CHOOSING A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
Sample Questions to Ask a 4-year Institution
Academic Programs
• Is the college accredited by an association recognized by the US Dept. of Education?
• Do you offer my major?
• What are the requirements for a ________ major?
• How will my SLCC courses transfer?
• What courses do I need to take before I transfer?
• What opportunities for research do you offer?
• What percent of your students pass the licensure/certification exam?
(If applicable for your major.)
• What percent of students in my major go on to graduate school?
Admission
• Is admission into my major competitive?
• What are the admission requirements?
• When will I need to apply?
• Is there an admission fee or deposit required?
• What else is required (essay, letters of recommendation, interview, etc.)?
• When will I know if I’ve been accepted?
• When do you offer orientation sessions?
Classes
• What percent of classes are taught by professors? …by graduate students?
• Are faculty members required to keep office hours?
• Do you offer evening courses? …on-line courses?
• How much of my degree could I complete on-line?
• Do you have a foreign language requirement?
Cost
• How much is tuition?
• What other fees will I need to pay?
• Do you offer payment plans?
• What are your deadlines for financial aid?
• What scholarships are available for transfer students or students in my major? …Deadlines?
• How often have tuition and fees increased?
Housing
• What are my options for on-campus housing?
• When do I need to apply for housing?
• How much should I expect to pay for housing and meals?
Life at the College
• How does the school demonstrate its commitment to diversity?
• What student activities and organizations are available?
• Do you have a volunteer/community service center?
• What kind of help does your Career Services office offer when I am ready to look for a job?
You may find some Majors Offered at Selected Utah Colleges and Universities
of these answers on BYU: http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2006-2007ucat/depts/majors.aspx?lms=4
line, but visiting the Dixie: http://catalog.dixie.edu/degrees.htm#Bachelor
campus and talking SUU: http://www.suu.edu/academics/majors.html
U of U: http://www.sa.utah.edu/advise/ms/
to an advisor in USU: http://www.usu.edu/ats/majorsheets/
your department UVSC: http://www.uvsc.edu/academicPrograms.html
will help the most! Weber: http://weber.edu/programs_courses/Programs/degrees.html
Westminster: http://www.westminstercollege.edu/academics/
Start early when you’re thinking about transferring.
Your SLCC advisor can help you determine which SLCC classes will work best.
Use the worksheet on the back to compare information about the schools you’re considering.
SLCC Transfer Center, 8/9/2006
Transfer Planning
College Comparison Worksheet
College 1 College 2 College 3
College Name
Size
• Size of College
• Average Class Size
Location
• Rural or Urban
• Distance from home
Unique Academic Programs
• Research opportunities
• Honors programs
• Service learning
Transfer Credits
• How many?
• How?
(see Advising for transfer agreements)
Type
• Public or Private
• Technical, Liberal Arts, etc.
• Religious affiliation?
Activities/Athletics
• Are the ones most important to
me available?
Housing
• Is there on-campus housing?
• Do they offer co-ed, all-female,
all-male housing?
• What type of off-campus housing
is available?
Cost
• Total tuition + fees
• Room + board OR rent + food
Financial Aid Availability
• What type and amount of grants,
scholarships, loans, and work
study, are they offering me?
• What will I pay out-of-pocket?
• How much will I need to take out
in loans?
Flexibility
• Are classes offered at times that
fit with my schedule?
• Is there a fast-track option?
• Can I complete a degree on-line?
Facilities
• Classrooms
• Housing
• Computer labs
• Science Labs
• Student Center/recreational areas
• Internet access
Services
• Is health insurance available?
• What services are offered by the
health center?
• Is there a career services office to
help me in my job search?
Overall Impression
• People
• Campus environment
• Community
• Safety
• Support for diversity
• Would I feel comfortable?