Assessing Your Needs

There are over 25,000 colleges or universities worldwide offering a broad range of educational programs. So, there is something for everyone! As there are so many institutions to choose from the first step in the process is to identify your individual needs. Use the decision chart to help you.

Decision Chart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Colleges inthe US

There are many different types of institutions in the United States. It is helpful to consider which type you would prefer to attend before you begin your search.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal Arts Colleges provide you with a sound basic education with the aim of developing your general knowledge and skills, rather than training for a career. You will enter a general 4-year program of study and graduate with a bachelor’s degree, usually fulfilling the criteria for graduate school. Courses are taken in a wide range of subjects such as history, literature, foreign languages, mathematics, philosophy, social sciences, natural sciences, art, and so forth.

Universities

Universities usually offer you a broad range of degree programs and are academic institutions that grant undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. In general, they are larger, offer a wider range of majors, and have more research facilities than other types of colleges.

Engineering or Technical Colleges

These are independent professional schools that provide you with 4-year training programs in the fields of engineering and the physical sciences. They are often referred to as Institutes of Technology or Polytechnic Institutes.

Professional Degree-Granting Schools

These schools offer you a combination of liberal arts training and intensive training in a variety of specialized fields.

Community or Junior Colleges

Following your successful completion of two years of full time study, these colleges grant associate degrees (known as terminal degrees). They typically offer technical programs of study that prepare you to enter the job market upon graduation. In addition, many of these colleges offer general education programs that are equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. The majority of two-year public colleges operate an open admissions policy.

Private and Publicly/State Controlled

Colleges and universities may be controlled publicly, privately, or independently. Publicly controlled institutions are usually large and less expensive (if you are a state resident) than those that are privately controlled. They also tend to be less selective (for state residents), although there are some exceptions that are highly selective and competitive.

Types of Colleges and Universities Worldwide

Universities
Universities usually offer three or four year courses encompassing a broad range of degree programs and postgraduate degrees (i.e., Masters, Doctorates).

Some universities, especially in UK, offer Foundation Degrees that are one-year courses of study designed to provide access to Bachelor programs for students who have not met the usual entry qualification requirements. Other universities around the world accept qualifications from ‘bridging’ colleges that meet the same needs as Foundation Degrees.

Technical and Vocational Colleges
These colleges provide a broad range of technical and vocational courses (e.g. Mechanics, Hair Dressing, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry, etc). Courses range in length from a number of months to three years.

Tertiary Colleges
Tertiary colleges provide a broad range of post-school education ranging from vocational courses and ‘A’ Levels, to bridging courses for university level study.

Size of College

Colleges vary in size from between 500 to 40,000 students depending upon the particular institution. You need to consider what sort of population size would best suit your individual needs. Smaller schools tend to have the advantage of greater intimacy, increased personalized attention, and the capacity for you to work closely with professors. Larger schools may have the advantages of more extensive and expensive facilities, and a greater variety of courses on offer. College websites provide information about the size of the institution.

Location

When considering the location of an institution in which to study, you need to take into account factors such as, climate, environment, opportunities to travel, and proximity to your family and friends. You should also decide whether you want to be in a large city, a smaller urban area, or a rural setting.

Your country or state of residence is also a factor to consider as it may affect your eligibility to study in a particular location, the school fees you will have to pay, and financial aid available to you.

Further information is available from individual college websites.

Social Life

The social life on offer includes factors such as, student activities and organizations, student service, athletics, cultural, and general social life. The cultural diversity of the student body may be of particular interest to you as an international student. In addition to the social life, you should also consider the academic demands and courses of study required by particular institutions. College websites post information about the typical social activities available, as well as links to clubs and societies. You can also get information about courses and course demands through their sites.

Majors Offered

Choose a college that offers a major in the area of studies that interests you. Do not worry if you do not have a definite idea about a major. American college curricula are designed to give you the opportunity to explore various fields within the first year or two, whilst also meeting graduation requirements.

College catalogues and websites provide information about programs of study and academic quality.

Any educational institution is only as good as its teachers, and this should also be considered. One accepted measure of quality is the number of teachers holding doctorates. The number of students going on to graduate study is another measure. Visit college websites and review forums for further information.

Finances

Another important factor for consideration is the cost of college. Fees vary considerably from college to college, and from state to state. You will need to discuss a feasible financial range with your parents. Some colleges offer financial aid to international students. Check the College Board website and those of individual colleges for information about tuition costs and financial aid.