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================================================================= The EDUFAX Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Archive

I am interested in COLLEGE..... =================================================================

4. Which is better, a small school or a large one ?

There are as many answers to this question as there are students applying to college. Some students enjoy the hustle and bustle of a large school, don't mind bigger classes, and are able to navigate registration and administration crunches. Others need a more personal campus where classes are intimate, services are easily accessible, and campus activities are easy to approach. At a larger school, it may be more difficult to access professors, a task usually easier at a school which has decided to remain small. Personality is often a factor. Outgoing people may enjoy a larger campus more, while quieter, introverted types often enjoy the socially less challenging small-school scene. The only way to know what is right for each student is to visit, talk to alumni and undergraduates, and research information from all available sources.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.

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5. What is the difference between a college and a university ?

There are two types of college -- two-year schools which offer Associate degrees (A.A. or A.S.) and four year schools which offer undergraduate bachelor degrees, usually B.A., or B.S. (although there are many more undergraduate degrees such as B. Mus., B.Ed., BSN, etc.). Two year colleges are primarily occupational or pre-professional. They generally do not offer housing. Four year colleges award the bachelor degrees, and usually offer campus housing and extensive campus social and extracurricular programs. A university is an undergraduate four year college plus graduate schools. At some universities, the undergraduate schools predominate, at others, the graduate schools reign. Graduate schools often offer research and internship opportunities as well as the possibility of graduate study to the undergraduate.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.

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6. What do colleges consider for admission ?

All colleges use similar criteria, though in varying importance. Applicants will be evaluated on the substance and difficulty of high school courses, grades, class rank, standardized test scores, special honors or awards, and guidance and teacher recommendations. In addition, most colleges evaluate extracurricular activities, long-term commitment to a cause or activity, essays, and personal interviews (on campus or with alumni). The reputation of your school or a recommendation from an alumnus may help.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.

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7. Must I type my college application ?

College applications are accepted in all formats as long as they are neat and legible. You can submit your application by computer, or you can submit an application which is typed, handwritten, or typed/hand-written with computer-printed essays and addenda.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.

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9. What is Cooperative Education (Co-op) ?

The Cooperative Education Program offered at many colleges combines coursework with paid jobs, both inside and outside of the university. Some of these programs may extend the time it takes to earn your undergraduate degree, but you graduate with a rich resume and valuable professional experience. For more information, contact the: National Commission for Cooperative Education, P.O. Box 999, Boston, MA 02115.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.

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10. I am seriously considering taking a year off after graduating from high school to work, travel and, generally, mature a little before starting college. Will this hurt my chances of getting into the school of my choice ?

Some students are aware that they are not quite ready to settle down to the discipline of college and do, indeed, need more time. Wandering, unless it produces a best-seller, is usually not the best plan. There are many out programs which will give you some of the freedom along with a structure, a goal, and a defined educational incentive. There are even some books on this subject (check the college reference area in your local book store).
In favor of taking a year off: time to mature; possible definition of new interests; development of independent living skills; development of self-esteem; and time out accomplishments can distinguish you from other applicants. Against taking a year off: you will no longer be in synch, age-wise, with classmates; distance from academics may make it more difficult to return to school; and academia may seem too abstract after the "real world".
In general, a year off with defined goals and results adds to a candidate's chances of being admitted to the school of his/her choice. It shows self-awareness, interest and initiative. But, as with everything else-measure twice, cut once.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.

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12. I didn't get into college. Do I have to be a bricklayer all my life ?

A bricklayer is a skilled artisan. If you would enjoy this profession, by all means, go ahead. But if you really want to go to college, you have many options. You can attend a 13th year at a private school which will bring your skills and grades up to college level. Many offer athletic scholarships in addition to regular funding. You can spend time with a guidance professional or educational consultant who will evaluate your academic picture and tell you what colleges are open to you now. You can work, volunteer, or travel for a semester and retake your standardized college entrance tests. If you didn't get in to any of the colleges you chose, you probably didn't have the right advice about an appropriate range. Once you get the information you need, college will be right around the corner.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.
(in association with Marilyn Colson & Associates)

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14. I would like to major in bioengineering/biomedical engineering. Which are the top schools in the USA for this major ?

Although the rankings go up and down each year, the following schools (in random order) are generally considered to be in the top 20 or so: Johns Hopkins University, Penn State University, Brown University, Duke University, Northwestern College, Tulane University, Case Western Reserve University, Texas A & M University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Marquette University, University California at San Diego, Louisiana Tech University, Boston University, Washington University, Brandeis University, Iowa State University, Arizona State University, University of Illinois (Chicago), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Direct links to the web sites and e-mail addresses of these and many other schools can be found on the EDUFAX Resources page.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.
(by way of GOCOLLEGE)

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15. I am interested in a college in another state but cannot afford the tuition required from out-of-state students. What do you suggest I do ?

You need to speak directly with the Registrar of the college to find out about the residency requirements for in-state tuition, specific to the college and state you are interested in. The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition may be filled with financial aid if true need can be established. More than 50% of students receive some form of aid. Don't give up pursuing an education because of finances!
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.
(by way of GOCOLLEGE)

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16. I had a bad year as a freshman in high school, but got straight A's throughout 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Would a college consider my freshman year grades or consider me an A student ?

Congratulations on your success! Most colleges would be glad to look at your performance in grades 10­12. I think that a letter providing a short explanation (e.g., change in attitude, change in goals, maturity, clarification of interests) should accompany your application so that they will be sure to look again at how well you have done in your later years instead of just computing your GPA into the total picture. This should not be the subject of your main essay, but where they ask if there's something to explain, this is it! Often, schools will delay an acceptance or place you on the wait list until they can see the results of your senior year. So get busy -- you still have a chance!
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student.
(by way of GOCOLLEGE)

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17. Could you suggest small Liberal Arts Colleges with good learning support programs ?

Since you do not mention geographical preference or academic level, I will suggest an eclectic group tha you can use for starters: Clark University, Muhlenberg College, West Virginia Wesleyan University, Wheaton College, Curry College, University of Vermont. All these schools have centralized learning resource programs offering full services including tutoring, notetakers, writing and math labs, and any accomodations required to enhance learning. Direct links to the web sites and e-mail addresses of these and many other schools can be found on the EDUFAX Resources page.
EDUFAX provides services for the College Bound High School Student and for the Learning Disabled Student.
(courtesy of Kaitlin R. Bolger, Paradise Valley, AZ)

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