HOW TO CHOOSE
THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR YOU
C
TABLE
hoosing a university is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. You can start by
asking yourself a few simple questions such as “What are my goals and interests?” and “Do I
want to stay close to home?” Then — with the help of this guide — you can begin to determine
what’s best for you, what will help you achieve your goals, and what will make a satisfying and
memorable college experience. College is a time when you can explore and broaden your
interests, pursue your goals, meet lifelong friends and define yourself in ways you can only
imagine now. This handy resource also will help you understand the college application process
and compare institutions on factors that really matter. You will learn what questions to ask yourself,
what questions to ask about the universities you’re considering and how to get answers.
AA/EOE/ADA ©2011 UNT URCM 11/11 (12-007)
OF CONTENTS
Why Go to College?..........................................................................................Page 2
Choosing a College: What to Look For............................................................Page 4
Information Gathering...............................................................................Page 10
College Comparison Chart......................................................................Page 14
Applying to College..............................................................................Page 16
Suggested Timetable.............................................................................Page 20
Paying for College................................................................................Page 22
Glossary of College Terms........................................................................Page 25
WHY GO TO COLLEGE?
WORK OR SCHOOL?
As graduation approaches, you’ll be confronted with the choice of accepting a job or entering
college. Which choice is best for you? National research has found that college graduates with
a bachelor’s degree earn 84 percent more over a lifetime than someone with only a high school
diploma. In fact, those whose education stops with a high school diploma may see their real
wages decline over time.
$83,1
44
$58,6
13
$31,2
83
$21,0
23
NO HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
ADVANCED DEGREE
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Educational Attainment in the United States; issued June 2011
“UNDECIDED” IS AN ANSWER
Right now, you may not know what you want to do with the rest of your life, or there may be
several things you’re considering. By applying to college, you don’t have to sign a four-year
contract and you don’t have to decide right away on a major. College is a time to test yourself,
and see what you can achieve. Academic advisors and professors are available on campus, as
well as tutoring and other forms of academic support. At most universities, a counseling staff is
there to help see you through tough times. You’ll be able to pursue your own interests through
extracurricular activities and perhaps discover a career direction you’ve never considered or a
talent that’s been waiting to blossom.
WHICH COLLEGE IS BEST?
Two key words are missing from that question. It should read, “Which college is best for you?” Your choice depends
on your interests, career goals and academic record. Talk to your high school counselor about your options and attend a
college night at school. Most importantly, go for a visit! You may discover that you prefer the intimacy of a smaller campus
or the setting of a community or church-affiliated college. On the other hand, you may be ready for the swirling activity and
opportunity of a large university. The only way to find out is to try it on for size.
A free campus tour is the best way to see most of the university in a short time. UNT’s Eagle Ambassadors provide an
honest student perspective, a wealth of information and give you plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The half-walking,
half-tram campus tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers about 70 percent of campus, including academic areas, student
life, student services, a cafeteria and recreation center. Touring our campus has never been easier. Visit tours.unt.edu or call
940-565-4104 to schedule a campus visit.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Choosing the right college for you means choosing a place to live for four years or more. For
some, leaving home is not an option. For others, going hundreds or thousands of miles away is too
difficult. Still others relish the idea of going far away from their family and putting physical distance
between themselves and their high school.
If you feel that the whole country is open to you, geography and climate also should play a role
in your decision. In addition to distance from your home, consider how the college’s location will
affect your education. Colleges in rural towns offer few distractions when you’re studying, but you
may have a hard time finding extracurricular, off-campus activities on the weekends. Attending
a college in a large city offers more entertainment and internship or job opportunities, but it may
have drawbacks such as more expensive housing and higher crime rates.
UNT is in Denton, a progressive city of about 122,000 people approximately 40 miles north of
Dallas and Fort Worth. Denton offers a college town atmosphere with all the advantages of a big
city nearby.
1. Quality of major and students
2. Value of education
3. Employment opportunities after graduation
4. Availability of need- or merit-based financial aid
5. Total cost
6. Career-oriented coursework/majors
7. Academic facilities
8. Personal attention
9. Preparation for graduate school
10. Campus atmosphere
Source: 2011 College Decision Impact Survey, Maguire Associates
SIZE MATTERS
When choosing a college, it’s helpful to narrow your choices by deciding what college size best fits your needs. Generally, large colleges offer a wide variety of majors (and concentrations within those majors), while smaller schools often focus
on the liberal arts or a few specialties.
