*Did You Know….?

that in the United States….

By: Debra Eason

Colleges and universities are both post high school educational institutions?

*Community College: 2-year post high school education and award associate degrees

*Colleges and universities: 4-year undergraduate institutions and often offer post graduate (Master’s and Doctorate degrees)

*Universities are made up of colleges: For instance, Boston University is made up of many Colleges like The College of Arts and Sciences, The College of Communication, The College of Engineering, etc.

*Most Americans just use the word college. They may say, “I am going to college,” and may mean a college or a university.

There are many types of institutes of higher learning (post-secondary

colleges/universities)

* Public colleges/universities: These are institutions that receive funds from the state. Students who are residents of the state can receive tuition rates that are lower than for out of state or international students.

*Private colleges/universities: These institutions are funded only from tuition, endowments, and donations.

*Specialty schools: These might be art institutions, music conservatories, military academies, single-sex colleges/universities, etc.

Public and private colleges/universities can be liberal arts colleges or research universities

*A liberal arts college TENDS to be smaller and the focus is on the undergraduate. Developing a student’s thinking and reasoning skills is of importance.

*A research university has a greater focus on faculty research as well as teaching the undergraduate but the undergraduate is not the primary focus. Research universities TEND to be larger.

*Beware of the name! For example, Bucknell University is a liberal arts college whereas Dartmouth College is a research university (medium sized).

Deadlines are strict!

*U.S. colleges/universities do NOT negotiate deadlines. If your application is late, you lose out!

*If a college/university awards merit aid (to international students) and your application is later than others, all merit aid may have already been awarded—even if you qualify.

*For many colleges your application may need to be submitted as early as September or October!

That there are so many options for focusing your studies?

* In a U.S. college/university, you do not have to major in only one subject.

* You also have the options of double majoring (having 2 majors) or having a major and a minor.

*For example, suppose you like IT but also want to have a business degree. It is possible to have a double major in IT and business, or a major in IT and a minor in business, or a major in business and a minor in IT.

*Some colleges will even allow you to craft your own major based on your interests!

It is OK to contact a college!

*College admissions counselors are there to help you!

*You may have many questions that cannot be answered by looking at the website.

*Got a problem? For example, your teacher will not write a recommendation. The teacher wants you to write it and then they will sign? Call or email the admissions counselor, they have come across this before and can help you.

College visits are important?

*It is so important to get the “feel” of a college. They are not all the same!

*Cannot come to visit a college in person? There are many ways to visit a college online! You can take virtual tours, watch videos, read reviews from students, and more!

I Can Help You!

*I can help you navigate the admissions process and answer many questions.

*No independent educational consultant can guarantee admission to a college or university. Colleges and universities have criteria for admission that is known only to them and can change every year. However, I can facilitate the process and help you represent your self in the best way possible.

*I can help you find a college/university that is the right fit for you academically, socially, emotionally, and financially.