A School That’s Right for You! Some Differences Between… …4 – year state universities …community colleges …private universities …technical schools

4-year State University UC / CSU- type public school Entering as freshman for 4 years Large classes and lectures at first Strong on- and off-campus community Fraternities and sororities Wide-range of subjects and offerings Less expensive than private Dorm life – away from home (usually) Graduate programs

Community College Ventura College or Santa Barbara City College-type 2 year associate’s degree, certificate program or transfer for junior and senior year May not have cohesive off-campus community Smaller classes, personal relationship to teachers Close to home More affordable Less pressure for entrance Diverse population – ages and goals

Private University More specialized programs Class size depends on school size, often smaller Personalized admissions and counseling Strong on-campus community & dorm life Fraternities and sororities Special rules and policies Most expensive choice – tuition costs Under-grad and graduate programs

Technical Schools Highly specialized programs – art, tech, business Usually certificate or professional training programs – sometimes bachelor’s and master’s Class size depends on school size, often smaller Classes offering on highly flexible schedule Personalized admissions and counseling Not as strong off-campus community Can be expensive – tuition costs Job and career focus

What Is Right For YOU??? Some Things to Take into Consideration: Location: urban, rural Size of campus: huge, large, medium, small Type: private, state, technical, all girls, all boys Cost: what can you afford, what kind of help can you expect, who’s paying… Distance from home: same city, same state, out-of-state, international, online Programs: special academics, organizations, sports

Location Where would you like to spend four years of your life? Consider: Weather (What is the average temp in summer? Winter? How much sunshine do you need?) Proximity to home (How far away do you want to be?) Proximity to other locales you like (Do you like the desert? Skiing in the mountains?) Proximity to career areas (e.g., Silicon Valley)

Academic and Career Goals What kind of academic atmosphere do you want? Social? Support? What will be your focus? What subject will you major in? Do you need a smaller, more intimate environment, or do you thrive on being in a busy, chaotic environment with lots of new people? What special programs are offered? Are internships available? Sports? Sororities and fraternities?