Large universities often give you the opportunity to meet people with varied backgrounds, cultures and interests. They also
can offer more extensive resources, a number of residence halls, and many activities and student organizations.
By contrast, small colleges offer an intimate setting where you get to know more people on campus and they get to know
you. Some students find this comforting, while others find it restrictive.
UNT enrolls about 36,000 students representing 49 states and more than 140 countries. UNT has 14 residence halls that
house about 6,000 students, making it the largest residential campus in the region.
CAN I AFFORD IT?
The price tag for a college education varies widely. Be sure to
consider that college costs include more than just tuition. There are
fees, textbooks, housing, food and other expenses such as parking and
travel (if the college is far from home). College fees may include additional costs for non-resident or out-of-state students, computers, health
services and student activities. A number of courses (such as science and
computer classes) require a lab fee for materials and equipment. Many colleges lump housing and food costs together, commonly called room and board.
When choosing a college, select a few schools within your price range and
some above your price range. (See the chart on page 23 to help you compute and
compare costs.) All the costs may seem overwhelming, but most schools offer many
types of financial aid. It is possible to get both federal financial aid and scholarships. Paying for school is discussed in detail beginning on page 22.
Because UNT is a public university with state assistance,
students get the quality of a private-school education without
the high price tag. UNT has been ranked one of America’s
100 Best College Buys® for 16 consecutive years.
MAJORS
You will choose your primary course of study, known as your major, from the college’s academic
programs. For most degree programs, you are required to take basic courses, including English,
history, math and political science, which, along with introductory courses in your major, fill much
of your first few semesters. During your junior and senior years, you will take advanced courses
concentrating primarily on the major of your choice.
Some students already have their lives planned. They have chosen a profession and know the
major and degree(s) it will take to reach their goals. Others don’t know the exact career they want
to enter, but they know they’re interested in a general field. Some, however, have no clue about
the future. These students should enlist career counselors and take aptitude tests to help focus their
interests and abilities.
Don’t worry. There are colleges for all types of students, and the average student can change his
or her major more than once while in school. Colleges offer a variety of majors, and some also
may have counselors specially trained to work with those who are undecided.
UNT offers 97 bachelor’s, 88 master’s and 40 doctoral degree programs. In addition to
academic advising and career counseling, UNT has several counselors who specialize in working
with undecided majors and a career center to help you in your job search when you graduate.
ACCREDITATION AND ACADEMICS
If you want your degree to be valuable in the job market, you should attend an accredited college or university. Accreditation is a long, complicated process for an institution, but all you need
to know is if the colleges you’re considering are in good standing with the regional accrediting
agencies (for example, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Don’t assume a college
is accredited — find out.
You can look at college rankings, but keep in mind that the criteria used may be different from
your own. Most national rankings factor in national reputation, endowments and alumni support,
and thus may favor large, private colleges and universities. A degree from a state university can be
just as valuable as a degree from an Ivy League university or a prestigious private university.
UNT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant bachelor’s,
master’s and doctoral degrees. Many of its degree programs are further accredited within their
respective disciplines. UNT has many nationally recognized programs.
FACULTY
The professors at a college are more than just teachers. They are advisors and mentors who can counsel you about career
pursuits and help you identify your special strengths.
If you’re certain of your major, the best way to assess whether you’ll “click” with the faculty is to visit the campus and chat
with professors. Ask about the average number of students in classes in that department. Find out what kind of hands-on
experience you’ll get in class and what internships are available.
UNT employs 1,069 full-time faculty members, with 80 percent of them holding the highest degrees in their fields. Faculty
members are outstanding scholars and teachers, and many are widely recognized in their areas of study.
Do I want to attend college in another state? How will I get back and forth between
school and home?
Are there opportunities for internships near the college?
What types of financial aid does the university offer? Are there jobs available on campus?
Is the college I’m considering accredited? Is the academic program I’m considering accredited?
What is the faculty’s reputation? Are any faculty members nationally recognized by
professional organizations?
Have faculty members written books in their field?
Does the college I’m considering offer health services, computer labs and other support services?
How important is nightlife to me?
Is the campus I’m considering well lighted? What is the crime rate? Do campus
police officers provide “safe rides” at night?
SUPPORT SERVICES
The right college should provide services and resources to help you not only adapt, but thrive.
