Evaluating a School or Program

If you are considering continuing your education, select three or so possible educational providers and ask a representative of these providers the following questions:

What are my educational options?

• What programs are available?
• When and how are courses offered?
• Are there any programs specifically designed for adult and part-time learners?
• What career assistance services are available when I graduate?
• What is the average course load for an adult learner?
• How much time should I plan on studying per week per class?
• What are the requirements for my particular area of interest?

How do I apply and get admitted?

• Admission requirements and criteria: What transcripts and/or entrance exam test scores are required? What is the minimum grade point average required? Are there any courses I need to have completed before I will be admitted? (e.g., prerequisite courses) Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
• Application procedure: What is the application procedure? Is there an application fee and how much is it?
• What are the deadlines to apply? When and how will I be notified of the admissions decision?
• When do you admit students? How many students do you admit?
• How do my previous credits transfer?
• How do you regard an older and/or a lower GPA?

What support services are available?

• What services are available related to academic support, tutoring, "How to Study" classes, assistance centers?
• What types of educational planning, academic advising, and/or career counseling are available?
• Are there any special programs for adult, part-time students?
• Are there support services for similar communities or cultures?

What is the cost and what financial assistance is available?

• What is the cost per credit? Are there other fees?
• What can I expect to pay, on average, for books/supplies per class?
• What types of financial aid are available?
• What are the criteria for applying for the various types of aid?
• What is the application process?