1. Finding the right college for YOU: Understanding a college profile
As you may notice, people have different criteria when selecting the college that is right for them. One size does not fit all. College/ universities are businesses that are trying to sell a product. It is very important to research many colleges to see if what they offer meets your criteria. There will be several colleges/ universities that will visit us in the upcoming months. They are all distinct in their own way, so you will have to research and evaluate them yourself, just as you would do any product that you buy at the store. The best way to do this is by understanding how to read a college profile. For this reason, today we will be focusing on: Finding the right college for you: Understanding a college profile

2. What is a college profile?
An overview of a particular college and what it has to offer.
This information can be found in various forms such as:
Brochures
College website
College Information websites: collegeboard.org
Videos
So what is a college profile? Does anybody have any ideas?
Brochures: These may range from one page overview to more in depth books about a college. For those of you who have taken the PSATs, you may already be receiving these in the mail.
Another form is a College website: Colleges usually have an admissions section on their website that contains an overview of their campus.
There are many college information websites that offer this college knowledge. One of he main ones is collegeboard.com.
College profiles come in a variety of media. It is up to you to do the research.

3. What are some important categories of a college profile?
Location
Size
Major/ Area of Study
Cost: Tuition and financial aid
Admission Criteria
Campus Life and Housing
Support Services
Type of Colleges
Let’s take a look a some of the categories that colleges deem important in their profiles. Although there are many, we will only cover some essential ones.

4. Location of School Where is this school located? Ask yourself:
Urban area, rural area, suburban
How many miles away from home?
Climate
Sunny, hurricanes, below freezing winters
Ask yourself:
Am I okay spending four years in this area?
Am I okay with not going home every weekend?
Will I get home sick?
Why is it important to consider location?
The location of the school may say a lot about a college. It speaks to the community of the surrounding area, available resources, and even the people that you will interact with. It will determine how often you come home (whether it’s every weekend, every holiday, or just once a semester. Not all colleges have accessibility to public transportation. So, if your parents don’t have a car, it may mean that you probably will not be coming home as often. On the other hand, if the school you select is too close to home, this could mean living at home, your sibling bugging you while you are trying to write your papers, and maybe not interacting with many of your peers.

5. Size How many students attend this university?
Some things to consider:
Big school vs. small school
Size may impact:
Personal attention you may receive.
Majors
Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs) OR
The number of undergraduates at a college can have a big impact on your experience there.
It affects the Amount of personal attention you'll receive. (small vs. big).
Range of majors offered. (small vs, big)
Extracurricular possibilities such as variety of academic facilities like labs, libraries and art studios. Or even the range or activities and sports it may offer.
However, when looking at a college’s size, be sure to consider more than just the total number of students attending. For example, if you choose a small academic program within a large college, your experience might be very much like attending a small college. Investigate not just the number of faculty members, but also how accessible they are to students.

6. Area of Study/ Major
Does the school have what you would like to study?
Some things to consider:
Do they have your major?
What if you are undecided?
Make sure you research to see if your school of choice offers what you would like to study. Some college profiles usually provide you with a list of the majors they offer. This is important because not all schools offer all majors, and you do not want to end up at a school that does have what you want to study.  
If you're undecided, that is perfectly okay. Did you know that many college students change their majors about three times? If you are unsure of what you want to study, pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs. This way you have options.
And did you know, most colleges offer advising to help you find a focus.

7. Cost: Tuition and Financial Aid
Can I afford to attend this college?
Tuition: cost of education
Financial Aid: monetary help to pay for college
Temple
Tuition: 13,596
Room and Board: 10,276
Books: 1,000
Other Fees 4,237
Total 29,109
Drexel
Tuition: 36,090
Room and Board: 14,175
Books: 2,000
Other Fees 3,900
Total 56,165
Today's college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students. That said, keep in mind that almost every college works with its financial aid office to make sure that academically qualified students can attend. When looking a college profile, make sure you look at the total cost of attending and how many students, and how many students received financial aid. This is usually a good forecaster . Let’s take this example: (compare and contrast the COA for both colleges)
Notice the different in prices, particularly in tuition?
Ivy Leagues: Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Yale

8. Admission Criteria What do I need to get into ______ college?
What to look for:
Selectivity (How hard is it to get in?)
Realistic vs. Reach schools
GPA
Is it witihin your range?
SAT/SAT II/ACT
What is required to apply?
Recommendation Letters
Personal Statements
You should consider what the colleges you are interested in require for admission. Do you want to attend a college that accepts the majority of its applicants, or one that accepts just a small percentage? Some colleges require a minimum grade point average (GPA), while others are more flexible. Find out if the colleges that are a good fit for you match the your admission tests, such as the SAT.

