centers, dining halls and cafes, the library, and the athletic centers, including the gym. Request to meet with faculty or audit a class or two. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet with financial aid staff, division or department staff – and just as important – current students!
Resources and Recommendations – For Students and Family
Check with your preferred bookseller for these very useful resources.
Hot Off the Presses – Print Resources
Study the “ins and outs of” college selection from these books, available from your preferred bookseller:
- Choosing the Right College 2008-9: The Whole Truth about America's Top Schools, by Walter E. Williams
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing a College Major, by Randall S. Hansen, PhD.
- The Fiske Guide to Colleges
The Paperless Pursuit – Online Resources
For sophisticated and fast searching:
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