Choosing Your College Tacoma WA

Choosing the college or university you want to attend can be a difficult decision. When making your choice, there are several things to keep in mind, such as the size of the school, location and courses they offer.
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Visits, Research, and Your College List Tacoma WA

College visits are an essential part of building your college list. You don’t need to see every college before you apply, but you should see some representative models and then pursue more of those that are like the ones you prefer.

When a Campus Visit Just Isn't Possible Tacoma WA

If cost or time constraints preclude you from taking your child on a trip to campus, don't despair. There are a few non-traditional ways to visit, which will help with making a final decision. They can't entirely replace the real thing, but they can help fill in the blanks and might just be the next best thing to being there.

When a Campus Visit Just Isn't in the Stars Tacoma WA

Five campuses, 1,800 miles, 4 plane tickets, 3 tanks of gas — and lots of meals out. Depending on which schools you're considering, campus visits can really add up. And though they might be touted as something you absolutely shouldn't miss, they aren't always possible.

What to Do with Those Admission and Acceptance Letters Tacoma WA

Congratulations! After hours spent trolling the Web, poring over books and catalogs, taking tests, visiting campuses, filling out stacks of paperwork, writing and rewriting your application essay, and, last but not least, keeping up your grades — you’re done! All that’s left to do now is to wait and see what sort of news the mailman brings you so you can plot your course for the next big step: heading off to college.

Choosing Your College: Housing Tacoma WA

So, what is it that you want…food at your fingertips and surroundings that are never quite fully asleep, or do you prefer to heat up ramen when the need hits you as long, as you can always catch your ZZZZZs? Well, you know what they say: Location! Location! Location!
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Checking Out Accreditation Tacoma WA

As you begin researching the accreditation status of the schools on your list, there are a couple of places to look. First, check with the regional accrediting agency that covers the state in which the school is located. Then check to see if there are specialized accrediting agencies that assess the particular program in which you are interested.

Checking Up On Campus Safety and Health Tacoma WA

For many of us, home means security, safety, familiarity, and belonging. Your new digs should offer some of the same amenities, since they could be home base for the next four years. Read on.

Choosing Your College: Academics Tacoma WA

Your first priority should be to make sure the schools on your list have the programs and majors you want because not every major is offered at every college. Consider the academic structure in relation to your other wishes as well, since academics play a big part in defining the campus vibe. (For example, you’re not likely to find many Chemistry majors at an art school.) Think about what you’re into, and let it guide your search.

Choosing Your College: Campus Life Tacoma WA

There are many programs that are unique to only one or a few schools. Every campus will have some that appeal to you. So whether you’re a belly dancer or a Zen Buddhist, try to find a school that not only fulfills your academic goals, but offers opportunities to pursue your personal ones, too. A well-rounded and fulfilling college journey is a great way to ensure your success.

Choosing Your College: Getting In Tacoma WA

Making sure you’re aligned with prospective schools’ academics is a good place to start. This includes things like entrance criteria, SAT/ACT scores, and the high school GPA of admitted students. While stats like these are just guidelines, thinking about them helps ensure that you’ll end up in a challenging and rewarding academic environment.

Choosing Your College: Housing Tacoma WA

So, what is it that you want…food at your fingertips and surroundings that are never quite fully asleep, or do you prefer to heat up ramen when the need hits you as long, as you can always catch your ZZZZZs? Well, you know what they say: Location! Location! Location!

Choosing Your College: The Basics Tacoma WA

The process of choosing a college can be daunting;but it doesn't need to be if you focus on key college critera to consider. Discover what to look for during your college search. Read on.

Choosing Your College: The Student Body Tacoma WA

Ever hear somebody say that college was the best time in their life? Most likely, that has a lot to do with the friends they made along the way. Whether it’s in a classroom or a dorm room, part of the fun of college is meeting new people — and regardless of where you go, you are going to make friends.

Community College Tacoma WA

Community College in Tacoma, WA is always a choice. Many students attending two-year colleges start out knowing that they will eventually transfer to a four-year school to get their bachelor's degree. There are several reasons you may want to consider a community college, too.

Geographic Diversity: Building Your College List Tacoma WA

Most students are aware that graduates of their high school seem to attend a relatively small group of colleges. These colleges might include a dozen or so of the more competitive institutions, plus a dozen or so public and private schools that have a good reputation in that high school. Perhaps the high school counselor has good relationships with college admission officers at some of those schools and routinely directs students to apply to them.

Geographic Diversity: Public vs. Private Schools Tacoma WA

Public institutions, those that receive a significant proportion of their operating budget from a state's government, usually give admission preference to in-state residents. These institutions also charge lower tuition to in-state students.

