What Kind of Students are Colleges Interested In?
You don’t need to be a “brain.” You do need to show a willingness to learn. You don’t have to have lots of money. You do need to be willing to work. You don’t have to be an outstanding athlete. You do need to be involved in a variety of activities. Colleges are interested in a well-rounded individual who has participated in many areas of high school life. The best advice we could give is to get involved—join—participate—learn.
What are My Choices?
Generally speaking, all colleges fall into one of two categories: State-Supported Colleges - institutions which are supported by public funds and tax monies; or Independent Colleges andUniversities which are institutions that are not supported by tax money. The schools may be church affiliated or totally independent of both state and church support.
State-Supported colleges and universities in the state of Oregon are either 2- or 4-year schools. The 2-year schools are all community colleges. They offer a wide variety of special vocational training programs, as well as college transfer programs of study.
Usually the state-supported colleges and universities, whether 4-year institutions or community colleges, are less expensive than independent or private colleges. This is because they are tax supported. All state-supported 4-year institutions will be very similar in cost for any Oregon resident. The variations are minor and are detailed in the specific college catalog. The programs available will vary quite a bit; again, this is where the college catalog or website comes in. Conversely, many independent or private colleges will be more expensive, but able to offer a more attractive financial aid package because they are not state supported.