The Basics
The world of college can be both exciting and overwhelming,
especially if you are the first in your family to go to college.
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This section covers commonly used college terms and descriptions about the different types of colleges and settings.
colleges and universities
ART
SCHOOL
Schools with a primary focus on the visual arts, especially illustration, painting, sculpture, and graphic design.
COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
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Colleges that provide entry-level college education. Community colleges tend to offer open admissions (anyone can attend) and a wide range of majors.
CONSERVATORIES
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Schools with a primary focus in the performing arts, music, acting, and dance. Applicants are judged on talent and skill for admission.
TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Colleges that specialize in technical fields, such as physical sciences and math.
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LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
Mostly private colleges that offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
college settings
SINGLE SEX
COLLEGES
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Colleges whose students are exclusively female or exclusively male.
PUBLIC
COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES
Not-for-profit colleges supported mostly by public (government) funding.
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RELIGIOUSLY AFFILIATED COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES
Colleges administered by religious groups.
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PRIVATE
COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES
Not-for-profit colleges supported mostly by private funding.
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HISTORICALLY
BLACK COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs)
Colleges founded with the mission of educating black men and women.
PROPRIETARY COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES
Colleges managed by private, profit-seeking businesses.
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Video
Sandy is the Assistant Director of Training at OPTIONS Goddard Riverside Community Center. She has been providing college access support for 20 years. Hear why she encourages choosing a college with good support services.
Tips and links
When putting your college list together, consider the rule of 10!
Apply to 10 colleges with varied selectivity criteria.
For example, choose:
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2 highly selective colleges
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4 moderately selective colleges
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4 less selective colleges
You are more likely to graduate when attending a more selective school (Bowen, Chingos, & McPherson, 2009).​