• Types of Schools
• Public vs. Private Schools
• Setting Priorities
• College Nights and Fairs
• Narrowing Schools Choices

Types of Schools

• Colleges: Colleges offer four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. Some also offer a two-year Associate of Arts (AA) degree. Colleges can be specialized (for example, in nursing) or they can offer a broad curriculum, like the liberal arts which focus on the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Classes tend to be smaller than those in universities. This provides students with more personal attention and better access to the faculty.

• Universities: Universities can be quite large and usually include a liberal arts college, some professional colleges, and graduate programs. This means they can offer the two-year and four-year degrees as well as graduate degrees in advanced studies beyond four years. Universities offer a huge course selection and may have extensive resources. Class size varies, depending on the size of the university, the subject area, and the course level. University professors are usually involved in research. Graduate students, rather than professors, teach some of the classes. (These graduate students are called Teaching Assistants or TAs.)

• Community colleges: Community or junior colleges offer two-year liberal arts programs or specific career training programs. After completing their studies, students receive a certificate or an associate degree. Many students then transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their education. (Refer to our Community College section for additional information.)

• Vocational, technical, professional, and trade schools: These institutions are for students who know exactly what they want to do and have chosen certain specialized occupations. Study programs at these schools prepare students for specific careers and may last weeks, months, or years, depending on career requirements. At these schools, students usually receive a license, a certificate, or an associate degree.

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Public vs. Private Schools
When considering cost, keep in mind that public schools are usually less expensive than private schools.

• Public schools are supported by the state's taxpayers. Students pay 30% or less of the actual cost of education and the state covers the rest. Because residents of the state already support the school through taxes, public schools charge residents (in-state students) less than nonresidents (out-of-state students).

• Private schools provide their own funding and tend to be more expensive than public schools. On the plus side, because they are not tax-supported, private schools tend to be more innovative in developing college financing plans, tuition assistance programs, and financial aid award packages.

It's important to instruct students not to rule out schools too soon due to cost. Often the more expensive schools offer more student financial aid.

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Setting Priorities
While every student's priorities will be different, there are some things all should consider. Refer to the following questions as you prepare to help students sort out their priorities:

• Curriculum: What do you want to study? Do you have a specific subject in mind, like art or music, or do you want a more general education? Do you want a range of potential majors and study programs? Are you interested in a career that requires professional certification, and does the school provide the necessary training? Do you want to take advantage of special programs, like study abroad and internships?

• Quality of education: How much contact do you want with your professors? How much does it matter to you whether professors or graduate students teach your courses? How involved do you want to be in research and in learning outside of the classroom?

• Size: How large or small a school do you want? Do you prefer large lectures with hundreds of students or small classes with lots of student participation? Do you want to be on a big campus with many majors, an impressive library, and lots to do? Or would you prefer a small college where you know everyone's name?

• Admission requirements: What does the school require for admission? What does the school look for in prospective students? And what are your chances of being accepted?

• Facilities: What would you like to see on or near your college campus? Are restaurants, shops, and health clubs important to you? What about laundry rooms? The computer lab? The library and research facilities? What about transportation on and around the campus?

• Campus life: How is life outside the classroom? What special interest groups, activities, fraternities/sororities do you want to be involved in? Are they active in campus life?

• Campus security: What's the local community like? How safe are the campus and surrounding neighborhoods?

• Athletics: Does the school offer intramural and varsity sports? How are the sports facilities?

• Location: Which part of the country would you like to experience? Do you want an urban or small-town setting? Do you want to stay close to home so you can visit frequently?

• Housing and resources: If the student plans to live on-campus, make sure to check out the quality of dorm life. Find out if housing is guaranteed for returning students. And don't forget to check on the meal plan — can the school provide for special diet needs?

• Retention and graduation rates: Retention rate is the percentage of students who stay for four years. Graduation rate is the percentage that graduate within four years. Both rates tell you whether students are satisfied with their experience at the school and get the support they need.

• Cost: What kinds of financial aid does the school offer? Do you know how much you can afford?

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College Nights and Fairs
Encourage your students to attend college nights and fairs. These events provide an excellent opportunity to talk to many college representatives and gather information all in one location.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Since 1972, NACAC has offered the National College Fairs program. A free program to the public, the fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of postsecondary institutions. NACAC currently sponsors fairs in 45 locations nationwide.

So, in addition to the fair dates you already have — check out NACAC's Website for dates, locations, and a list of colleges participating in fairs in your area.

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Narrow School Choices
Most students turn to you for help when trying to limit their list of potential colleges to a manageable number. Use these tips as a guide:

• Compare the likes and dislikes of each school.
• Group school choices by chance of being admitted.
• Organize choices into three groups:
  • Reach schools represent an admission challenge either by cost, admission
    requirements, or both.
  • Mid-range schools are where the student is likely to get in but are not quite sure.
  • Safety schools are affordable where the student is sure to be admitted.
• Make a final list.

Include schools from each group and rank them by preference.

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