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Apply to College NCAA Registration Questions for College Representatives |
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The
college application process can be very overwhelming. We encourage all
students to make an appointment with their counselor to individually discuss
their college applications. |
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Need A College Search? “ WHERE DO I FIND COLLEGE INFORMATION? You
should choose a college based on criteria that are important to you. When creating an educational plan and
choosing a college, you and your parents should think about your future, and how
college will help you prepare for life after college. Going
to college is a big investment. Here
are some ways to help you choose the right school: Ø
Talk to the high school
counselor. Your high school counselor is the first
stop for information about college options.
The counselor can help you focus on your needs and goals and has
information about different types of schools.
The counselor can also help you collect or prepare college application
materials. Ø
Visit a variety of schools. Schedule visits for you and your parent,
preferably while classes are being taught.
Get a feel for each school; make sure you and your child are
comfortable with the facilities, the equipment, the teachers, and the
students. Ø
Do not be afraid to ask. A good school will happily answer your
questions about its programs. Be sure
to ask the school about life after college for its students: How many graduate? How many get jobs because of the training
they received? What kind of job
placement services does the school offer students and graduates? Ø
Check the cost. Make sure the school gives you a clear
statement of its tuition and fees.
Remember that any federal financial aid you get will be applied first
to paying the school’s tuition and fees.
If there is any money left over, the school may or may not allow you
to use the remainder to help your child pay for expenses such as food and
housing. WHAT
TRAINING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF COLLEGES: Ø
Four-year colleges and
universities
offer the widest variety of class subjects and levels, from art to zoology,
from introductory to advanced courses.
They also offer the widest variety of degrees. Tuition at public four-year colleges and
universities is less than tuition at private four-year colleges and
universities. If your child wants to
attend college outside of the state in which you live, tuition at a public
four-year college or university will be higher than if your child attended a
public college or university within your state. Ø
Community colleges offer three basic kinds of
degrees and certificates: academic
transfer degrees, professional-technical degrees, and certificates of
achievement. The academic transfer
degree allows your child to complete the first 90 college credits at a
community college and then transfer into a four-year college or university at
the junior level. The
professional-technical degree prepares your child directly for work. The certificate program provides skills for
entry into the job market or advancement within a career. Tuition at a community college is less than
tuition at a four-year college or university; therefore, attending a
community college for two years and transferring to a four-year college or
university is one way to save on the cost of college if your child decides to
earn a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree. Ø
Technical colleges offer two-year degrees and
shorter-term certificates in technical programs. Tuition at technical colleges is comparable
to tuition at community colleges. Ø
Private career colleges offer specialized, degree
or certificate-granting programs.
Tuition varies depending on the school and the program, but many
programs take less than two years to complete. HOW
DO I FIND THE Ø
In-State or Out-of-State. In-state tuition is less expensive than
out-of-state. Do colleges within your
state offer the degree, activities, and other criteria you and your child are
looking for? Ø
Public or Private? Public schools generally have less
restrictive admission requirements and cost less than private schools. Publicly funded state schools are generally
more accessible than private schools.
Private schools, however, often offer smaller class sizes and more
personalized education. Ø
School Size and Class Sizes. At large universities, your child may be in
classes that range from 25-500 students.
At small colleges, classes usually range from five to 100 people. Ø
Student Activities. You and your child should determine if the
colleges and universities you are considering offer activities with which
your child would like to get involved. Ø
Location. Is the college located in a rural
community, a small town, or a city?
This can be an important consideration when it comes to housing,
transportation, and access to off-campus activities. Ø
Atmosphere and Physical
Surroundings. Each school has its own atmosphere, which
includes the interests and attitudes of the students as well as the physical
environment. It may be politically
vibrant. It may center on school
spirit and tradition, especially around athletics. Collectively decide what atmosphere is best
for your child. Visit colleges if
possible. Ø
Housing Options. Is it important to you and your child that
on-campus housing be available? If
your child wishes to live off-campus, will transportation to and from school
be accessible and safe? FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ø
Be sure to visit Student Aid on the Web at: http://www.studentaid.ed.gov for
more information on preparing for, funding, attending, and repaying college. Ø
Locate and visit your state’s Career Resource Network Office by
visiting: http://www.acrnetwork.org
and clicking on “Network.” Ø
Visit the College is Possible web site at: http://www.collegeispossible.org
for a list of web sites, books, and brochures that can help with the college
search. From the College is Possible
homepage, click on “Choosing the *
This information is provided by America’s
Career Resource Network (ACRN). |
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Copyright 2006 |
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