THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE

Rank these in order of importance to you. Feel free to add your own criteria in the blank space provided.

• —Career goals: If you know what you want to major in, that helps narrow the search.
• —_ Cost: Colleges don't all cost the same.
• —Financial aid: How much financial aid you get can influence which college you choose.
• —School size: You can choose from small colleges to large universities.
• —Location: You might want to go far away from home, live at home to save money, or choose somewhere in between.
• —Extracurricular activities: Some schools may provide more opportunities than others. Some may even offer you a scholarship to participate.
• —Special programs: Maybe you’d like to study abroad for a year or participate in an internship.
• —Demographics: Some schools are more diverse than others.
• —Feel: Make a college visit and go where you feel comfortable.
• —Requirements: Every school has its own admissions criteria. Consider different kinds of postsecondary education options:

Consider different kinds of postsecondary education options:

O Public universities offer programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. Some offer doctorates and professional degrees.

O Private colleges and universities are similar to public universities but usually smaller.

O Community and technical colleges have diplomas, certificates and two-year associate's degrees you can use on the job or transfer to a four-year degree program.

O Career and technical schools offer specialized training in careers. May offer associate's degrees or programs leading directly to jobs.

O Apprenticeships give you on-the-job training and experience.

Preparing for College

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