This document provides information to help students select the right university. It discusses factors to consider like academic programs, majors, location, size, cost and financial aid. Specific criteria are outlined, such as student to faculty ratio, career services, diversity, housing, and more. Students often pick schools for social reasons over academic fit. Universities prioritize grades, test scores, activities, and "demonstrated interest". The document stresses applying to a range of safety, target, and reach schools to maximize chances of acceptance.
2. College is Expensive
The average public university costs:
$14,640 per year
The average private university
costs:
$34,295 per year
The average elite private university
costs:
$55,000+ per year
So, let’s do our homework!
3. Local College Costs
UCLA $34,976
CSUF $24,732
UC Irvine $33,718
USC $61,598
Pepperdine $55,540
Biola University $47,533
Loyola Marymount $58,559
Stanford $61,988
University of Redlands $54,568
Chapman $56,403
39% of all college students graduate in 4 years.
1: Newsweek, How to get into College, 2004
4. Is the new SAT format significant?
What about the ACT?
How should I prepare?
Standardized Tests-the
ACT and SAT
6. OK, what’s next?
I’ve studied, taken a test and
got a score….
You need to look at the
universities themselves, and
choose them wisely.
7. Selecting the Right University
Academic Programs- Will the course of study provide the required
academic experience? Capstone, learning communities, study abroad,
service learning, research/creative projects, internships?
Major – Does it college offer my major and or minor?
Location – is the location of this college satisfactory to your student’s
needs?
Size - is the size of this college satisfactory? Do I prefer a small, medium
or large campus?
8. Selecting the Right University
Special Programs – does this college have special programs or facilities that
the student needs or must have (learning disabilities, special medical
facilities, etc.)?
Co-op Programs – does this college have an academic co-op (study/work)
program in the student’s major that can reduce your college costs and help the
student achieve employment after graduation?
Job Placement – does this college have a Placement Office that places a high
number of students in jobs prior to graduation?
9. Selecting the Right University
Attrition – does this college have a high number of freshmen that graduate
within five years?
Student/Faculty Ratio – does this college have a low student to faculty ratio
to guarantee a more interactive classroom participation and personal faculty
attention for the student?
Tutoring – does the college have a system to help a struggling students?
Campus Setting – is this college located in a desirable area or neighborhood?
10. Selecting the Right University
Alcohol/Drug Policy – what is the policy and or the consequences if violated?
Student Body Reputation – does this college’s student body reputation fit the
student’s personality?
Diversity – does the student mix at this college fit the student’s personality, or
desire for cultural growth?
Greek System – does the role that fraternities and sororities play at this
college fit the student’s needs?
Housing – is this college’s housing (and housing policy) satisfactory? Is internet
and other connectivity readily available?
11. Selecting the Right University
Weather – is this college located in a climate that is satisfactory to your
needs?
Cost —What is the cost of attendance?
Financial Aid – awards, need and merit moneys, etc.
Prestige - will the university fit the student’s or parent’s expectations?
Accreditation – Does the university or college have the proper certification?
Can I transfer community college credits to this university, if needed?
12. Selecting the Right University
Athletic Program – does this college have a sports program that meets the
student’s needs (as an athlete or a spectator)?
Talent Program – does this college have a talent program that meets the
student’s needs (theater, newspaper, debate team)?
Religion – does this college have a religious program that fits your needs?
Safety – does this college’s campus have adequate security and a good safety
reputation?
13. Selecting the Right University
Retention and Persistence –Do students “vote with their feet”
after freshman year? How quickly is the education finished?
Food – is the on-campus food at this college satisfactory to
your needs?
Campus Personality – liberal or conservative does it match
student’s personality?
Pre-requisites for freshman enrollment – Will my student
need to have additional academic preparation prior to
enrollment?
14. How Students and
Parents Pick Colleges:
Boyfriend /Girlfriend
All of my friends
Location, Location,
Location
It’s a party school, but
don’t tell my dad
Good sports teams
Many other reasons
Money
Money
Quality of education
I went there
Any school within 2
hours drive of home
Prestige
Students: Parents:
15. What the Universities Want:
High school grades and GPA
Class rank
SAT/ACT Scores
Extra-Curricular Activities
Ethnicity
Demonstrated Interest
Special skills and abilities
Athletic
Talent
Essays
Letters of Recommendation
16. 5 Important questions to ask your
prospective universities:
What are the most important admissions
criteria?
How are these ranked?
How many of your students graduate “on
time”?
How many come back after freshman year?
What is your enrollment yield?
17. General Guidelines
Be an educated consumer
Top Down Approach
Goal: Apply to 6-10 colleges
Safety
Target
Reach
Ensure that the college will “want” your
student
