Finding the “right” college or post-high school educational opportunity is all about finding the right fit for you. Here are some things to consider as you begin your search.
Academic Fit
Academic Profile
Research the GPA and average SAT/ACT scores for incoming first year students to see if your profile fits the general profile of admitted students.
Type of College
Do you want to attend a two or four-year college? Do you want to attend a private school or a public state school? To learn more about the types of colleges that exist, check out this helpful guide.
Majors
What interests do you want to pursue? Have you started thinking about your career path? Every school offers and specializes in a variety of majors. Find a school that has academic programs and internship opportunities that match your career goals and interests.
Class Size
Do you learn better in a small classroom setting or a big lecture hall? Some schools can have class sizes as small as just 10 students per class while others may have hundreds of student in a class. Figure out what style would work best for you.
Financial Fit
Will you have the resources to attend this school? Does the school offer need and/or merit based aid? If it’s a state school, do you qualify for in-state tuition rates? The sticker price of a college is usually different than what you will actually end up paying.
Social Fit
Location
Do you want to be close to home? Do you want to live somewhere new? Do you want to live on a rural, suburban, or urban campus? When making this decision, consider factors like the availability of public transportation, the need for a private vehicle, and the cost of travel — whether it’s airfare, train or bus fare.
Campus Life
Do you want a college with great sports teams and lots of spirit, one that prides itself on an intellectual atmosphere, a small liberal arts school, or a large student body and campus? Do you want to be around lots of different kinds of people or people with similar experiences and interests?
Your College Search
Once you have a good idea about the type of school you want to go to, use a college match tool like the one at College Raptor or College Greenlight to compare schools on criteria like size, location, majors offered, admission requirements, and more.
Visit the website for each school you are interested in. There, you can learn about the campus, explore the school’s academics, and learn about application requirements and deadlines. Don’t just visit the admissions tab, take some time to explore information about campus clubs and organizations, study abroad options, academic resources and research opportunities — there’s a lot to discover about each and every college.
It is recommended that students apply to between four and seven colleges. It’s important to be realistic about your academic profile and how well it matches the school’s admitted student profiles. Acceptance rates and profiles are usually listed on college websites. Your high school counselor can usually give you some additional insight as to whether a school may be a good fit.
Consider applying to:
One or two “reach” schools
These are schools that might be difficult to get into, but that you are really drawn to.
Two or three “match” schools
These are schools that fit with your academic profile, financial aid need and social fit (size, culture, location). In other words, schools where, though acceptance is not guaranteed, you feel confident about your chances.
One of two “safety” schools
These are schools that you are very confident you would get admitted into so you have something to fall back on.
Now that you’ve identified a few schools you’re interested in, go visit!
When you picture the “traditional” college student, you might think of someone who has just graduated from high school. But 40% of American college students are adults returning to the classroom. You might be wondering how to balance school with your personal life or responsibilities like work or family. This page will help you consider all of your options and access available resources in order to make an informed decision as you further your educational journey as an adult or young adult.
As you begin making a plan, here are some questions to consider:
Do you need your GED before progressing to college?
If you would like to go to college but have not yet graduated from high school, you will likely need to prepare for and take the GED. Passing the GED will earn you a state high school diploma that is recognized and accepted by nearly all U.S. colleges, employers, and universities. Head to the PhillyGoes2College GED resource page for a number of free and local programs that will help you study for and pass the exam.
Do you have employment obligations? What is your schedule like?
You might consider a program that offers evening classes, accelerated programs, or online courses. Check out the list of Philadelphia-area schools below that are sensitive to the needs and schedules of the adult student, and take a look at this guide for balancing work, life, and school. Time management and reminding yourself what you’re working towards are key!
If you have children, do you have child care?
Contact the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) to see if you qualify for subsidized care.
Do you have regular access to a computer and the internet?
This will be necessary in order to research and complete assignments, take online classes, and connect with professors and classmates. If you don’t have home access, you can use Wi-Fi for free at all Philadelphia public library locations. Check out locations and operating hours here. To purchase affordable internet at home, try Comcast’s Internet Essentials or their Affordable Connectivity Program. Finally, head here for City of Philadelphia options for obtaining free or low-cost laptops and computers.
As an adult learner, you have many options to consider when searching for your next learning opportunity. Be sure you are choosing the perfect fit for you.
Some of the options include: online; in-class; hybrids (both in-class and online components); and accelerated programs (offering courses that last about eight weeks instead of fourteen but deliver the same amount of learning).
Not sure about online courses? Many adults do well in accelerated and online degree completion programs, but need a gentle introduction. Graduate! Philadelphia offers workshops to ease adults into online learning.
Call 215-498-1504 or email Advisor@Graduate-Network.org to ask about the next workshop.
To find the right college fit, you can visit College Board.
Types of Degrees
Bachelor’s Degree
Generally, four-year colleges offer this degree and it is designed to take four years, but can take longer. Students typically graduate with a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), B.S. (Bachelor of Science) or B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts).
Associate Degree
Generally, community colleges, and some four-year schools offer this degree. It typically takes two years to obtain a credential, but can take longer. There are many options for areas of study, and you can study something very broad or very specific.
Certificate
Two- and four-year colleges, as well as certificate-only schools offer this credential. The amount of time to obtain a certificate can range from two weeks to two years, with an average of six months to one year. Certificates are specialized and technical. The purpose of a certificate is to find work, or build a career in a specific area.
Local Resources
Here are some local resources to help you find the best fit, make your plan and finance your degree:
Graduate! Philadelphia
Graduate Philadelphia offers free advising and guidance on filling out and filing financial assistance forms, getting academic support, navigating your work and family schedules, completing your paperwork, improving your study skills, and staying in school. Browse their online guide to get started or set up an appointment with an advisor by completing the intake form.
Graduate Philadelphia also partners with Philadelphia-area colleges that have excellent support systems and degree options for adult students, such as accelerated programs, and flexible schedules.
Schools for Adults
Below is a list of local schools that are sensitive to the needs of the adult student. Many of these schools partner with Graduate!Philadelphia.
Ready to Learn about Financial Aid?
There are many resources available to help you pay for and reduce the cost of college.
