selecting an educational program

Once you have an idea of what you want to study, or the type of career you want to prepare for, the next step is to select a college or training program that meets your needs. With so many possibilities out there, how do you decide which is right for you?

Step 1. Identify the schools that interest you

Meet with an educational counselor, visit the VSAC Resource Center library or the Rutland Education and Information Center, or drop by your public library. Look through a general college guide (like Peterson’s), and read colleges’ catalogs and “viewbooks.” If you can locate adults who have studied at schools you’re interested in, talk to them and ask them about their experiences.

Step 2. Call or write the schools for additional, up-to-date information

You’ll want to make sure you know all the admission requirements, and the cost.

Step 3. Visit the colleges you’re most interested in

Colleges welcome visitors, and it’s a good way to get a feel for the atmosphere of the school. You get first-hand information about programs, students, facilities, financing, and many other details. Plan your visit by calling the school’s admissions office. Staff there can tell you about tours, and what opportunities may be available for sitting in on a class. You can also arrange personal interviews with staff at the admissions office and financial aid office.

Step 4. Be thorough on your college visits

When you’re on campus, read bulletin boards and the campus newspaper. Talk with students and faculty members. Check into the availability of tutoring and other support services. Visit the student center and library.

Step 5. Decide which colleges you’d like to apply to

You may have only one option (because of location or program, for example), or you may have several. If you have several, you’ll need to decide if you want to go through the application process for all the schools on your list or just two or three. Completing applications can be time-consuming, and usually you must pay a fee to submit your application. Still, the investment may be worthwhile if you can’t make up your mind where you’d most like to go, or if you think you may not get into your top choice.