Find the Best Fit
Chances are you already know what kind of college you have in mind. But
if the tables could somehow be turned, what sort of college would pick
you? That question is one way to focus in on all the choices out there
and narrow down the school that is right for furthering your education.
The editors of KEY Magazine have broken down all the different types
of schools that can prepare you for a bright future.Traditional SchoolsSwarms of students. Mascots. Big buildings. Big campuses. Big ideas. Traditional schools are colleges or universities that offer a larger variety of programs for study than any other institutions of higher learning. The ultimate prize is a degree (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, etc.) Undergraduate programs require four-year commitments and provide you with a knowledge that centers not only on your field of choice, but includes other areas of study for a well-rounded education.Career SchoolsGet the training you need for a specific career – fast. Career colleges are becoming an increasingly common route for high school graduates, especially those interested in today’s hottest careers. A career college is a public or private school offering programs in a variety of career-specific fields, such as business, computers and healthcare. Every career college shares a similar goal to four-year universities: to teach students the skills needed for bright futures, only with an emphasis on specific careers. These schools may offer a certificate, diploma, Associate degree or even Bachelor’s degree, but in significantly less time than four-year universities.Junior CollegeMoving thousands of miles away to a big university isn’t always necessary to get a good education. Junior colleges – right in your own backyard – offer a two-year course schedule that is the equivalent of the first two years of a four-year undergraduate school. Transfer course credits to the traditional school of your choice. Because of low tuition, local setting and relatively easy entrance requirements, community colleges have become a reasonable first step for students interested in pursuing both two-year and four-year degrees.Online EducationThe Internet has changed the face of education, so much so that classrooms aren’t even needed. Online courses provide coursework similar to what you would face in a college or university classroom, only the learning is facilitated on the Internet, in your home or a satellite location. Interact with professors in online classrooms, chat sessions and e-mail. Earn certificates or degrees (Associate, Bachelor’s, or graduate-level) on the Web. Most colleges and universities offer online degrees, but many schools specialize in web education programs.The MilitaryLook sharp. The U.S. Military has changed dramatically in its approach to education. Today’s military is more professional, technologically advanced and offers more rewards to enlistees than ever before. For your commitment to the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines), a variety of educational options are open to you. Many branches offer tuition assistance up to 100 percent reimbursement for classes taken in your free time. Upon exiting the military, qualify for the GI Bill for the funds to further your education. |