Where will you be in August? In Georgia, that month means the beginning of college classes around the metro area. And though it’s June, it’s not too late to investigate whether or not a 2- or 4-year school is a good fit. Many institutions enroll students within hours of classes commencing, but before you make the commitment, here are a few points to ponder about which program and school is the best fit.
1. What is my ultimate goal? Before deciding that going to college is the best route, consider carefully how it fits into your long-range plans. Where do you want to be in five years? Will getting there demand a 4-year degree, an associate’s degree or a certification? Knowing the direction you want to follow can narrow the choice to the type of program and institution that will best support your goals.
2. What do I want my college experience to be? Make a list of considerations that matter to you: flexible class times, study abroad options, support services such as tutoring and job placement or extracurricular activities. Look for matches as you search for schools.
3. What are the acceptance guidelines at the schools I might want to attend? Admissions guidelines vary by institution. Some may require a personal essay and/or interview; others look only at test scores. Check out what the school you’re leaning toward wants so there are no surprises in the process.
4. Am I prepared to apply? Most colleges require a particular score on the SAT, as well as a targeted high school GPA. Will getting into the school of your choice may require some advance planning to finish a G.E.D. or retake the SAT? Or, if you’re starting school after years in the workforce, are there ways you can get credit for experience, such as the College-Level Examination Program? While that may sound daunting, it’s also doable; a variety of on-line and in-person programs exist to help you prepare for and pass these hurdles.
5. Should I be a full-time or part-time student? There’s a lot of flexibility in college courses these days, with classes offered on nights and weekends to accommodate working students. Before making a choice, weigh the cost of each option based on earnings: Is it feasible to give up a full-time job to earn a degree more quickly? Or is it better to stay on the job and take a few more semesters to graduate?
6. How much will the program I want to take cost? Educational expenses have shot up over the last decade, and while various forms of aid are available, prospective students should sharpen their pencils and figure out the entire cost, not just of tuition, but of living expenses, books, fees and, possibly, commuting.
7. How much might I earn after graduation? If getting that degree can catapult you into a new earning bracket, the cost of college may be worth it. Do some digging about what your new skills might earn.
8. Which school is best suited to me? You can learn about course offerings and job placement assistance on the college’s website. But when it comes to getting a sense for a school’s atmosphere, there’s nothing like a personal visit. Take a campus tour. Ask to sit in on a few courses like the ones you’ll be taking. Talk to professors and instructors in your field of interest.
9. Should I start at a 2-year school first? Attending a 2-year school might be a good first step toward a degree. Generally, courses are less expensive than a 4-year college, but at the same time, the same introductory courses required for many degrees are offered. Students returning to school after a break in their education often find it easier to get back into the academic swing by completing required classes at a 2-year college before transferring.
10. Help! I don’t know where to start! College admissions counselors are terrific sources of information, suggestions and advice, and they’re willing to sit down with prospective students to explore individual questions and concerns. Make an appointment at the college you’d like to attend.
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