In your quest to compare schools, begin with some soul-searching. The best way to find the right career school fit is to know yourself: your likes, dislikes, values, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Spend some time journaling or talking with those who know you best to pinpoint these items. Then, think about what you want to gain from your career school experience. Write it all down, being very specific in your "wish list." Once you know what you're looking for when you compare schools, it'll be that much easier to find.
There's a lot to consider when you compare schools: academic programs, class size, faculty reputation, cost, location, and career services, to name a few. Aside from the biggies, consider the factors important to you. Do you need to balance coursework with your full-time job? Better check to see if the schools that interest you offer flexible scheduling, including courses at night, on the weekends, or online. Is it important to you that you'll receive exceptional job placement assistance upon completion? Find out if career services are a priority at your school, and learn about the types of employers hiring grads from the school.
The best place to find the information you need to compare schools is at sites like CollegeSurfing.com. Check out each school's site, gauging its user-friendliness. Submit an information request form online, and see how quickly you get a response. If you have a hard time connecting with a real person at the school as a prospective student, imagine the potential difficulties once you're enrolled!
Don't settle for second best -- taking the time to compare schools and choose the right one for you may be one of the wisest investments you'll make.
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