BETWEEN JANUARY-MARCH Use this time to search and list the colleges of your choice. Get your college admission requirements started to beat the last-minute rush.
Colleges:
generally smaller in size. They offer
4-year degree programs (BA and BS) and
many 2-year Associate degrees.
Universities:
larger institutions with specialized degrees
in business, engineering, pre-med, etc.
They offer 2-year, 4-year, and many graduate
and professional degrees.
Community / Junior
Colleges:
a small college offering
2-year Associate degrees. Many students
attend local community colleges with the
intent to transfer to a larger institution
to further their education.
Online Programs:
offered by small and large accredited universities.
Programs are offered online with potentially some campus visit during the online course.
Vocational / Career
Schools:
specialized schools of
training for specialized trade jobs such
as mechanics, computer technicians, medical
assistants, etc. Programs may vary requiring
only a few weeks to complete while others
may require a year or more. Upon completion,
graduates will receive a license, certificate
or an Associate Degree.
Task 2: College
Search and Selection
Assemble a list
of colleges or trade schools you'd like
to attend.
Meet with your school's
guidance counselor to discuss your plans
and to arrange important campus visits.
There are three search categories
for schools:
search for 2-3 schools that you could definitely get in
search for 4-5 schools that you could probably get in
search for 7-8 schools that you would like to get in
College -
University Search:
Start Your College Search :
— universities by State
— community colleges by State
— career schools by Type
— online schools by Academic
Meet with your guidance counselor about the following college exams. You should schedule time to prepare for these exams:
Advance Placement Exams: The exams are administered each year in
the Spring with some preparation required
prior to the exam. Check
with your school for exam administration, enrollment and information.
College Entrance Exams: colleges require different college entrance exams. You need to check with your college to determine which exam to take. Many students will sit for both exams to make sure they meet qualifications from all colleges. Discuss your exam needs with your guidance counselor.
Information about
the PSAT (practice exams): the PSAT is the test prep exam for the SAT I and SAT II. The SAT tests are administered on behalf of colleges. www.collegeboard.org
ACT test preparation: some colleges use the ACT test. You need to check your college to determine which test they use for admittance. www.actstudent.org
As you search for colleges of your choice, schedule time during a weekend, Spring Break, and during a summer trip to visit each of the colleges on your list. These visits will give your a good idea whether or not you would like to attend.
Use this college visit to complete the following:
walk the campus to familiarize yourself with the layout
meet with the college admissions office to discuss your interest
meet with the college financial aid office to review financial aid options
meet with other students to discuss their opinions about the school, academic workload, teachers, fun life, etc.
review housing faculties and dorms to determine your desire for on-campus of off-campus housing
drive through the community to know what services are readily available.