So when you’re looking at colleges, consider resources such as health centers, computer labs,
libraries, counselors and tutoring.
Some colleges offer minimal health services. Others have health centers with doctors on call 24
hours; others close at 5 p.m. like doctor’s offices. Depending on the institution, you may receive
free medical services, paying only for prescriptions.
UNT’s Health and Wellness Center employs doctors and nurses, provides services such as X-rays
and lab tests, and fills prescriptions. The center also houses College Optical Express, the first fullservice optical office located on any college campus in the state.
You can take your laptop or personal computer to college to write those late-night papers, but
if you don’t own one, you’ll need resources on campus. Most schools have IBM-compatible PCs
and Macintosh computers available for student use in open-access labs across campus. Some
colleges have computers in residence hall study rooms. Many provide free Internet, wireless and
email access.
UNT has 13 general-access computer labs, including one that is open 24 hours a day and six
that have Macintosh computers as well as PCs. All residence halls are wired for Internet access,
and wireless access is available throughout the main campus and Discovery Park. Two libraries
also offer free laptop checkout.
Making the transition from high school to college can be more difficult for some than for others.
At some point you may feel the need to talk to a professional therapist in a safe, private
environment. Many universities offer counseling services to students — often free of charge.
UNT’s on-campus Counseling and Testing Center offers students eight free counseling sessions per
academic year.
CAMPUS LIFE
The main idea is to get a high-quality education while you’re at college, but you can’t study
all the time! You need extracurricular activities to make friends, relieve stress and have fun. Most
schools offer a variety of student organizations. Find out what clubs the college offers that match
your interests and inquire about the organization’s activities, members and qualifications.
College is a great place to take a leadership role. It’s a great experience for you and looks
wonderful on your résumé when you graduate. Look into leadership training or opportunities to
become an officer or leader in the organizations that interest you.
Positions also are available in student government, activities planning councils, residence halls,
honor societies and other groups. Don’t be shy — you’ll have a richer college experience if you
get involved.
Campus life also means football games and other athletic events, concerts, plays, dances,
movies, intramurals (informal team sports) and dozens of other activities.
UNT has more than 300 student organizations, including many intercultural organizations and 38 fraternities and sororities. Leadership and training opportunities are abundant. UNT participates in NCAA
Division I athletics and offers seating for nearly 31,000 Mean Green fans at UNT’s Apogee Stadium.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
As peaceful as college campuses appear, it’s easy to forget that not all campuses are equally safe. Although
students want to feel safe on campus, crime may spill over in urban campuses and, of course, can occur
anywhere.
Every college is required to publish crime statistics annually, including the number of motor vehicle thefts,
burglaries, aggravated assaults, robberies, rapes, murders, liquor violations, drug abuse violations and
weapons possessions on campus. Check out the situation at any campus you are considering.
Ask about lighting and the availability of police escort services at night.
UNT’s Eagle Alert system sends voice and text messages to students if there is an
emergency or closing affecting people on and around the campus. The campus is well
lighted and patrolled by campus police, which can provide students escorts at night for an
extra measure of safety. Police also monitor 63 call boxes located throughout campus.
UNT’s e-ride system provides on-demand rides from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day in a
lift-equipped ADA bus.
INFORMATION
START SURFING
If you have access to the Internet, a great place to start your college search is by surfing the
web. Most colleges have websites and most are easy to find, since URLs are usually a variation of
the college’s name followed by “.edu,” such as www.unt.edu. If an abbreviation for the college
doesn’t work, use a web search engine to find its home page.
Most colleges’ websites will provide general information about the school, the majors offered,
admission requirements and many other topics of interest to prospective students. Most also will
have photographs of the campus, a campus map and online versions of major publications such
as the catalog and class schedules.
A few will have virtual campus tours or a video available online.
UNT’s website (www.unt.edu) has a wealth of information about the university’s academic programs and departments, admissions requirements, residence halls and college life. You may correspond with faculty and staff members or take a virtual tour of our campus at virtualtour.unt.edu.
GATHERING
BOOKLETS AND BROCHURES
In years past, students called universities to request course catalogs – which tend to be dry documents full of coursespecific information best digested much later in the process. Today, you can email the universities you’re interested in and
request more general information about the school and its resources.
