College Quiz

False. College is a time to explore. Except in a few specific cases, you can choose a major in your sophomore year and still complete the degree in four years. A surprising number of students discover the field for them while taking a course they didn't expect to like. Don't let well-meaning people pressure you into deciding on a major field or a career at this time. Take your time.

False. You cannot make up for three years of poor high school grades in one good semester as a senior. You CAN get into a selective college if you had a less impressive first half of high school. A vast improvement as a junior and senior is a sign that you can and will do the work at a selective college.

False. You may not hear of many of the nation's finest colleges until you are well into your adult life. Athletics on television is how most colleges get to be known, but many colleges do not get that kind of exposure. Some of the nation's finest colleges don't play big-time athletics. Judge a college on its own merits. Don't let name recognition determine a good or bad college.

False. You should go to the college that \"fits\" you best. If it happens to be prestigious, that's fine. However, fit has to do with how you feel when you are on campus, the match with how you learn and how the professors teach, and the academic pressure you can handle. If the college and you are not a good match, you will be unhappy regardless of the prestige.

False. This is wrong in two respects: 1) You can't trade in your degree for another one if you didn't go to the best college for you the first time. Your college is with you for life. 2) Only about one of five students completes college in four years. In fact, only two of five students complete college in six years. If you plan to be out of college in four years, learn what each college's four year graduation rate is.

True. Your performance in high school is a better predictor of college success than the standardized tests. Colleges know that. (But if a school requires standardized testing, they won't ignore scores that are too far below their average incoming or middle 50th percentile.)

False. Admittedly, colleges consider out-of-class activities such as athletics, student government, and music when they review an application. But colleges look at your academic performance first. Lots of out-of class activities help only if the college already believes you can do the work.

True. About two of five students change their major field of interest before they actually enroll in college and about one of two change their major field once they enroll. Look for a college that has your current field of interest, but is also strong in all its areas. It's worth noting that the research on success in graduate school and in employment after college suggests the best way to master a major field is a combination of learning theory and active, hands-on learning by doing. The opportunity to do research on your own or work side by side with a professor on a project tends to be more valuable than simply taking more courses in the field.

False. The \"liberal\" in liberal arts means \"broadening\" and \"freeing\" -- as in freeing one's mind from narrow thinking. The term liberal arts is a shortened version of the full title: liberal arts and sciences. Most liberal arts colleges have been emphasizing science for all students for a century or more. Since the best way to learn science is by doing science, small colleges with small classes and fewer students in laboratories often have an advantage. Proportionally, far more Ph.D.s in the sciences and physicians have earned their undergraduate degrees from small liberal arts colleges than large universities.

True. This is true if \"diversity\" simply means having greater numbers of African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and international students. Unfortunately, the size and nature of a large university often means there is little interaction among those of various ethnic and racial backgrounds. At large universities, groups of students can often choose to live and learn together and separately from other students. This is generally not true at smaller colleges. All students are interspersed throughout the residence halls. Classes are small, so you really get to hear the views and learn from all students. The student population is small so you will get to know well or in passing virtually all students. If the value of diversity is to learn to understand and appreciate other cultures and groups, then small colleges often offer greater diversity.

False. Many students and parents mistakenly think that attending a university with a law school, medical school or graduate school guarantees (or improves chances of) admission into that program at graduation. Very few universities give their students special preference for graduate study and those that do reserve it for only the very best students. Many small colleges and universities have excellent records in placing students in professional schools and graduate programs. The key to admission is succeeding in a strong major program at a challenging college, not where you go. Regardless of where you attend there are no guarantees.

False. If you are admitted and have financial need, colleges generally want to make it possible for you to attend. In fact, the greatest proportion of financial assistance at a private colleges tends to go to students in the middle of the class. High-ability students or students with special talents may receive \"merit-based scholarships.\"

False. Government funds comprise only a very small proportion of the financial aid available. In fact, the government continually reduces the amount of grant money -- money that does need to be paid back. Private colleges, especially, supply the largest portion of financial aid.

False. Financial aid is not a \"you versus me\" business. The job of a college's financial aid officer is to make it possible for all admitted students to attend their college. But they also must stay within federal guidelines and institutional constraints (endowments and financial aid budgets). Any time you have a question about financial aid, call the financial aid officer at the colleges you are considering. They are eager to help.