You want to get ahead, and you know that a degree is the vehicle to take you there. But with so many education institutions vying for your attention, where should you start your school search? It's simple: Look for the five A's.
Accreditation
This is an obvious starting point for your school search. Simply put, accreditation is a status granted to an education program that meets predetermined criteria of quality. Earning a degree from an accredited institution is a prerequisite for many professional licensing exams. And if you're working on an associate degree and you plan to apply those credits toward a bachelor's degree, you'll have a tough time using unaccredited credits. Before you choose a school, check its Web site for accreditation status, then verify the accrediting agency at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Accountability
Does the school you're researching offer enough structure to keep you accountable to your learning goals? Some students require minimal interaction, while others need consistent reminders and deadlines to keep them going. Are professors available to answer questions and address concerns? Do e-mail conversations work well for you, or do you prefer phone calls or in-person meetings to keep you in check? Will academic advisors review your schedule to ensure you're fulfilling all the program requirements? When you choose a school, make sure it offers the support and structure you need.
Accessibility
If you're pursuing a campus-based program, verify that your local campus offers the track you're seeking. Don't forget to factor commute time into your school search as well. If you choose a school that's online, understand any required campus components up front. Will you be able to get to a brick-and-mortar school to complete your degree requirements? Before you make your school decision, make sure everything you need is at your fingertips -- literally.
Affordability
If your school is accredited and provides federal financial assistance, find out what percentage of students typically receive aid, and what percentage of those students receive scholarships (free money) vs. loans (borrowed money). Even if the school's sticker price seems high, get an estimate of what students actually pay each year, after scholarship and grant money. That will give you a more realistic idea of what you can expect to pay, which plays a key role in your school decision.
Allure
Consider this the X factor of school decision-making. Let's fact it -- your school search can yield the most highly regarded program in the world, but if you're not enthusiastic about it, your education experience will be less than ideal. If you visit a campus, or you surf a school's site, and you get a nagging feeling that something's not quite right, go with your gut. When you do find a program that fits you, you'll know it. And you'll be glad you held out to choose a school that's right for you.
About the author:
Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.
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