Consider using this checklist to help you collect information about each college or university you research. Some of the answers you will be able to get from books; others from a campus visit or interview (if you have one). You may also want to document your initial thoughts, feelings, concerns, etc. in the Notes section at the end of this appendix. For your convenience make copies and fill one out for each college you are considering. It will help you compare schools and make an informed decision.

Name Of College/University:_____________________

Type Of College/University

1. What type of college or university is this?

Private Single Sex

Public Coeducational

Entrance Difficulty

2. What is the level of entrance difficulty for this college?

Most difficult Minimally difficult

Very difficult Noncompetitive

Moderately difficult

Academics

3. My desired major is:___________________________________

4. Is my desired major or subject area offered?

No Yes

5. Has a well-developed curriculum been established for the major?

No Yes

Notes:

6. Are classes lecture-style, interactive, individually paced, or group-oriented?

7. How long does it typically take students to earn a bachelor's (or associate's) degree in this major?

8. What employment opportunities are available within this major/degree?

9. How popular a choice is my major at this school?

Tuition/Cost

10. What is the cost of tuition?_________________________________

11. What additional costs are there (room and board, meal plans, etc.)?

Location/Campus Environment?

12. How close is the school to my home?________________________

13. What type of living arrangements are available?

14. Is housing guaranteed?

No Yes

15. What type of setting does the campus offer (urban, suburban, rural, etc.)?

16. What is the size of the school?________________________

17. What is the average class size?_________________________

Social And Campus Life

18. What percentage of students stay on campus on the weekends?_______________

19. What on-campus activities are offered on weekends?

20. What sports, extracurricular activities or organizations does the school offer?

Security

21. Does the school have their own police force/security officers?

No Yes

22. Is there an escort service for students who have to walk home alone at night?

No Yes

23. Is there safe, adequate and timely transportation for students?

No Yes

24. Are the pathways and parking lots well lit?

No Yes

25. Are there emergency telephones located throughout the campus?

No Yes

26. Where are the nearest hospital(s) and/or emergency services?

Special Programs

27. What special programs are available?

Off-campus study Summer sessions

Study abroad Part-time

ROTC Self-designed programs

Internships Co-ops

Other:________________________________________;

Additional Questions For Special Needs Students

28. Are campus facilities handicapped-accessible?

No Yes

29. Is the physical layout of the campus manageable?

No Yes

30. Does the college offer specific support services for learning-disabled students?

No Yes

Please explain:

31. Is tutoring available?

No Yes

32. Are tutors trained to teach students with learning disabilities?

No Yes

Please explain:

33. Can I receive the accommodations I need, such as extra time on tests?

No Yes

34. Must I provide documentation to receive services?

No Yes

Please explain:

35. Are there additional fees for the services that are offered?

No Yes

Please explain:

36. How many students receive services similar to those that I require?

37. What proportion of students with learning disabilities who start as freshmen end up graduating?

Notes

Excerpted from "A LifeCare® Guide: College Admissions." Copyright© 2001 LifeCare®, Inc. All rights reserved.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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