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CHAPTER 4

RESEARCHING SCHOOLS:

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Is there one perfect college or university for you? Perhaps. Most likely, though, there are many schools that could be a great fit. A “great fit” college should match your interests, abilities and needs. The right school for you will have an environment you’re comfortable with and programs to help you meet your long-term goals. Take into consideration academic programs and rigor, cost, geographic location, student body, clubs and activities, and your chance of admission. Each school has its unique personality. Whether visiting online, on campus or meeting with a school rep or alum, you’ll sense the distinct characteristics that differentiate one school from another.

“If you conduct your proper research to find out the academic profiles and requirements of the colleges you are interested in, heed the advice of your school counselors, and take the time to visit the colleges that you are considering, you will most likely find that after the application and admissions process is complete, you will be happy with the results. If you are honest with yourself and honest with the process, you will most likely find out that you end up at the college where you belong!”

—KEVIN O’SULLIVAN, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Manhattanville College

It may seem as if everyone you know is looking at the same schools, but there are thousands of two- and four-year colleges and universities in the US. How are you going to choose which ones to explore? Think about your high school experience and your community—do you want a college experience that is similar or are you looking for something new? Size, setting and focus sum up the main differences among schools and this is a good place to begin your research.

SIZE: Small, medium and large schools each have distinct characteristics with student populations ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands. Small schools typically offer greater access to faculty, small class sizes and a strong sense of community. Large universities typically offer more majors, a wider variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, research opportunities and graduate programs. Large universities are typically comprised of many colleges, making it possible to feel a part of a smaller community.

SETTING: Urban, suburban and rural schools each offer a different experience. An urban school presents the opportunity to immerse oneself in a city. In fact, at some urban schools, there is no real boundary between the campus and the surrounding community. If you’re looking for easy access to the arts or professional sports, internship opportunities or an off-campus job, then an urban school may be for you. Rural schools are generally self-contained and usually have a greater sense of community. If you like activities such as hiking, a rural setting may be the perfect place to earn your degree while taking advantage of the setting. Suburban or small town schools combine a little bit of both. They tend to be self-contained but offer easy access to the surrounding community.

FOCUS: Focus refers to whether a school is considered a liberal arts college or a research- or profession-oriented school. A liberal arts college typically offers a broad general curriculum, while a research or pre-professional school encourages an emphasis on a particular area of study. Other differences include: the range of majors and research opportunities, the proportion of classes taught by professors, teaching assistants or graduate students, and graduate study opportunities. Focus is an important factor when considering what type of school you’d like to attend. There are so many resources available to help you explore your college options.

GUIDEBOOKS AND ONLINE RESOURCES

Start with college guidebooks; these offer facts about basic admission requirements, including GPA, SAT and ACT ranges, and course prerequisites. You’ll also find information about tuition, graduation rates, student body, demographics and feedback from current students and alumni. Look up the profile of the incoming class to find the most up-to-date statistics.

Read free online college resource guides that provide student-written reviews, rankings and tools to compare affordability.