Types of Postsecondary Schools

There are a variety of postsecondary schools to choose from when you begin your college search. By researching the different types of schools, you will be able to make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Here is an overview of the various kinds of postsecondary schools:

Universities

Universities tend to be large schools with a wide variety of programs. They may have several undergraduate and graduate schools, colleges, departments, or faculties (School of Engineering, College of Business, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Science, etc.). Universities have undergraduate divisions that award bachelor's degrees and graduate schools that award master's degrees. Some universities offer professional schools that award doctorates. Universities tend to have research facilities and an abundance of social opportunities (fraternities, sororities, sporting events, clubs, etc.). Universities may be public or private.

Colleges

Colleges tend to be smaller than universities, but they still have a variety of programs. (Please note: Although colleges do tend to be smaller than universities, there are still some colleges that are just as big or even bigger than a university.) Four-year colleges offer bachelor's degrees. Graduate degrees may or may not be offered. The size of classes and types of social opportunities will vary from college to college. A college may be public or private, an independent institution or part of a larger university.

Community Colleges/Junior Colleges

Community colleges and junior colleges are two-year institutions that award associate's degrees and sometimes certificates in certain career-related subjects. These two-year colleges usually have less strenuous admissions standards and tend to be less expensive than four-year colleges and universities. Because of this, some students choose to attend a two-year college first to earn an associate's degree, and then they transfer to a four-year school to receive a bachelor's degree. If this is done, taking courses that can be transferred is highly recommended. Community colleges are public and non-residential, while junior colleges are private with students living on campus or in the surrounding community.

Technical/Vocational/Proprietary Schools

Technical, vocational, and proprietary schools emphasize preparation for specific careers, such as accounting, cosmetology, computer technology, culinary arts, health care technology, real estate, etc. Some schools specialize in only one area, while others provide a wide variety of programs. They award diplomas, certificates, licenses, and sometimes associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees. Although receiving accreditation from these schools will usually grant employment, students may or may not be able to transfer credits to traditional academic degree programs. The entire course of study at a vocational or technical school is often two years or less, although some can be three or four years long. Some of these schools are privately owned and operated, while others are public.

Public vs. Private

• Public postsecondary schools are supported by state funds. Tuition for a public school is usually less expensive than that of a private school. Moreover, public school tuition for an in-state student is much less expensive than for an out-of-state student.
• Private postsecondary schools are supported by tuition and donations. They are not tax-supported. While private school tuition tends to be higher than public school tuition, private schools can sometimes offer more financial aid to students for better affordability.

When it comes to choosing a postsecondary school, it is crucial to pick one that fits your personality and educational goals. After you have decided on the type of school you would like to attend, you can then narrow your selection down to more specific schools.

Great Schools for Not-so-Great SAT Scores

Let's face it -- some strong students just don't do well on standardized tests. More and more schools are recognizing this fact, and the list of test-optional colleges continues to grow. Other excellent colleges require standardized test scores, but their average scores are well below what we see for the Ivy League and elite liberal arts colleges.

Of the more than 10 colleges and universities in the list below, many are highly selective schools with test-optional admissions policies. Others are colleges that offer top-notch academics, but are likely to admit students with mid-range SAT scores.

Arcadia University

Located just 25 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia, Arcadia University features small classes and one of the best study abroad programs in the country. Visitors can't miss the stunning historic landmark, Gray Towers Castle.
• Location: Glenside, Pennsylvania
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 500 / 610
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 490 / 590
• Test-Optional? No

George Mason University

The 2009 U.S. News & World Report ranked George Mason #1 among "up and coming" colleges, and it's easy to see why with the school's rapid expansion since its founding in 1972. The university's pre-professional programs such as business, engineering, education and nursing are all popular among undergraduates.
• Location: Fairfax, Virginia
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 500 / 600
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 520 / 610
• Test-Optional? Yes

Hampshire College

Hampshire College has never been fond of conformity, so it's no surprise the school has test-optional admissions. If you like to think outside the box, if you enjoy debate, if you'd like to design your own major, if you'd like to be evaluated qualitatively, not quantitatively -- then Hampshire might be a good choice.
• Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 610 / 700
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 540 / 660
• Test-Optional? Yes

Mount Holyoke College

Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is the oldest of the "seven sister" colleges, and it consistently ranks as one of the top women's colleges in the country. Mount Holyoke features a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and a beautiful campus where students can enjoy the college's botanic gardens, two lakes, waterfalls, and horseback-riding trails.
• Location: South Hadley, Massachusetts
• Test-Optional? Yes

Sarah Lawrence College

Located in Bronxville, New York, Sarah Lawrence has an amazing 6 to 1 student / faculty ratio and students will find that teaching truly is valued more than faculty research. The application process does not consider standardized test scores at all; in fact, Sarah Lawrence was a leader in the test-optional movement. The college's quaint campus has the feel of a European village.

Sewanee, The University of the South

Sewanee can boast of a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, small classes, and an 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio. The university has a particularly strong English program that is home to The Sewanee Review and Sewanee Writers Conference.
• Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 570 / 680
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 580 / 670
• Test-Optional? Yes are likely to admit students with mid-range SAT scores.

