How to Select a College
by Carla Meyer
Since this is the time of year seniors (and forward-looking juniors) are considering making a college selection, this guide has been developed to give students and parents some items to consider. Contact your counselor if you have further or more-specific questions.
1. Be aware of the types of further education that exist and the purpose each serves:
a. Community colleges (for example, SCC-Beatrice or Lincoln) offer certificates, diploma programs and associate (two-year) degrees. Many courses will transfer to a four year college. Check the policies of the second school for a seamless transition.
b. Public colleges (for example, Peru State or Wayne State) offer four year degrees and are financially supported by the state.
c. Private colleges (for example, Doane or Midland Lutheran) offer four year degrees but rely on endowments, tuition and fund-raising. They do not receive government subsidies.
d. Universities (may be public like UNL or private like Creighton) offer four year (bachelor's) degrees but usually provide a wide-range of majors and offer more advanced degrees (master's and doctorate) than colleges.
e. Private career schools (for example, ITT or Joseph's) specialize in technology-related fields or trades such as cosmotology or welding. Most offer diplomas or certificates in a short amount of time.
f. Military academies (for example West Point or the Air Force Academy) offer tuition-free education in exchange for military service. Each applicant must be highly qualified and have an appointment from a congressman. There is an application process and limited space.
2. Decide how long you are willing to go to school; make a list of schools offering your program of interest. There are books available in the guidance office to help you match your selected college major with schools offering that major.
3. Remember, first decide what you want to do and then decide where you want to learn how to prepare for that course of study. Some of the same websites listed on a subsequent article about selecting a career/college major would also be helpful in selecting a college.
4. Visit with campus representatives at these times:
a. Educational Planning Night at BHS or Lincoln or Omaha (see the article about the senior timeline for specific dates).
b. College representatives visits during the year at BHS (many schools as well as the military come once each semester).
c. When you visit colleges (call ahead and they'll set up tours of things you want to see (classrooms, dorms, library, financial aid office) and the instructors/coaches you'd like to visit).
4. Visit several campuses. Tour the campus, visit freshmen dorms, eat in the dining hall, talk to students who attend there, visit a freshman class. Spend some time alone walking around on campus. Are you comfortable here? Can you see yourself spending several years here? Are you comfortable on a large or small campus? Do you want to be close to home or states away? Give some careful consideration to the selection of a college. Don't go there just because "everyone else is."
5. Compare the cost of schools but don't select a school on the basis of cost alone. Apply to several schools that you are willing to attend. You may want to wait until you have the financial aid award offer from each to make a final decision. Academic award amounts are sometimes negotiable.
