Going to college

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 349.

Most high school students at some time in their studies face two questions: "Should I attend college?" and "What college will serve my purposes best?" Students should take stock of their personal abilities and desires. They must decide whether or not they will receive specific preparation in college that will help them in their future work. For example, some students may find that special vocational training, rather than a college education, will better prepare them for the careers they want.

Decisions about attending college should be made only after serious thought about one's life goals. Individuals who enroll incollege without being strongly motivated may find it difficult to be successful students. A person who decides against attending college must realize that such a decision does not necessarily prevent an individual from increasing in earning ability or social status.

Selecting a school. Students who decide to attend college must choose the school that most nearly fits their needs, finances, and personal likes. They can discover many of the facts by talking to friends and teachers. They can learn about particular schools by writing to them for information.

There are a number of basic questions a student should ask about any school being considered.

1. Does the school offer the courses in which I am interested?

2. How well is the school equipped in general buildings, libraries, laboratories, and other property?

3. What teaching methods does the school use? What is the average size of each class?

4. What is the standing of the school? Is it accredited? What is the standing of the particular college or department of the school in which I intend to do most of my work?

5. What are the school's tuition, fees, and living expenses? Are opportunities available for earning all, or part of, my expenses while I attend school?

6. Does the school offer the extracurricular (nonacademic) activities in which I am interested?

7. How is the school located with regard to transportation, living quarters, and general conveniences?

Entrance requirements of the various universities and colleges may differ considerably. In general, they require satisfactory completion of a high school curriculum. Most universities and colleges require that freshmen have taken certain courses in high schools. Many schools will not admit students whose high school grades are below a certain average. As more students seek to attend universities or colleges, entrance requirements tend to become higher. Many institutions require students to pass an entrance examination. Schools may also give students intelligence tests and aptitude tests for later counseling. For example, a student's adviser may use the results of the tests to guide the student's work. See COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.

Colleges and universities state their entrance requirements in their catalogs. They nearly always require a transcript (copy) of anapplicant's high school credits, as well as letters of recommendation. Entrance examinations are generally given several months before the school term begins. Freshmen usually take the intelligence and aptitude tests during an orientation period, frequently called freshman week at colleges and universities in the United States.

People without a high school diploma should not assume that higher education is closed to them. Many colleges and universities admit men and women who have not completed high school. This procedure allows the schools to serve an increasing number of adults seeking continuing education. It also helps extend educational opportunities to such people as military veterans and members of minority groups. Before enrolling such applicants, the university or college evaluates their work experience and reviews their scores on special tests. These tests are designed to measure whether a person's knowledge is equivalent to that of an average high school graduate.

Accrediting. A prospective college student should know the standing of the institution he or she intends to enter. Colleges and universities in the United States are accredited by six regional accrediting authorities. They are the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. These authorities base their judgment on the equipment, financial status, requirements, and teaching standards of the schools. The authorities are recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.

Professional societies accredit the various professional schools. For example, the American Medical Association accredits medical schools. State boards of education also accredit schools in their states. Students may use credits from approved schools in order to obtain teaching certificates and professional licenses within the state.

For a list of the accredited, degree-granting universities and colleges in any U.S. state except Alaska, Nevada, or Wyoming, see the Universities and colleges table in the separate World Book article on the state. A similar table appears in the articles on WASHINGTON, D.C., and PUERTO RICO. For the accredited universities and colleges in Alaska, Nevada, and Wyoming, see the Schools section in each of the articles on those states. See also the World Book article on CANADA (Education) for a discussion of higher education in Canada.

College costs vary widely. Most college catalogs list the average living costs for one year, the tuition, and other fees. In the mid-1990's, the average cost of tuition, fees, room, and board at public universities was about $6,500 for all students. The cost for residents averaged less than this amount, and that for nonresidents was higher. The cost at private universities averaged about $16,700 for all students.

Working your way. Many college students earn all or part of their expenses. Many students have part-time jobs while they attend school, such as working in stores and restaurants. Most schools offer students jobs, such as waiting on tables in dormitories or working in the library. Schools often operate employment bureaus to help find part-time jobs for their students. Some students work during their summer vacations, and others drop out of college for a time to work. Many husbands or wives of students work to help their spouses pay their expenses. Sometimes both spouses are students and work part-time.

Financial help. Students may receive all or part of their college expenses through various aid programs. These programs include scholarships and fellowships; federal, state, and private loan programs; and benefits for veterans and certain other groups such as war orphans. There are so many programs of this kind that almost every college and university has a financial aid office to serve its students. A prospective student who needs financial assistance should consult this office at the schools he or she is considering. In general, there are enough financial aid programs to make it possible for any person to attend some college or university in spite of financial problems. See FELLOWSHIP; SCHOLARSHIP.