Texas A&M at College Station

If you have a strong GPA or high class rank, you don't need to report SAT or ACT scores when applying to Texas A&M. The university has many strengths in engineering and agriculture, but the liberal arts and sciences are also extremely popular among undergraduates. In athletics, the Texas A&M Aggies compete in the Division I Big 12 Conference.
• Location: College Station, Texas
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 670
• Test-Optional? Yes

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Manoa's strengths are many, including highly ranked programs in astronomy, oceanography, cancer research, and Pacific Island and Asian studies. The university has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 103 countries. UH at Manoa is the only college in Hawaii to have a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
• Location: Manoa, Hawaii
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 480 / 580
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 510 / 610
• Test-Optional? No

University of Iowa at Iowa City

Iowa has strong programs in nursing, creative writing and art, to name just a few. Some of the University of Iowa's graduate programs are consistently ranked among the top in the country. The Iowa Hawkeyes compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and historically the football, basketball and wrestling teams have enjoyed great success.
• Location: Iowa City, Iowa
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 650
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 550 / 670
• Test-Optional? Yes

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin does not require SAT or ACT scores from students who have a high enough GPA or class rank. The university is one of the top public universities in the country. It has numerous selling points including a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a top business school, and membership in the Division I Big 12 Athletic Conference.
• Location: Austin, Texas
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 530 / 660
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 690
• Test-Optional? Yes

University of Montevallo

Most students submit ACT scores, not SAT, but applicants with average scores won't find the admissions standards beyond their reach. As a public liberal arts college, Montevallo is a true value. The campus is charming, and students can expect strong student-faculty interaction.
• ACT Composite (middle 50%): 19 / 24
• ACT English (middle 50%): 19 / 25
• ACT Math (middle 50%): 17 / 23
• Test Optional? No

Ursinus College

Ursinus is a highly selective college, but they do not require SAT scores if an applicant has a strong enough GPA and high class rank. Ursinus is a top-rate liberal arts college with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, generous financial aid, an excellent observatory and art museum, and a new performing arts building. In 2009, the college was ranked #2 for "up-and-coming" colleges by US News & World Report.
• Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 550 / 660
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 660
• Test-Optional? Yes

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest is one of the most selective colleges to move to test-optional admissions. The university combines the small classes and low student/faculty ratio of a private liberal arts college with the excitement of Division I athletics as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 610 / 700
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 630 / 710
• Test-Optional? Yes

Washington College

Founded in 1782 under the patronage of George Washington, Washington College has a long and rich history. The college was recently awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its many strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. The college's scenic location provides students with opportunities to explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Chester River.
• Location: Chestertown, Maryland
• SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630
• SAT Math (Middle 50%): 520 / 610
• Test-Optional? Yes

Common Problems in Choosing a College

So you decided that you do want to go to college? Great, now you face the real problem, deciding where to go… This can be troublesome depending on what kind of a student you are, what kind of career you want, what kind of environment will allow you to thrive and succeed.

Most students would do well in one of a handful of colleges that will meet all of their desires and requirements. Even so, there are some colleges that are unique (or at least unique in that region of the country). Whatever your case may be here are general responses to the most frequent concerns about choosing a college. Of course, a specific response depends on the particular student I’m talking with, but I hope these generic responses can help you.

Concern: All the colleges seem alike.

They do tend to be quite alike. Most college offer similar classes, extracurricular activities, residence halls, and have pretty campuses. Their key differences usually boil down to two things: the student body and the location.

- Student body: Some colleges have mainly A students, others B students, still others C students. Most colleges have a mix of all types of students, but other colleges have predominantly artsy, athletic, religious, preppy, conservative, liberal, activist, and/or studious students.

- Location. Some colleges are in the frozen wasteland; at others, you can wear shorts in February. You also need to decide whether you want to be within quick driving or “laundry distance” of home or move to the farthest place you can think go.

Unless there’s something unusual you’re looking for in a college, such as vegan cafeteria food or a major in entomology, chances are, if you choose your college based just on student body and location, you’ll be satisfied with your choice.


Concern: My girl(boy)friend is going to ______ College.

Affection and romance can be a powerful motivator. It can even make a student go to an inappropriate college just to be with his or her significant other. Of course, if your sweetheart is going to a college that’s also well-suited to you, okay. But fact is, most high school romances don’t last beyond a semester or two of college – there are too many new people to meet and new experiences that make one of you realize that maybe you weren’t so perfect for each other, after all. It would be a shame if you risked your college experience on a relationship that ended soon after you got to college. If your relationship is that perfect, even if you attend different colleges, frequent visits, e-mails, and big phone bills will keep the relationship thriving.

Concern: My parent(s) is(are) pushing College X.

My question is always: why are they pushing College X? Is it because it’s their alma mater? Or because they would like to go there? Or because they want you close to home to avoid their being lonely? Or because they have a rational reason for thinking it would be a great fit for you?

Don’t accept nor reject their recommendation without seriously considering their rationale. Perhaps they’re right – after all, they probably know you pretty well.

Note to parents: I’d feel guilty about pushing my child toward low-cost colleges. But perhaps there really is no reason to feel guilty. The research shows no correlation between college cost and quality. Besides, either way one of you will be paying for that college degree, if it is you, you have a right to spend wisely, if it’s your child, then don’t put them in a situation to increase debt and “waste” money. Therefore, focus on finding a low-cost college that is well-suited to your child.

Concern: I still have no idea where I want to go.

If you’ve tried to figure out where to apply and still are utterly confused or overwhelmed, then think about the following questions:

1) What do you want to study? Make a list of a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice majors – make sure all the schools you apply to have all three.

2) What size do you want? Do you picture yourself in working in small seminar classes at college that is smaller than the typical high school? Or do you want so many activities and choices that a student body in the thousands interests you?

3) How much does location matter? Do you want to be close to home? Would you mind living in a new climate? Are you aware of the local attractions or dominate political views? With that information in mind there are various free services and search engines that can help you narrow down your choices. My favorite is College Navigator, because it was built for students and parents to use (and has some cool advanced features for counselors).

Remember 95% of colleges need you more than you need them – because most colleges never fill all their slots. Be picky!