You’ll usually get a viewbook (a free brochure or booklet with lots of photos and some descriptive information about the
institution) and perhaps a letter or instructions on applying for admission. Many universities also have online resources for
requesting additional information on your major, scholarship and financial aid information, and residence halls. If your high
school offers a college night, be sure to attend. You can pick up many publications without having to wait for them to come
in the mail. When you get the information, read it carefully, looking for answers to the questions outlined earlier. If you don’t
find the answers, call or visit the campus and ask.
To receive the UNT viewbook and other publications for prospective students, call the admissions office toll free at
800-868-8211.
COMPARE WHAT’S IMPORTANT
The best way to compare several colleges is to make a list of the things that are most important to you and see how each
of the colleges you’re considering stacks up. This is a list that only you can make. What is a deal-breaker for you? Location?
Cost? Availability of a particular major? Leadership opportunities? Activities? If it helps, you can divide your list into sections
— extremely important, important, somewhat important — to help you assess each one’s value to you.
Two important things to consider early on are entrance requirements and cost. Are your grades and test scores high
enough for you to be accepted? Be sure to have alternate choices in case you’re not accepted. Unless money is no problem,
cost is another important factor to consider. No matter how much you may want to attend a certain institution, you must be
able to pay for it. You can apply for scholarships and financial aid, but you should be realistic about your ability to pay the
necessary tuition and fees, plus books and related costs such as room and board.
Sample comparison charts are provided on page 14, but remember that it’s better to create your own after you decide
what college attributes are most important to you. The more you personalize your college search process, the more likely it
is that you’ll find the perfect fit.
TRY THEM ON FOR SIZE
After you’ve narrowed your list to two or three colleges, the next step is to visit them. Visiting a
college is the best way to find out what it’s really like.
You can research colleges for months, but there’s nothing like visiting a campus in person to really
know what the place is all about. Strolling the grounds gives you the “feel” of the campus and its
students, but the best way to conduct your visit is to arrange a guided tour and a chat with faculty
members in your major area of study. You also should check out the residence halls and talk to the
admissions staff, financial aid representatives and gather any more information you might need. Try
to talk to some currently enrolled students, too, to get their insight.
Many students find it important to make these visits independently; others prefer to bring along a
parent or other adult. This decision depends on your own personal situation; think about which is
the right choice for you. By the end of your campus visit, you’ll have a good idea of whether that
particular college is right for you.
UNT offers free, student-guided campus tours year-round (except holidays). To reserve a space in
a group tour or to make an appointment to visit with admissions staff members, call 940-565-4104
or 800-868-8211, or sign up for a tour online at tours.unt.edu.
ATTEND PREVIEW EVENTS FOR
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Many colleges have special events for prospective students several times a year. These events are
often organized by the admissions staff or by student groups to answer typical questions about
admissions, campus life, professors, academic programs, class scheduling, residence hall life,
advising, scholarships, financial aid and registering for classes. You’ll meet key people at the
university, learn how to navigate the admissions process and how to get set up for your first semester. Chances are you’ll learn more about college in a few hours than you ever thought you could.
UNT Preview is held in the fall and the spring for prospective freshmen. For information on these
events, call 800-868-8211.
ALL COLLEGES ARE NOT THE SAME
As you think about which college is going to be the right fit, you also should consider what type
of college appeals to you. Here are explanations of the basic types of colleges in the United States.
Two-year: Most two-year colleges are called community colleges or junior colleges. These colleges offer programs that can be completed in one to two years, usually falling into two categories:
sh4RANSFERvPROGRAMSOFFERBASICFRESHMANANDSOPHOMORELEVELCOURSESWITHCREDITSYOUCAN
transfer to a four-year university toward an eventual bachelor’s degree.
sh4ERMINALvPROGRAMSOFFERCOURSESINTECHNICALlELDSSUCHASNURSINGCOSMETOLOGYORMECHANICSTHATCULMINATEINA
certificate or an associate’s degree.
Four-year: Four-year colleges grant bachelor’s degrees, also known as undergraduate or baccalaureate degrees.
Many also offer graduate-level courses leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. Four-year colleges or universities often
have a distinguished faculty, extensive on-campus resources, an array of academic choices, research opportunities and
considerable prestige.
UNT is a student-focused public research university and the flagship of the UNT System. UNT offers a broad range of
bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in its 12 colleges and schools, which include the Honors College for
high-achieving students.
Public vs. private: Public colleges receive a significant amount of funding from taxes, keeping tuition low. Because they
are operated partially with state or local funds, public institutions are closely supervised by one or more governing boards.
