Preparing for College - Postsecondary Education Choices
The array of colleges and universities, public and private, large and small. accredited and non-accredited, and
other choices sometimes confuse and confound students and their parents as they contemplate what to do.
The following "type of school" classification is illustrative of the choices and opportunities for which students
can avail themselves.
Types of Schools
The schools available to you are as varied as the interests of the students being served. If you're trying to
decide what type of school fits you best, read through the following, then take a look at some other characteristics
you may want to consider in selecting a school. In general, schools can be divided into two major categories:
vocational training schools and colleges/universities.
Vocational Training Schools
Vocational training schools are privately owned and operated schools that offer a wide variety of training options
in areas such as cosmetology, mechanical repair, court reporting, paralegal services, travel services, secretarial,
and medical assistance. Typical vocational courses are short, lasting from five to 12 months. However, some training
programs (such as court reporting) can take up to two to three years to complete. The main appeal of these schools are
their concentrated curriculum, job-training focus, and short course length.
Colleges and Universities
Two-year community/junior colleges provide the opportunity to get your feet wet before jumping into the four-year
college arena. Community colleges generally offer two-year studies with an associates degree conferred upon completion.
The courses are designed to transfer to four-year colleges, should you decide to pursue your higher education. Also,
like vocational schools, community colleges often offer specialized job training in certain areas. These studies are
designed to prepare you for the work force as soon as you complete your training.
Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees and a much wider variety of studies and curriculum to
choose from. Many also offer graduate studies (studies after a bachelor's degree is completed) with opportunities to
earn a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree (such as a medical doctor). The curriculum is much broader
than a two-year school and is designed to accommodate a variety of interests (unless you are going to a college that
specializes in a certain area of study, such as music).
Public colleges and universities are subsidized by the states they are located in and are generally less expensive
than private colleges. However, the cheapest rates go to residents of the state in which the college is located.
Out-of-staters usually pay much higher fees.
Private colleges, on the other hand, are funded through endowments, tuition, and donations. They usually cost a lot
more, but don't rule them out! Private colleges can often offer enough financial aid to make them financially
feasible for your budget.
In addition to those listed above, schools can be divided into a number of other categories, including the following:
- Size
- Location (urban/suburban/small town)
- Religious affiliation
- Gender (women's/men's/coed)
- Ethnicity (black colleges)
- Military
- Specialized (liberal arts/music)
You may want to consider other important school characteristics or seek out additional information through the
Internet Resources.
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Standardized Tests
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Considerations When Choosing A College Or University
