Compiling Your College List

These are factors to consider when beginning your college list. Some will be of higher priority to you than others. What is important is figuring out what you care the most about, and then using that to narrow down your options. These are also great questions to think about on campus visits.

Admission Requirements

• What high school courses are required?
• Are entrance tests required? SAT or ACT? What scores are acceptable?
• Is a certain grade point average or class rank required?
• Will my activities and school involvement be considered?
• Is there an essay on the application?
• Is there an Early Decision or Early Action program?
• On what basis are applicants accepted?
• Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required?
• Do certain majors have special requirements?
• What percentage of applicants is accepted?
• Can admission denials be appealed?
• What are the application filing dates?

College Characteristics

• Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, or rural setting)?
• How many hours away from home is the college?
• What is the surrounding community like?
• Is the college public, private or church affiliated?
• What is the current student enrollment?
• What special or unique programs are offered?
• Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements? What are they?
• What is the academic calendar (semesters, quarters, or trimesters)?
• Are students guaranteed housing?
• What public transportation is available?
• How close is the nearest airport?

Academics

• What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest?
• How many students in last year’s freshman class returned for a second year?
• What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?
• What is the college’s procedure for student orientation, placement, and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed?
• How is a faculty advisor assigned to students?
• What services does the school offer for students who are undecided about a major?
• What percentage of students complete a degree in four years? Six years?
• Are students taught by full-time faculty members, graduate assistants, or a combination of both?
• What types of additional services are provided by the school at no additional cost to the students (e.g., tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading and study-skills workshops, job placement, services for learning disabled students)?
• Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?

Social Life

• What is the average age of the student body?
• What is the male to female ratio?
• What is the ethnic diversity on campus?
• What percent of students reside on campus?
• Are dorms co-educational or single sex?
• Is it a “suitcase college” where many students leave on the weekends?
• What are the procedures for selecting a roommate?
• What are some of the rules and regulations that govern the campus and dormitory life?
• Where do the majority of students come from?
• Do most of the students commute or live on campus?
• What types of student activities are there?
• Are sororities and fraternities on campus? What percentage of students are members?
• What athletic programs are available?
• Is the surrounding community supportive of the college?

Cost

• What is the cost of tuition?
• What are the costs for room and board? Are there any other fees?
• How much did costs increase from last year to this year?
• Is there a difference in the cost for an in-state and an out-of-state student?
• Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these deposits refundable?
• Are deposits required each year for returning students?
• When do the bills have to be paid?

Financial Aid

• What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need?
• What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability?
• What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?
• What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?
• What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines?
• Is there a tuition payment plan?