Public universities set their own tuition rates, and fees vary greatly from institution to institution. (Higher tuition is charged to
out-of-state residents since they do not contribute to the tax pool.)
Private colleges are not publicly funded, so tuition and fees are generally higher than for public colleges. Many private
colleges are church affiliated and receive funding from their religious denomination. Most private institutions depend on
endowments and donations to help keep their costs down.
Church affiliated: Because of the constitutional separation of church and state, public institutions are not church
related, but private colleges may or may not have
religious affiliations. Students at these institutions often
must attend chapel or religious classes of some kind and
may have to meet certain entrance requirements, such
as church membership.
Ethnic minority: Some students like attending a college
where most of the other students and faculty share their
ethnic background, because they feel they fit in better and
have more opportunities to take leadership roles. Many
students who attend minority serving institutions report benefiting from the mentoring they receive from faculty and staff.
COLLEGE COMPARISON CHART
CHOICE FACTORS
Type
Accreditation
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
Four-year, public, coed
Accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools; most academic degree
programs also accredited
Faculty
Members
Caring, qualified; many nationally known
in their field of study
Location
Denton; about 40 miles north of
Dallas-Forth Worth
Size
About 36,000 students -- most comprehensive
in the Dallas-Fort Worth region
Cost
State assisted with low mandatory fees
Financial Aid
Employment
Grants, loans, work-study and scholorships
available to qualified applicants;
call toll free 877-881-1014
Thousands of part-time jobs on and off
campus; offices to help students find jobs
while in school and after graduation
Majors
97 bachelor’s degree programs, many nationally
recognized; special counselors for undecided
majors; graduate study available
Support
Services
Friendly, helpful staff; enrollment services grouped
in one building (Eagle Student Services Center)
Resources
13 open-access computer labs; free laptop
checkouts in two libraries; health center for
students’ medical needs
Campus Life
NCAA Division I athletics; UNT’s Apogee
Stadium; intramural sports; more than
300 student organizations
On-campus
Housing
14 residence halls, one with an international
flavor and one primarily for music students
Safety and
Security
Voice messages and text messages sent in
an emergency or campus closing; well lighted;
police escorts; e-ride system
COLLEGE A
COLLEGE B
CHOICE FACTORS
Admission
Requirements
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
Automatic admission:
Applicants who graduated in the top 10
percent of their high school class are admitted
automatically
Regular admission:
Top 10 percent of high school class:
Submit SAT or ACT score
Next 15 percent of high school class:
Minimum 950 SAT or 20 ACT
Second quarter of high school class:
Minimum 1050 SAT or 23 ACT
Third quarter of high school class:
Minimum 1180 SAT or 26 ACT
A new state law requires first-time
freshmen to either:
1. Successfully complete the curriculum
requirements for the Texas Recommended
or Distinguished Achievement high school
program or its equivalent; or
2. Earn an SAT score of at least 1,500 out of
2,400 or satisfy ACT benchmarks of 18 in
English, 22 in math, 21 in social sciences
and 24 in science
Application
Deadlines
(A fee may be
assessed for
applications received
after these dates)
Campus Tours
Website
Phone Number
Miscellaneous
Spring 2012: Dec. 1, 2011
Fall 2012: March 1, 2012
Summer 2012 beginning May 14: May 10
Summer 2012 beginning June 4: May 31
Summer 2012 beginning July 9: June 29
Free, guided tours several times daily, including
Saturdays; call 940-565-4104
www.unt.edu
Catalog, class schedules and much more
Toll free 800-868-8211
Pohl Recreation Center; Student Health
and Wellness Center; Multicultural Center
COLLEGE A
COLLEGE B
APPLYING TO COLLEGE
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A new state law requires all first-time freshmen to either:
s3UCCESSFULLYCOMPLETETHECURRICULUMREQUIREMENTSFORTHE4EXAS2ECOMMENDEDOR$ISTINGUISHED
Achievement high school program or its equivalent; or
s%ARNAN3!4SCOREOFATLEASTOUTOFORSATISFY!#4BENCHMARKSOFIN%NGLISH
22 in math, 21 in social sciences and 24 in science.
