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What to Look for in a School
There are hundreds of schools out there, but not all of them will offer you the quality education you deserve.
- Before you even look at a school, check to ensure it has federal accreditation. For more information on accrediation, visit http://educationusa.state.gov/accred.htm To check if a school is accredited, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.asp [BROKEN!!!]
BEWARE! There are several "Online Universities" that will offer a fast track to getting a degree and flexibility. However, it is most likely that their courses and credits will not transfer to a reputable university. It is important that you ensure that the time, money, and effort you spend on these online courses will be useful in furthering your goal. Many veterans have spent a great deal of time on such promising programs, only to be disappointed when they apply to a traditional school and find that their hard work meant nothing. This does not mean that all online classes are not useful, it just means that the time and effort spent on most online universities will produce little benefit, if any. There are several accredited and well respected universities, such as Harvard and Boston College, that offer online courses. Just remember that if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Visit the websites of schools you're interested in and search the internet to see what others have to say. Some useful review sites are listed below:
- The College Review: www.studentsreview.com (Reviews by other students)
- The Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com
- Community College Review: www.communitycollegereview.com (Reviews community and junior colleges)
- Community Colleges are great for veterans. Community colleges are:
- Designed to accomodate working adults and those whose schedules require flexibility.
- Much less expensive than universities.
- Great for those who have been out of school for years and might need to refresh their Math, English, writing, and other skills.
- Excellent for those who want to transfer to a university. Attending community college before a four year college can allow you to save money, brush up on academic skills, and search for the four year institution of your choice.