1. Choosing a College or University

2. Steps you should take
Decide what type of post-secondary option you’d like to pursue/attend.
Decide which type of degree program you’d like to pursue.
Research colleges and Universities that offer that degree program.
Decide how far from home you’re willing to go.
Start learning more about potential options.
College visits!!!

3. What type of Post-Secondary Option is best for you?
University
Public
Private
Community College
Technical College
ITT Tech
KCTCS
Sullivan College of Technology and Design
University Technical Institute
Empire Beauty School

4. Universities Can be Public or Private Usually have on-campus housing
Offer a wide range of majors
Offer a wide range of athletic programs as well as programs in the arts such as music and theater
Students must meet certain requirements to be accepted
Degrees take ~4 years to complete
Students can receive - Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree and Professional or Doctoral Degrees

5. Universities

6. Community College Provide first 2 years of a 4-year degree
Students often transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree
Also offer career specific training for professionals
Students can receive - Certificates, Diplomas, Associates Degrees
Usually much cheaper than a university

7. Community College

8. Technical College Offer programs that emphasize hands on skills
Students often go right into careers in technical or industrial fields
Work with local employers to make sure students get the skills they need
Instructors are also often professionals in their field
Students can earn - Certificates, Diplomas, Associates Degrees

9. Technical College

10. How close do you want to live to home?
Pros to living close to home and going off to school
Try to not let location limit you

11. Moving away
Pros:
Opportunity to be more Independent and learn responsibility
Get the opportunity to live with a group of your peers
You get to learn about and explore a new place
Greater opportunity to be involved (students who commute tend to be less involved and attend fewer school functions)
Cons
More expensive
Miss out on family events
Homesickness

12. Staying close to home Pros Cons Room and board costs less
Can leave school at school
Built in support system
Cons
Don’t get the same college experience
Not as involved in your school
Less of an opportunity to be your own person

13. If you’re willing to relocate, how far are you willing to go?

14. Learn more about potential options
Student/Faculty Ratio
Smaller the ratio = smaller classes (on average)
Smaller classes means more interaction and assistance
Cost of tuition
Acceptance requirements
Quality of the department you’re interested in
Student Involvement
Clubs, organizations, Opportunities for studying abroad, intramural sports, etc.

15. Small vs. Large Class Size

16. Small vs. Large Class Size

17. College visits!!
After doing your research, college visits are extremely valuable
You wouldn’t buy a house without ever having seen it would you?
Find the option that’s perfect for you!

18. !!! REMEMBER !!!
The choices you make now can have a huge impact on your future:
Colleges like students that are involved in their schools and communities
Colleges like students who make the grades
Colleges like students with good test scores
Scholarships will save your life!!!
You’re capable of anything, but you have to get on track NOW!

19. Step 1 Decide what type of post-secondary option you’d like to pursue / attend.

20. I have decided that I would like to attend a public university.

21. Step 2 Decide which type of degree program you’d like to pursue.

22. Step 2 I have decided that I want to be a Photojournalist

23. Step 3 Research colleges and Universities that offer that degree program.

24. Potential Options

25. Step 4 Decide how far from home you’re willing to go.

26. I want to go away, but not TOO far.

28. Location
Bowling Green, KY
1.5 hours from home

29. Step 5 Start learning more about potential options.

30. Start learning more about potential options.
Student/Faculty Ratio
The student-faculty ratio at Western Kentucky University is 18:1, and the school has 47.6%  of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
Smaller the ratio = smaller classes (on average)
Smaller classes means more interaction and assistance
Cost of tuition
WKU In state tuition Cost: $10,202
National Average Cost for In state Public University: $9,970

31. Start learning more about potential options.
Acceptance requirements
WKU Admission Requirements:
Students must meet ONE of the following requirements for admission:
ACT composite of 20 or greater, or
SAT combined score of 1020 or greater (940 or greater combined score accepted for tests taken prior to March, 2016)*, or
Unweighted high school GPA of 2.50 or higher, or
Achieve the required Composite Admission Index (CAI) score

32. Start learning more about potential options.
Quality of the department you’re interested in
Accredited Photojournalism Program
Student Involvement
Clubs, organizations, Opportunities for studying abroad, intramural sports, etc.

33. Step 6 COLLEGE VISITS!!

34. Western Kentucky University

35. Western Kentucky University

36. Western Kentucky University