Top 10 percent of high school class – Submit SAT or ACT score
Next 15 percent of high school class – Minimum 950 SAT or 20 ACT score
Second quarter of high school class – Minimum 1050 SAT or 23 ACT score
Third quarter of high school class – Minimum 1180 SAT or 26 ACT score
THE APPLICATION FORM
Your application, transcripts, class rank and entrance exam scores determine your acceptance to
most colleges or universities. Some also may require an essay, interview or references.
You can get applications by calling the university or downloading them from the college’s website. You can apply to any Texas public university using the electronic Apply Texas Application at
www.applytexas.org. Your college application form will represent you to college admissions officials, so take the time to fill it out neatly, completely and correctly. Know the college’s deadlines and
complete your application in plenty of time.
Read all the instructions that come with the application, and follow them closely. If you have
questions, ask your high school counselor or call the college admissions office for clarification.
If you are not filling out an electronic form, type your responses or use black (not blue) ink.
Carefully check your application for errors when you’re finished. It’s a good idea to have a parent
or other adult double-check it whether you are applying online or by paper application. Be sure to
send the application fee if required.
The ApplyTexas Application, official transcripts and required entrance exams must be on file with
the UNT Office of Admissions by March 1 for the fall semester.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
As part of the application process, you will need to request an official transcript, or record of your grades, from your high
school to be sent to the college(s) of your choice. If you have graduated, your transcript will list your class rank and grade
point average. You may have to pay a small fee for each official transcript; unofficial transcripts or photocopies are not
acceptable because of the possibility of grade tampering.
ENTRANCE EXAMS
The tests primarily used for admission to colleges are the ACT and the SAT. These tests are used with your high school
record to evaluate your level of academic knowledge.
Although some colleges consider your high school grades and class rank, these criteria are subjective, meaning that
schools vary and teachers vary — for example, two teachers judging the same English paper may give different grades. The
SAT and ACT, however, are standardized. Colleges can use the same criteria to compare your scores with those of 2 million
other students.
Which test should you take? Find out which entrance exams are required by the colleges you are interested in — some
schools accept either test. If you are undecided about where to go to college, you should consider taking both exams to
keep your options open.
Whichever test you take, plan ahead. The registration deadline is about a month before each test, so you must schedule
your test in time to get results back for college admission deadlines.
SAT
The SAT has two versions. One is used as an entrance exam; the other, SAT subject tests, are equivalent to a placement
test (see “SAT subject tests” section).
The SAT measures writing, reading and math skills. It has 10 separately timed sections and lasts about four hours. The first
section is a 25-minute essay followed by six 25-minute sections and two 20-minute sections. These sections focus on math,
critical reading and writing. The test concludes with a 10-minute multiple-choice writing section.
The range of your score is from 200 to 800 on each portion. Your total score is the writing, reading and math portions
added together, and a perfect score is 2400. The national average score is 1509. The test costs $47. You should request
that scores be sent to colleges of your choosing. You may pick up an SAT bulletin, which includes a registration form, at your
high school or a local college, or register on the web at www.collegeboard.com.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
The SAT subject tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in 20 subjects. The tests, which
cost from $10 to $21 (plus a $21 registration fee), measure knowledge or skills in a particular
subject and your ability to apply that knowledge. Some colleges require one or more of the subject
tests for admission or placement.
ACT
The ACT evaluates English, math, reading and science reasoning. The English test has 75 writing
and reading questions to assess punctuation, grammar and usage, sentence structure, strategy,
organization and style. The ACT Plus includes a writing test.
The 60-question math test covers pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, coordinate
and plane geometry, and trigonometry.
The 40-question reading test measures reading comprehension. Reading passages cover social
studies, the natural sciences, prose fiction and the humanities.
The 40-question science test measures problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences,
including skills in biology, chemistry, physics and the earth/space sciences. The test takes about
four hours.
The national average score on the ACT is 21; the highest possible score is 36. The ACT costs
$33. The ACT Plus is $48. You should request that scores be sent to colleges of your choosing.
You can register on the web at www.actstudent.org or pick up an ACT packet, which includes a
registration form, at your high school or a local college. For more information or to request a
registration packet, call 319-337-1270.
CLEP TESTS
College-Level Examination Program exams may allow students to “place out” of certain required courses in college by giving them credit for their existing knowledge. Anyone can take
any of the 34 CLEP exams, which are usually taken on college campuses for $77. Students who
pass an exam do not have to take the corresponding college course. Check with the college you
plan to enter before taking any CLEP exam. You can find more information about the program at
www.collegeboard.com/clep or call 800-257-9558.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TESTS
The Advanced Placement Program consists of 30 college-level courses and exams for highly motivated students in secondary schools. Students take the courses and the exams at their high schools, and those who pass the exams can receive
academic course credit in those subjects when they enroll in college. Check with your high school to see if it offers AP
courses in cooperation with the College Board.
