|
|
Finding the Right College:
» Types of Colleges
What Suits You Best?
What kind of college do you see yourself attending? Different types of colleges suit different types of people. Take a look at these descriptions to help you see where you fit.
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 be 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.
Upper division
Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor's degree. You'd generally transfer to an upper-division college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.
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
On the one hand, public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources. On the other hand, private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention (and some believe, more prestige).
Special interests
- Single-sex: All four-year public colleges and most private schools are coed. In terms of single-sex colleges, there are about 50 specifically for men and about 70 specifically for women. Some may enroll a few men or women.
- Religiously affiliated colleges: Some private colleges are affiliated with a religious faith. The affiliation may be historic only or it may affect day-to-day student life.
- Historically Black Colleges & Universities: Historically black colleges find their origins in the time when African-American students were systematically denied access to most other colleges and universities. These schools offer students a unique opportunity to experience an educational community in which they're part of the majority.
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions: There are about 135 institutions designated by the federal government as "Hispanic-serving." At these schools, Hispanic students comprise at least 25 percent of the total full-time undergraduate enrollment.
Bottom line
What's right for you depends on your situation and goals.
Urban Campuses
As Different As The Cities In Which They're Located
Cities are centers of culture, art, design, communication, and manufacturing. There's much to do and even stumble across, from museums to street musicians. Because of this, you can enjoy yourself and boost your education at the same time.
Different types of campuses
Some colleges are self-contained islands within a city, such as Rice University, whose 285-acre campus is bounded by a hedge and a double row of oak trees. Others spread over city blocks, such as Boston University. Don't assume all city colleges are huge -- there are many small city schools, too.
Life experience
You'll find opportunities for internships or activities that can help you test career paths, build experience, and get your foot in the door. Imagine majoring in fashion design at F.I.T., located in the middle of a fashion capital, New York City, and volunteering at a fashion show.
Money
Cities put a bigger dent in your wallet than suburban or rural areas. Everything is more expensive, including rent, food, and entertainment. Of course, some cities have a higher cost of living than others. The good news is that your student I.D. can get you discounts.
Public transportation
Most likely, you won't need a car. Buses, trains, and taxis are the best ways to get around. In fact, having a car in some cities can be a major headache. The upside to public transportation is that someone else worries about how to get from here to there. The downside is that you're restricted to certain routes.
I see city people
Cities are full of interesting people from all cultures and walks of life. Sure, meeting new people is part of the college experience anyway, but make sure you're comfortable around crowds -- on the streets, on subways, and in line for the movies.
Where are the trees?
Don't expect a pastoral setting. Get ready for tall buildings, asphalt highways, and grit. However, cities do usually have an oasis or two, such as parks and zoos, within walking distance, as well as athletic complexes. Plus, you can probably take day trips to natural settings.
Safety first
If you decide to attend a college in the city, make sure you know the risks. Learn how to protect yourself and avoid unsafe situations. Ask about the crime rate when you go on your college visit.
Cities can encompass the qualities promoted by colleges -- free thinking, diversity, and fun. If you're looking for these qualities, but in another setting, perhaps a suburban or rural locale is right for you.
Suburban Campuses
If You're A Little Bit Country
Some people have a skewed impression of the suburbs, based on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood or John Waters' movies. What are they -- and the colleges in them -- really like?
The 'burbs
Here the term "suburb" is used loosely, to include small cities, large towns, or the residential areas near cities. For example, both Bates College in Lewiston, Maine and Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts are in suburbs, though the areas are very different.
The best of both environments
Suburban schools usually offer a taste of the city and the country nearby, since you're close to both. It's for this reason that many people are drawn to this setting. You can usually grab a bus or pile in a car with friends for an excursion or, if you're keeping an eye to the working world, commute to a job nearby.
Community within a community
Suburban colleges usually have their own communities, with various activities and even their own culture. Fortunately, the collegiate and residential communities tend to complement each other -- creating places to live and learn for both the town residents and students. For example, the University of Oregon's School of Music and the city of Eugene collaborate to host the annual Oregon Bach Festival. Still, it pays to ask current students about the school's "town and gown" relationship -- it's not always perfect harmony.
Mixed bag of people
The suburbs are not as diverse as cities, but can be slightly more integrated than rural areas. This mix adds to the character of a suburban town, drawing in aspects of both urban and rural life. For example, at Carroll College, a suburban school in Helena, Montana, you can be the sophisticated urbanite by attending a play at Grandstreet Community Theater or fulfill your cowboy inclinations by going horseback riding.
A sense of history
Most suburban neighborhoods have a story behind them. For example, Flagler College is located in St. Augustine, America's oldest city. The college reflects the town's old-world character. Before choosing a suburban college, take the time to learn about the area's history. Who settled the town? What is its major industry? It may reveal something about the community's personality and residents.
Car or no car? That's the question
If you don't have a car, you can still get around using public or school transportation, but your options may be limited. If you have a car, the surrounding attractions (the city or country) will be more accessible. Town and college car policies can vary, so be sure to ask the students about the real deal.
Rural Campuses
The Great Outdoors At Your Dorm's Doorstep
Rural colleges, usually near wilderness areas, have educational opportunities related to science and nature -- not to mention fun outdoor activities. For example, Western State College's proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a great school to attend if you're studying geology -- or an avid hiker.
Hands-on environmental studies
Going to a school with access to outdoor facilities gives you a chance for hands-on learning, say, at a working dairy farm or a national park. For example, join a research team studying fruit and vegetable crops as part of your agricultural science class at Alcorn State University.
