Find Programs / Schools Research Ideas

Try breaking  your research selections down into three (3) areas: 

General Research Ideas

• Programs, Majors/ Minors, Core Courses
• Number  of Students on Campus, Class Sizes
• Required Credits, Min/Max Course Load, Prerequisites
• Campus Size, Location (rural/urban),  Recommended: Make a Campus Visit, Collect maps and pictures.
• Campus Life, clubs, organization, activities, sports
• Transfer/Waived  Requirements (AP Classes, Running Start, Substitutions)
• Accessibility/Disability Access - accommodations, tutoring, other student servicing
• Other - School Logo, Mascot, Colors

Application Process: What do I need to know to apply?

• Application Form (Mail-in vs. Electronic, Own vs. Common Application)
• Application Fee 
• Personal Information - Full Name, Address, Phone, Identity Card ( Social Security Number/Driver's License/Passport/Birth Certificate)
• Essays (Personal Statement, Question/Answer, Word Max/Min Limits)
• Recommendation Letters
• Test Scores: SAT, ACT (Minimum acceptable scores), AP Classes
• School Transcripts, GPA (official vs. unofficial) Prerequisites: High School classes required
• Awards, Achievements, Extracurricular (What is a “Well rounded student”)
• Other - Work Samples, Portfolio (artwork, photos, etc.)
• DEADLINES

Budget  - What will it cost me? How do I pay for it?

Types of Education: How much does it cost?

• Public (State) College
• Private College
• Community College
• Vocational
• Other (Arts, Certificate, Training Schools )

Financial Aid: What is available to me?

• FAFSA/WAFSA - Federal Loans, Grants, and Work-Study 
• Private, Public Loans (interest rate, payments, qualifying)
• Scholarships (local, state, national)
• Family Contributions (do your parents have a fund set aside like a 529)

Costs to Budget For:

• Application Fee
• Tuition
• Room and Board (Dorm/Apartment - don’t forget electricity, water, and garbage if it is off campus)
• Textbooks and Supplies (some courses require extra fees such as lab coats, eye protection, etc.)
• Technology (internet, computer, cell phone)
• Transportation (Vehicle, gas, bus, campus parking fees)
• Food (Dining Hall, Groceries, Eating Out)
• Hidden Costs (Other student fees, gym memberships, clothing, late charges)