Each test costs $87. Ask your high school counselor about the program, find more information on the web at
www.collegeboard.com/ap/students or call 609-771-7300 or 888-225-5427.
SUGGESTED
JUNIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL
September
Attend a college fair to begin gathering information on colleges.
October
Take the PSAT.
December
Review PSAT results. Discuss any concerns you may have about your scores
with your guidance counselor.
February
Register for spring SAT or ACT.
Start a list of potential colleges.
March
Begin to visit your potential colleges.
(Spring Break may be a good time to schedule visits.)
May
Take Advanced Placement exams.
July
Review college options, requirements and deadlines (admission, housing,
financial aid and scholarships), and begin preparing to narrow college
choices.
TIMETABLE
SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL
September
Attend a college fair to ask specific questions about colleges.
Register for fall SAT or ACT if necessary.
Narrow list of potential colleges.
Search for possible scholarships.
October-December
Attend campus-visit programs.
Review final college list with high school counselor and parents.
Request teacher recommendations if needed.
Apply to schools with early deadlines or rolling admissions.
Begin other college applications.
Mail all admission applications, submit them online or turn them in
to your high school, depending on the system your school uses.
January
Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Apply for scholarships.
Submit paper or online housing application for best selection of halls.
Make sure your high school sends mid-year grades to colleges you selected.
March
Visit campuses on final college list.
April-May
Attend campus-visit program at the college of your choice,
if you haven’t already.
Review college acceptances and scholarship awards. Pick your college and
send in your deposit if required.
Notify other colleges of your decision.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
WHERE DO I START?
There are many ways to finance a college education. Most colleges provide scholarships and
financial aid. The most common types of aid are funded by the federal government, a college or
university, or various companies and organizations.
To apply for federal aid (loans, grants) you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can submit the FAFSA beginning as early
as January of the year you plan to attend college. The best way to apply is online
at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Some universities may require you to complete additional
financial aid forms.
Check with the financial aid office for details. Be sure to ask about scholarships, which — unlike
financial aid — are often based on criteria other than financial need. Even if you don’t qualify for
financial aid, you may qualify for some scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM COLLEGES
In addition to financial aid, colleges provide scholarships to help cover costs. You may apply for
scholarships funded by the university, specific academic departments, alumni and staff members.
Merit-based, need-based and athletic-based scholarships are usually available. Check with the
college financial aid office for scholarship information. Find out if you are automatically considered
for scholarships or if you need to apply for specific ones.
UNT annually awards more than $300 million in financial aid, including more than $26 million
in scholarships. Scholarships are available for entering freshmen and transfer students. Scholarship
and other financial aid information can be accessed online at financialaid.unt.edu. Other helpful
links to sources of financial aid also are found there.
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM OTHER
SOURCES
In addition to college scholarships, you may apply for scholarships from businesses, churches,
Greek organizations, foundations and community organizations. Your high school counselor and
local librarian can help you find information on these and other scholarships, or check the web at
www.fastweb.com.
GRANTS
The best news about grants is that they don’t have to be repaid. Two common grants for undergraduate students are the
Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. These grants are based on financial need.
In addition to federal grants, students also may qualify for the Texas Public Educational Grant, the Leveraging Educational
Assistance Partnership Program and other state awards. The Texas Public Educational Grant and the Leveraging Educational
Assistance Partnership Program are awarded based on financial need and satisfactory academic progress. They require the
student to be enrolled in college half time (at least 6 credit hours per semester) or more.
Other state awards are available depending on financial need, satisfactory academic progress and availability of funds.
Students interested in attending a private college should investigate Tuition Equalization Grants, offered by the state of
Texas for students demonstrating financial need.
