College Resources

  • FOUR YEAR COLLEGE PROGRAMS

    Four-year colleges or universities provide learning in an array of subjects while preparing students for careers. They grant bachelor's degrees, which enable students to pursue opportunities in a wide spectrum of jobs. Students who earn a bachelor's degree may also continue their education and pursue a graduate degree.

      

    COMMON APP CHEAT SHEET 22-23

     

    EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (EOF) INFO

     

    SCOIR (our college and career search platform)

     

    HBCU Meaning “any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education.”

             --click here for more info

     

    The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was established in 1986 with a founding membership of eighteen institutions intended to support education of Hispanic students.

     

    Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process. We support the goal of every student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college.

     

    College Searches  (www.scoir.com)

    Far too many students start the search process backwards… they ask what the school wants from them. Before looking at any schools, it is important to start out with some introspection. Determining what you are looking for will give you a yardstick by which to measure schools as you look at them. Make a list of the things that you are looking for in a school. As you consider many factors, you will find that some are essential to you, some fit in the “it would be nice” category and some things just won’t matter to you.

    Looking For A Little Humor in the Process?

    Admission professionals from Georgia Tech have put together a blog to help students and parents navigate through and understand the many facets of conducting a college search.

    Here are a few to consider:

    • Location: Do I want to live at home? If not, how far away from home do I want to go?
    • Size: Do I find a large school exciting – or frightening? Do I find a small school comfortable – or confining? Larger schools can usually provide a wider range of experiences. Smaller school can usually provide more personal support.
    • Programs: Am I looking for a wide-ranging liberal arts experience, or am I more focused on a specific course of professional study? Does the school offer special programs that interest me… honors, special seminars, internships, study abroad? Can this school provide the academic experiences I’m looking for?
    • Atmosphere: It is not just about academic studies… a great deal of the college experience is what happens outside the classroom. Some campuses are very social. Some emphasize religion and morality. Some campuses are more politically active than others and may be liberal or conservative. Some emphasize sports and other extracurricular involvement.
    • Competitiveness: Students often ask “Can I get into [College X]?” This is the wrong question. The correct question is “Would I be successful in [College X]?” People respond differently to challenge. Do I want to start off as one of the smartest students in my class? Do I rise to a challenge and seek to be surrounded by students who find learning easier than I do? Do I do my best work when I start off near the middle of my class?
    • Public or Private: Public schools tend to be larger and less expensive. Private schools tend to be smaller, with smaller class sizes and more personal support. The expense difference can become a complicated calculation, depending on individual family circumstances.
    • Admissions: Though not the most important factor, at some point a student needs to be realistic about admission standards. Don’t give up on a school automatically because you don’t think you will be admitted… if the school meets all your other criteria but you think you won’t be admitted, discuss it with your counselor.

    How to Begin Your Search

    To begin your college search, start by creating a list of priorities. Ask important questions about yourself such as:

    • Name three values that are most important to you.
    • What is your favorite thing to do?
    • What inspires you?
    • What makes you happy?
    • What are the first words that come to mind when asked to describe yourself?
    • Are you a morning or night person?
    • Do you like peace and quiet or hustle and bustle?
    • What are you known for in your family?
    • What teacher do you have an important relationship with and why?
    • What has been your greatest challenge in high school?
    • What are your weaknesses academically?
    • What subjects have you excelled in?
    • Do you prefer a large lecture class or a small discussion group?
    • Is it important to you to have close relationships with your teachers?
    • Why are you going to college?
    • Is there a career you are intent on pursuing?
    • If you took a year off before college, what would you do?
    • What balance of study, activities and social life are you looking for?
    • Is there an activity you insist on pursuing in college?
    • Are you ready to live far from home?
    • Do you like being around people like yourself or do you prefer a more diverse community?

    Tips: Think about the "why" of each of your answers. Actually write out your responses to the questions and be sure to distinguish between wants and needs. Turn your list of priorities into a list of colleges. Notice the trends in your responses to the questions above and search for schools that match those priorities.

     

    Looking to attend college outside of the United States

     

    Resources for Students with Disabilities

    What Accommodations Might a College/University Provide?

    A college or university has the flexibility to select the specific aid or service it provides, as long as it is effective.

    Accommodations may include:

    • providing readers for blind or learning disabled individuals
    • providing qualified interpreters and note takers for deaf and hard of hearing students
    • providing note takers for students with learning disabilities
    • allowing extra time to complete exams
    • permitting examinations to be individually proctored, read orally, dictated, or typed; changing test formats (e.g., from multiple choice to essay) using alternative forms for students to demonstrate course mastery (e.g., a narrative tape instead of a written journal) permitting the use of computer software programs or other assistive technological devices to assist in test-taking and study skills

    How to Prepare for Post-Secondary Education

    Students with disabilities who know their rights and responsibilities are much better equipped to succeed in post-secondary education.

    • Make sure your testing is up-to-date and obtain copies of your records.
    • Learn about your disability--specific description of your disability, academic and personal strengths and weaknesses, what support did you receive in high school.
    • Learn how to be a self-advocate--become knowledgeable and comfortable about describing your disability so you can advocate for yourself with faculty.
    • Be able to answer the following two questions: In college, I think I will need help in the following areas... and I would benefit from the following classroom modifications...
    • Be organized.
    • Set realistic goals and priorities for coursework.
    • Keep one calendar with all relevant dates, assignments and appointments.
    • Make notes of any question you might have so that they can be answered before the next exam.
    • Estimate how long a given class assignment will take, generally planning on two hours outside of class for every hour in class; build in study breaks.

     

                   

     

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