12.18.08 | What questions should I ask when considering a college – 3 of 3?
This is the third and final installment of questions I should ask, which I set up based on both student feedback and my own industry knowledge. I’m hoping you will find this beneficial on your quest to finding the right school for you.
Do I meet the admissions requirements?
Inside the numbers: Schools don’t only review the number of classes you take in High School (i.e. 4 English, 3 Math, 2 foreign language, etc) but also the quality of those classes. If you took standard level courses and are competing for a seat against a student who took college or AP level classes the pendulum will obviously swing in their favor. The SAT or ACT test is also a common requirement. It goes without saying that scoring well on one of these tests is extremely important. However, the admissions process does go beyond grades and course selection. Extracurricular activities go a long way and help paint the picture of a well rounded student. Year book committee, tennis team, band member, student government are all excellent examples of this. Check with the school’s admissions office or website for specific requirements.
Plan B: For those students whose grades are questionable or have sub par SAT or ACT scores, and are denied admission into a choice university, you may want to enroll in a two year community college. Community colleges offer an opportunity to pursue higher education to all students who obtained a high school diploma, GED Certificate, or have demonstrated the “Ability to Benefit.” Then, after you make the marks, you can transfer over to that four year school.
What are the school’s job placement rates?
Each school has data on the percentage of students who are placed in jobs relevant to their course of study. I don’t need to explain how important this statistic is; obviously the higher the better. It’s a good indication of the quality of the school’s degree programs and also the partnerships they have with companies in the region. Many colleges help place students into summer jobs/internships while they are enrolled in school. Consequently those connections made during summer internships can prove quite beneficial down the road and help inflate the job placement number.
Five most recent student loan help blog posts:
The Student Loan Help blog is sponsored in part by:
