What You Should Know about Attending College

1. What are two benefits associated with obtaining an advanced degree?

Earning an advanced degree beyond a high school diploma has been shown to improve one's employment outlook and earning potential, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. What are the two ways in which you can apply for college online?

The two types of online applications available to prospective college students are the Common Application and online applications that are specific to a particular college or university.

3. How many college and universities participate in the Common Application program?

As of May 2009, 346 colleges and universities participated in the Common Application program.

4. What are six common components of a typical college application?

The six common components of a typical college application include:

• the application form,
• the application fee,
• the student's high school transcript,
• the student's admissions test scores,
• letters of recommendation for the student, and
• the student's essay.

5. What government office administers financial assistance programs for postsecondary students?

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, administers financial assistance programs for postsecondary students.

6. How do grants differ from typical student loans?

Unlike typical student loans, students do not need to repay federal grants following graduation.

7. What are five federal grants offered by the government?

The five student grants offered by the federal government include:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Academic Competiveness Grant (ACG)
• National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

8. What steps should you take when choosing a postsecondary school?

The steps prospective student should take when choosing a postsecondary school include:

• Seek advice from their high school counselor.
• Shop around to more than one school.
• Pay a visit to their top schools' campuses.
• Don't be afraid to ask prospective schools a lot of question.
• Find out the full cost of attending each prospective school.

9. What are three questions prospective students should ask schools they are considering?

The three questions prospective students should ask schools they are considering include:

• What are the school's retention and graduation rates?
• What type of job placement or career services does the school offer students and graduates?
• For vocational or trade schools, how many graduates obtain employment as a result of the training received by the school?

10. How many older, nontraditional students attend U.S. colleges and universities?

During the 2005 fall semester, 39 percent of students enrolled in a degree-granting institution were aged 25 years or older.

11. What steps should adult students take to help ease their return to school?

Adult students should take the following steps when returning to school:

• Consider the big picture when developing an educational plan that will fit in with their other responsibilities, such as work and family.
• Remember that college can be intimidating for everyone, including their younger collegiate counterparts.
• Become familiar with the college campus.
• Get creative when creating a study plan by building time to study into their daily routines.