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts
Sports or hobbies such as skiing, rock climbing, fishing, or whitewater rafting may be short trips from the campus or even on campus. Of course, activities are local to the area. Don't go to school in Vermont to play beach volleyball.
A way to travel off-campus
Although the campus is usually the focal point for rural colleges, you'll need transportation to make the most of the area. Don't worry if you don't have a car or a friend who has one. Most rural schools or towns provide free or cheap transportation for college students. Ask about it during a campus visit.
A sense of community
Many rural colleges are self-contained. For example, they hold most of their school activities on campus, and organizations and clubs are usually a large part of student life. Plus, most rural schools are residential, with the majority of students living on campus. This self-containment creates a sense of community among students, more so than at suburban or city schools.
A connection with the town
Even though rural colleges have their own things going on, they often have a rich relationship with the surrounding community, too. For example, the town is usually home for many professors, and residents often show support for the college at sport events, lectures, or plays.
A secure environment
Smaller towns or less populated areas are known as places where people may leave their cars unlocked or their front doors open. Although crime can happen anywhere, you may feel safer at a rural college than a city school. Be sure to inquire about crime and safety on your campus visit.
What do you mean I can't get pizza at 3 a.m.?
Rural colleges can be off the beaten track. You may not be able to get anything you want anytime you want it. If you're from the city, this may be a hard concept to grasp. Students compensate for this by keeping a large supply of items -- stocking up during the holidays and breaks. Of course, if word of your Twinkie supply gets out, the whole dorm may flock to your room.
Six reasons to attend a community college
Is it the best path for you?
Community colleges were developed, and still exist, for two major purposes. The first is to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.). Four out of ten college-bound high school graduates start their college education this way.
The second function of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for workforce reentry or advancement. Here, then, are some reasons why you might attend a community college:
- You're tight on funds.
Community colleges cost significantly less (particularly for state residents) than state or private colleges and universities. This means that they can be a cost-effective way to complete the first two years of college. The money you save by living at home and going to your local community college can help pay for your last two years at a four-year college or university.
- You aren't sure if you want to go to college.
Maybe you'd like to begin by aiming for a two-year associate degree and assess as you go whether you want to pursue a bachelor's degree. Taking classes toward an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree, for example, would give you a feel for the type of education you'd get at a liberal arts college.
- You aren't sure what kind of program you want to pursue.
Many people enter college without a clear idea of what they want to focus on. At a community college, you can explore different subject areas before committing to a program, without having to be so concerned about finances. To assist with the career decision-making process, many community colleges offer intensive guidance counseling that can help you assess your abilities, interests, and educational options. Plus, you may actually be able to take a wider array of courses (including both liberal arts and career-oriented) than at a four-year institution, making it easier to check out many different options in one place.
- You've been out of school for a while, or your GPA isn't so great, and you want to build your skills before transferring to a four-year college or university.
Whereas many four-year colleges and universities have selection criteria for attendance, such as a minimum required GPA, community colleges are open to everyone. If you want to pursue college-level coursework but aren't academically ready, community colleges offer classes and one-on-one tutoring to help you strengthen your basic skills. Keep in mind that the average class size at most community colleges is significantly smaller than at public four-year universities.
You'd like to undertake a career-oriented degree, such as a fashion-design or computer-certification program.
- Programs like these are often not available at four-year institutions. If you're thinking of seeking employment after finishing up at community college, there are several routes you can take.
You can earn an associate degree -- an Associate in Arts or Science (A.A. or A.S.) or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.). An A.A.S. usually requires specialized courses in fields such as construction technology, computer repair, or electronics as well as several general education courses in subjects like English and math. These degrees take about two years to complete.
However, if you want to take courses in a specialized area of study but don't want to spend the time necessary to earn an associate degree, many community colleges have certificate options that provide intensive training in a specialized field like computer-assisted drafting, food-service technology, or paralegal studies. These certificates usually take six months to a year to complete.
- You need to be able to work, perhaps to help support your family, and are seeking a flexible schedule so that you can work around a job or other commitments.
At four-year colleges, course schedules are geared primarily toward full-time, traditional students who take classes during the day. At community colleges, the student population tends to be highly diverse with regard to age, experience, family background, socioeconomic level, and employment status. Course schedules are developed with attention to the variable needs of both part-time and full-time students, so classes are usually offered throughout the day and evening, and sometimes on weekends. Many of these colleges offer online courses.
Thinking through your decision
You'll have a more satisfying experience at a community college if you research the program in advance. Find out which programs are strongest, what the student transfer rates are, and what student support services are available. There are many ways you can pursue your education, but the programs vary among colleges, and it's up to you to find the right match.
Transfer Timeline
The following table can help you identify what you need to do to transfer from a community college to a four-year school.
|
Task |
Fall entry |
Spring entry |
Assess your strengths |
September or earlier |
February or earlier |
Identify your major |
September or earlier |
February or earlier |
Choose colleges |
November to January |
April to June |
Visit colleges |
November to January |
April to June |
Apply for admission |
February 1 |
February 1 |
Apply for financial aid |
February 1 |
February 1 |
Make a decision |
May |
December |
Register for your courses |
August |
January |
Finding the Right College
» Types of Colleges
Campus Visits
Tips for Finding Your Perfect College Match
The White House Initiative gratefully acknowledges collegeboard.com for providing the content found on this page.
|