Getting a Feel for Campus Life Tacoma WA

Every campus has its hot spots and its not-so-hot spots but you don't want to wait until you've signed on to find out that there are aspects of campus life that just aren't palatable.

Going Greek: Is It for You? Tacoma WA

Many students are predisposed either for or against not only joining a Greek organization, but even attending a college at which Greeks have a presence. Many stereotypes and mythologies abound, most having to do with the ""Animal House"" image of frats or the ""Southern Belle"" reputation of sororities.

Honors Programs and Honors Colleges: A Difference that Makes a Difference? Tacoma WA

Honors programs have been around for decades; some even prior to World War II. The honors phenomenon really took off with an upsurge in demand for higher education after that war.

How and Why Colleges Create Campus Diversity through Multicultural Recruiting Tacoma WA

If you're looking to get as much out of your college experience as you can, particularly in terms of the breadth of your acquaintances and experiences, you may not have to look far. Most colleges strive to create diverse and exciting campus environments, and equate diversity of all kinds with excitement, challenging learning settings, and personal growth opportunities for all students.

Life at a Large State School Tacoma WA

Large state schools typically enroll 7,000 or more students, are publicly funded, and offer both undergraduate and graduate work. Sure, they're big — and it's that size that provides an environment that just plain feels different than that of a smaller private school. Not better, not worse. Just different.

Talking to the Locals Tacoma WA

The best way to really get the scoop on campus life is to talk to the students who live there. Your tour guide probably won’t be setting up focus groups to accomplish this, so after the tour, try making a little small talk. Read on.

The Campus Visit: First Impressions Count Tacoma WA

Would you ever think of buying a car without driving it first? Of course not — you don't know how a car runs until you get behind the wheel and take it for a spin. Read on.

The Gap-Year Option: Should You Take a Time Out? Tacoma WA

We are often asked about gap-year options and reasons for taking a year between high school and college. If you have been admitted to a college that you like, but you decide to take a year off prior to entering, then you are talking about a "deferral" year.

The Gap-Year Option: Ways to Make It Worthwhile Tacoma WA

Many students have been working so hard for so long to achieve their goal of admission to a selective college or university that once they graduate high school, they are ready for a break.

The Greek System and Campus Life Tacoma WA

Greek systems consist of co-ed and, mostly, single-sex fraternities and sororities. Most of them use Greek letters, such as Sigma Phi Epsilon, to designate the name of the house. Some also go by school-specific nicknames.

The Scoop on Highly Competitive Schools Tacoma WA

Life at a prestigious college revolves around academics from the moment you apply to the moment you graduate. Each and every student, without exception, must be extremely academically talented to be accepted.

Tribal Colleges and Universities Tacoma WA

Although Tribal Colleges are located primarily on reservations, enrollment isn't limited to Native Americans. Their locations in areas far from urban development and other institutions of higher education place them in a unique role.

Visits, Research, and Your College List Tacoma WA

College visits are an essential part of building your college list. You don’t need to see every college before you apply, but you should see some representative models and then pursue more of those that are like the ones you prefer.

What to Do When Your Campus Tour is Over Tacoma WA

Believe it or not, the fun is just starting when your campus tour ends! Now you get to take charge and go see what's on your list, not theirs. Read on.

What to Do with Those Admission and Acceptance Letters Tacoma WA

Congratulations! After hours spent trolling the Web, poring over books and catalogs, taking tests, visiting campuses, filling out stacks of paperwork, writing and rewriting your application essay, and, last but not least, keeping up your grades — you’re done! All that’s left to do now is to wait and see what sort of news the mailman brings you so you can plot your course for the next big step: heading off to college.

When a Campus Visit Just Isn't in the Stars Tacoma WA

Five campuses, 1,800 miles, 4 plane tickets, 3 tanks of gas — and lots of meals out. Depending on which schools you're considering, campus visits can really add up. And though they might be touted as something you absolutely shouldn't miss, they aren't always possible.

When a Campus Visit Just Isn't Possible Tacoma WA

If cost or time constraints preclude you from taking your child on a trip to campus, don't despair. There are a few non-traditional ways to visit, which will help with making a final decision. They can't entirely replace the real thing, but they can help fill in the blanks and might just be the next best thing to being there.

Your Campus Visit Plan Tacoma WA

Plan to visit colleges as early and often as possible. Talk with your parents about combining college visits with business trips, family gatherings, and vacations. See as many places as possible early in your search. Even if a college does not appear on your list, spending time on its campus will give you valuable perspective for more informed decision-making later in the process.