1. *
that in the United States….
By: Debra Eason

2. Colleges and universities are both post high school
educational institutions?
*Community College: 2-year post high school education and award
associate degrees
*Colleges and universities: 4-year undergraduate institutions and
often offer post graduate (Master’s and Doctorate degrees)
*Universities are made up of colleges: For instance, Boston
University is made up of many Colleges like The College of Arts and
Sciences, The College of Communication, The College of
Engineering, etc.
*Most Americans just use the word college. They may say, “I am
going to college,” and may mean a college or a university.

3. There are many types of institutes of higher
learning (post-secondary colleges/universities)
* Public colleges/universities: These are institutions
that receive funds from the state. Students who are
residents of the state can receive tuition rates that
are lower than for out of state or international
students.
*Private colleges/universities: These institutions are
funded only from tuition, endowments, and
donations.
*Specialty schools: These might be art institutions,
music conservatories, military academies, single-
sex colleges/universities, etc.

4. Public and private colleges/universities can be
liberal arts colleges or research universities
*A liberal arts college TENDS to be smaller and the
focus is on the undergraduate. Developing a
student’s thinking and reasoning skills is of
importance.
*A research university has a greater focus on faculty
research as well as teaching the undergraduate but
the undergraduate is not the primary focus.
Research universities TEND to be larger.
*Beware of the name! For example, Bucknell
University is a liberal arts college whereas
Dartmouth College is a research university (medium
sized).

5. Deadlines are strict!
*U.S. colleges/universities do NOT negotiate
deadlines. If your application is late, you lose
out!
*If a college/university awards merit aid (to
international students) and your application is
later than others, all merit aid may have
already been awarded—even if you qualify.
*For many colleges your application may need
to be submitted as early as September or
October!

6. That there are so many options for
focusing your studies?
* In a U.S. college/university, you do not
have to major in only one subject.
* You also have the options of double
majoring (having 2 majors) or having a
major and a minor.
*For example, suppose you like IT but also
want to have a business degree. It is
possible to have a double major in IT and
business, or a major in IT and a minor in
business, or a major in business and a
minor in IT.
*Some colleges will even allow you to craft
your own major based on your interests!

7. It is OK to contact a college!
*College admissions counselors are there to help
you!
*You may have many questions that cannot be
answered by looking at the website.
*Got a problem? For example, your teacher will
not write a recommendation. The teacher
wants you to write it and then they will sign?
Call or email the admissions counselor, they
have come across this before and can help you.

8. College visits are important?
*It is so important to get the “feel” of a
college. They are not all the same!
*Cannot come to visit a college in person? There
are many ways to visit a college online! You
can take virtual tours, watch videos, read
reviews from students, and more!

9. I Can Help You!
*I can help you navigate the admissions process
and answer many questions.
*No independent educational consultant can
guarantee admission to a college or university.
Colleges and universities have criteria for
admission that is known only to them and can
change every year. However, I can facilitate
the process and help you represent your self in
the best way possible.
*I can help you find a college/university that is
the right fit for you academically, socially,
emotionally, and financially.