9. Deadlines Consider deadlines Early decision Early action Binding
Are you ready to commit to school if you get accepted?
Positive: if you get accepted, you may qualify for scholarships.
Early action
Non-binding
Gives you an opportunity to apply before the crowds
Generally, this requires that you submit your application and materials at a much earlier date

10. Type of School What type of school is it?
The TYPE of college/university determines many factors like:
Degrees offered
Activities offered
Interaction with staff
Opportunities
When looking at a college profile, you want ask yourself, what type of school is it? Why is this important? Colleges are generally either two-year or four-year. It is important to know what type you would like to attend because they both offer different types of degrees. For example, at two-year colleges, you can earn an associate degree and certain certifications. So if you want to be a plumber, administrative assistant, or even a cosmetologist, you can do this in 2 years. Whereas, there are other professions that require more extensive education in which you have to attend four-year college, where you can earn a bachelor's degree.
Colleges are also categorized as either public or private. Public and private colleges vary in size and available resources. Public colleges are funded by state and local governments, and usually charge lower tuition prices for students who live in their state. That means that the ones in your state may be more affordable for you. But on the other hand, private universities, although more costly, may have more resources and individualized education.
Another thing to consider is if you want to attend a co-ed or single sex college.

11. Test your knowledge… What school is this? What type of school is it?
Temple (State- Related)
State-Related: Gets funding from the state, but is still governed by its own policies

12. What path will you take?
The path that you decide to take may determine the type of school you attend:
Short Term:
2 year college
Technical/ Vocational programs
Long Term:
University/ College
University/ College
High School
Technical School
Community
College
Military

13. So, what types of schools are there?
Two-Year Colleges
Four-Year Colleges
Universities
Public Colleges/Universities
Private Colleges/Universities
Military Academies
Single-Sex
Religious
Historically Black Colleges

14. Two-Year Colleges
Can be community college, junior college, or technical
Usually award certificates or associate degrees
May allow guaranteed transfer to four-year colleges or universities
Have limited housing if at all
Are often significantly cheaper and close to home
Ex: Community College of Philadelphia (CCP)

15. College vs. University
What’s the difference? Is there a difference?

16. Four-Year Colleges Award bachelor degrees
More expensive than two-year colleges
Can offer associate degrees
Some are cheaper than universities
Some offer housing and a more university-like experience

17. Universities
Same as four-year college, but also have graduate school . (A collection of different schools. Ex. Law school, Business school, School of Education, and so on)
Competitive admission requirements
More expensive than two-year colleges

18. Public vs. Private PRIVATE PUBLIC Lower cost for in- state students
Usually give preference to in-state residents
Secular (no religious affiliation)
PRIVATE
Usually cost more than public universities
No preference for in-state or out-of-state students
Some are associated with religion

19. Military Academies West Point Co-ed: Both men and women
High standards for admission
Military service required upon graduation
Tuition is free
Less freedom than other schools and incorporates physical training and discipline
West Point

20. Single-Sex Colleges and Universities
Over 90 all-female two- and four-year colleges
Can offer a comfortable and supportive environment
Very few all-male schools (Ex: Morehouse College)
Bryn Mawr College

21. Religious Colleges and Universities
Focus on a particular faith
Students may or may not practice religion to attend.
Religion and theology incorporated into curriculum.
Some may have behavior rules.

22. Historically Black Colleges
Over 100 predominantly Black colleges
Can offer academic and social communities that promote success.
Tuition may be lower than at comparative schools.

23. Think…. Start thinking about the pros and cons of each type of school.
How does each school fit with your goals and needs?

24. Rank the Categories Ask yourself: Rank You’re the Categories
What aspects of college do you find most important?
Knowing what to look for in a college will help you select a college more easily
Rank You’re the Categories
Rank
Categories 6
Type of Institution 4
Size 3
Other (Location) 1
Area of Study 5
Cost 2
Admission Criteria
The worksheet in front of you lists the categories we just reviewed. To the far left of the worksheet, there is a “Rank” column

25. Finding the right college is a PROCESS

26. Sample College Profile
Cornell University