Institution Type
Tuition and
Fees
Books and
Supplies
Room and
Board
Transportation
Personal
Total
Private College
$21,780
$1,015
$6,928
$1,340
$1,600
$32,663
Public University
$7,185
$1,203
$8,104
$1,999
$2,119
$20,610
Community College
$1,410
$1,462
$6,454
$2,112
$1,961
$13,008
Technical College
$4,304
$1,161
$6,670
$1,684
$1,579
$15,397
University of North Texas
$8,736
$1,050
$6,586
$2,150
$1,948
$20,470
Source: www.collegeforalltexans.com, based on average costs for dependent students who are Texas residents who enroll in 15 credit hours in both
fall and spring
LOANS
Borrowing for your education through federal loans is a privilege and a serious commitment. Federal Subsidized Stafford
Loans and Federal Perkins Loans are based on financial need. The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students are two that are available to students regardless of financial need.
If you are a Texas resident, you also may be eligible for state loans through the Hinson-Hazlewood Loan Program.
TIMELY GRADUATION TUITION
PROGRAM
UNT’s Timely Graduation Tuition Program is designed to help you graduate sooner and save
money. All full-time undergraduate students pay about the same rate of university tuition and fees
regardless of how many hours you take. You are considered full-time once you register for 12 hours
or more. This means you may choose to take as many hours as you want without paying
any more in university tuition and fees than you would if you registered for only 12
hours. You can take more classes, save more money, and begin earning more money
sooner once you graduate. For more information, visit www.unt.edu/tuition.
CAMPUS JOBS
Most colleges employ students for administrative, research and technical
tasks, regardless of whether the student is eligible for financial aid. You
may work in an office on campus, assist a professor, or work in a residence
hall or a campus cafeteria. Off-campus jobs also are usually available. Check
with the college student employment office for details.
About 80 percent of UNT students work while in school. UNT’s Career Center
assists more than 3,000 students to find on-campus and off-campus employment. The
Student Money Management Center provides workshops and confidential, personalized
counseling sessions to help students manage their finances.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Many colleges use the following terms, but their definitions may vary slightly.
Accreditation: An endorsement given to educational
Loans: Financial assistance that must be repaid.
institutions or academic degree programs by an
Long session: Regular fall or spring semester.
organization that reviews qualifications.
Major: A student’s concentrated field of study.
Associate’s degree: A two-year degree from a community
Master’s degree: A graduate degree that usually requires
or junior college.
two or more years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Audit: To attend a class without receiving credit for
Minor: A student’s secondary field of study.
the class.
Nonresident: Any student who lives out of state or does
Bachelor’s degree: A four-year degree from a college,
not meet specific state residency requirements.
university or professional school; usually requires at least
Online courses: Classes held on the Internet instead of in
124 credit hours.
a traditional classroom.
Course numbers: Numbers assigned to specific classes.
Prerequisite: A course that must be taken prior to
Credit hour: Credit given for attending one lecture hour of
enrollment in another course.
class each week for 15 weeks or equivalent. Most college
Private university: A non-state-assisted college or
classes are 3 credit hours, meaning their total meeting time
university that relies on private funding, tuition and fees.
for a week is 3 hours.
Public university: A college or university that receives
Degree: A certificate of completion of a course of study.
funding from the state, lowering costs students pay.
Degree plan: A specific list of required courses and
Registration: Enrollment in classes.
electives to be completed for a degree.
Resident: A student who meets state residency require-
Doctoral degree: The most advanced degree that can
ments.
be earned.
Rolling admission: A policy in which a school sends out
Fees: Course-related costs to attend college.
acceptance letters to students as they are accepted.
Flat-rate tuition: Policy instituted by some institutions in
Scholarships: Financial assistance based on merit; do not
which students are charged a single rate beyond a certain
require repayment.
number of credit hours taken.
Semester hour: See Credit hour.
Freshman: A student who has completed less than 30
Senior: A student who has completed 90 or more hours of
hours of college credit.
college credit but has not received a bachelor’s degree.
Full time: 12 or more credit hours per semester for
Sophomore: A student who has completed 30 to 59
undergraduate students.
college credit hours.
GPA: Grade point average; the average of your class
Summer session: A summer term of approximately six
grades, generally based on a 4.0 scale.
weeks.
Grants: Financial assistance that does not require
Three-quarter time: 9 credit hours for undergraduate
repayment.
students.
Half time: 6 credit hours per semester for undergraduate
Tuition: Costs for courses, not including certain fees.
students.
Web-based classes: See Online courses.
Internship: A job in a student’s field of study; may be re-
Web registration: Registration through the Internet for
quired in some academic programs and may include salary
classes.
and college credit.
Work-study program: A federal financial aid program
Junior: A student who has completed 60 to 89 college
that allows students to work on campus.
credit hours.
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