Selecting A School That’s Right For You
Choosing the college or university that’s best for you is an exciting first step in a decision that will affect you the rest of your life. Make sure that the school you pick offers the area of study that you want. Carefully look over the courses offered in your degree plan. If possible, visit the campus(es) that you’re strongly considering - just call the admission/recruitment office and make an appointment for a tour!
It’s important that you feel comfortable at the school you pick - it’s going to be your home away from home for the next four years of your life!
What To Consider When Making Your Choice
- Do I want to attend a private, public, four-year or two-year school?
- Does the school offer the area of study that interests me?
- What are the admission requirements and can I meet them?
- What are the admission deadlines? Remember to ask which are the “stamp date” and “receive by” deadlines and mark your calendar!
- What are the financial aid/scholarship deadlines? Again, remember to ask which are the “stamp date” and “receive by” deadlines and mark your calendar!
- What types of student support services are available? Are they offered free of charge?
- What’s the student/teacher classroom ratio?
- If I want to advance my studies in a graduate/professional program (medical, law, nursing, etc.), does this college/university offer those degrees?
- Does this college/university offer internships/co-op opportunities?
- What’s the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, lodging, meals, misc., etc)?
- Does the college/university participate in the student loan program called the Federal Family Educational Loan Program (FFEL)?
- How soon after I am accepted will I get my financial aid award letter?
Types of Colleges/Universities
Private vs. Public
There are two major differences between a private and public school:
- Private schools typically have tougher admission requirements than public schools
- Private schools have a higher cost of attendance.
Although public schools may indeed have bigger class sizes, they also offer a greater variety of disciplines to study at both the undergraduate and graduate/professional level. Private schools, while allowing for a more personalized student-teacher ratio and community-based campus, do have obvious limits in the areas of study from which a student can choose.
The similarities between these two types of schools are that each can offer an outstanding education, professional preparation, financial aid, networking event opportunities, and both personal and professional growth.
Examples:
- Private school: St. Edward’s University
- Public school: The University of Texas - El Paso
Four-Year vs. Two-Year
The most obvious difference between a four-year school (college/university) and two-year school (junior/community college) is the length of time that it will take a student to complete an education.
Four year colleges/universities traditionally offer both a four-year undergraduate degree and graduate programs. Students have to attend and earn satisfactory grades for four years in order receive a bachelor’s degree. In addition, these schools normally offer some sort of on-campus or off-campus residential facilities.
At a two-year school, students typically attend and earn passing grades between six months to two years in order to earn either a certificate or Associates Degree. In some cases, students having difficulty gaining admission to a four year private or public university can attend a two-year school to strengthen their academic record and then transfer to a four-year school. Such schools do not normally offer residential facilities.
Examples:
Four-Year Schools
- Trinity University in San Antonio, TX
- Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi-Corpus Christi, TX
Two-Year Schools
- Austin Community College in Austin, TX
- Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, TX
