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Finding the Right College

Use some of these links for finding information on Colleges:
www.collegenet.com
www.collegeview.com
www.petersons.com

Choosing a college depends upon your choice of a major. Not all colleges offer all majors. Check the Index of Majors or a college catalog to be sure the colleges you are considering offer the major in which you have interest.

Other factors to consider when choosing a college are cost, size, distance from home, financial aid awards, and admissions policies.

Below is a list of questions you should be seeking answers for when choosing a college:
Instructional Programs and Admissions

What college courses are required (a) of all entering freshmen, (b) for a degree and (c) in the department of the college in which you are interested?

What is the typical size of classes for freshmen? For upperclassmen?

Are there any internships available for students in the department in which you have interest?

May quaffed upperclassmen transfer at the end of two or three year special program such as engineering, medicine, law, dentistry or pharmacy?

Is the college on a quarter, trimester or semester system?

Is the university accredited?

Are Advanced Placement courses accepted? What score will enable you to receive Advanced Placement credit at the university?

Are there a number of course offerings besides those required for your major?

How often are particular courses (especially those required for your major) offered?

What is the percentage of students who go on to graduate school? Is there a graduate school affiliated with the university?

What percentage of students stay past their freshman year?

What is the percentage of graduating student athletes?

Are professors easily accessible to students?

How selective is the admissions process?

How does the university calculate high school grade point average for scholarships and admissions?

What standardized test does the university prefer for freshmen admissions? Do they accept ACT over SAT and vice versa? Will they accept ACT in lieu SAT II subject tests? Do they require SAT II subject tests?

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Campus and Buildings

Does the college campus appeal to you? How large is it? Is it easy or difficult to get around?

Is it near enough to or far enough away from the local community? Does the community environment appeal to you?

Is there easy access to stores and other facilities?

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Housing and Dining Facilities

What types of housing are commonly available to freshmen? Are freshmen required to reside in the college dormitories?

Are the dormitories fully furnished or will you have to furnish it yourself Are the dorms coed?

Are students permitted to select their own roommates? If not, how are they assigned?

Are private dorms available? What is the additional cost?

What type of deposit is required? Is it refundable? What is the housing deadline?

Are three meals served seven days a week? Where are meals served? What is the cost of the meal plan?

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Personal and Health Services

What members of the college staff are available to counsel you with personal problems, vocational plans, academic adjustments, and choice of courses?

Does the college provide special testing services for freshmen? Are career interest and aptitude services available?

Are medical, dental and nursing services available on campus?

Does the college have a hospital near the campus?

To what extent does the college offer a job placement service for students who need part-time work during college? What part-time job opportunities are there for freshmen? Does the college provide graduating students with opportunities to interview prospective employers on campus?

Does the college have support services for students with learning disabilities or handicaps?

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Religious Facilities

Is there a chapel or church of your preference near or on campus?

Social and Recreational Facilities

Does the college have a union or commons that is the center for student activities?

Does the college have good facilities for intercollegiate sports?

What other leisure time activities and facilities are available to students?

Does the college offer cultural opportunities such as concerts, special lectures, art exhibits or plays?

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College Costs

What are the costs per year for students attending college, exclusive of travel costs?

What are the estimated extra costs to the student for belonging to a fraternity?

What financial assistance is available? How does an entering freshman apply for aid? What is the basis for granting financial aid? If necessary, will the college meet all of your financial need?

What scholarships are available to entering students? How does one apply for these scholarships? What are the deadlines? Does the department in which I plan to major offer scholarships to incoming freshmen?

What are the average costs of books, dorms, meal plans and out-of-state fees?

How are tuition and fees to be paid? If in Louisiana, how will the university apply TOPS to my account?

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College Regulations

What attendance requirements does the college demand of the student? Does the college require regular attendance? Is there a specific limit to the amount of absences allowed?

What level of academic performance is required?

What is the policy of the college regarding the possession of and use of automobiles by students? Of alcohol? Of drugs?

Is the college strict or liberal in its regulations?

Is the college on an honor system?

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College Atmosphere

Do members of the staff and faculty seem friendly and helpful in their attitudes and relations with the students? Are they courteous toward visitors?

What is the attitude of the student body toward the college?

Is the college a commuter campus, or do most people live on campus?

How secure is the campus?

Is the student body diverse?

Typically, these questions can be answered by reviewing a college catalog, but a visit to the campus may be in order.

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