Choosing a College http://www.ecs.fullerton.edu/~mesa/ChoosingaCollege.ppt

Objective To find the right college for YOU! Choosing a Career Path Researching for Colleges Considering a College

Choosing a Career Path . . .

1st Step Choose a Career Path by taking a Self-Assessment Test Think about what interests you the most! Even ambitions such as finding a cure for cancer! Make your interest a prime part of your job or career! Career Search http://www.review.com/career/careerSearchResults.cfm

References for Self-assessment Self-Assessment Test http://www.collegeview.com/careers/index.html Career Planning for High School Students http://www.soicc.ca.gov Choosing a career path http://www.occareers.com

Researching for Colleges . . .

Know your options first . . . What kind of college do you see yourself attending? Liberal arts colleges Universities (public vs. private) Community or Junior Colleges Agricultural, Technical or Specialized Colleges Special Interests (demographics, single-sex, religious, etc.) Liberal arts colleges Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available. Universities Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional size and some classes may taught by graduate students. Community or junior colleges Community colleges offer a degree after the completion of two years of full-time study. They frequently offer technical programs that prepare you for immediate entry into the job market. Agricultural, technical, and other specialized colleges Have you made a clear decision about what you want to do with your life? Specialized colleges emphasize preparation for specific careers. Examples include Art/music, Bible, Business, Health science, Seminary/rabbinical, and Teaching. Public vs. private Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Bottom line What's right for you depends on your situation and goals

Understand Admission Factors College Selectivity Less selective – focus on meeting minimum requirements & an interest in college More selective – consider course work, grade, tests, recommendations & essay Very selective – carefully look at every aspect of a student’s high school record. From academics, to athletics to extra-curricular activities. Less selective Less selective colleges focus on whether applicants meet minimum requirements and whether there's room for more students. Acceptable grades are often the only requirement beyond an interest in college study. The SAT® I or ACT may be required, but test scores are usually used for course placement, not admission. More selective More selective colleges consider course work, grades, test scores, recommendations, and essays. The major factor may be whether you're ready for college-level study. You could be denied admission because of a weakness or a lack of interest in higher education. Very selective As many as 10 or 15 students apply for each spot at very selective schools. Admission officers look carefully at every aspect of a student's high school experience, from academic strength to test scores. Since many applicants are strong academically, other factors -- such as your essay -- are critical. Although they receive a great deal of publicity, only a small number of colleges (fewer than 100) are this selective. Remember, "more selective" doesn't mean "better." Our society often associates exclusivity with higher value, but that notion isn't true for college. Find colleges that provide a good match with your interests, objectives, characteristics, and needs.

Online Resources Search for colleges online http://www.collegeboard.com (College Board Website) http://www.review.com/college (Princeton Review) http://www.collegeplan.org/cpnow/keys (College Planning)

Considering a College Curriculum Cost & Financial Aid Location Housing Size Religious Affiliation Support Programs Demographics Narrowing your options

Curriculum Does the college offer a program in your field of interest? Reputation of the Program Graduation & Retention Rates Quality of Professors College Academic reputation

Cost and Financial Aid Do you have specific plans for financing your college? Are you willing to pay part of your way through college?

Location Do you want to attend a college near home? Do you want to be in a familiar place? Do you want to go to another section of the country? Do you want to go to a college in a city or rural environment? The location of a college is often downplayed relative to the importance of academics. Let's face it, though. It can have a huge impact on your choice of a college and your experience there. Keep in mind, too, that a college's location is only one characteristic, however significant. Learn what to expect from a college's setting before you go and, better yet, before you make your final decision. For example, if you live in Los Angeles and go to school in a rural area of Montana, don't be shocked when you can't get anything you want, whenever you want it. The best way to approach the issue of location is ultimately to find the colleges that are best suited for you, whether they're smack in the middle of New York city or on a lake in Minnesota.

Housing Do you want to live in a dorm? Do you mind showering in front of a dozen people? Would you live with a couple of roommates? How about 5 in a small apartment? If it matters to you, FIND OUT!

Size of School Do you want to go to a small, medium-size or large college? Large Colleges vs. Small Colleges What Kind of Opportunity do YOU Want? Large schools are usually the ones that get all the press and hype with their largely funded sports programs and research hospitals, but let's look past the hype to investigate the benefits of a small-school education. larger institutions - research universities with graduate programs; undergraduate student body of more than 8,000 students, might offer you Starbucks coffee 24 hours a day, the chance to live in a spacious suite with your three best friends, and televised sports events, it will also have some serious drawbacks you should carefully consider. Large universities often have large classes IF you're the kind of student who needs to be in a small class or you'd be afraid to raise your hand and say, "I don't understand this week's assignment" or even, "I have a question about," or "strong feelings about," or "a thought about this week's assignment," you need to think carefully about attending a large institution If you're interested in a school that is either bigger or smaller than you're comfortable with, if at all possible, make a plan to visit.

Religious Affiliation Do you want to attend a college administered by a particular religious denomination?

Support Programs Does the college which offers your major, offer support services or programs? Support Programs: Academic Enrichment Programs Office for Students with Disabilities Opportunities Abroad Intercollegiate athletics Student Health Services Student Financial Services

Demographics Is the ethnic make-up of a school important to you and your education?

Last Steps – Narrowing Your Options Request information on Programs, admission requirements, financial aid and any other info you are interested in finding out! Interactive technology Internet & Virtual Tours Books Video tapes Campus Visits Prioritize what factors are most important to you Is it more important to you to attend a college with a good English department or one that has fraternities? Flash back to your college search preferences See how well each college matches them. Have your preferences changed? Compare our financial aid award packages If you receive award packages from colleges, use the Compare Aid Awards tool to see how each offer will affect your bank account while you're in school and after you graduate

Arrange Campus Visits Some campuses offer free visits. Make sure your campus tour includes the following: The department or college representing your area of study Student services including counseling center and academic advising Bookstore, food services (on and off campus), library & athletic complex (if you enjoy sports) If possible, ask to speak to a student who is finishing the same major you have chosen You can't judge a school by its brochure A campus visit is your opportunity to get a firsthand view of a college. A college catalog, viewbook, or Web site can only show you so much. To really get a feel for the school, you need to walk around the quad, sit in on a class, and visit the dorms. Get answers to your questions A visit also gives you the chance to talk to students, faculty, and financial aid and admission folks. You can get answers to questions, such as: Are the lecture halls large, or are the classes generally smaller and interactive? Is the food in the dining hall decent, or mystery meat? Is there ample space in dorms or does there seem to be a housing crunch? What's the social scene like? Does it revolve around the Greek system? What do the other students wear? What's the diversity really like? Do I feel at home here? Is this what I pictured college to be? Does everyone go home on the weekends?

Program Reputation Ask the following questions: Retention – How many students who enroll in your college or program actually complete a degree? Placement – How many graduates from your area of study actually receive job offers in their chosen career? Which companies recruit on campus?

Strategies Talk with your parents, teachers and counselors Discuss or list pros and cons of colleges you are considering with recent grads from the college or currently attending students

Remember . . . College searching needs a closer look to make sure you find the right one for YOU!