Frequently Asked Questions

🎯 General College Information

    • Community college: Usually offers 2-year associate degrees and certificates. Lower cost, open admission, and often a pathway to transfer to a 4-year school.

    • Technical/vocational college: Focuses on hands-on training for specific careers (e.g., welding, medical assistant, automotive tech).

    • University: Offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees with a wide variety of majors and research opportunities.

  • Consider location, cost, size, majors offered, campus culture, and support services. Visit campuses, talk to current students, and compare programs.

  • In-state tuition is the lower rate you pay if you’re a resident of the state. Out-of-state tuition is higher and applies to students from other states.

  • A major is your main field of study. A minor is a smaller concentration in another subject. Example: Major in Biology, minor in Spanish.

  • Core classes that all students must take, regardless of major, such as English, math, science, and history.

    • Associate degree: 2-year program (often at community colleges).

    • Bachelor’s degree: 4-year program (universities and some colleges).

  • Accreditation means a school meets quality standards. It matters for transferring credits, getting financial aid, and employer recognition.

💰 Financial Aid & Paying for College

  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens October 1 each year. Complete it early to maximize your aid.

    • Grants: Free money (based on need).

    • Scholarships: Free money (based on merit, need, or other factors).

    • Loans: Borrowed money you must repay.

    • Work-study: Part-time job on campus.

  • Check with your high school counselor, local organizations, and online databases. Apply early and often.

    • Subsidized: Government pays interest while you’re in school.

    • Unsubsidized: You’re responsible for all interest from the start.

  • Housing, food, books, transportation, personal expenses, and fees can add thousands to the cost.

  • Most schools offer payment plans. Talk to the financial aid office before missing a payment to avoid holds or late fees.

📝 Admissions & Applications

    • Early Action: Apply early, get a decision early, non-binding.

    • Early Decision: Apply early, get a decision early, binding if accepted.

    • Regular Decision: Standard deadline and timeline.

  • Grades, course rigor, test scores (if required), extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.

  • Many schools are test-optional, but some still require them. Check each college’s policy.

  • We recommend at least three: “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools.

  • A personal statement that shows who you are beyond grades and test scores. Very important for holistic admissions.

  • An online application platform you can use to apply to multiple colleges at once.

🏫 Campus Life

    • On-campus: Easier access to resources, built-in community, often required for freshmen.

    • Off-campus: More independence, sometimes cheaper.

  • A pre-paid plan for campus dining. Choose based on your eating habits and whether you’ll cook.

  • Attend club fairs, check bulletin boards, and follow campus social media.

  • Yes, but balance is key. Many students work part-time, especially through work-study programs.

  • Some schools have counseling centers, health clinics, peer support groups, and wellness programs.

🎓 Academics & Support

    • Professor: Full-time faculty.

    • Adjunct: Part-time instructor.

    • Teaching Assistant (TA): Graduate student helping teach a course.

  • Office hours are set times professors are available to meet. Use them for questions, advice, and building relationships.

  • You may retake it to improve your grade, but it may affect financial aid eligibility and expected graduation date.

  • Full-time is usually 12–15 credit hours (4–5 classes).

  • Full-time: 12+ credits. Part-time: fewer than 12 credits, often with a lower tuition rate but slower progress to graduation.